Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

  • Bridge collapsed in occupied Crimea: there are probably victims

    Bridge collapsed in occupied Crimea: there are probably victims

    Bridge collapsed in occupied Crimea: there are probably victims

    A bridge over the railroad tracks in the village of Maslovo collapsed in the Dzhankoy district of Crimea. At the time of the collapse, there was a car and a truck on the bridge, and two of the victims were unblocked.

    A bridge collapsed in the Dzhankoy district of the occupied Crimea, there are probably victims, UNN reports with reference to Kry.Realii.

    Details

    Crimean telegram channels report that a bridge over the railroad tracks collapsed in the village of Maslovo.

    According to eyewitnesses, the bridge could not withstand the weight of the heavy truck. It is alleged that there were victims as a result of the incident.

    A rocket fell on a residential building in Crimea: the occupiers are silent about the incidentNov 3 2024, 02:48 PM • 28608 views

    The incident was confirmed by the head of the Dzhankoy district administration, Inna Fedorenko. However, she did not report any injuries.

    The Russian Emergencies Ministry of Crimea reported that a car and a truck were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. They reportedly managed to unblock 2 victims.

  • Ukrainian railways report extensive damage due to war

    Ukrainian railways report extensive damage due to war

    Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, nearly 10,000 km of railway tracks and 43 station buildings in Ukraine have been damaged, destroyed or lost.

    Source: Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways), as reported by Ukrinform

    Details: It is stated that since 24 February 2022, nearly 10,000 km of tracks and 43 station buildings have been damaged, destroyed or lost, along with other infrastructure facilities.

    A report by Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), covering February 2022 to January 2024, estimates that up to 507 km of railway tracks have been damaged, and 126 railway stations and terminals have been either damaged or destroyed. Over 55 of these are in Ukraine-controlled areas, while the remainder are in territories currently outside Ukrainian control.

    More than 700 km of railway lines are located in temporarily occupied territories. Overall, 5,500 buildings and around 4,000 structures belonging to Ukrzaliznytsia have been damaged, destroyed or lost.

    KSE analysts estimate the total direct damage to railway infrastructure at USD 4.3 billion.

    Ukrzaliznytsia has been restoring tracks damaged by Russian forces, with more than 3,600 km of tracks, 41 station buildings and other infrastructure facilities partially or fully restored since the invasion began to ensure trains continue to operate.

    In seasonal repair works over the first eight months of 2024, railway workers managed to repair 737.6 km of tracks, reaching 62% of the year’s target.

    Background: In September, Russian forces attacked a station and train in Zaporizhzhia.

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  • Man City FFP: PL to ‘implement new rule’ as plan surfaces after ‘£30m’ blow with ‘appeal expected’

    Man City FFP: PL to ‘implement new rule’ as plan surfaces after ‘£30m’ blow with ‘appeal expected’

    Man City and the Premier League logo

    The Premier League reportedly may ‘implement a new rule’ and this could be made official once Manchester City’s Financial Fair Play case has concluded.

    At the start of 2023, Man City were charged with breaching over 100 of the Premier League’s FFP rules. They were referred to an independent commission following a four-year probe into their conduct between 2009 and 2018.

    Pep Guardiola‘s side have insisted on their innocence and it remains to be seen whether they will be found guilty as this case remains ongoing.

    If found guilty, Man City could be given a huge fine, points deduction, transfer ban, expulsion or be stripped of their Premier League titles.

    This case has already dragged on for much longer than most would have liked as it is a far more complicated case than the ones involving Everton and Nottingham Forest last season.

    READ: ‘Let’s drop the hysterics’ as Man City owners are just copying Arsenal

    A new report from Football Insider claims the Premier League are planning to ‘implement a new rule’ after Man City’s case.

    It is claimed that the Premier League ‘could look to bring in new rules ensuring its legal fees are paid for in any court battles it wins after the Manchester City 115 charges case’.

    This revelation has been made after it emerged that the Premier League spent around £30m on legal cases against its own clubs last season. The report explains.

    ‘Sources have told Football Insider the Premier League could now propose new rules are brought in to ensure the majority of its legal fees are paid for by a club if they are proven to have committed a financial breach.

    ‘Any such measure would need to receive the backing of two-thirds of the top-flight clubs to be approved.

    ‘Man City are expected to appeal against any potential punishment after their lawyers have been adamant the club haven’t done anything wrong since the charges were handed out last year, potentially adding to the Premier League’s associated legal costs.’

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    In August, former Man City financial advisor Stefan Borson explained why he does not think there will be a final decision’ on the FFP case until the end of 2025.

    “What we don’t know here is if they have not only booked out the panel’s time for the whole of the rest of the year for the hearing, but whether they have also booked them out for the first part of 2025 for them to consider and then write up their written reasons,” Borson said.

    “The idea that it would be very early in 2025 if it is a 10-week trial, I think is unlikely. You can expect that they will need something like at least the same time again to write up the decision.

    “If it really is a 10-week hearing, I can’t see that they are going to be able to deliver it any time before March.

    “If actually what’s happened is loads of charges have dropped off and have already been dealt with and we are actually looking at a much shorter hearing, then everything changes.

    “But taking it all at face value from everything we have seen in The Times in particular, that it is a 10-week trial that’s going to run until the end of the year and, therefore, has an incredible level of complexity that we always thought it had, this is just not going to be dealt with to conclusion after appeal before the end of 2025 rather than the end of the 2024-25 season.”

  • Ukrainians win silver and bronze medals at the European Championships in Thai Boxing

    Ukrainians win silver and bronze medals at the European Championships in Thai Boxing

    Ukrainians win silver and bronze medals at the European Championships in Thai Boxing

    Ukrainians won 6 silver and 3 bronze medals at the European Thai Boxing Championships in Pristina. The competition was attended by 223 athletes from 34 countries.

    At the competition held in Pristina (Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, Republic of Serbia) with the participation of 223 athletes from 34 countries, Ukrainian athletes won 9 medals.

    Written by UNN with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.

    Details

    The Ukrainian winners of the European Muay Thai Boxing Championships among adults, youth and juniors, which are taking place in Pristina, have been announced.

    The following won silver medals: Mykhailo Serdyuk (U23, 57 kg); Dmytro Zanin (U23, 60 kg); Nazar Bilenko (U23, 63.5 kg); Oleh Bezpyatyi (U23, 67 kg); Hlib Chaban (U23, 71 kg); Anna Moshynets (U23, 60 kg).

    Bronze medals: Alexander Efimenko (adults, 71 kg); Anton Chernikov (adults, 75 kg); Rostislav Gerasimenko (adults, 67 kg).

    Recall

    A Ukrainian weightlifter won silver at the European Youth Championships.

    Boxer Vyacheslav Uzelkov said goodbye in VinnytsiaNov 11 2024, 11:19 AM • 14043 views

  • Ambassador: Israel is studying Ukrainian experience in fighting Iranian drones

    Ambassador: Israel is studying Ukrainian experience in fighting Iranian drones

    Ambassador: Israel is studying Ukrainian experience in fighting Iranian drones

    Israel's ambassador to Ukraine confirms cooperation between the two countries to counter Iranian drones. Israel is studying Ukrainian technologies developed during the war for its own use.

    Israel is studying Ukraine's experience in fighting Iranian drones. There are certain Ukrainian technologies that are being studied. This was stated by Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Brodsky during the Kyiv Jewish Forum 2024, reports UNN.

    "We can do a lot together to strengthen our states and take advantage of the experience that is already available not only in Israel but also in Ukraine. For example, the experience in dealing with Iranian drones. Of course, Israel should study this experience, should use this experience, and we are already doing this, because we are now also facing the same problem of Iranian drones here in Israel," Brodsky said.

    When asked whether there are direct contacts between Israel and Ukraine regarding the exchange of information, Brodsky replied: "Of course, I can't disclose any details of cooperation right now, but such cooperation exists. We will continue to cooperate because it will benefit our countries. There are certain technologies that appeared in Ukraine during the war, and we are studying these technologies, and perhaps in the future we will be able to use these technologies as well."

    He noted that Ukraine has always been interested in Israeli technologies.

    "I am sure that after the war is over, these technologies will be very useful for Ukraine," Brodsky said.

    Addition

    Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Mykhailo Podolyak statedthat Ukraine would like to receive more rigorous information support from Israel at various levels, at the global level, more rigorous diplomatic support, and advocacy directly in international institutions at various levels.

  • Trump met with Biden at the White House after winning the election

    Trump met with Biden at the White House after winning the election

    Trump met with Biden at the White House after winning the election

    President-elect Donald Trump arrived at the White House to discuss the transition of power with incumbent President Joe Biden. The meeting took place in the Oval Office after Trump's victory in the last election.

    US President Joe Biden receives President-elect Donald Trump at the White House, reports UNN citing Reuters.

    Details

    President-elect Donald Trump returned to the White House on Wednesday for the first time since winning last week's election and sat down for talks on the looming transition of power with longtime political rival President Joe Biden.

    Trump's motorcade drove through the heavily guarded gates of the White House, and the former and future Republican president was met in the Oval Office by Biden, the Democrat who defeated him in the 2020 election.

    Outside in the driveway to the White House, a huge crowd of reporters had gathered in anticipation of the big event.

    Trump celebrated his victory earlier in the day with House Republicans, who stand a good chance of retaining control of the chamber as the results of the Nov. 5 election are in.

    “Doesn't it feel good to win? It feels good to win. It's always nice to win,” Trump said. “The House did very well.

  • Trump to appoint Ukrainian peace envoy ‘soon’ to lead talks on ending war with Russia, Fox News reports

    Trump to appoint Ukrainian peace envoy ‘soon’ to lead talks on ending war with Russia, Fox News reports

    Trump to appoint Ukrainian peace envoy 'soon' to lead talks on ending war with Russia, Fox News reports

    President-elect Donald Trump may "soon" appoint a Ukrainian peace envoy to lead negotiations on ending Russia's war, Fox News reported on Nov. 13, citing its multiple undisclosed sources.

    "You're going to see a very senior special envoy, someone with a lot of credibility, who will be given a task to find a resolution, to get to a peace settlement," one of the sources said, adding that the appointment will happen "in short order."

    Kurt Volker held a similar position and served as the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine on a volunteer basis from 2017 to 2019. The post of Ukrainian peace envoy is also expected to be unpaid.

    Over the past few days, Trump has announced new members of his future administration. Meanwhile, some of Trump's picks have made controversial statements about the war in Ukraine and opposed further provision of military aid for Kyiv.

    U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 12 selected Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the "Department of Government Efficiency," a new body designed to "drive large-scale structural reform."

    Ramaswamy, a wealthy entrepreneur, and Musk, one of the world's richest people and owner of SpaceX, Tesla, and X (formerly known as Twitter), have no background in politics apart from Ramaswamy’s brief running for the Republican presidential nomination.

    While Musk has repeatedly echoed pro-Russian talking points on Ukraine, including proposals to cede territory to Moscow, Ramaswamy was among the most vocal opponents of military aid for Kyiv.

    Trump also named South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the leader of Homeland Security, who earlier called Russia's invasion of Ukraine "Europe's fight, not ours."

    Earlier, Trump named Michael Waltz his national security advisor. Waltz's views on Ukraine evolved from an ardent supporter of U.S. military aid to questioning it and advocating for relocating these resources against China.

    Trump's defense secretary is confirmed to be Pete Hegseth, an army veteran and current Fox News host. His secretary of state, overseeing U.S. diplomacy, is reported to be Marco Rubio.

    Marco Rubio’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine — what we knowRepublican Senator Marco Rubio is likely to be the next U.S. secretary of state, according to reports on Nov. 12 that mark the latest insight into how President-elect Donald Trump’s White House will approach Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump, leader of the Republican party who was elected president onTrump to appoint Ukrainian peace envoy 'soon' to lead talks on ending war with Russia, Fox News reportsThe Kyiv IndependentChris YorkTrump to appoint Ukrainian peace envoy 'soon' to lead talks on ending war with Russia, Fox News reports
  • Attacked in four waves: Russians in Ukrainian uniforms tried to break through the defense near Kupyansk

    Attacked in four waves: Russians in Ukrainian uniforms tried to break through the defense near Kupyansk

    Attacked in four waves: Russians in Ukrainian uniforms tried to break through the defense near Kupyansk

    The occupants attempted to break through the defense in the Kupyansk sector in four waves using 15 pieces of equipment. Some of the Russian soldiers were disguised in Ukrainian Armed Forces uniforms, and all attacks were repelled.

    Russian occupants attempted to break through our defense in the Kupyansk sector. Some of the Russian soldiers were dressed in uniforms of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported by the General Staff and added that Ukrainian defenders stopped the enemy, UNN reports.

    "Today, starting at 2:30 p.m., Russian occupants attempted to break through our defense in the Kupyansk sector. Enemy assault groups attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in four waves. In total, the enemy used about 15 pieces of equipment. In particular, tanks, armored combat vehicles and an UR-77 demining unit," the statement said.

    The General Staff emphasized that some of the Russian soldiers were dressed in uniforms of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This violates the laws and rules of warfare and is a war crime.

    "With skillful and decisive actions, our defenders stopped the enemy, destroyed all their armored vehicles and eliminated a significant part of their manpower," the statement said.

    In addition, the General Staff noted the professionalism and cohesion of our infantrymen, tankers, artillerymen and UAV operators.

    156 combat engagements in the frontline: where is the hottest spot and what is happening – General StaffNov 13 2024, 12:20 AM • 57838 views

  • Sibiga and Blinken discuss military assistance after the US elections: what else was discussed

    Sibiga and Blinken discuss military assistance after the US elections: what else was discussed

    Sibiga and Blinken discuss military assistance after the US elections: what else was discussed

    Ukraine's Foreign Minister held talks with the US Secretary of State in Brussels. They discussed further military assistance, post-election coordination, and strengthening Ukraine's air shield.

    Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga held bilateral talks in Brussels with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the parties coordinated further steps after the US presidential election and discussed further US military assistance, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, UNN reports.

    Details

    "Diplomats focused on negotiations on Ukraine's defense capabilities, strengthening the air shield ahead of winter, the need for long-range weapons for the Defense Forces, Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, and efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," the Foreign Ministry said.

    Sibiga briefed Blinken on the consequences of Russia's massive night attack. "We must stop the aggressor with weapons, sanctions and diplomacy," he said.

    The Foreign Minister emphasized that the defense of Ukraine cannot be suspended or postponed, as Russia is bombing Ukraine's critical infrastructure, energy system, ports, hospitals and schools every day. The minister added that Ukraine needs to strengthen its defense to protect people right now, so the partners should speed up the adoption of all important decisions.

    Zelensky reacts to Russia's night attack: recalls partnersNov 13 2024, 08:28 AM • 20764 views

    In this context, Sibiga said that a critical moment has come not only for Ukraine but also for other regions of the world. "Russia is using Iranian drones, North Korean ballistic missiles and troops to attack Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin is providing aid to these regimes. This is how this war is undermining security in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It's all connected," he said.

    Sibiga emphasized that in order to ensure long-term peace and stability in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the allies must force Russia to stop its aggression. He added that the partners can achieve a just peace only through unity and strength.

    "Appeasement will not work. Only force will work," the minister emphasized.

    "The parties also coordinated further steps after the US presidential election. Andriy Sybiga emphasized that Ukraine has always appreciated Washington's strong bipartisan support and maintains contact with both parties. According to the Minister, the Ukrainian side cooperates with both the newly elected President and his team, as well as with the current administration, which is preparing to resign," the Foreign Ministry said.

    Sibiga "emphasized the importance of US plans to release all previously approved military assistance funds in the coming weeks and stressed the crucial importance of America's leadership in restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine." The minister "expressed confidence in further U.S. support and joint decisive steps".

    After meeting with NATO Secretary General Blinken met with Sibiga one-on-one in Brussels: what statements the US Secretary of State has already madeNov 13 2024, 12:35 PM • 11477 views

  • Military donations in Ukraine plummet as war pressure mounts, Bloomberg reports

    Military donations in Ukraine plummet as war pressure mounts, Bloomberg reports

    Military donations in Ukraine plummet as war pressure mounts, Bloomberg reports

    Military donations in Ukraine have fallen sharply amid rising financial pressures and war weariness, with major charities reporting drops by 20% or more in 2024, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 13.

    Prominent organizations such as Come Back Alive and the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, headed by the well-known Ukrainian TV personality of the same name, have seen contributions decrease by approximately one-fifth in 2024, Bloomberg reports.

    Other groups supporting the Armed Forces report even steeper declines.

    While these charities provide essential support, they cover only a fraction of Ukraine’s total military needs. In 2024, Prytula’s foundation raised Hr 1.4 billion ($34 million), a figure that pales in comparison to Ukraine’s $50 billion military budget.

    Come Back Alive, one of Ukraine's largest charitable foundations, reported a 15% drop in donations in the same year, based on its reports on the receipt of donations.

    Meanwhile, Reactive Post, another non-governmental organization, told Bloomberg that its contributions have decreased by over 40% this year compared to the same period in 2023.

    Prytula cited economic challenges and the hardships brought on by power outages as likely reasons for the downturn.

    In an interview with Ukrainska Pravda, Taras Chmut, the head of Come Back Alive, expressed concern over 2024’s fundraising efforts, saying they "have not started as well as we would like."

    Chmut explained that as more Ukrainians leave the country, incomes decline, and living costs rise, donations are inevitably impacted.

    Oleh Karpenko, the head of partnerships at Come Back Alive, told the BBC that donation patterns vary based on events such as shelling in Ukraine, drone strikes in Russia, power outages, battlefield developments, and military successes or setbacks.

    On Oct. 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new eSupport initiative scheduled to launch on Dec. 1.

    Under this program, each Ukrainian will receive Hr 1,000 ($24) in aid, which can be used for specific expenses. Deputy Economy Minister Oleksii Soboliev clarified that these funds could be redirected to the military through donations, even if foreign aid itself cannot be directly allocated for military purposes, as reported by the NV news outlet.

    Kyiv Independent is 3 years old. Here’s a list of our consequential stories throughout the yearsOn Nov. 11, 2021, a group of young journalists in Ukraine fired for defending their editorial independence decided to launch a new publication that would stand by those principles. This new publication, without a name at its start, would later become known as the Kyiv Independent. Three years in,…Military donations in Ukraine plummet as war pressure mounts, Bloomberg reportsThe Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv IndependentMilitary donations in Ukraine plummet as war pressure mounts, Bloomberg reports