Category: War in Ukraine

A drone strike damaged a factory on Nov. 17 in the Russian city of Izhevsk, more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the Ukrainian border, according to Alexander Brechalov, head of Russia's Udmurt Republic.

The factory produces air defense systems, radars, and other equipment for the Russian military, said Andrii Kovalenko, the head of the counter-disinformation department at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

"Uknown drones attacked the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol in Russia. There, Russia produces the Tor air defense systems, as well as radars and other components," Kovalenko wrote on his Telegram channel.

Brechalov reported an explosion and a "drone crash" at an unnamed "factory workshop" on the city's Lenina Street. One person was injured, and the crash damaged the facility's windows, the official claimed, adding that there "was no serious damage."

Citing local residents, the Russian Telegram channel Astra also reported that the 300th production unit of the Kupol defense plant, standing at the intersection of Lenina and 40 Let Pobedy streets, was targeted.

The claims could not be independently verified. Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) says it cannot provide any information at the moment in response to the Kyiv Independent's request for comment.

Izhevsk is the regional center of the Udmurt Republic, lying in central Russia west of the Ural Mountains. This would mark the first drone attack against the region during the entire war.

Throughout the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has carried out a number of long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory, primarily targeting the country's oil and defense industries.

Ukraine expands long-range drone strikes target list, alcohol now on the menuUkraine faces a tricky dilemma as winter approaches. How can it disrupt an expected mass Russian missile campaign targeting the country’s infrastructure while simultaneously being barred from using Western-supplied weapons to strike deep inside Russia? Despite being limited to the use of long-ra…The Kyiv IndependentChris York

Servicewoman Natalia Grabarchuk successfully destroyed a Russian cruise missile from the Igla man-portable air defense system. It was her first combat launch after 5 months of training at the training center.

On the morning of November 17, soldier Natalia Grabarchuk, who in civilian life was a kindergarten teacher, destroyed a cruise missile from an Igla MANPADS during a massive Russian attack.

This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, UNN reports.

Details

It was her first combat launch, and her first hit. Natalia completed a 5-month training course at the training center, mastered various types of portable air defense systems

– the message says.

Natalia herself said that when the enemy missile appeared in front of her, she rejected all emotions and excitement.

I made hundreds of training launches on simulators. And then – the first combat launch and hit the target. The man-portable air defense system weighs about 18 kilograms, and the responsibility is also a burden. I am very glad that I managed to do it. After the combat work, I let my emotions run wild. Our mobile firing team includes female soldiers. We make every effort to achieve the result, give our all

– the woman said.

The Air Force said that Natalia Hrabarchuk was a preschool teacher in civilian life. Since 2021, she has been an anti-aircraft gunner of the anti-aircraft missile unit of the Galician-Volyn Radio Technical Brigade of the West Air Command.

The footage shows a woman on the roof of a building “guiding” an enemy target, and then firing an IGLA MANPADS that hits the enemy target.

Gotcha. I got you, Natasha, I got you

– a voiceover is heard.

Recall

Russia fired about 120 missiles and 90 drones of various types at Ukraine. Air defense destroyed more than 140 targets, but there was damage to energy infrastructure and deaths.

Ukraine's international partners have denounced Russia's most recent mass aerial strike launched against the country on Nov. 17.

"As we approach 1000 days since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia shows it has no intention of ceasing its aggression," said Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp.

Russia launched 120 missiles and 90 drones against Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure and residential areas across the country in what became one of the largest attacks during the war.

"The Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine in every way: politically, militarily, financially, and morally," Veldkamp said on X.

"Norway condemns this illegal war and continues to #StandWithUkraine, providing arms and support against Russia’s aggression," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in the wake of the attack.

According to U.S. Ambassador to Kyiv Bridget A. Brink, the attack underscores how "Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine threatens the security of all of Europe."

Moldova's recently re-elected president, Maia Sandu, joined the condemnations, saying, "Weaponizing winter to freeze a nation into submission is cruel and unacceptable. Moldova stands with Ukraine."

Ukraine's neighbor Moldova has felt the effect of Russian attacks more directly, with missile and drone wreckage being discovered on Moldovan territory on several occasions.

Russia's latest barrage of missile strikes marks the first mass missile attack on Kyiv in over 2 months, with Russia instead utilizing more frequent drone strikes in recent months to attack the capital.

Moscow targeted "power generation and transmission facilities throughout Ukraine," according to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

"The transmission system operator has urgently introduced emergency shutdowns," Halushchenko said. Officials have been warning that Russia may resume strikes on the energy grid as temperatures drop, mirroring the strategy used in the spring and summer of this year and in the autumn-winter season of 2022-2023.

Russia launches one of the largest aerial strikes on Ukraine, targets energy gridRussia targeted “power generation and transmission facilities throughout Ukraine,” according to Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.The Kyiv IndependentDmytro Basmat

As a result of Russia's morning attack in Odesa region, critical infrastructure has been disrupted. We have deployed 445 stabilization points in the region, and 300 more are ready to go.

The head of the Odesa regional state administration, Oleh Kiper, spoke about the consequences of the morning Russian attack on Odesa, UNN reports .

Details

He clarified that the situation is complicated.

Many places in the region have no heat, electricity or water supply. All services are involved to restore water supply and heat to homes and critical infrastructure within a few hours. As for electricity, we are currently working with all services to restore it as soon as possible

– He says.

Kiper added that 445 points of invincibility have been deployed so far.

More than 300 more have been prepared. We will analyze the situation in the region and after 2 p.m. I will report on the current state of affairs

– He clarified.

Kiper also expressed his condolences to the families of those killed in the morning attack in Odesa.

"We are still clearing the rubble, and the data is being clarified. I will provide you with the exact information later," he added.

Recall

UNN reported that as a result of the Russian attack on Odesa region, two people were killed and a 17-year-old boy was wounded. Seven houses were damaged in the region, and there were problems with communications, which are gradually being restored.

Rescuers remove a part of a Russian missile from a residential building in Kyiv's Pechersk districtNov 17 2024, 11:19 AM • 6452 views

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Lima on Nov. 16 to discuss a "range of bilateral, regional, and global issues," the White House said.

Biden met the Chinese leader on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, marking his last meeting with Xi before leaving office in January 2025.

"President Biden condemned the deployment of thousands of (North Korean) troops to Russia, a dangerous expansion of Russia’s unlawful war against Ukraine with serious consequences for both European and Indo-Pacific peace and security," the White House statement read.

Pyongyang has deployed around 11,000 troops to reinforce Moscow's troops in Russia's Kursk Oblast, in addition to already provided artillery and missiles.

China, a close partner to both Russia and North Korea, has claimed it had no knowledge of the troop transfer, though some experts disputed this statement.

Biden also "expressed deep concern over (China's) continued support for Russia’s defense industrial base." While claiming neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, China has become Russia's leading source of dual-use goods, helping to sustain the Russian defense industry amid the invasion.

The German media outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) recently reported that the EU obtained evidence that this support has expanded to "lethal aid," specifically the production of attack drones.

During the meeting, Xi claimed that China's position regarding the war has "always been fair and square," the Xinhua state news agency reported. The Chinese president also said his country would "not allow conflict and turmoil to happen on the Korean Peninsula" and that Beijing would "not sit idly by" while its strategic interests are endangered, Xinhua wrote.

Biden is concluding his term before the inauguration of his political rival and former president, Donald Trump, whose return to the White House may significantly impact Russia's war in Ukraine and security worldwide.

China was well aware of North Korean troop deployment ahead of time, expert saysBeijing was fast at claiming that it had no knowledge of Russia’s deepening partnership with North Korea. The U.S. had jumped on the opportunity, hoping to pressure China to dissuade North Korea from taking an active part in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Observers, however, are skeptical about Chi…The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek

The President of Moldova condemned Russia's large-scale air strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Russia fired about 120 missiles and 90 drones, and its air defense system destroyed more than 140 targets.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu, in her post on the X network, also noted that using winter cold as a weapon to force the nation to submit is cruel.

UNN writes with a link to the page of the Moldovan leader on the X platform (Twitter).

I strongly condemn Russia's massive air strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Using winter as a weapon to freeze a nation into submission is cruel and unacceptable.

,” the post reads.

Maia Sandu also emphasized that Moldova stands by Ukraine.

Recall

Russia has fired about 120 missiles and 90 drones of various types at Ukraine . Air defense destroyed more than 140 targets, but there was damage to energy infrastructure and casualties.

Russia has lost 720,880 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Nov. 15.

This number includes 1,640 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

According to the report, Russia has also lost 9,350 tanks, 19,021 armored fighting vehicles, 29,321 vehicles and fuel tanks, 20,556 artillery systems, 1,252 multiple launch rocket systems, 999 air defense systems, 369 airplanes, 329 helicopters, 18,974 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.

Russia launches large-scale missile, drone attack on Ukraine, fire, casualties reported in KyivRussia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine overnight on Nov. 17. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said that as a result of falling drone debris, an apartment on the fourth floor of a five-story residential building caught fire in the Pechersk neighborhood of the city, injuring two people.The Kyiv IndependentDmytro Basmat

During the night attack, russia shelled DTEK's thermal power plants, seriously damaging equipment. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, DTEK's facilities have been attacked more than 190 times.

DTEK reported that during the night attack, russia shelled the company's thermal power plants. The equipment was seriously damaged. UNN reports with reference to DTEK's statement.

Details

It is reported that DTEK thermal power plants were attacked during a massive terrorist attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure by the enemy.

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties.

However, the attacks severely damaged the stations' equipment. After the shelling ended, the company's employees promptly began to repair the damage and restore the equipment.

DTEK added that this is the eighth massive attack on the company's energy facilities this year. In total, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, DTEK's thermal power plants have been shelled more than 190 times.

Recall

russia launched a massive attack on electricity generation and transmission facilities across Ukraine. The transmission system operator has introduced emergency shutdowns, and rescuers and power engineers are working to eliminate the consequences.

Weather may have limited impact on the situation in the power system, the main threat is shelling – GalushchenkoNov 17 2024, 07:14 AM • 20303 views

Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

At least one person was killed and six injured, including two children, in the city of Mykolaiv amid Russia’s mass drone and missile attack, regional governor Vitalii Kim reported on Nov. 17.

The attack damaged several private residences, a multi-story building, cars, a shopping center, and an infrastructure facility, according to the governor.

Multiple loud explosions were also reported in the capital Kyiv between 6:30 and 7:15 a.m. local time, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitshko said that as a result of falling drone debris, an apartment on the fourth floor of five-story residential building caught fire in the Pechersk neighborhood of the city. One person was hospitalized as a result of the attack, while one other person received medical treatment on-site.

Further explosions were also heard in the cities of Kropyvnytskyi, Rivne, Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy, Dnipro, Vinnytsia, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, and Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

Multiple cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles were reportedly launched from the Black Sea, as well as Russia's Astrakhan Oblast and Krasnodar Krai, toward multiple regions.

Russia launches large-scale missile, drone attack on Ukraine, fire, casualties reported in KyivRussia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine overnight on Nov. 17.The Kyiv IndependentDmytro Basmat

Russian troops attacked Mykolaiv with drones at around 04:40, hitting a residential sector. The strike killed a woman and injured six people, including two children.

On the night of November 17, a series of explosions were heard in Mykolaiv, and the city was attacked by attack drones. Residential buildings were damaged, and one person was killed. This was reported by Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych, UNN reports.

So far, we know about six victims. Unfortunately, one person has died. Our condolences to the family and friends,

– the statement said.

It is noted that there is damage in the residential sector. I will give more precise information about the damage later.

Recall

On the morning of November 17, Russian forces launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.