Six Tu-95MS strategic bombers took off from the Russian airfield in Olenegorsk. The planes will reach the launch area at approximately 5:00.
Six Tu-95MS strategic bombers have taken off from the Russian airfield in Olenegorsk. This is reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reports.
Details
The planes are likely to reach the launch line around 5:00.
The Armed Forces urge Ukrainians to pay close attention to air raid warnings and not to ignore them, as the situation can change quickly.
Ukrainian drone strikes oil depot in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, local official claims
Russia deploys assault groups to Zaporizhzhia Oblast, military says
Ukraine's 2025 budget includes $1.3 billion for weapons production, minister says
Ukrainian volunteers in Poland sign contracts with Armed Forces
British PM Starmer to press Biden to release $20 billion aid for Ukraine before Trump takes office, Telegraph reports
A Ukrainian drone struck an oil depot in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, igniting one silo, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on his Telegram channel on Nov. 12.
"Ten fire crews worked at the scene and quickly extinguished the fire," Gladkov said, adding there were no reports of casualties.
The oil depot is located near the city of Stary Oskol, he added.
In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry, whose profits fuel Moscow's war efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's concerted campaign to get permission to use Western-supplied weapons like the U.S-made ATACMs and the U.K's Storm Shadows to strike deep inside Russia has, to date, failed.
However, drones can potentially have an outsized impact when they hit highly flammable and less protected targets, such as ethanol distilleries or fuel depots.
Ukraine in September established the Unmanned Systems Forces, a separate branch of Ukraine's Armed Forces dedicated to drone warfare.
Kyiv said it aims to produce 1 million drones this year, in addition to the thousands pledged by foreign partners.
Russia deploys assault groups to Zaporizhzhia Oblast, military says
The Russian army is deploying trained assault groups to frontline positions in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Vladyslav Voloshyn, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian military's Southern Command, told the news outlet Suspilne on Nov. 12.
A day before, Voloshyn said that a new Russian assault in Zaporizhzhia Oblast could begin "any day."
In early October, Russian troops reportedly renewed their attack in the Zaporizhzhia sector. Kyiv warned of a potential Russian push in the southern region, just as Moscow's troops continue advancing in Ukraine's east.
According to Voloshyn, Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive toward the town of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
This move will allow the Russian military to gain control of the logistics routes from Zaporizhzhia to eastern Ukraine, the spokesperson added.
Another Russian target in Zaporizhzhia Oblast is the Hulyaipole sector, where "important" logistics routes for the Russian military are located, he said. Besides, Russian troops intensified their assault actions towards the village of Vremivka, trying to break through Ukrainian defensive positions near the settlements of Rivnopillia and Velyka Novosilka, according to Voloshyn.
Voloshyn said in October that Russian forces were massing for a breakthrough in the direction of Orikhiv and Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The area was the main axis of Ukraine's southern counteroffensive in 2023, which led to the liberation of the settlement of Robotyne but achieved no major results.
Russian troops have intensified attacks against Zaporizhzhia, targeting its civilian infrastructure with guided aerial bombs.
Ukraine's 2025 budget includes $1.3 billion for weapons production, minister says
Ukraine's budget for 2025 envisages Hr 55 billion ($1.3 billion) for weapons production, Strategic Industries Minister Herman Smetanin said on Nov. 12.
Ukraine began actively developing its defense production after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Some Hr 54.55 billion ($1.3 billion) will be directly allocated for the development and implementation of new technologies, and the expansion of defense production capacity, according to Smetanin.
The minister added that the 2025 figure is almost Hr 3.5 billion ($84.4 million) more than in 2024.
Another 500 million will be allocated to an affordable loans program for defense companies. This program, created in 2024, allows manufacturers to take out loans at 5% per annum. The state budget will cover the rest of the interest, according to the minister's statement.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the draft state budget for 2025 on Sept. 13. The state expects to get Hr 2 trillion ($48.2 billion) in revenues, while expenditures are planned at Hr 3.6 trillion ($86.8 billion).
The draft state budget for 2025 envisages spending Hr 2.2 trillion ($53 billion) on Ukraine's defense, which is 26.3% of the country's projected gross domestic product (GDP).
Ukraine's proposed 2025 budget passed its first reading in parliament on Oct. 31. The budget law will go through additional rounds of consideration before lawmakers hold a final vote, expected by Dec. 1.
Ukrainian volunteers in Poland sign contracts with Armed Forces
The first Ukrainian citizens have signed contracts with the Ukrainian Armed Forces as part of the Ukrainian Legion in Poland, Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported on Nov. 12.
The legion was unveiled in July as a volunteer military unit made up of Ukrainian men living in Polandand trained by the Polish Armed Forces. The first volunteer recruitment center was opened in October at the Ukrainian consulate in the eastern Polish city of Lublin.
The unit is part of an effort to replenish the ranks of Ukraine's military as the all-out war with Russia continues into its third year.
After signing the contracts, the volunteers went to a Polish Armed Forces military training ground to undergo 35-day basic training. Upon completing the training, the servicemen can continue training in their chosen specialties at European NATO bases.
The training will be conducted under the guidance of Polish instructors using modern weapons. Commanders of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with combat experience will also participate in the exercises, according to the ministry.
As of Nov. 12, the Legion's recruitment center had received about 700 applications from Ukrainians around Europe to join the military, the statement read.
The legion will allow Ukrainians to join the fight while being able to return to Poland after completing their service. Under martial law instituted in 2022 after the start of the full-scale war, Ukrainian men aged 18-60 are not permitted to leave Ukraine without permission.
The U.N. estimates that 6.7 million Ukrainians were driven abroad as a result of Russia's all-out invasion. This is in addition to a sizeable diaspora living in Europe, the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere since before 2022.
British PM to press Biden to release $20 billion aid for Ukraine before Trump takes office, Telegraph reports
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to press outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden to release a $20 billion loan for Ukraine during next week's G20 summit in Brazil, the Telegraph reported on Nov. 12.
The loan is part of the Group of Seven (G7) has reached an agreement to provide Ukraine with approximately $50 billion in loans backed by the revenue from foreign Russian assets, the G7 announced on Oct. 25.
The United States will contribute the bulk of the loan with $20 billion in assistance. The U.S. is closely followed by European Union countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, with a combined $19.4 billion.
The remaining approximately $10 billion will be divvied up with Canada providing $3.7 billion, Japan providing $3.07 billion, and the U.K. providing $2.9 billion in loan funding.
This would be the latest part of European power's attempt to persuade Biden to step up help to Ukraine before Donald Trump takes office in January, including allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia's territory with Western-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.
The U.K. prime minister will also press for a one-on-one discussion with Biden during the G20 summit, according to the Telegraph.
Starmer also met and released a joint statement on Nov. 11. with French President Emmanuel Macron, "stressing their determination to support Ukraine unwaveringly and for as long as necessary to thwart Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine."
The two leaders will meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk soon as the trio attempts to "Trump-proof" the Western bloc's aid to Ukraine in case the incoming U.S. president decides to radically cut aid for Ukraine.
Trump has repeatedly promised to end the war "in 24 hours," and though he hasn't yet elaborated a plan, it is largely expected to involve Ukraine ceding land to Russia.
Republican Senator Marco Rubio is expected to become the US next chief diplomat, who said on air shortly after Trump's victory that Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has reached a "stalemate" and "needs to be brought to a conclusion."
He also voted against the U.S' $61 billion aid package for Ukraine in April 2024.
Explosions have been heard in Zaporizhzhya region. This was reported by the head of Zaporizhzhya RMA Ivan Fedorov.
Sounds of explosions were heard in Zaporizhzhia. This was reported by the head of the Zaporizhzhya RMA Ivan Fedorov, reports UNN.
Explosions in Zaporizhzhya region
– said the head of the RMA.
Recall
Earlier, it was reported that in one of the settlements of Zaporizhzhia region, an explosive wave destroyed several floors and the entrance of a multi-storey building.
Blast wave destroys several floors of a high-rise building in Zaporizhzhia – FedorovNov 12 2024, 08:21 PM • 10211 views
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will head the Russian delegation to the Group of Twenty (G20) summit instead of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian state news agency TASS reported on Nov. 12, citing Russian Ambassador Marat Berdyev.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2023 issued a warrant for Putin's arrest due to his role in the deportation of Ukrainian children. Brazil is a party to the ICC's Rome Statute and, therefore, is required to detain Putin if he enters the country.
Brazil previously issued a standard invitation to Putin for the summit, which will convene heads of state of G20 nations in Rio de Janeiro Nov. 18-19.
In October, Putin said he would not attend the Rio de Janeiro summit, claiming he did not want to "disrupt the normal work of the forum."
Lavrov has repeatedly represented Putin at events involving world leaders, including sessions of the U.N. General Assembly and last year's G20 summit in India.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said in September 2023 that the decision to detain Putin at the G20 would be left to his country's judiciary.
Putin visited Mongolia, an ICC member state, in September of this year, his first such visit since his arrest warrant was made public. Despite Mongolia's obligation under international law to arrest Putin, the Russian president received a warm welcome in Ulaanbaatar.
Ukrainian lawmakers described Putin's Mongolia visit as "a well-planned provocation" meant to show his indifference to the rule of law.
The Pentagon announced the availability of another $7.1 billion for military support to Ukraine under USAI. The funds include $4.3 billion for 2024 and $2.8 billion in refunds.
The United States has $7.1 billion left for military support to Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This was announced by the Pentagon spokesman at a briefing, UNN reports.
Details
According to a Pentagon spokesman, these funds include $4.3 billion for fiscal year 2024 and $2.8 billion in returned funds, of which $2.21 billion remain in the United States.
The Pentagon spokesman emphasized that the United States will continue to actively assist Ukraine, using these resources to provide the necessary means to deter Russian aggression.
In addition, another $2.2 billion is available under the USAI program, which will also help strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.
US arms support for Ukraine will continue – PentagonFeb 16 2024, 02:49 AM • 47059 views
Over the past week, Russia had been gathering forces in what appears to be preparations for a decisive push in the country's Kursk Oblast.
"The situation is changing every day. Not long ago, we were on the offensive, and now we are on the defensive," a 35-year-old artilleryman with the callsign Spys, fighting in the area, told the Kyiv Independent.
In light of the recent advances of Russian troops in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv oblasts, the country now faces a new challenge: defending the positions gained in the August cross-border offensive.
Ukrainian soldiers are holding off nearly 50,000 troops in Russia's embattled Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Nov. 11.
Spared from decreasing the number of personnel conducting assaults in Ukraine's east and beefed up by over 10,000 soldiers from North Korea, Russia is likely to attempt to launch a major offensive from the north, potentially not stopping at the now nonexistent border.
Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported in early October that Russia had transferred around 50,000 soldiers from the front to Kursk Oblast. In early November, Ukrainian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the New York Times (NYT) that an assault involving these soldiers would take place "very soon."
The Russian grouping in Kursk Oblast consists of marine brigades, including the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet and the 810th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, an airborne division, special forces battalion units, and a number of assault battalions, according to Vadym Mysnyk, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Operational Tactical Group Siversk.
Experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent noted that Russia had also deployed troops from the Leningrad Military District, stationed near St. Petersburg, and even formed some infantry units from military personnel who had previously maintained Russian airfields.
"The Ukrainian military was able to gain advantageous heights in Kursk Oblast and thus lured Russian reserves," Ukrainian military expert Dmytro Zhmailo told the Kyiv Independent.
A visualization of Russian advances around Kursk Oblast over autumn 2024. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)
"If we had not done this, 50,000 troops would have definitely replenished the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and other priority directions for the Russians, and then the (Russian) advance in the east (of Ukraine) would have been more painful," Zhmailo added.
Although the Kursk operation has been ongoing for several months, the Russian military involved in the area is still coordinating and forming combat units.
As of early November, about 11,000 North Korean soldiers were already in Kursk Oblast. According to a report by the New York Times, North Korean troops would be fighting as light infantry, vulnerable to Ukrainian artillery and drone attacks, without the assistance of armored vehicles.
Zhmailo agreed with the following assessment, adding that the number of North Korean soldiers transferred to Kursk Oblast will not significantly affect the course of the battle, given the recent Russian losses.
He added that it is difficult to determine how effective North Korean troops are as there have been very few military clashes. Another Ukrainian defense expert, Andrii Kharuk, echoes Zhmailo's stance, mentioning that North Korean troops have not been involved in wars since 1953.
The deployment of North Korean soldiers as light infantry is the most rational in terms of tactics, Kharuk added.
"During the Korean War in 1950-1953, North Korean troops acted in small groups, using the tactic of 'infiltration' (between the opponent's military units) and consolidation of assault operations. This is a traditional tactic for them," Kharuk said.
Among the challenges faced by North Korean soldiers, Kharuk mentioned the language barrier and that the North Korean army mainly fought in mountainous terrain. In Kursk Oblast, it faces a gently undulating plain.
Yet, the expert emphasized that in any case, 50,000 personnel in this area is a "rather large number."
"These are actually Russian losses of a month or a month and a half. It will take us a month and a half to knock out this number of troops ," Kharuk said.
"Their accumulation in Kursk Oblast is a positive thing. On the other hand, we cannot say for sure how many Ukrainian troops are involved in deterring Russian and North Korean troops."
Open road to Sumy
The Ukrainian command hasn't provided updates on the state affairs for Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast. Officials also do not disclose which units are fighting in this area.
DeepState, a Ukrainian crowdsourced monitoring website, reported late on Oct. 10 that Russia managed to push through the left flank of Ukraine's salient in Kursk Oblast.
"The enemy is now trying to establish a foothold near the settlements of Novoivanovka and Zeleny Shliakh," DeepState reported on Telegram. The two settlements lie some 15 kilometers from the Ukrainian-held town of Sudzha and around 10 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border.
Parallel messages also appeared on Russian pro-war channels. The well-known Rybar channel wrote that Russian forces launched several attacks in the Korenevsky and Sudzhansky districts, in which Ukraine established its foothold.
"I suspect both sides are taking significant losses in Kursk Oblast, with the Russians likely suffering considerably higher losses given that they are on the offensive," John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the Kyiv Independent.
"Ukraine's casualty rate may start to rise as trees shed their leaves, providing less concealment from Russian reconnaissance drones and exposing Ukrainian troops to greater threats from Russian artillery, glide bombs, and so on."
Ukraine continues to maintain its positions on Russian territory not only from a strategic point of view but also from a geopolitical one, experts interviewed by the Kyiv Independent said.
"Withdrawing Ukrainian units from Kursk Oblast could help in the east (of Ukraine), though it would also mean sacrificing a potential bargaining chip in peace talks. However, stabilizing its lines in the east is also critical for Ukraine's negotiating position, and I doubt Moscow will be willing to begin negotiations until it has retaken all the territory in Kursk (Oblast)," Hardie said.
While Ukraine continues to retain Russian territories in Kursk Oblast, Russia keeps advancing at an increased pace deeper into Donetsk Oblast and beyond. In August and September, Moscow seized 5.5 times more Ukrainian territory than in all of 2023, according to the Ua War Infographics project.
Kharuk called the potential loss of positions in Kursk Oblast in favor of reinforcing troops in other parts of the front "insignificant" for Ukraine from a psychological point of view, as it is Russian territory.
At the same time, experts agree that Ukraine can hold Russian territories at least until early 2025.
Zhmailo said that Russian troops would most likely advance into northern Sumy Oblast if they breach Ukrainian defenses in the neighboring Kursk Oblast.
Ukraine's operation in Russia's Kursk Oblast has helped prevent the occupation of Sumy Oblast and its regional center, the city of Sumy, Zelensky said on a number of occasions since the start of the offensive in early August.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election has cast a shadow over further American assistance to Ukraine. The Republican candidate has repeatedly made controversial statements about the war and the Ukrainian government, including Zelensky.
"No country in the world, except for the U.S. and China, can stand up to Russia's military on its own. So, unfortunately, we are dependent on our partners here," Zmailo added, speaking about further Ukrainian operations on Russian soil.
While the debate over future military aid for Ukraine rages on, the Ukrainian military still holds the front in Kursk Oblast. The artilleryman with the call sign Spys, who has been fighting in the Kursk sector since August, said that things are still "more or less stable."
"Russian troops are bombarding us with glide bombs. One road leading to this (Kursk) direction is constantly monitored by Russian FPV (first-person-view) drones. This road is dotted with broken equipment. And we can't do anything about it — the territory is small, and drones can be launched from any direction," Spys told the Kyiv Independent.
"It is hard to say what will happen next. Our positions are being attacked regularly, but the contact line has not changed significantly so far."
The President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Canada to discuss support for the Victory Plan and NATO membership. The leaders also agreed on positions ahead of the G20 summit and discussed defense cooperation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UNN reports with reference to the OP.
The Head of State thanked Canada for its comprehensive assistance and principled support of the Victory Plan.
"Ukraine expects Canada to continue to actively advocate for its first point – an invitation to NATO. Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Justin Trudeau to continue working with the allies in future multilateral formats and in direct negotiations," the statement said.
Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau discuss countering Russian disinformationSep 25 2024, 03:24 AM • 102403 views
The President also thanked Canada for its public support of allowing the use of long-range weapons against military targets in Russia.
In addition, the leaders coordinated steps ahead of the G20 meeting. It is important that Ukraine's position on a just and lasting peace be voiced there.
The parties also discussed the continuation of defense cooperation, in particular, agreed on the current needs of Ukrainian soldiers.
Zelenskiy asks Trudeau to lobby for authorization to strike russia – ReutersSep 4 2024, 12:54 AM • 144397 views
Republican 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 on Nov. 5 in a race where he beat Vice President Kamal Harris as the Democratic nominee, has repeatedly promised to end the war "in 24 hours.”
Though Trump hasn't yet elaborated on his plan, it is expected to involve Ukraine ceding land to Russia or agreeing to a ceasefire and freeze of front-line positions, with Russia holding on to some 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.
If appointed, Rubio would be the U.S.' top diplomat, at the forefront of any peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Who is Marco Rubio?
Rubio, 53, is a Republican senator from Florida. The son of Cuban immigrants, he would be the first Latino U.S. secretary of state.
How important is Trump’s choice of secretary of state for Ukraine?
Very. The Secretary of State job is the U.S.' top diplomatic position, and the person in this role is responsible for "carrying out the president's foreign policy decisions and advising the president on issues of international concern," according to the National Museum of American Diplomacy.
Rubio stands to replace Antony Blinken, who, in the administration of outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, has played a leading role in U.S.-Ukraine relations throughout Russia's full-scale invasion launched in early 2022.
It was Blinken, along with his British counterpart David Lammy, who in September first received President Volodymyr Zelensky's detailed account of why Ukraine needs permission to strike targets deep inside Russia using Western missiles.
Blinken has made numerous important announcements regarding Ukraine, including humanitarian assistance from the U.S., the provision of air defenses, and F-16 fighter jets. He has also made numerous trips to Kyiv during Russia’s full-blown war against Ukraine.
While on the job, Blinken has been largely supportive of Ukraine and providing Kyiv with what is needed to continue its ability to fight back against Russia's invasion. Judging by his recent comments, Rubio is expected to take a more nuanced position that is tweaked to Trump’s stance.
Marco Rubio walks off the stage before the arrival of Donald Trump at the Miami-Dade Country Fair and Exposition on November 6, 2022 in Miami, Florida (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
What has Rubio said about Ukraine?
Rubio's public statements on Ukraine appear to be very much in line with Trump's broad plans for the war — a swift end to it.
On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly said he could end Russia's war within 24 hours if elected president, without elaborating on how he plans to achieve it.
Rubio's statements and actions have been very much geared towards negotiation and an end to the war rather than giving Ukraine what it needs to evict Russian forces from its territory.
Rubio was among the 15 Republican lawmakers in the Senate who voted against the $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which eventually passed in April 2024. Its delay severely hampered Ukraine's fight against Russian forces.
"I think the Ukrainians have been incredibly brave and strong in standing up to Russia," Rubio said on Nov. 6.
"But at the end of the day, what we are funding here is a stalemate war, and it needs to be brought to a conclusion, or that country is going to be set back 100 years."
In September, he insisted he was "not on Russia’s side" but that the "reality of it is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement."
"I would be comfortable with a deal that ends these hostilities and that I think is favorable to Ukraine, meaning that they have their own sovereignty, that they don’t become a satellite state or a puppet state that is constantly held hostage by the Russians. I’m not going to prejudge any agreement."
It's too early to say what sort of peace deal Trump's new administration will pursue and be able to forge, but some reports in recent months have provided clues.
The latest report came last month when the Financial Times, citing its sources close to Trump's team, reported that he planned to freeze the war.
According to the paper, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, in September outlined the idea of freezing the war by establishing autonomous regions on both sides of the demilitarized zone and leaving Ukraine outside the NATO military alliance.
According to one of Trump's longtime advisors, the new plan would rethink the failed Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015, which were never implemented.
The agreements contained a plan that would create temporarily autonomous zones in Russian-occupied parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts which would later be fully reintegrated with the rest of Ukraine. Occupied Crimea was not mentioned in the Minsk agreements.
In July, Politico reported that Trump was reportedly considering the possibility of making a deal with Russia to block the future NATO accession of certain countries, namely Ukraine and Georgia.
One of the sources told Politico that Trump "would be open to something foreclosing NATO expansion and not going back to the 1991 borders for Ukraine."
What will Ukraine think of Rubio's stance?
Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials have pushed back against the notion of any sort of ceasefire that would cement Russia's battlefield gains.
“When (Putin) gains strength, he might issue an ultimatum – to recognize all occupied territories, to stay out of NATO, to forget about European integration,” Zelensky said in June."
And there will be many such conditions, depending on how strong (Putin) is at that moment. Therefore, a ceasefire is a trap,” Zelensky added.
US Secretary of State Blinken travels to Brussels to coordinate further support for Ukraine with NATO and EU partners. The visit takes place against the backdrop of Trump's election victory and North Korean troops' participation in the war on the side of Russia.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is heading to Brussels on Tuesday. In the last weeks of US President Joe Biden's tenure, Washington is looking for ways to "increase" military assistance to Ukraine, UNN reports citing Voice of America.
Details
According to the publication, after Brussels, Blinken will travel to Lima, Peru, for a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and then travel to Brazil to attend the G20 summit of the 20 largest economies. He will join Biden in Peru and Brazil.
President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold one-on-one talks on Saturday on the sidelines of the APEC summit. The meeting is expected to last about an hour and a half. This was reported to Voice of America by informed persons on condition of anonymity.
On Wednesday, Blinken will participate in talks with NATO and European Union counterparts to coordinate further support for Ukraine, and President Biden will meet with President-elect Donald Trump at the White House.
The officials said Biden will ask Trump to "stay the course" on Ukraine. North Korea's direct support for Russia's war in Ukraine is expected to be a central topic of Blinken's discussions with European counterparts and likely to be on the agenda for talks between US officials and their APEC counterparts.
Ukraine reports that North Korean troops are actively participating in hostilities in Russia's Kursk region, prompting condemnation from a number of European countries of the increased military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Add
Meanwhile, Russia continues to shell Ukraine, and the country's supreme military commander said that tens of thousands of Russian troops are ready to attack in Russia's Kursk region, part of which Ukraine seized in August.
Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told Voice of America that Trump may try to "bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine," as he made this promise during his election campaign.
At the same time, Kupchan noted: "It will not be as easy as he promised… It will take a lot of time for Zelenskyy and Putin's positions to converge," as the conflict has been going on for more than two and a half years.
After the U.S. presidential election, the State Department said that Blinken had been in contact with his European counterparts.
Among them were French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Officials say the talks focused on the situation in Ukraine, as well as the consequences and threats associated with Russia's decision to send North Korean troops to fight against Ukraine.
Blinken's meetings in Brussels preceded European leaders' talks in Budapest last week, where they discussed transatlantic relations, support for Ukraine, and other pressing issues in light of Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election last week.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister heads to Brussels for important talks with the EU and NATONov 12 2024, 01:36 PM • 14964 views
A Ukrainian drone struck an oil depot in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast igniting one silo, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on his Telegram channel on Nov. 12.
"Ten fire crews worked at the scene and quickly extinguished the fire," Gladkov said, adding there were no reports of casualties.
The oil depot is located near the city of Stary Oskol, he added.
In recent months, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry, whose profits fuel Moscow's war efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's concerted campaign to get permission to use Western-supplied weapons like the U.S-made ATACMs and the U.K's Storm Shadows to strike deep inside Russia has, to date, failed.
However, drones can potentially have an outsized impact when they hit highly flammable and less protected targets, such as ethanol distilleries or fuel depots.
Ukraine in September established the Unmanned Systems Forces, a separate branch of Ukraine's Armed Forces dedicated to drone warfare.
Kyiv said it aims to produce 1 million drones this year, in addition to the thousands pledged by foreign partners.
The Kyiv IndependentDinara Khalilova
