The Ukrainian national soccer team defeated Albania 2-1 in a Nations League match. Thanks to this victory and the Czech Republic's win over Georgia, Ukraine took second place in the group and qualified for the playoffs for a place in Division A.
Ukraine's men's national football team defeated Albania in the group stage of the Nations League, which allowed it to qualify for the playoffs for a place in the top division. This was reported by the Ukrainian Football Association, UNN reports.
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In order to keep their chances of promotion, the Ukrainians had to win, as a defeat would automatically send the team to Division C. And they fulfilled the task perfectly, opening the scoring in the 7th minute thanks to a goal by Oleksandr Zinchenko. Three minutes later, Roman Yaremchuk doubled the Ukrainians' lead.
Albania was able to respond in the 75th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick and cut the deficit to 1-2.
The match ended in a victory for Ukraine.
Thanks to this success and the Czech Republic's parallel victory over Georgia, the Ukrainian national team climbed to second place in the group, giving it a chance to continue its fight for the playoffs to reach Division A of the Nations League.
The CEC of Georgia may announce the final election results tomorrow: what does football and the match against Ukraine have to do with itNov 15 2024, 07:25 PM • 32842 views
KFI confirmed the second use of the Zircon hypersonic missile by Russia during the attacks on November 16-17. Experts have found that Ukraine's air defense is capable of shooting down this “invulnerable” missile.
Russia used the Zircon missile for the second time during an attack on the territory of Ukraine before the 1000th day of the full-scale war. This was reported by Oleksandr Ruvin, Director of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, in a commentary to UNN.
On the eve of the 1000th day of the full-scale war, Russia intensified shelling of the territory of Ukraine, using almost all known means of destruction that have been used since the beginning of the military aggression. As a result of the shelling on November 16-17, experts from the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise established the use of a Russian 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile. This is the second time our experts have confirmed the use of this type of weapon
– says Oleksandr Ruvin.
According to the head of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, “Zircon” is a new development of the Russian military-industrial complex. The missile was adopted in January 2023, and in February 2023, experts recorded its first use on the territory of Ukraine.
In open sources, Russia claims that the 3M22 Zircon should reach speeds of up to Mach 9 and be almost invulnerable, but the Ukrainian air defense forces manage to successfully eliminate it. That is, as in the case of the Kinzhal, there is every evidence that the performance and characteristics are overestimated. At the same time, even after being shot down, parts and fragments of Russian weapons can also pose a danger, so responding to alarms is the responsibility of all citizens personally
– said Oleksandr Ruvin, the Head of KFI.
The use of Zircon, according to experts, is another signal to the world that Russia is ready to use new weapons even against civilian targets. This is a challenge for the international community, which should strengthen sanctions and support Ukraine in countering this aggression.
“Our experts worked at the scene. The use of Zircon is confirmed by the markings on the parts and fragments of the weapon and the characteristic technical features inherent in this type of missile. We will also conduct laboratory tests to analyze the composition of the materials,” Ruvin summarized.
Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise continues to be at the forefront of the scientific struggle for justice and truth, documenting the crimes of the aggressor and helping to protect our country. The coordinated actions of all services and unity bring our victory closer, and the prepared evidence base will become the basis for international courts and tribunals to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Earlier, the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise) reported that during the attacks on the territory of Ukraine on October 26-29, the Russians used attack drones with a thermobaric warhead.
It is worth noting that the Russians are constantly trying to modify and modernize all types of missiles and drones they have, which are used for attacks on Ukraine. In a commentary to UNN, KFI experts explainedwhat features are involved and what role Western components play in the changes to enemy weapons. The enemy uses not only Western components. According to Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, components for UAVs used by the enemy to attack Ukraine are supplied by about 50 manufacturers from China.
In addition, the experts of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise found that the Russian X-69 missiles used by the occupiers to hit Ukraine are made of several types of weapons and have foreign components.
Naomi Arimoto from Japan collects plastic waste on the beach and uses it to decorate nails in her salon. The nail technician seeks to draw attention to the problem of pollution through a creative approach to manicure.
A Japanese manicurist is fighting plastic pollution through art. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
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While the world is discussing ways to solve the problem of plastic pollution, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto has found her own unique way to contribute to solving this environmental problem.
A woman living near Tokyo began actively collecting small plastic particles on the beach near her home after participating in a coastal cleanup. She carefully sorts the items she finds and uses them to create original decorative elements for false nails in her salon.
This is my small initiative. Although these steps may seem small, I believe that every contribution is important. My task is to draw people's attention to the problem of pollution, because even the smallest particles of plastic can make a difference
– says Arimoto.
The idea not only raises awareness of environmental issues, but also gives clients the opportunity to join the movement for a cleaner world through a stylish manicure.
Pollution of the Earth's atmosphere has reached a record level – scientistsOct 29 2024, 02:33 AM • 21716 views
South Korea did not contribute to the Czech initiative to purchase artillery shells for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Tomas Kopecny, Czech government commissioner for the restoration of Ukraine, said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Nov. 19.
Czechia unveiled its initiative to jointly purchase artillery shells for Ukraine from undisclosed third countries earlier this year, amid shell shortages caused mainly by delays in U.S. assistance.
In October, Ukraine received over one-third of the 500,000 155 mm shells expected to be delivered under the Czech initiative by the end of 2024.
South Korea did not provide artillery shells of its own production, nor did it make financial contributions to the purchase of shells from other countries under the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine from third countries, according to Kopecny.
"So far, South Korea has not participated in the Czech initiative. From a financial point of view, they were not among the 16 countries that contributed, and they were not among the supplier countries from which we received the shells. This is the situation as of now," Kopecny said.
Thus, the official denied the information previously published in the German media Bild that South Korea was probably one of the ammunition suppliers under the Czech initiative.
Earlier, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that South Korea had no plans to supply 155 mm shells to Ukraine amid reports of North Korean soldiers participating in the war.
Since the start of the full-scale war though, South Korean shells have reportedly been sent to Ukraine, but this was done so indirectly, through undisclosed U.S. purchases.
On Oct. 22, Seoul announced a possible revision of its support for Kyiv, including the provision of lethal weapons and personnel, depending on the situation in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Air Force reports enemy drone activity in Sumy, Chernihiv, Poltava, Zhytomyr, and Dnipro regions. The UAVs are moving in different directions, which requires increased defense measures.
New flights of enemy attack drones were recorded in Ukraine in several regions. This is reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reports.
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In particular, UAVs are moving west and southwest in Sumy region, west in eastern Chernihiv region, northwest in western Poltava region, northeast in Zhytomyr region, and west in eastern Dnipropetrovs'k region. These active drone flights underscore the ongoing threat posed by Russian forces, forcing the Ukrainian defense forces to take the necessary measures to destroy enemy equipment and ensure security in these areas.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov has conferred awards on three female Ukrainian defenders who shot down a Kh-101 cruise missile during a large-scale Russian attack on 17 November.
Source: Umierov on Facebook
Details: Umierov said the soldiers’ coordinated work had enabled them to protect an important critical infrastructure facility in Rivne Oblast.
Rustem Umierov and the women defenders. Photo: Umierov on Facebook
Quote from Umierov: "The video of this combat operation, which you have probably seen, was filmed by Private first class Olha Maksymenko. She provided a video recording which not only gives proof of the successful completion of the task, but has also become an inspiring moment for all of us.
Private first class Valentyna Steblevets worked with a tablet, monitored the air situation and transmitted key information about the target. Her precise coordination was key to success.
The accurate launch from the Igla MANPADS was performed by Private Nataliia Hrabarchuk, who had previously completed two training courses at the Desna training centre. Her professionalism and focus proved that every moment of training matters."
Background: During a large-scale Russian attack on 17 November, Ukrainian soldier Nataliia Hrabarchuk downed a Russian cruise missile on her first attempt using an Igla portable anti-aircraft missile system.
The United States does not plan to change its nuclear policy in response to the new nuclear doctrine of the russian federation. The U.S. State Department called the changes in the russian doctrine an example of hypocrisy and called for an end to aggressive rhetoric.
The United States does not consider it necessary to change its nuclear policy, despite the new revised nuclear doctrine published by the russian federation. This is reported by the Voice of America, UNN reports.
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According to US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, the country will continue to urge moscow to stop its aggressive rhetoric about nuclear threats.
The U.S. government viewed the changes in the russian doctrine as an example of hypocrisy, pointing out that moscow allows for the possibility of using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states in the event of aggression similar to that carried out by a terrorist state in Ukraine.
The United States emphasizes its unchanged nuclear stance and sees no reason to revise it in light of russia's new statements.
Putin approves russia's new nuclear doctrine: what has changedNov 19 2024, 08:43 AM • 12376 views
Despite warnings from some analysts ahead of the U.S. elections that a win by the Republican nominee Donald Trump could become a “worst-case scenario” for Ukraine, the mood in Kyiv after his victory was far more mixed.
Some Ukrainians are optimistic that the president-elect could improve Kyiv’s standing amid Russian ongoing onslaught.
“I am generally up for changes,” said a Special Operations sniper with the callsign Bart, who is currently rehabilitating in Kyiv. “I believe that (President Joe) Biden and his administration are impotent,” he told the Kyiv Independent the day after the election, adding that a Trump victory could spell more decisive action.
The recurring theme among Ukrainian residents hopeful that Trump will turn the tide of Russia’s full-scale invasion was an overarching sense of fatigue with the pace of Biden’s support for Ukraine and a desire for quicker action.
After Trump’s victory in 2016, there was “huge disappointment and frustration in the air,” recalled Oleksiy Melnyk, the co-director of foreign policy and international security at the Kyiv-based think tank Razumkov Center. This year, however, he said he noticed “no big expectations, so no big disappointment.”
“Ukrainians are extremely grateful to the United States still, but at the same time, we do understand that part of our problems are because of the Biden administration’s policy of escalation management and self-restrictions,” Melnyk said.
Many Ukrainians predicted that a Kamala Harris election would not have brought about any radical change, he said, while “in the case of Trump, this unpredictability gives some people hope.”
"In the case of Trump, this unpredictability gives some people hope."
Serhii Fursa, deputy managing director at Kyiv-based investment firm Dragon Capital, said, “I feel bad. But markets feel okay, assuming he will end the war.” Fursa described the market signal as “total uncertainty.”
Trump has repeatedly said he would end the war within 24 hours, though has not provided details on how he plans to achieve such a result.
Desire for change
Not all experts had predicted that a Trump win would be devastating for Ukraine, with some urging a “wait-and-see” attitude.
"We’re going to work very hard on Russia and Ukraine. It’s gotta stop. Russia and Ukraine’s gotta stop," Trump said at an event in Florida on Nov. 14.
Optimism in Ukraine following the election was nonetheless cautious and came from three main reasons, said Timothy Garton Ash, an Oxford professor of European Studies, historian, and commentator.
“First, they were so disappointed with the Biden administration’s self-deterrence that they thought something else might be better,” he said.
Secondly, he added, U.S. politicians who genuinely supported Ukraine signaled that a Trump victory would work out all right.
U.S. President Joe Biden meets with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Nov. 13, 2024. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images)
“And the third reason is probably the most important of all,” noted Ash. “If you're fighting a war for your survival, you've got to believe that you can win. And if it looks as if your most important single ally is going to pull the rug on you, you know you're going to keep hoping and put a brave face on it that it's going to be okay.”
Still, Ash noted, he believes the optimism is “misplaced.”
“It's quite clear from the first conversations that Trump has had with people, he wants to get the issue off the table. He wants to go as fast as possible for that deal so he can get on to other things,” said Ash. “So now, optimism or pessimism focuses on the Europeans. Whether the Germans, the French, the British, the Poles and others can step into the breach.”
Oleksiy Haran, professor of comparative politics at Kyiv Mohyla Academy, however, noted that there was very little concrete data to show how widespread — or limited — support for Trump was among ordinary Ukrainians.
Without polling data, he added, it was difficult to draw conclusions about Ukrainians’ attitudes.
“I wouldn’t generalize any sentiments for Trump among ordinary Ukrainians,” Haran noted. “Clearly, there are some people who wanted Trump to win. But we cannot say that this is the majority, or even that this is a significant number of citizens of Ukraine.”
Even among Ukrainians who expressed positive sentiment about a Trump win, enthusiasm was tempered.
“The pace of decision-making (in the Biden administration), especially on critical military support, has sometimes been slower than the reality of the situation required,” said Vitalii Ivanov, a communications and investment manager at Kyiv-based UFuture.
“The Trump presidency is likely to introduce a more practical and pragmatic approach to policy making, which could lead to faster decision-making by the administration,” Ivanov said.
“Still, I would like to underline that we need to focus on solving our domestic problems and acting to make our country successful rather than worrying about who wins the U.S. election and what this or that president will do for us.”
Part of the response in Kyiv can be attributed to Ukraine’s recent and historical experience dealing with radical changes, said Melnyk from Razumkov Center. “In general, this is kind of the Ukrainian attitude: Ok, it happened. Life goes on.”
“We can speculate about more general things like the peace formula through power or force,” said Melnyk. “But we have about two months before (Trump’s) inauguration to get prepared for different scenarios. Hope is not a strategy.”
The Kyiv Independent business editor Liliane Bivings and business reporter Dominic Culverwell contributed to this report.
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Over the last day, 130 combat engagements took place in various frontline areas. The most intense enemy attacks were recorded in the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk sectors – 22 and 37 attacks respectively.
There were 130 combat engagements in the frontline. The enemy attacked intensively on the Kurakhove and Pokrovske directions. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reports.
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In the Kharkiv sector, terrorists stormed Vovchansk 5 times.
In the Kupyansk sector, the occupants attacked 11 times near Kindrashivka, Lozova, Petropavlivka, Zahryzove, Pershotravneve and Kruhlyakivka. Petropavlivka and Lozova came under air strikes.
In the Liman sector, the militants fired 14 times in the areas of Hrekivka, Novoyehorivka, Hryhorivka, Torske and Terny.
In the Siversk sector, the enemy dropped 9 bombs on Siversk and 4 more on Zakitne, but did not conduct any offensive actions.
In the Kramatorsk sector, there was 1 firefight near Stupochky.
In the Toretsk sector, the occupants attacked 8 times in the areas of Toretsk, Druzhba and Shcherbynivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the aggressor carried out 37 assault and offensive actions in the areas of Promenu, Lysivka, Petrivka, Dachanske, Myrolyubivka, Novotoretske, Yurivka, Pustynka and Pushkine.
In the Kurakhove sector, 22 attacks took place in the areas of Novoselydivka, Sontsivka, Berestky, Kurakhove, Dale, Yelizavetivka and Antonivka.
In the Vremivsk sector, the enemy attacked 15 times near Kostyantynopolske, Trudove, Sukhi Yaly, Rozdolne and Novodarivka.
In the Orikhivsk sector, the enemy tried unsuccessfully to advance in the direction of Novoandriivka.
Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled two enemy attacks in the Dnipro sector.
135 combat engagements in the frontline: where the enemy attacked most actively – General StaffNov 18 2024, 08:36 PM • 29163 views
The Kyiv IndependentSonya Bandouil
Rustem Umierov and the women defenders. Photo: Umierov on Facebook 
