Newsletter 05/11/2024
Daily news digest
TOP
First clash between Ukrainian, N. Korean forces reported in Kursk region – FT
According to the report, Ukrainian officials announced on Monday that their forces engaged North Korean soldiers in combat for the first time since their deployment by Russia to the Kursk region.
This marks the first direct involvement of a foreign military since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, further intensifying what is now the largest land war in Europe since World War II.
"The first North Korean troops have already come under fire in Kursk region," Andrii Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation said on Telegram. A senior Ukrainian intelligence official confirmed the involvement of North Korean troops to the FT, though no further details were provided.
Russians teaching N. Korean military to use drones – CCD
In Kursk region, Russians are training North Korean soldiers in the use of drones, and they plan to send UAV instructors to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Over 100 Western prominent figures urge to protect Ukraine from "Munich conspiracy"
In an open letter, more than a hundred acclaimed figures from Western democracies urged not to strike a deal with Russia that would go against Ukraine’s interests.
The open letter has already been signed by over a hundred politicians, scholars, military, journalists, and other public figures.
As the authors of the letter note, if Donald Trump wins the U.S. elections, his administration will try to impose an agreement with Moscow, which would harm the interests of Ukraine and endanger European security. In the event that Kamala Harris becomes president, the policy of stagnation and red lines will continue, due to which Ukraine has not yet received enough opportunities to win the war.
It is noted that the fatalism of key European governments who refuse to believe Ukraine can win, and are tempted to commit – at best – only to the bolstering of NATO defense in response to a Ukrainian defeat, could become decisive within the alliance, while damaging its credibility
Casualties as Russia attacks infrastructure facility in Zaporizhzhia
A Russian strike in the early hours of Tuesday targeted an infrastructure facility in the city of Zaporizhzhia where 23 civilians were wounded as a result of the attack.
Defense chief Umerov meets with Senior NATO Representative to Ukraine
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held talks with Senior NATO Representative to Ukraine Patrick Turner.
The parties “discussed the progress in implementing the agreements reached following the NATO Summit in Washington, particularly the issues of air defense supply, as well as the implementation of the JATEC and NSATU projects”, the report reads.
Umerov also briefed the Senior NATO Representative on the key priorities of the Ministry of Defense, emphasizing that it works in coordination with other ministries “as a united team, bringing our country closer to NATO membership”.
OSCE to consider involvement of North Korean troops in Russian war
On November 6, the Permanent Council and the OSCE Security Cooperation Forum will hold a special meeting on Russia’s military cooperation with the DPRK and its implications for the ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
War
Woman injured as invaders attack Kharkiv with drones
The Russian army attacked the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kharkiv presumably with a Shahed-type UAV. A woman was injured.
Russia continues to prioritize southern Donetsk frontlines – British intel
The intelligence update indicates that Russian troops have seized control of several small towns and have advanced up to 9 km in some areas of Donetsk region over the past week. Analysts suggest that these successes follow Russia gaining control of Vuhledar in early October 2024.
Additionally, in southern Donetsk region, Russian forces captured the town of Hirnyk and claim to have seized Kurakhivka. About 15 kilometers southeast of Pokrovsk, the Russia seized the town of Selydove, which likely further enhances Russia’s ability to threaten the logistics hub of Pokrovsk.
Russia continues to prioritize the southern Donetsk front, maintaining a favorable force ratios in this sector, which partly explains the increased pace of Russian offensive operations, according to analysts.
Destruction of the enemy D-30 howitzer, which fired at the city of Ochakiv, by servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Injury toll in strike on Zaporizhzhia rises to 23, six people killed
NATO likely to discuss intercepting Russian missiles over Ukraine next week – Sikorski
South Korea estimates number of North Korean troops deployed close to Ukraine’s border
War update: 230 clashes, situation hottest in Kurakhove axis
Ukraine downs two Russian missiles, 48 drones
Ukrainian Legion to begin training in Poland by end of year
The recruitment center representatives report that the first volunteers will soon sign contracts with the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the center’s headquarters in Lublin. These volunteers will then be deployed to a designated training ground in Poland for further instruction. Contracts can be signed for a specified term (three years) or until the end of the special period.
Training will not take place at the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG) base, as some media previously reported. Instead, NATO country instructors will conduct the training at designated locations.
After initial training, Legion soldiers requiring further specialization can receive additional instruction at other training grounds.
General Staff explains GPS confusion in Ukraine
"A side effect of this measure is a disruption of local time indication in cell phones set on automatic time zone correction. Taking this into account, the recommendation is that users switch off automatic time correction mode in phones and take note that during air raid alerts, the accuracy of satellite navigation systems may be disrupted," explained e-warfare experts at the General Staff.
Defense
Australia donating 14 boats to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime defenses
Ukraine, Lithuania strengthen cooperation in defense industry
Politics
Strengthening communication with Moldovan society, EU: next key task for President Sandu – expert
Latvian expert Alex Grigorievs highlighted how Russian attempts to create internal strife in Moldova are a cynical strategy, aiming to pit citizens against one another by claiming that "Maia Sandu is the president of Moldovans in the EU, while Stoianoglo is the president of Moldovans in Moldova." Indeed, it was the Russian Federation and its predecessor, the Soviet Union, that led to the emergence of a large Moldovan diaspora. Initially, in 1940, eastern Moldova was separated from Romania (the country was established in the 19th century as a union of the principalities of Wallachia and Moldova). The territory occupied by Moscow was transformed into an agrarian appendage, a "fruit garden and winery." After 1991, Russia created problems regarding gas supplies and the purchase of Moldovan wine and fruits in order to maintain control over eastern Moldova.
"Russia was behind the economic challenges that forced Moldovan citizens to seek work in Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Meanwhile, those who left for Europe left their children in the care of older relatives who, in turn, supported Soviet-era leaders," Grigorievs explained.
Sweden donates two aid packages to Ministry of Internal Affairs
NATO Secretary General, Italian PM emphasize need to increase assistance to Ukraine
No Russians, Belarusians in OSCE PA monitoring mission to U.S. – lawmaker
Society
U.S. election: authorities warn of large-scale Russian disinformation campaign
Ahead of voting in the U.S. presidential election begins on November 5, U.S. authorities have issued a warning about a large-scale disinformation campaign originating from Moscow.
That is according to The Guardian.
A joint statement by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) indicates that Russia is a primary threat, spreading false claims about vote manipulation in key states.
“Russia is the most active threat,” the security agencies said on Monday. “These efforts risk inciting violence, including against election officials,” they added, noting the efforts are expected to intensify through election day and in the following weeks.
One example cited is a video alleging mass election fraud in Arizona in favor of Kamala Harris. Arizona’s Secretary of State has denounced this video as entirely fabricated.
Previous Russian disinformation claims, such as the alleged destruction of Trump ballots in Pennsylvania and attacks against Harris, have already been identified and debunked.