EU Parliament close to Russia ‘terrorism’ designation, Sunak in Kyiv with $60 million gift

Weekend Catch-up Edition:

• EU Parliament finalizes draft resolution on designating Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.

According to Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, various political groups of the European Parliament reached a consensus after four hours of negotiations. He stated that text of the resolution will include a line recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and a state that uses terror as a weapon.

• Swedish investigators discover signs of sabotage near damaged Nord Stream gas pipelines.

The Swedish Security Service found explosive residue while conducting forensic examinations of the pipelines and nearby objects, the agency stated. Associate Professor in Seismology at the Swedish National Seismic Network (SNSN), Björn Lund, at the time of the incident said he had no doubts there had been explosions, and the damage to the pipelines was not geological in nature.

• UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrives in Kyiv, bearing $60 million of gifts.

The ‘gifts’ in question is a pledge for an air defense aid package, which will include 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly Iranian Shahed-136 drones, including dozens of radars and anti-drone electronic warfare capability. Sunak also took the time in Kyiv to pose for photos, including with famous demining dog Patron.

• Putin’s security forces have begun anti-coup exercises.

Military equipment was deployed in the center of Moscow on Oct. 26, and FSO officers were seen apparently practicing to protect government buildings, independent Russian media outlet The Insider reported. According to documents relating to the exercises, this was specifically an anti-coup training operation, led by a security service official who relies on astrologists and physics for counsel.

• The Hague’s decision on the MH17 case is the first step in gaining accountability for the Kremlin’s acts.

That’s the belief of Ukraine’s secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, though he added that Ukraine will not wait eight years for a sentence to be brought against other Russian war criminals. “The crimes of ruscism (Russian fascism) must be condemned at the same time as the crimes of fascism and communism,” he wrote.

• Mercenary warlord Prigozhin believes he has total legal impunity in Russia.

In a statement his press service publishing in response to widely-shared social media footage of Wagner mercenaries executing one of their own, the oligarch stated that he’s sure that no one will be punished for the act. “A dog deserves a dog’s death,” said Prigozhin said in his initial comments about the murder.

• Ukraine is unlikely to face a total blackout due to Russian missile strikes.

DTEK, one of the nation’s largest power operators, said that Ukraine’s air defenses are improving daily, as well as the experience and skill of DTEK’s technicians. He added that widespread power cuts are necessary to keep the power grid from over-loading and allow for repairs to be made, but noted that the chances for a total black-out remain low.

• 30% of Ukraine has been mined – an area twice the size of Austria.

The Interior Ministry and the State Emergency Service predict it may take up to 10 years to complete the mine clearance of the country. According to the Interior Ministry, about 270,000 square kilometers of land in Ukraine will have to be cleared of mines, including in currently Russian-occupied territories.

• The Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant was shelled twice over the weekend.

Russian forces continue to play nuclear chicken with Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, with IAEA observers recording more than a dozen explosions in the area surrounding the plant on Saturday night and Sunday morning. They noted that some buildings, systems and equipment were damaged at the ZNPP site, but none of them is critical for nuclear safety and security.

• Canada will sell Ukrainian relief bonds.

CAD 500 million ($373 million) worth of five-year these ‘Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds’ will be offered through participating financial institutions, with current yields at 3.3%. The raised funds will be provided to Ukraine as a loan through an IMF-administered account, after negotiations with Kyiv.

• Ukraine’s macro forecast may be revised downwards following a mass Russian missile strike.

Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko spoke about this possibility at the Kyiv International Economic Forum, noting that the Ukrainian economy has already fallen 30% even without these mass strikes. Meanwhile, according to Svyrydenko, Russian economic losses will amount to only about 4.5% this year, which means there is a need for the further strengthening of sanctions.

• The day’s long-read: ‘Wagner will not take Bakhmut,’ says former Israeli special forces commander

In an interview with Radio NV, former Israeli commando Denys Desyatnik spoke about how the hostilities in Donetsk Oblast will develop, whether the war will stop in the winter, and how Israel will help Ukraine.

• Don’t miss: Ukraine needs urgent help to counter Putin’s energy infrastructure attacks

Energy journalist Aura Sabadus explains how the world can step in to ensure that Ukraine stays warm and bright as temperatures plummet this winter.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine