Donbas city with a contested status since 2014
Since mid-October, Ukraine has criticised a US decision to restrict Starshield satellite speeds and has condemned President Trump’s deal to lift temporary limits on Russian diesel exports. Zelenskyy has told EU leaders the Starshield capability has not yet returned to previous levels and has asked the EU for €70bn in defence funding for 2027, while European capitals have publicly reassured Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
Ukraine has seen mass protests after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister and named SBU chief Yevhen Khmara as acting minister. Fedorov had clashed with commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi over modernisation and digital reforms. Demonstrations have continued in Kyiv and other cities and political tensions are rising during ongoing Russian strikes.
Zelensky has appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, replacing Oleksandr Syrskyi amid protests and calls for reform. Supporters describe Drapatyi as a reform-minded leader with frontline experience who can modernise the military and empower field commanders. Critics note his track record in drone warfare and accountability.
Russia's Supreme Court has revoked the registration of Yabloko's federal list for September's State Duma elections after upholding a suit by the nationalist Rodina party that accused it of receiving foreign funding, copyright violations and promoting extremism. Supporters gathered outside the court and dozens were detained; party leaders have vowed legal appeals.
Reliquary fragments of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy’s right hand have been dispatched by the Russian Orthodox Church to front-line units in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, signaling a moral boost for Moscow’s forces amid the ongoing war. The relic’s journey follows the uncovering of Donskoy’s sarcophagus during Kremlin restoration work and comes as religious authorities align with state narratives of victory.
Ukraine and Western officials condemn Russia-held elections in occupied territories as illegal while Putin underscores the vote’s purpose to showcase public backing for the war; observers report coercion and security-driven voting extensions.
Preliminary results have shown President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia has secured about 57–58% of the party vote and is set to take roughly 355 of 450 State Duma seats after three days of voting. Turnout has been reported near 57–60%. Voting included polling in Crimea and four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow; Western governments have denounced the ballot as uncompetitive and illegal in occupied territories.
Ukrainian cities face renewed attacks as Moscow escalates strikes across Kyiv and other regions. Civilian casualties are reported, and residents brace for a harsher winter while international talks show little progress.
The Kremlin has issued a fourth decree this year increasing Russia’s armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 active troops. Kyiv and Western observers view the move as part of a protracted war, with concerns about renewed mobilization and continuing aggression in Ukraine.
Ukraine has sustained strikes on Russian targets as Russia escalates attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Civilians remain at risk as both sides exchange long-range strikes and diplomacy remains stalemated. The war has disrupted grain flows and energy markets globally.
A bus attack in Kramatorsk, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, has killed at least 30 people and wounded many others. Authorities say the strike hit a bus stop with civilian passengers as fighting to control fortress belt cities continues. Public transport has been halted in the area as officials warn civilians to relocate to safer regions.
Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia have killed civilians, including children, with authorities reporting multiple casualties. Rescue teams are continuing searches as regional officials warn the toll may rise. Diplomatic efforts in Miami yesterday aimed at ending the war are ongoing.