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Articles by Katherina Popilnichenko
Germany Bans Chinese Drones and Cars From Military Bases Over Spying Fears
Germany’s armed forces have barred small commercial drones made in China from military barracks and training grounds and restricted Chinese-built vehicles from entering military facilities over espionage concerns. The German Defense Ministry, led by Boris Pistorius, confirmed the decision. Officials stated that existing Chinese equipment will be phased out and replaced with German or European alternatives, Der Spiegel reported. We bring you stories from the ground.
Russia Doesn’t Hold Nearly All of Donetsk, Sybiha Says as Ukraine Awaits Reply on Ceasefire Proposals
Ukraine still controls roughly 20% of the Donetsk region, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, rejecting Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s claim that Kyiv holds only 10%. Sybiha also confirmed that Ukraine has submitted specific ceasefire proposals to international partners and is awaiting a response from Moscow, RBC-Ukraine reported. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Netherlands Gives Ukraine €23 Million to Buy Extra Gas for Winter Peaks
Category World Naftogaz Group signed a grant agreement with the EBRD. (Photo: Sergii Fedorenko/Facebook) Ukraine’s Naftogaz Group has completed a financial agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) that secures a €23 million ($24.8 million) grant from the Dutch government to purchase extra natural gas during periods of peak winter demand.
Ukraine to Share Counter-Drone Tech With Poland in Exchange for Two MiG-29s
Ukraine has agreed to share its drone countermeasure technology with Poland to strengthen defenses against aerial threats, according to Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk told RMF24.
South Korea Plans $100 Million Package for Ukraine Support
The South Korean government has included $100 million in aid for Ukraine in its draft state budget for 2027. The funding plan comes amid ongoing diplomatic issues between the two nations. According to the South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo, citing Seong Suk-joo, chairman of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, as well as diplomatic sources, the proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We bring you stories from the ground.
EU-Sanctioned Russian Bank Ran Contest With Web Summit Lisbon Trips as Prize
According to an internal editorial dossier, details have emerged regarding a competition organized by the Russian entity Skolkovo Foundation alongside T-Bank to send Russian citizens to the Web Summit event in Lisbon, scheduled for November 8–13.
US Envoys Plan Visits to Kyiv and Moscow Following High-Stakes Abu Dhabi Talks
White House Special Representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may travel to Moscow and Kyiv following their scheduled meetings in Abu Dhabi, according to Axios. The negotiators plan to hold direct discussions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their potential visits. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukrainian Tech Team Develops Pocket Weather Station to Help Turrets Hit FPV Drones
Ukrainian engineers are developing Strilets Core, a portable weather station with a built-in offline ballistic computer designed to help long-range snipers and automated weapon systems hit their targets. The technology aims to provide real-time targeting adjustments for turrets and unmanned ground vehicles tasked with intercepting incoming FPV drones, as reported by Militarnyi. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukraine Secures First-Ever Medal in Girls’ Boxing at Youth Olympic Games
Ukrainian boxer Yevanhelina Petruk. (Source: NOC of Ukraine) Ukrainian boxer Yevanhelina Petruk reached the girls’ 57kg semifinal at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, on November 9, guaranteeing Ukraine at least a bronze medal. This victory gives Ukraine its first-ever medal in girls' boxing in the history of the Youth Olympic Games, according to the Boxing Federation of Ukraine. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
China Calls for Binding Ukraine Peace Deal Ahead of Abu Dhabi Talks
China called on November 9 for a binding agreement to end Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, telling the UN Security Council it supports the talks scheduled for November 10–11 in Abu Dhabi. China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, stated that the current moment represents a critical stage for resolving the situation through negotiations, expressing hope that the involved parties will maintain positive momentum toward a political settlement.
Drone Kills Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Worker, Second in Under Two Weeks
A drone strike has killed a worker at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on November 9, the second plant employee killed in a drone attack in less than two weeks, the International Atomic Energy Agency said. In a separate incident the same day, a worker at the nearby Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant was also killed, the IAEA said. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Two Russian Soldiers Detained in Armenia After Alleged Group Attack on Ukrainian National
Armenian authorities in Gyumri have detained two Russian servicemen suspected of launching a group assault on a Ukrainian citizen. According to Radio Free Europe, the victim, Dmytro Samuilenko, reported to local police that two Russian military personnel beat him approximately one month ago in the city’s Ani district. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
UK Deploys Cyber Troops Across Europe After Supermarket Freezar Hacks
The UK is deploying military personnel from its Cyber and Electromagnetic Forces overseas to counter cyberattacks targeting refrigeration equipment across European nations. Commander of the Cyber and Electromagnetic Forces at the Ministry of Defense, Mike Fyers, stated that British forces are working to stop threat actors before they target national systems, as reported by The Telegraph. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Russian Military Bloggers and Ministry of Defense Use AI Deepfakes to Claim Uncaptured Towns
Russian military forces are creating artificial intelligence-generated deepfake videos to fake victories on the frontlines and claim control over Ukrainian cities they do not hold, according to analysts and sources close to Russian leader Vladimir Putin cited by the Financial Times. Analysts have identified at least 35 videos from Russian units and military bloggers that appear to have been generated or modified using AI technology. We bring you stories from the ground.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Asks Russia for S-400 Air Defense Systems in Personal Letter
Iran and Russia have held negotiations regarding a potential agreement for Moscow to supply Tehran with long-range S-400 air defense missile systems. According to a report by The Telegraph, Iranian officials hold an “optimistic” view on obtaining these air defense assets, which Tehran has sought to acquire for several years, as stated by a senior Iranian official. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Finland Prepares New Entry Restrictions for Russians, Targeting Athletes
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland will soon prepare proposals to tighten entry restrictions for citizens of Russia, including the ability to deny entry to Russian professional athletes, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told MTV Uutiset. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field. DONATE NOW Finland has restricted entry for Russians since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, specifically refusing to issue tourist visas.
EU Must Be Involved in Any Ukraine Peace Deal, Kallas Says
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized that any eventual settlement to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine cannot be implemented without direct European Union participation.
Norway Steps Up With $53 Million Allocation for Ukraine's Core Public Services
Norway is allocating 500 million Norwegian kroner ($53 million) to Ukraine’s state budget through the World Bank to support the funding of essential public services. The financial package is designed to help maintain basic government operations and guarantee the timely payment of public sector salaries, pensions, and social assistance starting in early 2027, as reported by European Pravda. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Russian Attacks Wipe Out 800,000 Square Meters of Ukrainian Warehouses in Three Months
Firefighters work following a Russian drone strike on a commercial warehouse. (Source: Getty Images) Russian strikes on Ukrainian storage and logistics infrastructure destroyed approximately 800,000 square meters of warehouse space between July and September 2026 alone, according to the October inflation report from the National Bank of Ukraine. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, total warehouse destruction has reached 2.1 million square meters.
Poland Pledges $1.95M for Generators to Help Ukraine Through Winter
Poland will allocate an additional 8 million zlotys ($1.95 million) to purchase power generators for Ukraine, helping the country prepare for the upcoming winter period and strengthen the resilience of its energy sector. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced the new funding following an informal meeting of foreign ministers from the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Warsaw, as reported by Ukrinform. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukraine’s New Drone Scanner Lets Operators Watch Russian FPV Video Feeds in Real Time
DroneSensor Providence radio spectrum scanner. (Photo: December1) Ukrainian defense technology developer December1 has introduced the DroneSensor Providence, a radio-frequency scanner built to detect unmanned aerial vehicle communication channels, intercept real-time video feeds from FPV drones, and feed targeting data directly to electronic warfare units.
Spain to Send Ukraine €437M Military Aid Package, Zelenskyy Says
Spain will provide Ukraine with a new €437 million ($490 million) military aid package, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on November 5 after a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. During their discussion, the two leaders coordinated the details of the defense package to address Ukraine’s most critical defense requirements. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Putin Orders Tighter Control Over Russians’ Finances
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has ordered Rosfinmonitoring, the country’s financial watchdog, to step up scrutiny of suspicious transactions inside Russia, The Moscow Times reported on November 5. He claimed that foreign criminal networks and intelligence agencies pose a threat to the country’s financial stability by using tools such as cryptocurrency and alternative payment systems to conceal underground transfers and involve young people in illegal schemes. We bring you stories from the ground.
Lithuania Approves €42.4M in Social Payments, Including €12.3M for Ukrainian Refugees
The Lithuanian government has approved over €42.4 million ($47.6 million) in borrowed funds for social payments, including €12.3 million ($13.8 million) for Ukrainians who fled Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to Delfi. Under resolutions drafted by the Ministry of Finance, €30.1 million ($33.8 million) will go to the Ministry of Social Security and Labor for November individual assistance compensations. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukraine’s Mangal Net Launcher Catches FPV Drones in 0.2 Seconds, Heads for Mass Production
UGV with the Mangal APS. (Photo: Militarnyi) Ukrainian company Phantom Defense is preparing to mass-produce Mangal, an automated active protection system that detects incoming FPV drones and catches them with nets, Militarnyi reported. The system was showcased during a field trial demonstration, where company representatives detailed testing outcomes, combat performance, and serial manufacturing plans. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Zelenskyy Seeks Andorra’s Help on Abducted Children and Winter Energy Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Madrid with Andorran Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora to discuss joint efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. More than 20,000 children have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred since the full-scale invasion, and 2,790 have been brought home so far.
Slovakia Pledges €1M Aid Package for Generators, Shelters, and Medical Supplies
Slovakia will provide Ukraine with a €1 million ($1.12 million) aid package covering energy assistance, civil protection shelters, and medical equipment, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi. The agreement was reached during joint government consultations in Lviv on November 5, where Koretskyi and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico signed a Declaration on Cooperation. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Putin Hosts Iran’s Security Chief Days Before Abu Dhabi Talks With US and Ukraine
Russian leader Vladimir Putin hosted Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, for a face-to-face meeting at the Kremlin on November 5, as reported by Interfax. The visit follows a phone call between Putin and Rezaei on November 2. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the two “discussed by phone the current situation in the region and the world, with a particular focus on West Asia.” We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukraine Approves Monthly Bonuses for Repair Workers as Russian Strikes Pound Infrastructure
The Ukrainian government has approved additional monthly payments of 30,000 UAH ($720) for specialists repairing energy, housing, utilities, and railway infrastructure following Russian strikes. Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said that the supplemental pay will be provided each month starting in November and continuing through the end of the heating season. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukraine Unveils HRIM LTE Modem to Control Drones Amid Starlink Outages
Ukrainian LTE modem “Hrim”. (Photo: Militech Group) Ukrainian defense firm Militech Group developed the HRIM LTE modem to maintain control over unmanned aerial vehicles and ground robotic platforms during Starlink connection disruptions, Militarnyi reported. The device boosts LTE signal output to 1.5 watts—six times higher than standard 0.25-watt modems—ensuring stable data transmission even in areas with weak cellular coverage and providing an operational range of up to 45 kilometers.
Ukraine’s Railways Launch Online Memorial to 1,220 Rail Workers Killed in Russia’s War
A train stands at a railway station depot. (Source: Getty Images) Ukrainian Railways Ukrzaliznytsia has launched an expanded digital memorial platform titled “Train of Iron Memory” to honor the 1,220 railway workers who have lost their lives since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
European Court Blocks Moscow Attempt to Reopen Vital Maritime Locks
Category World The Russian shadow fleet oil tanker DF PEAK. (Source: Getty Images) The European Union’s General Court rejected a legal attempt by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping to remove restrictions forbidding its vessels from docking in European harbors and channel locks. The judicial decision delivered on November 4 keeps in place measures preventing vessels with Russian certification from using maritime ports and infrastructure across the bloc, as reported by EUobserver.
Ukraine, US, and EU Advance Post-War Recovery Plan at Brussels Talks
Delegations from Ukraine, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, NATO, the European Union, and the World Bank met in Brussels on November 4 to discuss post-war reconstruction and long-term economic growth. The European Commission stated that these discussions are part of ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting peace. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Moscow Targets German Military as Cyber and Sabotage Operations Rise
Germany and its armed forces, the Bundeswehr, are directly targeted by Russia, which continues to build up its military capabilities and carry out hybrid attacks against NATO members. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius delivered this warning on November 4, 2026, speaking at the Berlin Security Conference, Ukrinform reported. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field. DONATE NOW Pistorius emphasized that the threat from Moscow extends well beyond Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Returns to Madrid to Meet Sánchez Ahead of Abu Dhabi Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Madrid on November 4 for talks focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and expanding defense production with Spain. Zelenskyy announced the visit on social media platform X, stating that bolstering air defense capabilities for Ukraine and protecting citizens are the top priorities during his meetings in Spain. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Norway, Finland, and Poland Train Civilians for Possible War With Russia
Norway, Finland, and Poland are expanding military training programs for reservists and everyday citizens in response to threat vectors stemming from Russia. According to an analysis by Bild covering civil defense initiatives across the three nations, these preparedness programs combine mandatory reservist drills, public civilian training, and emergency response operations. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
US Billionaire Todd Boehly Targets Sanctioned Russian Oil Giant Lukoil’s Overseas Assets
A consortium led by American billionaire Todd Boehly is preparing to acquire the international assets of Russian oil producer Lukoil, which was previously valued at $22 billion, as reported by Reuters. The proposed transaction involves a debt-for-equity exchange using frozen Lukoil securities purchased by an investment bank from approximately 10 American and British investment funds, including Capital Group, as well as US depository banks. We bring you stories from the ground.
Russia Still Struggles to Fix Tactical Radio Problems Nearly Five Years Into the Invasion, Report Finds
Nearly five years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military remains unable to resolve its tactical radio communication issues. According to intelligence researcher Chris O'Wiki, frontline communications rely heavily on commercial Chinese TYT radios, nicknamed "tootsies," and unsecured Baofeng radios, known as "bafiks," which are highly vulnerable to Ukrainian interception. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Ukraine Calls on Norway to Back War Risk Insurance Fund and Boost Business Investment
Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi has urged Norway to serve one of the key contributors for a new war risk insurance mechanism while appealing to Norwegian companies to expand investment projects across the country. Following a meeting with Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg to evaluate financial expenditures for 2027, Koretskyi outlined that existing commitments from international partners will leave an unfunded deficit of €70B ($78.3B) next year.
Why Attacks on Ukraine’s Power Substations Could Have Consequences for Nuclear Safety Worldwide
Ahead of the winter season, Russia has intensified strikes against power generation infrastructure, electrical substations, and distribution networks across Ukraine. Intelligence reports from early October indicated a multi-stage plan targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, as reported by ZN.UA. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Yulia Mendel, Zelenskyy’s Former Press Secretary, Suspected of High Treason Over Alleged Anti-Ukraine Activities
The Security Service of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General’s Office have officially served a notice of suspicion in absentia to Yulia Mendel, who is carrying out information and subversive activities against Ukraine.
Norway Turns to NASAMS Technology to Track Drones Near Russian Border
The Norwegian Armed Forces are deploying NASAMS sensors in Kirkenes, near the Russian border, to detect drones that stray off course. The move will also reinforce the Sør-Varanger garrison with more than 30 soldiers. The sensors will help the Norwegian Armed Forces detect drones that stray into Norwegian airspace and provide a clearer picture of activity along the border, according to a statement by the Norwegian government on November 3. We bring you stories from the ground.
Putin’s Sanctioned Daughters Continue to Publish in Western Scientific Journals
Category World Putin’s daughter Katerina Tikhonova is seen on a screen while speaking during a session of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg on June 18, 2025. (Source: Getty Images) Eight sanctioned Russian figures, including Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s two daughters, have published 76 scientific articles in Western academic journals since 2022 despite sweeping international sanctions, as reported by ZN.UA on November 3.
Georgian Prime Minister Eyes Closer Communication Links With Moscow
Category World Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze. (Source: Getty Images) Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze announced government plans to strengthen ties with Russia across multiple sectors, according to Interfax. The Prime Minister also noted that the development of dialogue between the Georgian and Russian sides is facilitated by the Georgian government’s appointment of special representative Giorgi Zurabashvili on October 21. We bring you stories from the ground.
German Defense Minister Expresses Doubts About Planned Trilateral Talks in Abu Dhabi
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed skepticism regarding the planned trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, stating he does not hold high expectations for the summit. Speaking in Berlin alongside British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting, Pistorius noted that previous negotiations over the past year had produced no results beyond intensified strikes against Ukraine, as reported by ntv. We bring you stories from the ground.
Russia’s Shadow Fleet Is Turning Into a Floating Fortress Against Ukrainian Drones
Russian shadow fleet oil tankers are increasingly being equipped with protective netting, metal structures, and rubber tires to shield against drone strikes during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At least 60 tankers outfitted with these anti-drone defense measures have passed through the Bosphorus Strait since August, based on photographic evidence provided by Istanbul-based maritime analyst Yörük Işık and analyzed by The Wall Street Journal. We bring you stories from the ground.
How Ukraine Built an Electronic “Dome” to Throw Russia’s Shaheds Off Course
Ukraine has established a specialized protective electronic shield over its capital to block radio communication channels used by Russian Shahed long-range attack drones. According to presidential adviser on defense technologies Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, Russian operators direct Shahed drones remotely using mesh radio communication links. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Finnish City May Cancel 2028 World Junior Hockey Championship Over Potential Russian Return
The Finnish city of Turku has announced it may refuse to co-host the 2028 IIHF World Junior Championship if the Russian national team is allowed to compete. The international tournament is scheduled to take place across two Finnish cities, Turku and Tampere. However, municipal officials in Turku confirmed the venue will not host any matches involving Russian competitors. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
British Defense Secretary Signals Upcoming High-Level Aid Summit for Ukraine
Preparations are underway for the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, as partner nations prepare to discuss continued military support for Ukraine. The group last convened on September 8, 2026, according to Suspilne News. British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stated that partner nations need to increase their commitments to support Ukraine during the winter period. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
Slovakia Joins International Coalition to Bring Stolen Ukrainian Children Home
Slovakia has formally joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. Marek Eštok, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia, met with the ambassadors of Ukraine and Canada on November 2 to deliver the official diplomatic note confirming the country’s membership, as reported by Eštok on X. We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
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