Monday, November 11

Russia’s war against Ukraine

People collect drinkable water from a collection point created by an NGO on Nov. 10, 2024 in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast. Around 10,000 civilians remain in Pokrovsk, surviving without basic amenities under the constant threat of artillery and aerial bombs. (Diego Fedele/Getty Images)

Trump urges Putin to avoid escalation in Ukraine, WP reports. During the call from Trump’s Florida resort, the U.S. President-elect advised Putin not to escalate the situation in Ukraine and highlighted Washington’s significant military presence in Europe, one source familiar with the discussion said.

Russia launches record number of drones in overnight attack on Ukraine. Russian forces launched a record 145 drones at Ukraine overnight and Ukrainian air defense downed 62 drones.

Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow. Russian air defense shot down 70 Ukrainian drones, including 34 in Moscow Oblast, in Ukraine’s largest drone attack on the Russian capital, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Nov. 10.

NYT: Russia set to launch 50,000-strong offensive in Kursk Oblast, including North Koreans. Russia has amassed the 50,000 troops without pulling its soldiers out of the eastern front, according to a new U.S. assessment.

Your contribution helps keep the Kyiv Independent going. Become a member today.

Ukraine denies reports it was informed in advance about Trump-Putin call. “Reports that the Ukrainian side was informed in advance of the alleged call are false. Subsequently, Ukraine could not have endorsed or opposed the call,” foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi told Reuters.

Ukraine imposes emergency blackouts across country due to threat of energy sector attacks. The blackouts began as the Air Force issued a nationwide aerial alert after Russia launched MiG-31K jets, which are capable of carrying Kinzhal ballistic missiles.

UK Defense Chief: Russia lost 1,500 troops every single day in October. While the Kremlin does not announce the number of dead and injured, Western officials claim October was the heaviest month yet for Russian forces.

2 Russian drones found in Moldova ‘endangering Moldovan lives,’ official says. Moldovan authorities found two Russian drones in the Kaushan and Rishkan districts on Nov. 10.

Read our exclusives

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow; Russian casualties reached record high in October

Russian air defense shot down 70 Ukrainian drones, including 34 in Moscow Oblast, in Ukraine’s largest drone attack on the Russian capital, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Nov. 10.

Photo: Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images

Human cost of war

Russian drone strike in Mykolaiv kills 5, injures 1. Four people were killed and one 45-year-old woman was hospitalized following the attack, Governor Vitalii Kim said. Search and rescue operations have reportedly been completed.

Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia kills 1, injures 21, including children. Eight people have been hospitalized, including a 4-year-old boy, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. The attack struck an apartment building and a dormitory in the city.

General Staff: Russia has lost 708,890 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022. This number includes 1,350 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

Donald Trump pledges to end Russia’s war | Ukraine This Week

International response

Biden to urge Congress to send more Ukraine aid in last days of term, Sullivan says. “President Biden will have the opportunity over the next 70 days to make the case to the Congress and to the incoming administration that the United States should not walk away from Ukraine,” U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.

Macron, Starmer to meet in France for talks on Ukraine, European solidarity. The two leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine in private talks after participating in Armistice Day memorial ceremonies with French and British veterans.

Tusk: No decisions for Ukraine without Ukrainians, despite Trump’s plans. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that “decisions on the war in Ukraine can neither be made over the heads of Ukrainians nor over ours.“ Europe will have to bear more responsibility for its security, he added.

Trump Jr. mocks Zelensky, Ukraine in meme about losing ‘allowance.’ Donald Trump Jr. reposted an Instagram clip featuring an image of Zelensky with the caption: “POV: You’re 38 days from losing your allowance.”

This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand’s visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Contact partnerships@kyivindependent.com for more details.

Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Dominic Culverwell, Oleksiy Sorokin, Olena Goncharova, and Abbey Fenbert.

If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.