Unidentified UAVs were spotted over the British air bases Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell, which are used by the US Air Force. The incidents occurred on November 20-22, and the military is monitoring the situation.
Unidentified drones were spotted in the UK over three air bases used by the US Air Force. This was reported by The Guardian, writes UNN.
Details
"The "small unmanned aerial vehicles" were spotted between November 20 and 22 over the Royal Air Force bases of Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell.
The US Air Force, which uses the bases, said it was unclear at this stage whether the drones should be considered hostile. They also declined to comment on whether any defensive mechanisms had been employed, but said they reserved the "right to defend" the facilities.
A representative of the U.S. Air Force in Europe said that the number of UAVs fluctuated, and they were of different sizes and configurations.
The UAVs were actively monitored, and facility managers determined that none of the intrusions affected base residents or critical infrastructure. To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures, but we reserve the right to defend the facility
– emphasized the representative of the US Air Force in Europe.
Also, according to him, the US Air Force continues to monitor the airspace and is working with host country authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of personnel, facilities and property at the base.
Recall
At the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen in the summer , a case of possible contamination of drinking water was investigated . Earlier, a similar incident occurred at the German Air Force barracks near Cologne, where water could have been poisoned. However, an examination showedthat the water at the German military base in Cologne was not contaminated.
After that, the air base in Geilenkirchen raised its security level due to new intelligence about a possible threat. This was the second security upgrade in a short time.
Ukrainian Armed Forces strike at Russia with British Storm Shadow – BloombergNov 20 2024, 02:58 PM • 19756 views
Ukraine has lost over 40% of territory previously gained in Kursk incursion, Reuters reports
West should 'not set red lines' on providing military support for Ukraine, French foreign minister says
Russia attacked Ukraine with over 800 KAB bombs, 460 drones, 20 missiles this week, Zelensky says
Russia recruits hundreds of Yemeni mercenaries to fight in Ukraine, FT reports
Ukraine has lost over 40 percent of the territory it previously gained in Russia's Kursk Oblast due to Russian counterattacks, Reuters reported on Nov. 23, citing a source in Ukraine's General Staff.
"At most, we controlled about 1,376 square kilometres, now of course this territory is smaller. The enemy is increasing its counterattacks," the source told Reuters.
"Now we control approximately 800 square kilometres. We will hold this territory for as long as is militarily appropriate."
Ukraine first gained a foothold in Kursk Oblast during a surprise incursion into the Russian region in early August. Since then, Russia has launched extensive counterattacks in an effort to take back the region.
NATO allies believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin is aiming to recapture territory lost in Kursk Oblast before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, hoping to gain leverage in future peace negotiations, The Telegraph reported.
The source added that nearly 60,000 Russian army personnel are currently stationed in Kursk Oblast, planning to reach the border with Sumy Oblast to create a "buffer zone" there, as Ukraine looked to do with its incursion into Kursk Oblast.
Kyiv has previously said that about 11,000 North Korean soldiers have joined the counteroffensive in Kursk, with the General Staff source noting that the majority of North Korean soldiers was finalizing training along Russian forces.
The Kyiv Independent has not been able to verify the information provided by the General Staff source.
As Russia's attempt to take back Kursk continues to progress, Russia has also intensified its attacks along the eastern front in recent weeks, putting Ukrainian forces under mounting pressure as they struggle to defend key positions.
West should 'not set red lines' on providing military support for Ukraine, French foreign minister says
Western allies should "not set and express red lines" on providing Ukraine with military support against Russian aggression, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the BBC in an excerpt of an interview published on Nov. 23 .
The comments come just days after U.S. President Joe Biden approved Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missile to strike targets within Russia, many months after President Volodymyr Zelensky first made the request.
Barrot stated that Ukraine could use French-supplied long-range missiles "in the logics of self defense" to strike targets within Russia, but did not elaborate as to whether Kyiv has already used the French-provided weapons.
"(France) will support Ukraine as intensely and as long as necessary," Barrot said.
"Why? Because it is our security that is at stake. Each time the Russian army progresses by one square kilometer, the threat gets one square kilometer closer to Europe."
During the interview Barrot also hinted France may eventually invite Ukraine to join NATO as part of Zelensky's five-point victory plan.
"We are open to extending an invitation, and so in our discussions with friends and allies, and friends and allies of Ukraine, we are working to get them to closer to our positions," he said.
Days before Biden granted approval to use ATACMS in Russia, the leaders of France and the U.K. met in Paris on Nov. 11 to discuss a last-ditch attempt to persuade the U.S. to allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with Western weapons before Donald Trump enters the White House in January.
Russia attacked Ukraine with over 800 KAB bombs, 460 drones, 20 missiles this week, Zelensky says
Over the past week, Russia has launched over 800 KAB-guided aerial bombs, nearly 460 attack drones, and more than 20 missiles, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 24.
"The air raid siren has sounded almost daily across Ukraine this week. Only last night, our air defense forces managed to shoot down about 50 attack drones," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, sharing a video showing Russian attacks across the country.
On the morning of Nov. 21, Russia unveiled a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), dubbed "Oreshnik," in an attack targeting the city of Dnipro in eastern Ukraine.
"Ukraine is not a testing ground for weapons. Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state. Yet Russia persists in its attempts to destroy our people, spread fear and panic, and weaken us," Zelensky said.
He also reiterated the urgent need for bolstered air defenses. "Ukraine needs more air defense systems, and we are working on this with our partners. It is crucial to strengthen the protection of our sky," he said.
On Nov. 22, Zelensky instructed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to engage with international allies to acquire advanced air defense capabilities.
The IRBM attack followed Ukraine’s reported first successful strike on a military target within Russian territory using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles.
Unlike cruise missiles, IRBMs are guided only in the initial phase of launch, making them less precise. However, their exceptional speed — often exceeding 3,200 kilometers per hour as they near their targets — makes them a formidable threat.
Russia recruits hundreds of Yemeni mercenaries to fight in Ukraine, FT reports
Russia has recruited hundreds of mercenaries from Yemen to fight in its war against Ukraine, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Nov. 24.
The recruits told the FT they had been promised lucrative jobs, "high salaries," and even Russian citizenship. However, after arriving in Russia with the help of a Houthi-linked company, they were "forcibly inducted into the Russian army and sent to the front lines in Ukraine," according to the report.
The FT described the operation as a "shadowy trafficking operation," underscoring the deepening ties between the Kremlin and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants.
Since the start of its full-scale invasion, Moscow has relied on various methods to enlist migrants and foreign nationals to offset its heavy battlefield losses while avoiding full-scale mobilization.
Reports indicate that Russia has recruited individuals from Nepal, Somalia, India, Cuba, and other nations.
North Korea has also sent an estimated 10,000 troops to Russia, many of whom are stationed in the western Kursk Oblast and engaged in combat, a Pentagon spokesperson said during a Nov. 12 briefing.
In October, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) revealed that Yemen's Houthi militants have been using Russian satellite data to target ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles. The targeting information was reportedly provided through Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, enabling the Houthis to expand their strikes.
This collaboration demonstrates how far Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to go to destabilize the Western political and economic order, the WSJ reported. Analysts suggest that Moscow aims to foment unrest from the Middle East to Asia to distract the United States.
According to the FT, U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking confirmed that Russia is "actively pursuing contacts" with the Houthis, including discussions involving weapons transfers. While Lenderking declined to elaborate, he noted that Russian personnel in Sana'a are facilitating this dialogue.
"The kinds of weapons being discussed are very alarming and would enable the Houthis to better target ships in the Red Sea and potentially beyond," Lenderking told the FT.
Two explosions were recorded in the Koryukiv district of Chernihiv region after a russian missile strike. The attack wounded a 28-year-old man and damaged outbuildings.
According to preliminary information, russians launched a missile attack in Chernihiv region. Two explosions were recorded in the Koryukiv district. This was reported by the RSA, UNN reports.
Details
It is reported that after the air alert was announced, two explosions occurred in the Koryukivka district after 4 p.m.
The enemy launched a missile attack in Chernihiv region
– wrote RSA Chairman Vyacheslav Chaus.
He also said that a 28-year-old man was injured in the explosion and hospitalized in a local hospital.
Outbuildings were also damaged.
Recall
During the week, russia launched more than 800 bombs, 460 drones, and 20 missiles of various types at Ukraine. President emphasized the need to strengthen air defense and is negotiating with partners.
Russian tricolors near the border in Chernihiv region destroyed by drones: border guards showed videoNov 16 2024, 07:34 AM • 21261 view
On Sunday 24 November, a Russian missile strike on Chernihiv Oblast injured a civilian man, also destroying houses and outbuildings.
Source: Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Ukraine's Air Force on Telegram
Quote: "The enemy launched a missile strike on Chernihiv Oblast.
There were two explosions in the Koriukivka district. Outbuildings were damaged. Sadly, a man, 28, was hurt and brought to one of the local hospitals.
(The Russians hit) a hromada in the Chernihiv district [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories – ed.]. There are damaged houses."
Details: Chaus noted that information on the consequences of the attack is being specified.
At 16:18, the Air Force warned of missiles moving in the direction of Chernihiv. Support UP or becomeour patron!
PoliticsWar The US announces a new military aid package to Ukraine, and France and Britain do not oppose Ukraine’s use of long-range strikes, but want restrictions. Wednesday, November 20, 2024
In the coming days, the US will announce a new package of defense aid to Ukraine, said the permanent representative of the US to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, at a meeting of the UN Security Council. She also called on other countries to support the Peace Formula promoted by the Ukrainian side because “Ukrainians should get the security they deserve”.
“And let me state clearly, when this war ends a sovereign, independent, democratic Ukraine will control its internationally recognized territory and continue its path to joining Euro-Atlantic institutions such as NATO,” the US representative stated.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military and political circles report that the governments of Britain and France do not object to Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles in Russian territory, but these strikes should be limited to the Kursk region.
However, the Italian government declared that it would not allow Ukraine to use Italian weapons for attacks on targets in Russia.
The Women's National Association of Finland is organizing a course on survival in the face of the threat from Russia. Participants aged 18 to 70 learn the basics of survival, cybersecurity, and psychological resilience.
The Women's National Association of Finland is conducting courses on survival in crisis situations due to the threat from Russia. This was reported by The Guardian ,and UNN.
Details
The training takes place in a camp located near the town of Kokkola. The youngest of the women is 18 years old, and the oldest is 70. The group is learning, among other things, how to survive in crisis situations, including how to make and extinguish fires, cook outdoors, and provide first aid.
"I didn't think Russia would attack us," says 42-year-old Sari, who works in sales. But then, she adds: "They attacked Ukraine. I realized that maybe we are next.
The training course, known as "Nasta," is one of 40 that the Women's National Association for Emergency Preparedness is running across Finland. Other courses include cybersecurity, psychological resilience, wilderness skills, snowmobile driving, and information influence. After the invasion of Ukraine, the number of applications for the courses increased dramatically.
Bunkers, ditches and minefields: Latvia is strengthening its defense on the border with RussiaAug 6 2024, 02:20 PM • 17690 views
Despite the lack of official military cooperation between the two neighbors, Finnish intelligence services call Russia the main threat to Finland's national security and have little doubt that a hybrid war is underway in the country.
Last week, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen issued a joint statement with her German counterpart expressing "deep concern" over the alleged sabotage – one of two in the Baltic – of a submarine cable between Finland and Germany.
Helsinki also accuses Russia of using proxies, including asylum seekers, to exacerbate the situation in its neighbor; suspicious hacks of water treatment plants and problems with GPS jamming have been noted.
Submarine cable between Finland and Germany damaged: what is knownNov 18 2024, 12:19 PM • 14877 views
Russian troops fatally shot two civilian women and injured a man in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, the regional prosecutor’s office reported on Nov. 24.
According to the report, at around 6 p.m. on Nov. 21, Russian soldiers entered an apartment in a residential area of Toretsk and "deliberately" opened fire with automatic weapons on three civilians.
Two women were killed on the spot, while a man sustained injuries, including fractures to his shoulder and collarbone.
An investigation into the incident has been launched, the prosecutor's office said.
Toretsk has emerged as one of the hottest areas in Donetsk Oblast in recent months as Russian forces press their offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine has accused Russian troops of committing over 137,000 war crimes since the start of the full-scale invasion. These include the mass abduction of Ukrainian children, the torture of civilians in occupied areas, and widespread killings.
To date, 122 combat engagements with Russian troops have been recorded. The highest activity is observed in the Kurakhove sector, where the enemy carried out 34 attacks.
As of 16 hours on November 24, the number of combat clashes between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and the occupiers increased to 122. This is reported in the operational summary of the General Staff, UNN writes.
Details
It is noted that today the communities of Solianyky, Khrinivka, Basivka, Zhuravka, Novenke, Oleksandriya, Volfyno, Obody and Tymofiivka suffered from enemy artillery and mortar fire in Chernihiv and Sumy regions.
In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy attacked the positions of our units twice near Tykhy and Vovchansk, repelled one attack, and the firefight is currently ongoing. Enemy aircraft also attacked Hranove with bombs.
On the Kupyansk direction, Russian occupants attacked the Defense Forces eight times in the areas of Novomlynsk, Kolisnykivka, Kruhlyakivka, Senkove and Lozova.
On the Liman direction, the invading army carried out 19 attacks on Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Druzhelyubivka, Hrekivka, Novoyehorivka, Terny, Yampolivka, Torske and Serebryanka, three firefights are still ongoing. Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the line and inflicting losses on the enemy.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Ukrainian troops repelled four attacks by Russian invaders near Chasovyi Yar and Stupochky since the beginning of the day.
In the Toretsk sector, the aggressor made six attempts to advance in the areas of Diliyivka, Toretsk and Shcherbynivka, with one combat engagement ongoing.
On the Pokrovske direction, Russian invaders made 16 attempts to push our defenders from their positions in the areas of Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Hryhorivka, Dachenske, Pustynka and Chumatske. The defense forces are holding back the onslaught and repelled 12 enemy attacks, with four combat engagements still ongoing.
In the Kurakhove direction, the enemy army attacked 34 times near the settlements of Berestky, Sontsivka, Novodmitrivka, Zorya, Kurakhove, Dale, Romanivka, Yelizavetivka and Hanivka. Twenty-three attempts by the occupiers to advance have already been repelled, and fighting continues.
Five enemy attacks continue in the Vremivsk sector near Trudove, Novosilka and Makarivka. Ukrainian troops have already repelled eight occupants' attacks in this sector.
On the Prydniprovsky direction, the enemy tried to attack the positions of Ukrainian units once without success.
The operation in Kursk region continues. Enemy aircraft continue to destroy Ukrainian villages and towns. Since the beginning of the day, Russian aircraft have carried out 18 strikes, dropping 21 unexploded ordnance on Ukrainian territory. The defense forces repelled 12 attacks by Russian occupation forces in this area today, and the fighting continues.
Add
Units of the missile troops of the Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a successful strike on the positions of the anti-aircraft missile division of the Russian Federation in the Kursk region. A radar station of the S-400 air defense system, which was used to shell civilian targets, was destroyed.
More than 1000 occupants, 4 tanks and 5 artillery systems: General Staff updates data on enemy lossesNov 24 2024, 06:08 AM • 30993 views
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged foreign partners to improve the Ukrainian air defence with weapons capable of intercepting Russian medium-range ballistic missiles.
Source: Sybiha on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda
Details: The minister emphasised that Russia's use of a medium-range ballistic missile is typical blackmail, as Putin is attempting to scare everyone away from helping Ukraine.
Quote: "Ukraine’s partners should do the exact opposite: reject blackmail, increase support, and strengthen Ukraine’s air shield with systems capable of intercepting such missiles," he stressed.
Background:
On 22 November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv had requested assistance from allies in strengthening air defence to protect against ballistic missiles such as the one fired at the city of Dnipro the previous day.
The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces previously informed reporters that Ukraine is working with its US partners to obtain a THAAD anti-ballistic missile defence system or upgrade the Patriot in the wake of Russia's attack with a new experimental missile type.
Politics The final declaration of the G20 summit contains no condemnation of the Russian Federation’s actions. Wednesday, November 20, 2024
In the statement from the G20 leaders that was adopted at summit in Rio de Janeiro’s conclusion, there is only one mention of the war in Ukraine.
“Regarding the war in Ukraine, we highlight the human suffering and negative collateral consequences of the war on global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, and inflation. We welcome all appropriate and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace, supporting all goals and the principles of the UN Charter to promote peaceful, friendly, and good-neighborly relations between peoples,” the declaration reads.
The FT notes that unlike the document prepared at last year’s G20 summit in New Delhi, this year’s communiqué did not condemn Russia’s nuclear threats, nor did it demand an end to attacks on food and energy infrastructure. Some European delegations argued for tougher wording condemning Russia after its latest massive attack. But in the end, these demands were abandoned, fearing that it could derail the entire declaration.
The Kyiv IndependentChris York
