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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a logistics center following a drone attack in Kyiv Oblast on Nov. 5, 2026. Drones struck logistics infrastructure in the Bucha district, triggering a large fire. One person was injured in the attack. (Danylo Antoniuk/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ukraine needs to consolidate ‘bipartisan support’ in US following midterm elections, Zelensky says. With Democrats set to control the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives come 2027, Zelensky said Ukraine now has “increased chances” of securing additional aid.
Ukraine, Russia share stage at Melania Trump’s event, only Kyiv calls for more Oleshky-style missions. “We would like you to keep going and find new missions and de-escalate as much as possible,” David Arakhamia, the head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s parliamentary group, told the first lady. “Your mission is above politics.”
Water supply disruptions return in Kyiv, metro service temporarily suspended due to power fluctuations. Kyivvodokanal, the municipal utility responsible for water supply and wastewater services in Kyiv and the surrounding region, said at around 1:30 p.m. local time that power outages at its facilities had disrupted water supplies across all districts of the capital.
Police, SBU identify 130 people potentially involved in clashes near National Guard facility in Kyiv Oblast. Of the 130 people identified, 27 allegedly “took an active part in unlawful actions,” while another 24 “acted aggressively, incited others, and deliberately provoked confrontations” with police and National Guard personnel, according to the National Police.
Pro-Russian Latvian moves to Russia, gets forcibly conscripted into the Russian army. While in pre-trial detention, Sergei Mulivanov signed a military contract and was subsequently sent to participate in the Russian invasion he had previously vocally supported.
Spain to provide Ukraine $490 million in military aid, Zelensky says. Attending the 30th Ibero-American Summit, Zelensky said the funds will help bolster Ukrainian air defenses as Russian strikes pummel Ukrainian transportation and energy infrastructure.
Read our exclusives
100 days in, what changed for Ukraine’s soldiers under Commander-in-Chief Drapatyi?
Since Drapatyi’s appointment, the front line has become a bright spot for Ukraine’s war effort, at a time when Russian total war against the country’s economy and infrastructure has escalated, and relations with Washington have worsened.
Photo: Ukrainian Defense Ministry
Russian strikes on Ukraine’s drug supply chain leave pharmacy shelves empty
As Russia escalated its strikes on businesses in Ukraine, Ukrainians with chronic illnesses took to social media to ask people in other cities less affected by the attacks to buy medicine that had run out at their local pharmacies.
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Photo: Volodymyr Tarasov/Ukrinform/NurPhoto_
Exclusive: Trump envoy’s push to reopen Lithuanian ports to Belarus exposes rift in Washington
The Trump administration’s push to reopen Lithuanian ports to Belarusian potash exports is being driven by U.S. envoy John Coale and does not reflect a broader policy shift in Washington, multiple U.S. and European officials told the Kyiv Independent.
Photo: Yauhen Yerchak/Anadolu via Getty Images
At Republican watch parties, some blame midterms on Trump’s unkept promises — including Ukraine
Democratic gains in the midterm elections have raised questions about the Republican Party’s continued loyalty to the MAGA movement and its founding figure — a president who has steered the party at full speed into uncharted waters.
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Photo: Tom Brenner / Getty Images_
Human costs of war
Ukrainian woman dies in illegal Russian detention in Crimea. Oleksandra Kazarovytska, who was 44 years old, had returned to occupied Sevastopol to help her parents sell their apartment, according to the statement of the Kharkiv language school where she served as director of studies.
Russian attacks kill 9, injure 19 across Ukraine over past day, as casualty toll from Russian strikes in Kherson Oblast rises following end of ceasefire. Beyond Kherson Oblast, Russian forces launched two guided missiles from the Black Sea and 128 long-range attack drones at Ukraine overnight on Nov. 5, including 65 jet-powered drones, the Air Force said.
Death toll of Russian strike on Komyshuvakha rises to 43 as search continues. With the final death toll yet to be officially established, the strike on the front-line village is already one of the deadliest single Russian attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion four and a half years ago.
Opinions and insights
The US blue wave is not blue and yellow — yet
“A sober assessment of the situation suggests that Ukraine will not be at the top of the agenda for Congress come Jan. 3rd, but there is much Democrats can do that can greatly help Ukraine — if they seize the moment and take up the cause,” writes Nana Gongadze, former director of congressional advocacy communications at Razom.
Photo: Tom Brenner / Getty Images
International response
EU disburses over 4 billion euros in budget support to Ukraine. The EU’s Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis described the payment as “an investment in Ukraine’s recovery, security and prosperity, and in its future as a member of the European Union.”
Meloni warns of need for dedicated EU envoy to avoid ‘condemning Europe to irrelevance’ in peace talks. “I am convinced that we all realize how, by giving the image of a Europe that is proceeding in disarray, we are doing nothing but serving the interests of those who want this war to continue. And I think it is unacceptable, given that human lives and the future of our security are at stake,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned.
Fico downplays prospect of Slovakia hosting peace talks during Lviv visit. Fico’s latest comments seemingly downplay the suggestion made by his foreign minister, Juraj Blanar, who proposed Bratislava as a venue for preparatory peace talks after his visit to Moscow last week.
Poland detains 6 suspects working for Russian intelligence, Polish official says. The detainees include five Polish nationals aged between 25 and 52 and a 37-year-old Russian woman, according to Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland’s minister-coordinator of special services.
Ukrainian, Azerbaijani ministers meet in Uzhhorod for energy talks. “Our countries are united by a shared strategic vision for the region’s future — one in which reliable energy routes, modern infrastructure, a strong industrial sector, and successful businesses can be developed,” Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
Canadian service member faces court-martial for sharing sensitive information with Ukraine. Master Warrant Officer Matthew Robar of the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command is charged with passing operational information to Ukraine and will face a court-martial hearing in December.
In other news
Ukraine’s anti-corruption court orders probe into prominent Zelensky ally. When asked about the corruption allegations, David Arakhamia, head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s parliamentary faction, told the Kyiv Independent that he “hadn’t had time to look into the matter.”
Senior Ukrainian law enforcement officials charged in sprawling scam call centers case. According to Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, the group was also involved in torture-for-hire, kidnappings, extortion of millions of dollars, and other crimes.
Thinking about investing in Ukraine and looking for practical insights?
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These guides offer clear advice on how to invest in Ukraine by covering key sectors and business opportunities and breaking down topics like capital controls, financing limits, foreign investment, and war-related risk management.
No series of business guides can ever be comprehensive, so think of these as a useful roadmap for starting your journey when investing in Ukraine.
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