Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

U.S. President Joe Biden has reversed key policies on providing advanced weapons to Ukraine, including longer-range missiles and antipersonnel land mines, as Kyiv faces mounting pressure on the battlefield and a potential need to negotiate with Russia.

Many U.S. officials now acknowledge that Ukraine could be pushed into talks within months and might be forced to cede territory to end the war, the Washington Post (WP) reported on Nov. 26.

In mid-November, Biden authorized Ukraine to use the ATACMS to strike deeper inside Russia, a decision aiming at strengthening Ukraine’s negotiating position. His administration previously resisted supplying such weapons over concerns of escalating tensions with Russia.

The changes come amid significant challenges for Ukraine, including battlefield losses, reports of North Korea sending troops to support Russia, and Donald Trump taking office in January. Trump has vowed to end the war within 24 hours, but officials worry his administration would cut off aid to Ukraine, undermining its ability to resist Russian aggression.

Biden’s aides argue that evolving conditions on the ground have driven his decisions to provide weapons, but critics, including former U.S. ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker, say the delays emboldened Moscow. "It gives Russia a sense of impunity," Volker told the WP, adding that earlier support could have bolstered Ukraine’s position. "They know they have a sanctuary. They know we don’t want to escalate, and they can go ahead and carry out the war, conduct strikes and do outrageous things."

European allies, while welcoming the recent weapons transfers, have expressed frustration that the assistance did not come earlier when Ukraine’s position was stronger. Many now believe that peace talks may involve territorial concessions, and discussions have begun on potential security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression, according to the WP.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged NATO allies to increase support for Ukraine ahead of Trump’s return to office, emphasizing the need to reinforce Kyiv before the U.S. political landscape shifts further.

"We will continue to shore up everything we’re doing for Ukraine to ensure it can effectively defend itself," Blinken said during his one-day emergency visit to Brussels on Nov. 13.

Taiwan’s former president urges US to prioritize aiding Ukraine over Taiwan, Politico reports“A Ukrainian victory will serve as the most effective deterrent to future aggression,” former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said during the Halifax International Security Forum on Nov. 23.The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova

In Kiev, an Air Alert was declared due to the approach of an enemy drone from the South. The population is urged to urgently go to the shelter of civil protection, air defense is working.

An Air Alert has been issued again in Kiev. This is reported by The Kiev City State Administration, reports UNN.

Attention! An Air Alert has been declared in Kiev!
we ask everyone to immediately follow them to the civil protection shelter

– the message says.

In Kiev, an Air Alert was declared due to the approach of an enemy drone from the South: Air defense system is workingNov 26 2024, 11:45 PM • 5740 views

A Russian missile attack on Nov. 26 struck a residential building and kindergarten in the city of Sumy, leaving at least two people dead, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported.

The Russian missile, which was reportedly launched at a vehicle service station, also struck a nearby multi-story residential building and caused damage inside a nearby kindergarten, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

One more person may still be trapped under the ruble at the site of the attack as emergency services continue their work.

The attack on the city also damaged 13 cars, Suspilne reported.

The attack on the regional capital comes as Russia shelled Sumy Oblast 120 times on Nov. 26 in 21 attacks on the region, according to the regional military administration. An explosive dropped from a Russian drone also injured one person in the town of Velyka Pysarivka.

Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, with residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experiencing multiple attacks per day.

Russian strikes against Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive in recent months, amid fears that Russia may launch a new attack on Sumy Oblast in the coming months.

A Russian missile strike on a residential building in Sumy on Nov. 17 killed 11 people and injured another 89.

A source in Ukraine's General Staff said on Nov. 23 that nearly 60,000 Russian army personnel are currently stationed in Kursk Oblast, planning to reach the border with Sumy Oblast in an attempt to create a "buffer zone" there — as Ukraine looked to do with its surprise incursion into neighboring Kursk Oblast in August.

Russia continues its onslaught of drone and missile attacks ahead of an expected harsh winter amid Russia strike on energy infrastructure. Overnight on Nov. 25, Russia launched a record 188 drones at Ukraine, with Ukrainian air defenses reportedly being able to down 76 drones across 17 oblasts.

Ukraine war latest: Russia launches record 188 drones against Ukraine overnight, Air Force saysKey developments on Nov. 26: * Russia launches record 188 drones against Ukraine overnight, Air Force says * Russian Defense Ministry admits that Ukraine hit airbase in Kursk Oblast with ATACMS * Russia’s advance in Ukraine fastest since early 2022, analysts claim * Russian soldiers suspected o…The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

Ukraine has successfully tested a new American UAV system with a Hitchhiker interceptor drone from IronNet and Astrion. The drone is designed to effectively destroy enemy drones, in particular Iranian Shahed.

Ukraine has successfully tested a new American UAV system, the main element of which is the Hitchhiker interceptor drone. This is reported, Reports UNN.

Details

It was called a real "game changer" that will change the way you protect yourself from drone attacks.

This new product was developed by two leading American technology companies – IronNet and Astrion. Revolutionary anti-drone technology has demonstrated impressive potential for drone combat in real-world combat situations and increasing the level of intelligence on the battlefield.

Hitchhiker is a high-speed, electric-powered interceptor drone designed to destroy enemy drones like Iran's Shahed, more cost-effective than traditional defense systems like expensive Patriot missiles

– the publication writes.

recall

Earlier, UNN reported that the Ukrainian military is testing a new jet drone of domestic design.

Ukrainian military is testing a new jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicleJan 17 2024, 10:01 PM • 111212 views