Ukraine hits Samara oil hub and Lipetsk-2 airbase as deep strikes cut Russian refining
Summary
- Ukraine's long-range drones struck the Samara oil pipeline hub, key to blending the Urals export crude, and the Lipetsk-2 military airfield on November 13.
- Since resuming refinery strikes in late October after a two-week pause, Ukraine has hit nine of Russia's 35 major refineries.
- Industry sources reported Russian refining throughput fell about 30% since late October, with fuel shortages and sales limits in several regions.
- Strikes also hit the Ust-Luga Baltic oil export terminal and a Russian warship in the Gulf of Finland.
- Analysts say the campaign threatens a fuel crisis and may have paralysed facilities producing about 55% of Russia's petrol.
- Ukraine says the strikes aim to cut the Kremlin's oil revenue and its military's fuel supply.
Reactions
- Ukraine's Special Operations Forces said they would return the war to Russia "no matter how far the enemy tries to hide its facilities."
- President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 6 that Ukraine would press on with strikes on Russian refineries in retaliation for Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy grid.
- Estonia's Defence Minister Martin Herem said smoke came from the Naro-Fominsk and the ship headed back toward St Petersburg.
- Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said the Baltic Sea remains stable and safe, with no threat to marine traffic.
- Russian military blogger Ilya Tumanov wrote that defending St Petersburg's skies from the drone attack "came at a very high cost."
- Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi said he did not consider the strike on a Russian ship in the Baltic a serious escalation.
Timeline newest first
Ukraine's Security Service says Special Operations Centre Alpha drones struck the Samara oil pipeline hub near Prosvet on November 13, hitting oil storage tanks.
Ukraine's General Staff says forces struck the Samara oil facility and the Lipetsk-2 airfield on November 13, hitting a maintenance hangar, an aviation fuel tank, and the airfield's command post.
The Moscow Times reported the strikes may have disrupted facilities responsible for about 55% of Russia's gasoline production; analyst Sergei Vakulenko estimated stockpiles cover about a week.
Ukraine launched nearly 1,200 drones at Russia overnight on November 12-13; Russia's Defense Ministry said it downed 1,198.
Ukrainian drones struck the Lukoil-Volgogradneftepererabotka refinery early on November 13, killing four workers and triggering fuel queues in Volgograd.
Ukraine's SBU said it hit the Russian corvette Naro-Fominsk in the Gulf of Finland and struck storage tanks at the Ust-Luga oil export depot overnight on November 11.
Defense manufacturer Fire Point reported the strikes disabled 36% of Russia's oil refining capacity, hitting at least nine major refineries between October 30 and November 11.
Rosneft imposed gasoline purchase limits at its stations across multiple Russian regions on November 9, after weeks of Ukrainian strikes on its refineries.
Ukrainian drones attacked Krasnodar Krai on the night of November 6, triggering a large fire near the Afipsky Oil Refinery.
Russia's Yaroslavl refinery went up in flames after a Ukrainian strike on November 3.
Firepoint said its drones navigate autonomously without Starlink, after Ukrainian strikes hit at least 28 Russian facilities in two weeks.
Sources newest first
- Ukraine's Security Service strikes key Russian oil export preparation hub
Ukraine's Security Service says drones from its Special Operations Centre Alpha struck the Samara oil pipeline hub near Provet in Samara Oblast on 13 November, hitting oil storage tanks. The station blends crudes of different sulphur levels into Urals — up to half of Russia's oil exports — and, per the report, strikes begun in late October threaten a fuel crisis and may have paralysed facilities producing about 55% of Russia's petrol.
Ukraine hits key Russian oil hub, military airbase in latest long-range strikesThe Kyiv Independent reports Ukraine's General Staff claims of long-range strikes on the Samara oil facility, a key hub for the Urals export blend that accounts for up to half of Russia's oil exports, and the Lipetsk-2 airfield, which hosts Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-31 aircraft. Zelensky says Starshield restrictions partially extend to occupied territories and, accusing SpaceX of treating them as "not ours," adds that the US floated NATO membership in exchange for a withdrawal from Donbas, while at least 7 people were killed and 80 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine.
Russia’s Gasoline Reserves May Last One Week as Ukraine Hits Refineries Behind 55% of Its CapacityUnited24 Media reports that renewed Ukrainian drone strikes in early November hit Russia's five largest oil refineries, from the Omsk refinery in Siberia to KINEF near the Baltic, prompting concerns over fuel rationing. The Moscow Times and Carnegie analyst Sergei Vakulenko say facilities behind roughly 55% of Russia's gasoline output were struck, and stockpiles may last only about a week.
Ukraine launches nearly 1,200 drones at Russia as US-led talks to consider wider European security
An AP News report covers Ukraine's overnight launch of nearly 1,200 drones at Russia — one of its biggest attacks of the war — hitting a Volgograd oil refinery, as U.S. envoys brief Putin and Zelenskyy on talks that now include wider European security arrangements, a shift alarming European leaders. Zelenskyy also presses the U.S. over Starshield drone speed limits, and Witkoff and Kushner say more talks are planned.
Russia and Ukraine trade strikes as EU summit beginspolitico.com· 35h
Russia and Ukraine traded overnight strikes hours before an informal European Council summit in Dublin: Ukraine hit a major oil refinery in Russia's Volgograd region, sparking a fire, while Russia's missiles struck a medical facility in Kyiv. U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow and Zelenskyy in Dublin about a peace settlement, and EU leaders are expected to discuss the war and who should speak for Europe at peace talks.
Nearly 1,200 Ukrainian Drones Target Russia in Massive Overnight Assault, Lukoil Refinery AblazeKyiv Post reports a massive overnight Ukrainian drone assault on Russia on November 13, 2026, leaving the Lukoil-Volgogradneftepererabotka refinery ablaze and four workers dead, in a campaign that has hit nine of Russia's 35 major refineries since late October. Moscow says it downed nearly 1,200 drones; Reuters cites industry sources putting refining throughput down about 30%, with fuel shortages and sales restrictions across several regions.
Volgograd oil refinery, Rostov-on-Don production facility in flames following Ukrainian drone attackThe Kyiv Independent reports that Ukrainian drones struck the Lukoil-Volgogradneftepererabotka refinery, one of Russia's largest with 15 million metric tons annual capacity, and a production facility in Rostov-on-Don on November 13, 2026, a day after peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Both regional governors confirmed fires, and Kyiv Independent reports cite further drone attacks on Moscow and ongoing strikes against Russian refineries as part of Ukraine's campaign against Russia's military energy supply.
Russian warship hit by Ukrainian drone in Gulf of FinlandA BBC News article reports that Finnish officials have confirmed a Ukrainian attack on the Russian warship Naro-Fominsk in the Gulf of Finland, with Ukraine's SBU saying it hit the ship in a drone operation that also struck tanks at Russia's Ust-Luga oil terminal. The BBC calls it the first such strike in open Baltic waters, while Estonia's defence minister says smoke rose from the ship, which headed back to St Petersburg, and Finland's foreign minister insists marine traffic faces no threat.
Ukraine Hits Russian Refineries Nine Times in 13 Days. How Bad Is Russia’s Fuel Crunch?UNITED24 Media reports that Ukraine struck Russian oil refineries nine times between October 30 and November 11, 2026, also hitting the Samara pipeline hub and the port of Ust-Luga, leaving Russia short of refining capacity and importing fuel at nearly double the usual cost. The outlet says the strikes aim to deprive the Kremlin of war-funding revenue—more than half of October's oil tax income went back to the industry as subsidies—and judge that they have all but erased Russia's gains from oil prices above $100 a barrel.
Ukrainian drones knock out 36% of Russia's oil refining capacity in under two weeksThe New Voice of Ukraine reports Ukrainian long-range drones striking Russian oil infrastructure: the Saratov Oil Refinery on Nov. 7, 2026, the Kirishi Oil Refinery, Russia's second-largest, on Nov. 9, and the Ust-Luga export terminal on Nov. 11. Defense manufacturer Fire Point claims the strikes disabled 36% of Russia's refining capacity across at least nine refineries since Oct. 30, and Reuters credits the attacks with cutting operational capacity roughly 30% and causing fuel shortages in at least six oblasts. President Zelenskyy said the campaign would continue in retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy grid.
Ukrainian drones fly nearly 3,000 km again to strike Russia's largest oil refineryUkrainska Pravda reports that Ukraine's Special Operations Forces struck Russia's largest oil refinery, the Omsk Oil Refinery, for the third time on 11 November 2025, with drones flying nearly 3,000 km. The refinery, part of Gazprom Neft, was first hit on 6 July 2025 and again on 8 October 2025; the forces say they will return the war to Russia however far its facilities hide.
Russia's largest oil refinery slammed by drones in 8-hour attack 2,500 km from UkraineThe Kyiv Independent reports that Russia's largest oil refinery, in Omsk 2,500 kilometers from Ukraine, came under an eight-hour drone attack on November 11, with a fire and blackouts reported but targets and damage unclear. Governor Vitaly Khotsenko urged residents to stay indoors; Ukraine had struck the Gazprom-owned refinery twice before. The article also covers failed Abu Dhabi peace talks, a Russian strike killing at least 4 in Odesa Oblast, hackers defacing Ukrinform, the death of Russia's U.S. ambassador, and Ukraine's criticized prosecution reform bill.
Russian Pilots Reportedly Die as 627 Ukrainian Drones Target Russia, Ka-52 Loss UnconfirmedKyiv Post reports overnight Ukrainian drone strikes across Russia on Nov. 11, 2026, with Russia's defense ministry claiming more than 627 drones were launched and Russian blogger Ilya Tumanov saying pilots died defending St. Petersburg's skies, while other Telegram channels claimed a Ka-52 helicopter was lost — unconfirmed by Moscow. Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko reported a fire at the Ust-Luga port after a drone attack, and TASS said about 18 flights were disrupted at Pulkovo Airport.
Massive Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russia’s Baltic Oil Export HubKyiv Post reports that, according to Russian authorities, a massive overnight drone attack on Nov. 11, 2026 struck the Ust-Luga oil export port on the Baltic Sea, sparking a fire and knocking out a transformer substation, though the damage and any disruption to oil exports remained unclear. Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said 150 drones were intercepted over Leningrad region, while about 18 flights were disrupted at Pulkovo Airport; the same night, Russian drones hit Kryvyi Rih, cutting power to parts of the city.
Ukraine reportedly strikes Ust-Luga Baltic Sea port as drones attack regions across RussiaA Kyiv Independent news article reports that Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the sanctioned Ust-Luga Baltic Sea port overnight on Nov. 11, 2026, per monitoring channels, as explosions and air-defense engagements were reported across Russian regions. It also covers Ukraine-Russia-US peace talks in Abu Dhabi, strikes on Russian refineries, and a planned Polish MiG-29 transfer to Ukraine.
Explosions reported near Russian aircraft repair plant in Novgorod Oblast as drones target occupied CrimeaThe Kyiv Independent reports explosions overnight on November 10 near the 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant in Staraya Russa, Novgorod Oblast — a Rostec-owned facility sanctioned by the EU — which the Exilenova+ Telegram channel attributes to a Ukrainian drone attack, though the outlet could not verify damage. Russian-installed Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhaev says eight drones were downed there without casualties.
Russia imposes gasoline sales restrictions amid Ukrainian oil refinery attacks, Russian media reportThe Kyiv Independent reports, citing Russian media, that Rosneft has imposed gasoline sales limits in multiple Russian regions — including 30 liters per customer in Krasnoyarsk Krai — after Ukraine ramped up drone strikes that Agentstvo says hit four refineries since October 30, and Leningrad Oblast's governor confirmed a drone attack on the Kirishi refinery. The article also rounds up war news: 400,000 claimed Russian casualties, Zaporizhzhia plant power loss and restoration, and Abu Dhabi peace talks.
Rosneft begins limiting fuel sales at gas stations in Russia — Meduza
Meduza reports that Rosneft has begun limiting fuel sales at its gas stations across Russia, citing the Zabaykalsky Krai Economic Development Ministry's account of 30-liter limits in cities and 50 on highways, with Kommersant, Karelia's governor, and drivers in Arkhangelsk, Penza, and Buryatia reporting similar restrictions. The limits follow weeks of Ukrainian drone strikes on Rosneft and other refineries, including those in Samara, Ufa, and Ryazan.
Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Second-Largest Oil Refinery as 113 Drones Hit Leningrad RegionKyiv Post reports a large overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Russia's Leningrad Region, with fires at the Kirishi refinery (KINEF), Russia's second-largest, which supplies fuel across the northwest. Governor Alexander Drozdenko said 113 drones were intercepted but several hit the industrial zone. The strike resumes a renewed campaign against Russian oil infrastructure after a pause in October.
Ukrainian forces reportedly strike Russia's second-largest oil refinery in overnight drone attackThe Kyiv Independent reports that Ukrainian monitoring channels said drones struck Russia's second-largest oil refinery in Kirishi overnight, with satellite data detecting hotspots and eyewitness footage appearing to show fireballs, while Leningrad Oblast Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said 113 drones were shot down over the region. The strikes come as Ukraine resumes attacks on Russian energy infrastructure following a temporary halt urged by President Donald Trump.
Ukraine strikes Saratov Oil Refinery in mass attack on several Russian regions, reports sayThe Kyiv Independent reports that monitoring channels, including Exilenova Plus, said Ukraine struck targets across several Russian regions overnight on November 7, 2026, setting the Saratov Oil Refinery ablaze and hitting an Almaz military factory in Rostov and the Proton electronics plant in Oryol, details the outlet could not verify. Its news feed also reports Russian missiles hitting Kyiv, injuring at least three people, and David Arakhamia saying the U.S. midterms "doubled" Ukraine's chances of military aid.
A Russian refinery rated at more than 6 million tons a year burns again in Krasnodar Krai - Euromaidan Press
euromaidanpress.com· 8d
Euromaidan Press reports that Ukrainian drones hit the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai again overnight on 6 November 2026, per the Telegram channel Exilenova+, while Krasnodar authorities blamed falling drone debris at an unnamed enterprise. The drone campaign resumed after a late-October pause, with drones also setting an Ozon logistics center in Adygea ablaze and occupied Crimea losing power, and HUR says 15 of Russia's 38 major refineries have been knocked out. Euromaidan Press judges Russia's southern fuel network must repair the same plants over and over.
Ukrainian Drone Strike Sparks Fire at Afipsky Oil Refinery in RussiaMilitarnyi reports that, according to the monitoring resource Exilenova+, Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's Krasnodar Krai on the night of November 6, 2026, triggering a large fire near the Afipsky Oil Refinery, about 20 km southwest of Krasnodar. Residents reported explosions and thick smoke reaching Krasnodar's outskirts, and the refinery, which processes about 6.25 million tonnes of oil yearly, has been struck before, including on July 14, 2026.
Ukrainian forces target oil refinery as explosions reported across southern RussiaThe Kyiv Independent reports a Ukrainian drone attack overnight on November 6, 2026, set off fires and explosions across southern Russia, with Telegram channels attributing a blaze at the EU-sanctioned Afipsky Oil Refinery in Krasnodar Krai and strikes in the Adygea Republic and Ryazan; Russian authorities had not commented and the details could not be verified. It also covers Trump meeting a Russian envoy ahead of peace talks, Zelensky announcing $490 million in Spanish military aid, water disruptions in Kyiv, and the death of Oleksandra Kazarovytska in Russian detention in Crimea.
Russia Falls Further Into Crisis As Ukraine Strikes 5 RefineriesJay in Kyiv's daily update reports Ukraine struck five Russian oil refineries in a week, hitting the Ryazan refinery, Dyagilevo air base, and other targets on 5 November, with footage of Ryazan residents facing gasoline rationing; he says Ukraine's forces are no longer restrained by the White House from striking Russian oil infrastructure. He also covers Kyiv nearing a total blackout, worsening food inflation in Russia, blackouts in occupied Crimea, a Siberian pipeline explosion, Japan Tobacco's Russian assets seized under presidential decree, and Russian bomb threats to European airports.
Ukraine continues strikes on Russian refineries in lead-up to White House meetingwashingtonpost.com· 9d
The Washington Post reports, in an article by Francesca Ebel, that Ukraine attacked another of the key oil refineries supplying the Russian capital in defiance of President Donald Trump's warnings to halt such operations. The strike came hours before first lady Melania Trump was set to host both sides at the White House.
Ukrainian Drones Strike Ryazan Oil Refinery and Wildberries Logistics WarehouseMilitarnyi reports that Ukrainian drones struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery, a Rosneft plant processing about 17–18 million tonnes of crude a year, and a 173,000-square-metre Wildberries logistics centre near Tyushevo during the night of November 5, 2026, after an air raid alert around 2 a.m. Regional governor Pavel Malkov confirmed that industrial facilities had been targeted.
KREMLIN COMPLAINS TO TRUMP: UKRAINE HITS 5 RUSSIAN REFINERIES IN 5 DAYS Vlog 1582: War in UkraineIn vlog 1582, recorded through electricity outages in her Ukrainian city, Anna reports Ukrainian drone strikes that hit two refineries in the Samara region, one in Bashkortostan, one in Nizhny Novgorod, and a fire at a refinery in Yaroslavl in five days. She says Ukraine paused such strikes for about two weeks out of respect for the White House but resumed them after concluding there are no real preparations for negotiations, and that the Kremlin's complaints to Trump only prove the strikes are working.
Russian stuff blowing up: Russia’s Yaroslavl refinery goes up in flamesA Daily Kos post by Quaoar reports that Russia's Yaroslavl refinery went up in flames, with commenters weighing in: Grumpynerd estimates about 12% of Russian refinery capacity was offline and says the economy needs roughly 3.8 million barrels a day, Quaoar quotes OSINT Varta on a Ukrainian strike damaging the Kamensky Plant, and Timay11 says Russian losses passed 54,000 for October 2026. Among predictions and pleas, Grumpynerd expects Russia's operational refinery capacity to drop over time, Lemay50 forecasts Trump will prove an unusually weak lame duck, and Ecortez urges Ukraine to mount a decapitation-scale strike on the Omsk refinery.
Russia burns … Ukraine unleashes independent drone and missile strikesA video report from RFU News describes how Ukraine's missiles and drones can strike targets inside Russia without Elon Musk's Starlink, after 10 days of Starlink speed restrictions disrupted Ukrainian drone operations. Firepoint says its weapons navigate autonomously, and Ukrainian strikes hit at least 28 Russian facilities in two weeks, while its FP9 missile, with a range of about 800 kilometers, is expected to approach combat readiness before the end of the year.
Background newest first
European security plan floated by U.S. would benefit Putin, Zelenskyy says | CBC Newscbc.ca· 2h
An Associated Press report on CBC News says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that a European security plan floated by the United States could play into Vladimir Putin's hands, letting Moscow weaken NATO and push to redraw Europe's borders, and he rejected any Ukrainian neutrality or territorial surrender. Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil facilities in Samara and St. Petersburg, and Zelenskyy accused SpaceX of restricting Starshield in occupied areas.
Putin's Kostiantynivka proposal aims to seize city, push toward Kramatorsk, Zelensky saysThe Kyiv Independent reports that Vladimir Putin proposed a temporary "humanitarian mission" in Kostiantynivka at a November 12, 2026, Moscow meeting with U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and that Volodymyr Zelensky calls it an absolutely primitive move that would let Russia enter and occupy the city before pushing toward Kramatorsk. Among the day's other news: Ukrainian long-range strikes on a Russian oil hub and military airbase, Russian attacks that killed at least seven people across Ukraine, France's seizure of oligarch Zhevago's $40 million Paris mansion, and the FAA's first nationwide ground stop since January 2023.
Zelenskyy says a new European security framework floated by US could benefit Putin
An AP News report says Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that a new European security framework floated by the US could benefit Vladimir Putin, weakening NATO and reopening border questions, and urged that any changes wait until after the war ends. He also cited Abu Dhabi ceasefire talks, a proposed 1,200–1,300 prisoner exchange, Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian strikes on the Samara oil pipeline station, and restrictions on SpaceX's Starshield system in occupied territory.
“Sort this out with Putin.” Zelenskyy Reveals Russia’s Reply on a Ceasefire NegotiationsAt a briefing for Ukrainian and foreign journalists, Zelenskyy revealed that when Kyiv proposed an energy-infrastructure truce in the Abu Dhabi talks, Russia's delegation said it lacked a mandate and to "sort this out with Putin," while a record 1,200–1,300-per-side prisoner exchange was agreed. He also flagged Starshield speed limits over occupied territory, security guarantees short of NATO Article 5, and Kostiantynivka's humanitarian missions as a ploy.
Russian stuff blowing up: Ukraine’s campaign against Russian refineries lights up VolgogradA Daily Kos comment thread tracks Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries, with commenters citing reports that nine refineries were hit and 55% of gasoline production disrupted, and debating killed-to-wounded ratios. Commenters also share articles on Russia's 'Doppelgänger' propaganda campaign, the Social Design Agency, and Poland's planned PURL pullout.
Ukraine claims record 3,000 Russian casualties in one day as war drags onaljazeera.com· 31h
Al Jazeera reports on Ukraine's claims of record Russian casualties — a reported 2,980 killed or wounded on 9 November 2026 and over 26,000 in November's first ten days — as US, Ukrainian and Russian delegations held their first peace talks since February in Abu Dhabi. The article also covers Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries, missile plants and warships, and Kyiv's calls for stronger security guarantees.
Russia Builds, Stores and Repairs Its Attack Drones in Rostov-on-Don—Ukraine’s Neptune Missiles Strike All Three SitesA United24 Media article reports that Ukraine's General Staff says its Naval Forces struck three drone sites in Rostov-on-Don overnight on November 13 — an Ionos LLC production and storage facility and an Aero-Hit repair center — using Neptune missiles, aiming to disrupt Russia's drone supply chain. Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps separately says its 237th battalion destroyed a Molniya drone command center in Huliaipole, about 10 kilometers behind the front line.
Russia strikes hospital in central Kyiv after SpaceX system falters againtheguardian.com· 34h
The Guardian reports that an overnight Russian drone strike hit Kyiv's National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, injuring three people, as Russia escalates attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. It also covers Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim that the Pentagon-overseen Starshield system faltered again, letting Russian drones through, alongside US-brokered peace talks involving Kushner, Witkoff and Putin.
Car explosion in Moscow reportedly injures ex-Azarov press secretaryThe Kyiv Independent reports that a car exploded on Kirovogradskaya Street in Moscow's Chertanovo District on Nov. 13, reportedly injuring Sergei Zavorotny, a former press secretary to ex-Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov who fled to Russia in 2014, with Russian outlets suggesting an improvised explosive device or magnetic mine and an attempted-murder investigation opened. The article also covers a fatal car bombing near St. Petersburg, drone attacks on Moscow and Kyiv, fires at Russian refineries, Zelensky's meeting with Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner, and an expected record prisoner swap.
Mass drone attack on Moscow grounds flights at region's airportsThe Kyiv Independent reports that Russian officials say dozens of Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow overnight on November 12-13, 2026, with Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claiming over 100 were intercepted and Rosaviatsiya restricting flights at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports, though the numbers and effects remain unconfirmed. The article also covers UK sanctions on Russia's energy sector, Zelensky's meeting with Trump's envoys, and claimed torture of civilians in occupied Oleshky.
Trump promised Americans Russian diesel. Russia doubled its exports, and none of it went to the US - Euromaidan PressEuromaidan Press's 12 November 2026 article by Yuri Zoria reports that Russia doubled its diesel exports in October after Donald Trump's 9 October deal with Vladimir Putin loosened sanctions, yet none reached US pumps, with companies avoiding it over legal risks and cargoes redirected to Brazil. Ukrainian strikes on refineries resumed 30 October and hit Ust-Luga port, and analysts expect the export boost to be short-lived.
Russian colonel reportedly killed in car explosion near St. PetersburgThe Kyiv Independent reports that a Russian serviceman, said by Fontanka to be an Air Force colonel, was killed in a November 12, 2026 car explosion in Shushary near St. Petersburg — the second such bombing there in under three months — as Russia's Investigative Committee opened a murder case. The article also rounds up that day's war news: overnight strikes on Kyiv and the Omsk refinery, peace talks ending without a breakthrough, and U.S. envoys Kushner and Witkoff heading to Moscow.
Zelenskiy says Starshield speed limited again, hampering Ukraine's defencesreuters.com· 2d
Reuters reports President Zelenskiy's claims that Starshield, SpaceX's military version of Starlink, was again speed-limited to about 100 mph across Ukraine's front line, hampering interceptors chasing Russian jet-powered drones. Service was restored October 24; a Ukrainian official said the disruptions went unmentioned at US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi.
Russian attacks kill 10, injure 40 across Ukraine over past day, as peace talks endThe Kyiv Independent reports, citing local authorities, that Russian attacks killed 10 people and injured 40 across Ukraine on Nov. 12, hitting a crowded market in Chornomorsk, power grids, and infrastructure in multiple oblasts. The article also covers Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia's Omsk oil refinery, U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff heading to Moscow after Abu Dhabi peace talks ended without a breakthrough, and a planned prisoner exchange.
Witkoff, Kushner arrive in Moscow following Ukraine peace talks, Russian state media reportsThe Kyiv Independent reports that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow early on Nov. 12, per Russian state media, after two days of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi ended without a ceasefire; Kushner cited "some openings." The article also covers a Russian strike on an Odesa market that killed at least 4, a drone attack on the Omsk refinery, the ZELENET hack of Ukrinform, and a planned debrief with Zelensky in Ireland.
Russia attacks Khmelnytskyi Oblast energy infrastructure, leaving outagesThe Kyiv Independent reports Russia's overnight attack on Khmelnytskyi Oblast energy infrastructure, which Governor Serhii Tiurin says caused emergency power outages in the Shepetivka district, alongside strikes on six major substations in four other oblasts. The article also covers the Abu Dhabi peace talks ending without a breakthrough but with a prisoner exchange agreement, a Kyiv ballistic missile attack, an Odesa market strike killing at least four, and Zelensky's attendance at the Dublin summit.
Zelensky arrives in Dublin for European Political Community summit, expects a debrief from Witkoff, KushnerThe Kyiv Independent reports President Zelensky's arrival in Dublin for the European Political Community summit, where he expects a debrief from U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after their Abu Dhabi peace talks with Russia, which ended without a breakthrough but produced what Ukraine's Umerov calls a large-scale prisoner exchange. The article describes Washington-led peace efforts as deadlocked over territory, with Moscow demanding Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas and a NATO ban.
Ukraine Hits Six Russian Military Nerve Centers in Overnight Strikes Across Four RegionsUkraine's overnight strikes on November 10–11 hit six Russian military facilities across four regions: three drone control centers near Tokmak, Prymirne, and Pokrovsk, a drone storage site near Zalyman, and two command posts near Myrnohrad and Vovchansk. Ukraine's General Staff said the targets coordinated drone attacks and battlefield operations, and that the Zalyman strike damaged UAV stocks.
Another Night of Drones. Another Morning Ukraine Refuses to Give Up.substack.com· 3d
Lev Parnas's Voice from Ukraine letter reports a night of Russian drone strikes across Ukraine — killing residents in Dnipropetrovsk, Ladyzhyn, Odesa, and Kramatorsk, hitting the Trypillia power plant and other energy sites — alongside Ukrainian strikes on Russia's Ust-Luga port and an A-50 repair plant, as a second day of talks runs in Abu Dhabi. Parnas says Ukraine is not backing down, urges readers to watch what Russia does rather than what it says and to support Ukraine now.
EN DIRECT, guerre en Ukraine : Kiev teste un premier satellite pour réduire sa dépendance à Starlinklemonde.fr
Le Monde's live coverage leads with Kyiv's first step toward communications independence from Starlink: the experimental Obria NANO satellite, built by Ukrainian maker Himera and Denmark's GomSpace, launched by SpaceX in October 2026, with Himera estimating 100 satellites needed for full coverage. The feed also tracks Ukrainian-Russian talks in Abu Dhabi, a tanker carrying Russian diesel turning back from the US, drone strikes on Russian refineries, and donor pledges toward repairing Chernobyl's arch.
EU's Costa keeps Ukraine funding talks on late-November agenda despite Merz appealThe Kyiv Independent reports that European Council President Antonio Costa has kept talks on Ukraine's 2027 funding on the EU's late-November agenda despite Chancellor Merz's appeal to address the shortfall sooner, at the Nov. 13 Dublin summit. No financing agreement exists, with Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary and Bulgaria resisting shared contributions.
Russia to Lose Over 70,000 Soldiers this MonthJake Broe's war update argues Russia is on pace to lose 71,000 soldiers in November after a record 2,980 in one day, and cites the Rosstat leak, released by a Belarusian hacker group, as showing 450,000 Russians killed since the war began. He also reports Ukraine's drone strikes on the Kirishi refinery and other Russian targets, the Rubicon base strike, Russia's killing of Ukrainian civilians and children's facilities, Hegseth's impeachment, and Moldova's new power line to Romania.
US Senator tells incoming Congress not to give up on Ukraine, supply air defenseThe Kyiv Independent reports that outgoing Democratic Senator Richard Durbin urged the incoming Congress on November 10, 2026 not to give up on Ukraine, help it restock air defenses, and deliver appropriated funds, while condemning Donald Trump's dealings with Vladimir Putin. The article also rounds up Ukraine strikes on Russian refineries, the Abu Dhabi peace talks, Poland's planned MiG-29 transfer, and Lithuania's tightening of Russian grain checks.
Ukraine strikes drone port at occupied Donetsk AirportThe Kyiv Independent reports that Ukraine's 412th Brigade says its forces struck a Russian drone port at the occupied Donetsk Airport on November 10, part of a campaign of medium-range strikes on targets 30 to 180 kilometers from the front line. The article rounds up other news: peace talks in Abu Dhabi, a reported Polish deal of 2 MiG-29 jets for drone technology, Ukrainian strikes cutting Russia's oil refining capacity by 30%, thawing relations with South Korea, and Senator Durbin urging the incoming Congress to keep supplying air defense.
Poland to transfer 2 MiG-29 jets to Ukraine in exchange for drone technology, Polish official saysPoland and Ukraine signed an agreement on joint working groups for drone and anti-drone technologies in Kyiv on November 10, 2026, where Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk announced Poland will transfer 2 MiG-29 jets to Ukraine in exchange for drone technology after months of negotiations. Tomczyk says in a post on X that arrangements for the transfer are being finalized; Poland previously sent 14 MiG-29s in 2023. The article also notes Ukraine, Russia, and the US began peace talks in Abu Dhabi, and Reuters reports Ukrainian strikes have cut Russia's oil refining capacity by 30%.
Russian Diesel Tanker Reverses US-Bound Course as Trump-Putin Deal StallsA Kyiv Post news article reports that a tanker loaded with Russian diesel turned back roughly 400 nautical miles off the US East Coast, deepening doubts whether any fuel promised under Trump's Oct. 9 diesel deal with Putin will reach American ports. Bloomberg and Reuters cite ship-tracking data and Ukrainian strikes that have cut Russia's refining capacity by roughly 30%, while US intelligence officials warned Kyiv of losing intelligence sharing if the strikes continue.
South Korea-Ukraine relations begin to thaw after Paris meetingThe Kyiv Independent reports that Ukraine and South Korea have begun repairing relations weeks after a September diplomatic spat, in which Zelensky revealed South Korea was receiving North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine and Seoul deemed Kyiv insufficiently apologetic, with the foreign ministers meeting in Paris. Elsewhere, Reuters reports Ukrainian strikes have cut Russia's oil refining capacity by 30%, and Zelensky says Denmark will donate over 600 million euros to Ukraine.
Russian forces seek to isolate Zaporizhzhia by striking bridges, dams, Ukrainian commander saysThe Kyiv Independent reports that Yevhen Lasiychuk, commander of Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps, says Russia is striking bridges and dams with guided aerial bombs to impose a logistical blockade on Zaporizhzhia, with about 50,000 Russian troops in the Huliaipole direction and a possible advance toward Dnipro. Other items cover Ukraine's strike on the 'highway of death' bridge, overnight Russian attacks killing 9, strikes on food supply chains, trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, and Zelensky's talks with Nordic leaders in Denmark.
Ukraine meets European, US officials in Abu Dhabi ahead of renewed peace talks with RussiaThe Kyiv Independent reports that a Ukrainian delegation led by intelligence chief Rustem Umerov began talks with European and U.S. officials, including envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, in Abu Dhabi on 10 November 2026 ahead of resuming trilateral peace talks with Russia after a nine-month pause, with territory — Moscow's demand that Ukraine withdraw from Donbas — a key sticking point. The article also covers Ukrainian strikes on a Russian drone unit and jamming station, the IAEA's report of two drone-killed workers at the Zaporizhzhia plants, and warnings over the Trypillia power plant strike.
Russia reportedly transfers detained Ukrainian OSCE staff member to medical correctional facility, Sybiha saysThe Kyiv Independent reports Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha's claim that Russia transferred detained OSCE staffer Vadym Golda — held since 2022 and sentenced to 14 years on espionage charges — to a medical correctional facility in Tambov Oblast, which Sybiha warns may amount to war crimes; the outlet says it cannot verify his location. It also covers strikes on the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant, a reported attack on Russia's 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant, and upcoming U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi.
Return to Ukraine: Visit Insights and Imperatives for Western Military InstitutionsIn an article on his Substack Futura Doctrina, Mick Ryan reports from his seventh research visit to Ukraine that Russia's strike campaign — some 300 Shaheds a day, longer attacks, and new turbojet Geran-4 drones — has darkened Kyiv and strained Ukrainian air defence, while Ukraine's armed forces reform their learning system to adapt faster than Russia. He argues Western militaries have learned little from Ukraine, calls the Australian Defence Force's four-year delay institutional arrogance, and sets out seven imperatives on people, mobilisation planning, and building institutions that adapt, urging implementation now.
Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes a day before U.S.-brokered talks are scheduled to beginpbs.org· 5d
An AP article on pbs.org reports that Russia and Ukraine battered each other's power grids and oil refineries hours before U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi, set for 10 November with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff mediating, after a glide bomb killed at least 55 at an aid center. Donald Trump says the sides are "very close" to a deal, while Sergey Lavrov says "collective security" tops the agenda and Ukraine's Rustem Umerov says European officials will hold separate coordination with Kyiv.
EU plans to send a new 45 billion euros to Kyiv in 2027The Kyiv Independent reports that the EU plans a new 45 billion euro loan for Kyiv in 2027, announced by Valdis Dombrovskis and confirmed by diplomats, on top of the 45 billion euros Ukraine is set to receive from a 90 billion euro loan assembled in April 2026, as Kyiv faces a projected 70 billion euro shortfall in 2027, with diplomats expecting Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and now Bulgaria to opt out. The roundup also covers Zelensky seeking India's help in peace efforts, Ukrainian strikes on a Russian jamming station and the Morozov missile-fuel plant, an IMF mission that could unlock $1.67 billion, and the Coalition of the Willing's first post-war deployment exercise in Poland.
Ukraine’s Drone Pilots Turn to Israeli-Italian Comms to Replace Musk’s SpaceXThe Kyiv Post reports that Ukraine's long-range drone forces are shifting, per Russian and Ukrainian reports, from Elon Musk's Starlink to Israel-based HiSKY satellite terminals that are less capable but beyond Washington's reach — a move that followed an Oct. 14, 2026 SpaceX slowdown that grounded strikes and interceptor drones until Congress ordered an investigation. Zelensky blamed Trump for the cap, Musk said the White House ordered it, and White House officials called it Musk's idea; Ukraine resumed refinery strikes in early November.
Ukrainian drones hit key bridge, power stations in Russia's Rostov Oblast, governor saysThe Kyiv Independent reports that Rostov Oblast Governor Yuri Slyusar said Ukrainian drone strikes damaged the Mius River bridge on the R-280 highway and a power substation, causing blackouts, with no casualties reported. The roundup also covers Russia's attacks on Kyiv's bridges and power grid, three generator-related deaths, Zelensky's free transit plan and SBU dismissals, upcoming peace talks in Abu Dhabi, and ice hockey championship boycotts.
Drone Strike Damages Key Mius River Bridge to Occupied Ukraine in RostovKyiv Post reports Ukrainian overnight strikes on Nov. 7, 2026 hitting Rosneft's Saratov Oil Refinery, the Afipsky refinery, and Oryol's Proton-Elektroteks plant, which makes components for Iskander-M and Kh-71 missiles. Rostov authorities said a drone strike damaged a strategic Mius River bridge on the Novorossiya highway corridor, and Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it downed 142 drones across eight regions.
Weekend Update #210: Trump Has Stood Between Ukraine And Military SuccessIn Weekend Update #210, marking four years of the series, Phillips P. OBrien argues Trump has stood between Ukraine and military success: daily Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries since 30 October, record October Russian losses he says exceed 50,000, and Russia slashing recruit bonuses up to 90% for lack of funds. He calls the 2026 midterms a decisive repudiation of Trump, forecasts Democratic control of both houses could bring tougher sanctions, restored aid to Ukraine, and curtailed Trump's ability to help Putin, and recommends Europe resist the administration's pressure while decoupling from it.
Russian Companies Begin Buying Machine Gun Turrets to Defend Against DronesDmytro Shumlianskyi reports for militarnyi.com that after Russia allowed companies in May 2026 to buy weapons against Ukrainian drones, buyers including Surgut Airport, the repeatedly attacked port of Ust-Luga, Kolymaenergo, and Rosatom's Angarsk plant have sought or bought machine gun turrets, and Gazprom contracted mobile fire teams to guard gas facilities. The site also reports Russia's street roundups for the war, a runway on Antelope Reef, and Ukraine's claims on Oniks missile modernization, defective Kh-101s, and its Grim LTE drone modem.
Ukraine’s new frontier: how space has become critical to balance of the warThe Guardian examines how the Ukraine war has spread into space, with Ukrainian Flamingo missile strikes on the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara, Roscosmos sites, and Russia's Rassvet satellite system, while Moscow has jammed signals, deployed Oreshnik missiles, and flown the Kosmos 2612 satellite at a Finnish Iceye satellite serving Ukraine's military. Experts including Dr Elena Grossfeld and Victoria Samson see a rapidly militarising domain with outdated treaties, and Kyiv is testing exo-atmospheric interceptors and the Obria Nano satellite for a sovereign communications network.
Why are oil traders refusing to buy Russian diesel after Trump-Putin deal?Al Jazeera's Nils Adler reports that, nearly a month after Donald Trump's October 2026 diesel deal with Vladimir Putin, no Russian diesel has reached the United States and tankers are diverting toward Brazil and the Mediterranean. Traders hesitate because Congress's import ban still stands despite the Treasury's exemption, while Governor Mikie Sherrill warns ports against taking the fuel and analysts doubt it would relieve prices topping $6 a gallon.
General Staff: Ukrainian forces strike two Iskander launchers in Russia's Bryansk OblastUkrainska Pravda reports that Ukraine's General Staff said its forces struck two Iskander missile launchers and a Pantsir-S1 system in Russia's Bryansk Oblast on 6 November and the night of 6–7 November, with the extent of the damage still being confirmed. Other strikes hit logistics depots and a drone operators' gathering point, and the Proton-Electroteks plant in Oryol, which makes components for aircraft and ballistic missiles.
Ukraine strikes factory in Russia’s Oryol with Neptune missiles – General StaffUkrainska Pravda reports that, per Ukraine's General Staff, Ukrainian naval forces struck the Proton-Elektroteks optoelectronics plant in Oryol with Neptune missiles overnight on 6–7 November, causing a fire whose extent is being assessed. The plant makes components for Kovyor cruise missiles and Iskander-M ballistic missiles.
Midterm elections 'doubled' Ukraine's chances of getting US military aid, official saysThe Kyiv Independent reports David Arakhamia's claim that the Democratic sweep of the U.S. midterms doubled Ukraine's odds of new financial and military aid, likely in early 2027, though he said Ukraine must first survive what may be the war's hardest winter. The roundup also covers Russian ballistic missiles hitting Kyiv, Trump's earlier aid cuts, Abu Dhabi peace talks, and an investigation into a Zelensky ally over alleged vote-buying.
Russia’s land gains in Ukraine dwindle as its diesel ‘goes unsold’Al Jazeera reports that Russia's gains in Ukraine have dwindled to almost nothing in 2026 — 117.38 sq km against 5,304 sq km in 2025 — while Kyiv hit eight refineries in a week and stepped up long-range strikes against its cities. Under an October 9 Trump-Putin diesel deal, four tankers of Russian diesel have reportedly found no buyers, with Senator Blumenthal warning a shipper that only Congress can legalise the sales.
Russian drone attacks injure 4 in Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv oblasts, spark fires at infrastructure facilitiesThe Kyiv Independent reports that Russian drone attacks overnight on November 5, 2026 injured at least four people in Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv oblasts and sparked fires at critical and logistics infrastructure, with a warehouse burning in Bucha district and a refinery reportedly hit in Russia's Ryazan. The article also rounds up other news: the death toll in Komyshuvakha reached 40, Zelensky landed in Spain to discuss air defense after talks with Trump's envoys, HUR says Russia can produce over 200 missiles monthly, and the outlet itself suffered a suspected Russian cyberattack.
Russia Lost 2,500 in a Single Day (NEW RECORD)Jake Broe's war update reports Russia's daily losses hitting a record 2,500 and October as its deadliest month, with an estimated 54,400 soldiers lost. He covers Ukraine's strikes on oil refineries and data centers, Russia's mass attacks on Ukraine's energy grid, and the Alleski ceasefire evacuation, and hopes the midterms bring Democrats checks on Trump.
Trump is back to not caring if Ukraine bombs RussiaA Daily Kos article argues that President Trump, who earlier pressured Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries over diesel prices, has gone quiet now that Ukraine resumed the attacks after the November 2026 election. kos calls the Russian diesel deal political theater, notes U.S. energy firms want no part of it, and says U.S. intelligence reportedly aided Ukraine's strikes all along.
Russian Airstrike Kills 31 at Ukraine Aid Center
wsj.com· 11d
A Russian airstrike on a school in Komyshuvakha, Ukraine, where residents had gathered to receive humanitarian aid, killed at least 31 people, left nearly 50 missing, and ranks among the deadliest Russian strikes of 2026, local authorities say. The Journal reports Russia's escalating missile-and-drone barrages on cities and energy infrastructure, Zelensky's warning that "Ukraine must be helped to defend its skies, otherwise Russia will never stop its missile strikes," and U.S.-brokered three-way talks set for Nov. 10-11 in Abu Dhabi that few officials expect to produce a breakthrough.
Death toll hits 29 after Russian strike on Ukrainian aid site, with 48 still missingnpr.org· 11d
The Associated Press reports that a Russian strike on a humanitarian aid site in Komyushuvakha, in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, raised the death toll to 29 with 48 still missing, as overnight strikes also hit power plants across Ukraine. Mykhailo Semikin calls it one of the region's worst tragedies for civilian victims, and President Zelenskyy says the barrage, timed to the U.S. elections, shows the need for help defending Ukraine's skies.
Ukraine and Russia say air raid alert apps hit by cyberattackseuronews.com· 12d
Euronews reports that Ukraine and Russia both said their air raid alert apps were hit by cyberattacks — Ukraine suspecting fake radiation alerts, Russia a "massive cyberattack" on its emergency warnings app — as the war's longest truce, limited to the Kherson region, ended on 1 November. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would stop hitting Russian refineries if Russia stopped striking its energy system or if Washington supplied Patriot missiles, while US-mediated talks are set to resume in November.
