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Ukrainian officials have reported that a new experimental ballistic missile, launched by Russia during an attack on Dnipro last week, was equipped with multiple dummy warheads instead of explosives. This unconventional strategy led to only minor damage in Ukraine’s eastern region, as the missile’s intended targets were met without any harmful impact, according to two reliable officials.
President Vladimir Putin touted the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile strike as a successful test, asserting that it accurately struck its intended target – a missile and defense facility, showcasing Russia’s ongoing military advancements amidst the ongoing conflict.
In a separate diplomatic tussle, Downing Street has categorically dismissed claims from Russia that a recently expelled British diplomat in Moscow was engaged in espionage activities. This assertion came amid rising tensions between the countries.
The Russian FSB security service publicly identified the diplomat, Edward Wilkes, claiming that he had purposely provided false information upon entering Russia. However, the UK Foreign Office has rejected these allegations outright, labeling them as “malicious and baseless,” further escalating diplomatic friction.
Moreover, amid concerns regarding military preparedness, Ukraine has decided to withdraw around 100,000 120mm mortar shells from the frontlines due to multiple reports indicating misfiring issues. The Ukrainian defense ministry has stated that an interdepartmental commission is investigating the supply of these defective shells thoroughly to ensure accountability and enhance soldier safety on the battlefield.
Footage appears to show Russia’s ICBM launch hitting Ukraine
Footage appears to show Russia’s ICBM launch hitting Ukraine
Andy Gregory27 November 2024 09:40
South Koreans remain opposed to sending arms to Ukraine, polls suggest
Current polls indicate that the majority of South Koreans are staunchly against the notion of directly supplying military arms to Ukraine, despite increasing pleas for support from Kyiv following the controversial deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. This sentiment reflects a broader reluctance among the South Korean populace regarding direct military involvement in international conflicts.
A high-level Ukrainian delegation, spearheaded by defense minister Rustem Umerov, is scheduled to engage with South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, whose popularity has plummeted due to various domestic scandals, as early as Wednesday. Reports suggest their mission centers around advocating for arms support amid the growing geopolitical challenges.
“No to the South Korean government planning arms supply to Ukraine,” declared a banner held by a group of protesters gathered outside the presidential office in Seoul, exemplifying the grassroots opposition to military aid in the ongoing conflict.
While a recent Gallup Korea poll highlighted that 82% of South Koreans oppose military assistance to Ukraine, a significant number consider the burgeoning military collaboration between North Korea and Russia as a serious threat to their national security, thus complicating the political landscape for President Yoon.
Amidst these considerations, analyst Yang Uk from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies emphasized that sustaining military aid might yield diminishing returns for the South Korean government without public support, particularly with the shifting political dynamic expected when the next U.S. administration takes office soon.
Mr. Yoon’s faltering approval ratings and the lack of public endorsement for arms supply present significant challenges that undermine his mandate and foreign policy objectives, as he navigates this complex international landscape.
Andy Gregory27 November 2024 09:21
Georgian ruling party nominates hardline ex-soccer player for president
In a significant political maneuver, Georgia’s ruling party has declared Mikheil Kavelashvili, a prominent critic of Western influence and a former soccer player for Manchester City in the 1990s, as its presidential candidate ahead of the upcoming election next month. His nomination reflects a broader trend towards hardline nationalism within Georgian politics.
A notable figure within the People’s Power party – a breakaway faction of the ruling Georgian Dream party – Kavelashvili has established a reputation for his anti-Western rhetoric, characterizing the opposition as a “fifth column” in September, and claiming they are attempting to undermine national peace at the behest of U.S. officials.
Earlier this year, he made headlines by accusing U.S. lawmakers of conspiring to incite a “direct violent revolution” in Georgia that mirrors the situation in Ukraine, showcasing an increasing willingness to confront Western diplomacy head-on.
Given the dominance of the Georgian Dream party within the electoral college composed of parliament and local government representatives, Kavelashvili’s election appears virtually guaranteed. He is expected to take over from President Salome Zourabichvili, who, although initially aligned with the ruling coalition, has emerged as a vocal antagonist, suggesting that the coalition has deliberately stymied Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership.
Though the presidency is largely a ceremonial role, Kavelashvili’s emergence is likely to be interpreted by both the European Union and the United States as indicative of Georgia’s pivot away from Western integration and a step closer to Moscow’s sphere of influence.
Andy Gregory27 November 2024 09:02
Ukrainian delegation visiting Seoul to ask for weapons aid, media reports say
A Ukrainian delegation, led by defense minister Rustem Umerov, is currently in South Korea seeking support in the form of weapons aid, according to multiple reports. This visit underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to secure military assistance as the conflict with Russia persists.
As a burgeoning arms producer in Asia, South Korea has faced mounting pressure from both western allies and Kyiv to supply lethal weaponry. However, Seoul has predominantly restricted its support to non-lethal aid, primarily focused on medical supplies and demining equipment, which raises questions about its militaristic stance moving forward.
In light of the recent deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to Russia, South Korea’s foreign minister Cho Tae-yul stated earlier this month that all potential courses of action regarding military assistance are being deliberated, signaling a possible shift in policy as the threat landscape evolves.
Reports from the DongA Ilbo indicate that the Ukrainian delegation has engaged with South Korea’s national security adviser, Shin Won-sik, to share insights and discuss strategies in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting underscored the high stakes involved as both nations assess the geopolitical shifts.
Additionally, the South China Morning Post reported on the anticipated visit of the Ukrainian delegation to request substantial weapons aid, citing a well-informed source, signifying the urgency of Ukraine’s needs as the war continues.
The delegation reportedly aims to meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol as early as Wednesday, although officials have refrained from confirming these meetings, shedding light on the delicate nature of these negotiations as Ukraine seeks military backing.
In prior discussions with South Korean media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky articulated a detailed appeal for arms support, including artillery and air defense systems, emphasizing the critical nature of this request in light of the ongoing conflict.
Andy Gregory27 November 2024 08:40
Three wounded in Russian drone attack on Kyiv, officials say
In a recent escalation, a Russian drone attack targeted Kyiv, resulting in injuries to three civilians, authorities in the Ukrainian capital confirmed. The mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that debris from a downed drone caused damage to a non-residential structure in the Dniprovskyi district of the city.
Head of Kyiv’s military administration, Serhiy Popko, noted that air defense units were actively engaged throughout the city after midnight Wednesday, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability faced by Ukrainian residents under such threats.
The Ukrainian military stated that its air defense systems successfully intercepted 36 out of 89 Russian drones that were unleashed during the overnight assault. However, they acknowledged the loss of contact with 48 drones, while five additional drones appeared to have evaded capture and exited Ukrainian airspace toward Russia and Belarus.
This wave of drone strikes follows a significant aerial attack that occurred the previous day, where Russia deployed a record 188 drones against Kyiv, leading to widespread power outages across the western Ternopil region and damaging numerous residential buildings in Kyiv.
Andy Gregory27 November 2024 08:26
Ukraine downs 36 out of 89 Russian drones, air force says
The Ukrainian military reported that air defense forces successfully shot down 36 of the 89 Russian drones launched in a recent overnight operation, demonstrating the ongoing aerial skirmish in the conflict. An official Telegram update revealed that 48 drones remained untracked, with five leaving Ukraine’s territory towards Russia and Belarus.
This overnight barrage is part of an ongoing trend of escalating aerial assaults, as it follows a day after Russia executed its largest drone offensive, deploying 188 drones aimed at Kyiv specifically. The persistent drone warfare illustrates the high-stakes nature of the conflict as both sides bolster their aerial capabilities.
Arpan Rai27 November 2024 07:18
New Nato chief Rutte says alliance ‘needs to go further’ in support for Ukraine
Mark Rutte, the recently appointed Secretary General of NATO, asserted that the alliance “needs to go further” in bolstering support for Ukraine, amidst an alarming escalation in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict fueled by the introduction of thousands of North Korean troops into the hostilities. His remarks underscore NATO’s recognition of the evolving threats posed by the current geopolitical climate.
During his visit to Greece, Mr. Rutte highlighted that Russia is increasingly capitalizing on North Korean military assets, as well as Iranian drones and dual-use goods from China to sustain its military operations. This convergence poses a serious risk, presenting a substantial challenge to both global stability and regional security.
In Athens, Rutte expressed gratitude to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for Greece’s ongoing support of Ukraine, including the provision of weapons, ammunition, and training for F-16 pilots and technicians, reflecting a unified stance among NATO allies regarding the conflict.
Arpan Rai27 November 2024 07:03
Russia hammers civilian areas of Ukraine with increasingly heavy attacks since middle of year
Since the middle of the year, Russia has significantly intensified its offensive on civilian neighborhoods in Ukraine, employing an array of drone, missile, and glide bomb attacks that have led to tragic civilian casualties and widespread destruction. These brutal tactics raise grave humanitarian concerns amid the ongoing conflict.
At the same time, Russia’s military has maintained a strong initiative on various battlefields for the past year, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region where notable tactical gains have been observed. This sustained pressure contributes to an increasingly dire situation for Ukrainian forces.
As winter approaches, Ukraine faces a formidable challenge, with apprehensions about the stability of its electricity supply amid ongoing hostilities and deepening concerns regarding the future of U.S. support, especially with the impending transition to a new U.S. administration in January under President-elect Donald Trump.
Tara Cobham27 November 2024 07:00
Russia says it destroys 22 Ukrainian drones overnight
According to Russia’s defense ministry, their air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 22 Ukrainian drones overnight, showcasing their ongoing efforts to maintain control over their airspace and counter Ukrainian UAV operations. The ministry disclosed that 10 drones were neutralized over the southern Rostov region, while the remaining were engaged in various regions including Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Bryansk, and Smolensk.
Arpan Rai27 November 2024 06:15
Sixty British troops investigate mystery drones flying over US airbases in England
A contingent of approximately 60 British troops has been deployed to assist U.S. forces in investigating a series of mystery drones that were sighted flying over three air bases in England. This unusual incident raises security concerns regarding unauthorized aerial activity in sensitive military zones.
Drones were reportedly observed overnight cruising above RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, prompting U.S. Air Force (USAF) officials to confirm the incidents. The investigation aims to determine the origin and intent behind these unidentified drones, ensuring the safety of military personnel and operations.
Arpan Rai27 November 2024 05:52
