Ukraine-Russia latest: Musk ‘joins Trump’s Zelensky call’ as Putin hails ‘courageous’ US election win
Elon Musk reportedly jumped on Donald Trump’s first call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
The move potentially reveals how high Trump values the Tesla billionaire and foreshadows a possible role in his administration.
Axios reported that the president-elect told Zelensky he will support Ukraine, but didn’t go into details on a 25 minute phonecall.
Musk also weighed in to say he will continue supporting Ukraine through his Starlink satellites - that have become pivotal to Ukraine forces communications on the frontline.
Musk had previously mocked Zelensky on social media for his attempts to fundraise for his nation’s war effort.
It came as Russian president Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on winning the US election and said Moscow was ready for dialogue with him.
In his first remarks since Mr Trump’s win, Mr Putin said the president-elect had acted “like a real man” during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July.
Mr Trump’s win has caused concern in Ukraine, where the Russian forces have made swift advances of late, over fears that he would curtail US support for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes killed at least one person and injured 34 injured in Odesa and Kharkiv early this morning.
Key Points
‘I promise you will be happy with me’ Trump and Elon Musk share Zoom call with Zelensky - report
Putin hails ‘courageous’ Trump and says Russia ready for dialogue
Trump's victory increases uncertainty for Ukraine amid Russian advances
Biden administration pledges continued aid to Ukraine
Zelensky rejects ceasefire proposal as ‘nonsense'
Russia bombards Kharkiv, injuring 25 in strike on residential building
What funds could Biden send to Ukraine before Trump takes office?
20:45 , Barney Davis
US president Joe Biden appears set to try and rush billions of dollars in security assistance to Ukraine before his successor Donald Trump is inaugurated next January.
Mr Biden, a much more outspoken advocate for Ukraine than Mr Trump, and who has stated publicly that he would not force Kyiv to the negotiating table, rather let such talks be led by them, has passed five substantive aid packages for Ukraine while in the White House, totalling around $175 billion (£135bn).
Roughly $9bn of those bills remains to be sent. Of the latest weapons transfer authority passed in April, $4.3 billion remains, in addition to $2.8 billion worth of transfers lawmakers approved in previous spending measures and $2 billion in funding for the purchase of new weapons from industry.
But it is unclear when that aid could arrive; it is doubtful much will make it before Mr Trump is inaugurated.
Our foreign affairs reporter Tom Watling has more details in this report:
What funds could Biden send to Ukraine before Trump takes office?
Estonian ambassador’s Kyiv apartment block hit in Russian attack
19:45 , Barney Davis
The high-rise Kyiv apartment block in which Estonian ambassador Annely Kolk lives was hit in a Russian attack overnight, the country’s foreign minister has said.
“She was lucky not to be harmed. No one is safe in Ukraine until Russia stops its aggression. Ukraine needs more air defence to protect its residents,” said Estonia’s foreign minister Margus Tsahkna.
Four people were wounded in a drone attack on the Kyiv region and at least six houses and several cars were damaged, according to Ukraine’s interior ministry, with one killed and dozens wounded in other attacks across 12 Ukrainian regions.
Mystery surrounds death of Ukrainian journalist in Russia’s ‘hell on earth’ prison
18:47 , Barney Davis
It has been nearly 50 days since a 27-year-old Ukrainian journalist died while imprisoned at a Russian detention facility dubbed “hell on Earth” – but her family and friends are still waiting for the Kremlin to release her body so they can give her a proper funeral.
Authorities in Russia have not explained why they are yet to return the body of award-winning journalist Victoria Roshchyna, who went missing in August last year, with Ukrainian officials and her ex-colleagues telling The Independent they are concerned the delay could help in the cover-up of the cause of her death.
My colleague Arpan Rai reports:
Mystery surrounds death of Ukrainian journalist in Russia’s ‘hell on earth’ prison
Ukraine to receive $1.37billion from World Bank for humanitarian projects
18:26 , Barney Davis
Ukraine’s Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko and World Bank director Bob Saum, today signed a grant agreement under the World Bank’s Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance (PEACE in Ukraine) project.
The project aims to partially compensate for State Budget expenditures, including social and humanitarian expenditures not related to the security and defence sector.
The grant agreement will provide:
USD 1.35 billion - a grant from the United States of America;
EUR 10.8 million - funds from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for co-financing the Second Development Policy Loan for Economic Recovery for Ukraine.
The funds will be transferred to the budget of Ukraine in the coming days.
“I am grateful to the United States Government, partner countries, and the World Bank team for their crucial financial support and partnership at a crucial time for Ukraine.
“The funds raised will make a significant contribution to the priority social expenditures of the Ukrainian State Budget,” said Sergii Marchenko.
Watch: Putin calls Trump ‘courageous’ as he congratulates future US president on election
17:26 , Andy Gregory
‘I promise you will be happy with me’ Trump and Elon Musk share Zoom call with Zelensky - report
17:19 , Barney Davis
Elon Musk reportedly jumped on Donald Trump’s first call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Axios reported that the president-elect told Zelensky he will support Ukraine, but didn’t go into details on a 25 minute phonecall.
“I promise you will be happy with me” Trump reportedly told Zelensky.
Sources told Axios that Zelensky felt the call went well and that it did not increase his anxiety about Trump’s victory.
One added it “didn’t leave Zelensky with a feeling of despair.”
Musk weighed in to pledge the Ukrainian president the use of his Starlink satellites.
Russian prosecutors seek six-year prison term for paediatrician accused of criticising Ukraine war
17:06 , Andy Gregory
Russian authorities are seeking a six-year prison term for a paediatrician accused of criticising the war in Ukraine in front of one of her patients and his mother, Russian independent news site Mediazona reports.
The case against Dr Nadezhda Buyanova, 68, is one of hundreds launched against Russians after Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, and unleashed an unprecedented crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and other citizens.
Dr Buyanova was arrested in February, after the mother of one of her patients reported her to the authorities, alleging that the pediatrician told her son that his father, a Russian soldier killed in Ukraine, was a legitimate target for Kyiv’s troops, and blamed Russia for the war.
The pediatrician was charged with spreading false information about the army, a criminal offence under strict laws ushered in shortly after the invasion and widely used to target critics and protesters. She has rejected the charges and denied the alleged remarks.
EU will tell US that Russia is threat to global security as a whole, says Ursula von der Leyen
16:47 , Andy Gregory
Closing out today’s EU summit in Budapest, European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen said the EU would “discuss with our American friends also the fact that Russia is not only a threat to Europe, but a threat to the global security as a whole” in a bid to dissuade Donald Trump from abandoning aid to Ukraine.
“We see that technology from China and Iran is used by Russia on the battlefield,” she added. “It shows that the security of the Indo-Pacific and Europe are interconnected, and so are the European and the United States interests in this course.”
North Korean deployment is ‘dangerous expansion’ of support for Russia’s Ukraine war, Nato says
16:27 , Andy Gregory
Nato members have warned that the deployment of North Korean troops is a “dangerous expansion” of the country’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In a joint statement, Nato’s 32 member states warned that “the deepening military cooperation” between Russia and North Korea “deeply impacts Euro-Atlantic security, with implications also for the Indo-Pacific”.
Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Ukraine also supported the Nato statement.
Call for ‘Save Ukraine Summit’ in London before Trump enters White House
15:55 , Andy Gregory
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has called for a “Save Ukraine Summit” in London to allow European leaders to co-ordinate before Donald Trump enters the White House.
Having labelled Mr Trump a “dangerous, destructive demagogue” following the US election result, Sir Ed said: “I think we need to pre-empt whatever decision President-elect Trump eventually takes by showing UK leadership in Europe.
“I think by having that summit of European leaders, we would send a message to President-elect Trump, and hopefully a message that encourages him.
“He’s often said other countries need to do more – well, it will be a sign that other countries are doing more, and therefore that hopefully would encourage him to stay the course and continue the policies of President Biden when it comes to Ukraine.”
Could South Korea send troops to fight for Ukraine?
15:34 , Andy Gregory
The alleged deployment of North Korean soldiers to aid Russia’s war effort in Ukraine has prompted South Korea to warn that it could send military monitors as well as weapons to Kyiv.
South Korean foreign minister Cho Tae Yul said earlier this week that all options were on the table, but experts noted that Seoul was more likely to send a variety of military support short of soldiers.
The alleged presence of around 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, reportedly under a defence treaty that Russian president Vladimir Putin signed with Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this year, has set off alarm bells on the Korean peninsula.
South Korea is concerned about thousands of North Korean troops gaining fighting experience in a war theatre, and potentially using the skills they acquire against South Korea on their return.
My colleague Arpan Rai reports:
Could South Korea send troops to fight for Ukraine?
Western arming of Israel emboldens belligerents such as Russia, warns rights group
15:16 , Andy Gregory
Western nations supplying weapons to Israel as it pursues conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon despite evidence of violations of international law are empowering belligerents elsewhere such as Russia and China, the head of Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned.
Tirana Hassan, HRW’s Executive Director, said that countries like the UK, US and Germany could influence Israel’s actions and should do so by ending arms sales, particularly if they “know that these weapons are being used in the commission of war crimes”.
Ms Hassan warned that governments arming Israel were undermining their own credibility as defenders of international law.
“It sends a message that these rules apply differently to us and our allies as they do to others, and that has really serious consequences,” she said, adding: “They are very quick to point out double standards from the West and are trying to use that to undermine the system.”
Mapped: Where has Russia made advances on the frontline in Ukraine?
15:01 , Andy Gregory
Ukrainian forces defending the eastern region of Donetsk are heading into the “moment of maximum tension” as Russian forces rush to take territory ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration next year, war monitors have claimed.
Mr Trump’s comprehensive victory in the US election, which came off the back of his promises to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, has brought into sharp relief the difficult situation on the frontline for Kyiv.
Russian forces have continued to make gains in the eastern region of Donetsk, advancing along several fronts towards the city of Pokrovsk, a linchpin of the wider area’s defence.
Moscow has also mobilised thousands of North Korean soldiers to push back the Ukrainian incursion into the border region of Kursk, with some success.
Our foreign affairs reporter Tom Watling reports:
Mapped: Where has Russia made advances on the frontline in Ukraine?
Italian president meets Xi Jinping amid tensions over China’s ties with Russia
14:49 , Andy Gregory
Italian president Sergio Mattarella has met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on an official visit to China, despite tensions between China and Nato over Beijing’s support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
The two exchanged greetings following a ceremony with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing. In his opening remarks, Xi referred to the 700th anniversary of Italian adventurer and trader Marco Polo’s journey to China that encouraged cultural, economic and religious links between Europe and East Asia.
Any differences on political issues were not raised in front of the media and the two leaders later oversaw the signing of a series of agreements on matters from culture to technology and trade.
Italian President Mattarella meets Chinese leader Xi in Beijing amid complex ties
Europe cannot finance Ukraine war without US, claims Hungary’s Orban
14:35 , Andy Gregory
Hungary’s Viktor Orban – the EU leader closest to Vladimir Putin – has sought to cast doubt on whether Ukraine’s European allies can continue their support for Kyiv in its current form without US assistance, if Donald Trump opts to halt aid from Washington.
“This is a new situation,” he said of Mr Trump’s re-election. “If this is what’s going on across the pond, then this is going to affect us Europeans too. Europe cannot finance this war alone.”
EU’s top diplomat plays down fears over Trump impact on European support for Ukraine
14:21 , Andy Gregory
Arriving at Friday’s EU summit in Hungary, the bloc’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, downplayed concerns that a new US administration would lead Europe to change course in its support for Ukraine.
“We cannot outsource our capacity of action. Whatever happens in the US, we have our interests, we have our values,” Mr Borrell said.
Italy’s hard-right prime minister Giorgia Meloni added: “As long is there is a war, Italy is on the side of Ukraine.”
ICYMI: Zelensky reveals Ukraine's 'good conversations' with Donald Trump in new video address
14:10 , Andy Gregory
Why nuclear weapons will be on Trump's agenda
13:58 , AP
When he takes office in January, Donald Trump will inherit a raft of national security challenges, including major wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Less discussed are the growing nuclear threats facing the United States, including from Russia, China and Iran.
In the case of Russia, Mr Trump will have to manage the gravest tensions with Moscow in more than 60 years, in part fueled by Vladimir Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons in his war against Ukraine and his development of new weapons systems.
As overseer of the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal, Mr Putin has been modernising his nuclear forces and has rejected talks with Washington on replacing New Start, the last US-Russia arms limitation pact, when it expires on 5 February 2026.
US officials say Mr Putin remains within the limits set by the treaty despite his 2023 “suspension” of the pact that holds Russia and the United States to deploying 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads on 700 intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and bombers.
President Joe Biden and Putin agreed to an extension in 2021 but, as written, the pact can’t be extended further. Mr Trump opposed an extension in his first term, calling instead for a new treaty that included China – which spurned the proposal.
Full report: Zelensky urges European leaders to stay strong over Ukraine
13:47 , Andy Gregory
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urged European leaders on Thursday to resist offering any concessions to Vladimir Putin to halt its invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at a summit in Hungary, Mr Zelensky described yielding to Kremlin demands as “suicidal” for Europe, a move that would embolden Moscow and undermine European security.
His appeal follows Donald Trump’s re-election, raising uncertainty over US policy as Mr Trump has questioned the level of military and financial support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.
Bel Trew and Rachel Hagan have more in this report:
Zelensky urges European leaders to stay strong over Ukraine
Russian oil refinery hit in overnight drone attack by Ukraine, source says
13:36 , Andy Gregory
An overnight Ukrainian drone attack has struck an oil refinery producing motor fuels, fuel oil and bitumen in the Russian city of Saratov but caused no significant damage, a local source told Reuters.
“An inspection was performed – luckily, there was no fire, casualties or critical damage,” the source said, adding that refining operations would not be affected.
A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters the strike had caused damage, but did not elaborate on the nature and extent of it. The source said the operation had been conducted by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. Video published on social media appeared to show key facilities at the site were intact.
Saratov regional governor Roman Busargin said debris from a destroyed zone had fallen on an industrial zone of the city, and nobody appeared to have been hurt. The Saratov refinery processed 115,400 barrels per day in the first nine months of 2024 versus 101,200 in 2023.
A major airbase housing long-range strategic bombers is also located less than 10 miles outside Saratov and has been targeted by Ukraine in the past.
One-year-old boy among nine victims of Zaporizhzhia attack, governor says
13:24 , Andy Gregory
A one-year-old boy is among nine people killed in a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Ivan Fedorov has said.
The Kyiv Independent reported that 41 others were injured after the attack on Thursday, which used guided aerial bombs.
China urges Britain to withdraw sanctions over alleged military supplies to Russia
13:14 , Andy Gregory
China’s embassy in the United Kingdom has urged Britain to withdraw sanctions it imposed on Chinese firms accused of suppling machinery and components for the Russian military.
“What the British side has done violates international law and harms the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. China is firmly opposed to this,” the embassy said in a statement.
“China will take necessary measures to protect its lawful rights and interests.”
Zelensky says swift end to war would ‘be loss for Ukraine’
13:03 , Andy Gregory
At a gathering of European leaders in Budapest on Thursday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky objected to Donald Trump’s claim that Russia’s war with Ukraine could be ended in a day.
“If it is going to be very fast, it will be a loss for Ukraine,” Mr Zelensky said.
Mr Zelensky and Ukraine’s allies fear the swift end to the war sought by Mr Trump would mean peace on terms favourable to Putin and involving the surrender of territory.
At least one killed and dozens injured in overnight attacks on Ukraine, officials say
12:53 , Andy Gregory
Russian missiles, bombs and drones have battered three regions of Ukraine in targeted night-time attacks, officials said.
At least 25 people, including an infant, were injured after a 500kg glide bomb severely damaged a high-rise apartment building in Kharkiv, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said.
In the southern city of Odesa, a Russian drone attack killed one person and injured nine others overnight.
And in the capital Kyiv, falling wreckage from intercepted missiles injured four people.
In total, Russia fired 92 drones and five missiles at Ukraine during the night, Ukraine’s air force said. Four missiles and 62 drones were intercepted, and 26 drones were jammed electronically, it said.
US will end support for Ukraine under Trump, claims Orban
12:40 , Andy Gregory
Donald Trump will cease providing support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Hungarian premier Viktor Orban has predicted ahead of a European Union summit on Friday.
In comments to state radio ahead of Friday’s summit, Mr Orban – who is close to both Mr Trump and Vladimir Putin – reiterated his long-held position that an immediate cease-fire should be declared, and suggested that Ukraine has already lost its fight.
“If Donald Trump had won in 2020 in the United States, these two nightmarish years wouldn’t have happened. There wouldn’t have been a war,” he said. “The situation on the front is obvious, there’s been a military defeat. The Americans are going to pull out of this war.”
12:24 , Andy Gregory
Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Sir Tony Blair’s former chief of staff Jonathan Powell as National Security Adviser.
The veteran diplomat, who served for 17 years in the Foreign Office, will take over from Sir Tim Barrow in the role based in 10 Downing Street.
The Prime Minister said his experience in helping to negotiate the Good Friday Agreement and working on “some of the world’s most complex conflicts” meant he was “uniquely qualified” to advise the government.
Mr Powell was also involved in talks over the Chagos Islands sovereignty dispute, which earlier this year saw Britain hand the territory over to Mauritius.
He will now be expected to play a key role in forging links with Donald Trump’s new US administration, as well as helping to shape the UK’s response to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Russia behind exploding parcels that threatened US flights, Poland says
11:44 , Andy Gregory
Russian intelligence services were likely behind a series of parcels that exploded in courier depots across Europe, Polish prosecutors have said.
Western officials have previously said that Russia has tried to destabilise allies of Ukraine with acts of sabotage. The explosions in courier depots in Britain, Germany and Poland in July had the potential to mark a serious escalation by causing an explosion on an aircraft, officials warn.
Security officials have said that the parcels were part of a plot that ultimately aimed to trigger explosions on cargo flights to the United States and Canada.
“The evidence collected in the case indicates a high probability that the discussed acts of sabotage ... were inspired by Russian special services,” the Polish Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
Polish authorities are searching for two Russians and have detained four Ukrainian citizens as part of the investigation. Polish prosecutors said in October they had detained four people and were searching for two others in relation to the packages, but did not reveal the nationalities of those accused of involvement.
“Intensive activities are being carried out to identify the remaining individuals involved in the above international group,” the statement said. “These actions are undertaken in cooperation with law enforcement agencies of other European Union countries.”
Putin ready to discuss Ukraine with Trump but not to alter his demands, says Kremlin
11:24 , Andy Gregory
Vladimir Putin is ready to discuss Ukraine with Donald Trump – but that does not mean he is willing to alter Moscow’s demands, the Kremlin has sai.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “The president has never said that the goals of the special military operation are changing. On the contrary, he has repeatedly said that they remain the same.
“All this concerns the security interests of our country, the security interests of the Russian people living there. Therefore, there was no talk of any changes here.”
Laying out his terms in June for ending the war, Mr Putin claimed Ukraine would have to drop its Nato ambitions and withdraw all of its troops from all of the territory of four annexed regions claimed by Russia – which Kyiv and many allies say would amount to capitulation to Moscow.
Russia summons Canadian diplomat over ‘false accusations’ about sabotage plot
10:56 , Andy Gregory
The Russian foreign ministry has summoned the deputy head of Canada’s embassy in Moscow to protest over what it called “false accusations” that Russia was behind a sabotage campaign against Nato countries.
Western security officials have said that parcels that exploded at logistics depots in Europe were part of a test run for a Russian plot to trigger explosions on cargo flights to the United States. Russia has rejected the accusations.
Trump could easily end Ukraine war with solutions-based approach, claims Turkey’s Erdogan
10:26 , Andy Gregory
War in Ukraine could end easily if Donald Trump’s future US administration takes a solution-based approach, Turkey’s president Tayyip Erdogan has been quoted as saying.
Mr Erdogan also said efforts of the Western countries led by the US to end war in Ukraine would accelerate a solution, based on his reported in-flight interview with reporters on his way back from Budapest.
European countries are spending more on defence, think-tank says
10:07 , Andy Gregory
European nations boosted their defences in response to the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but much remains to be done for them to be ready to face threats from Russia, according to a new report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Published as the think-tank opened a three-day gathering in Prague to discuss European and transatlantic military capabilities, the report said: “Nato has not just significantly increased its ambitions regarding its deterrence and war-fighting posture, but European members have sought to address critical capability and readiness shortfalls.
“Unsurprisingly, however, after decades of neglect and underinvestment, much remains to be done and progress has been mixed.”
European countries are spending more on defense, a think tank says
Trump’s desire to end war swiftly will see Ukraine lose territory, says ex-MI6 chief
09:47 , Andy Gregory
Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger has said that Donald Trump’s desire for a swift end to the war in Ukraine will see Kyiv lose territory to Russia.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “He will attempt to engineer a rapid solution, but he’s been pulled in two directions. There will be a land swap. That is a terrible thing for the people who end up living under Russian rule.
“But fundamentally, it’s not the main argument. The main argument is whether Ukraine is a western or eastern country in future.”
Sir Alex added: “Trump’s advisers, on the one hand, are saying that Ukraine should be forced into neutrality, so basically back into the bosom of Putin. Others are talking about the need to do a land swap, but then reinforce its military and economic capabilities, and we need to make sure we are compounding that second argument.”
EU resolute that it must stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, says Ireland’s Taoiseach
09:28 , Andy Gregory
Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris has said there was a very resolute view at the European Political Community summit in Budapest this week that the EU must stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
“The US had its election and it made its decision but that doesn’t change European values, and European values around the importance of the UN Charter, the importance of territorial integrity remain,” he said.
Putin claims China not pursuing aggressive policy towards Taiwan
09:09 , Andy Gregory
Vladimir Putin has described China as Russia’s ally and threw his weight behind Beijing’s claims over Taiwan, while insisting that no countries have anything to fear from their deepening co-operation.
The two countries have not declared a formal military alliance, but signed a “no limits” partnership deal in 2022, less than three weeks before Mr Putin sent his troops into Ukraine.
“We do not believe that China is pursuing an aggressive policy in the region,” Mr Putin said at the Valdai discussion club in the Russian resort of Sochi.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, despite strong objections by the government in Taipei, and regularly holds wargames near the island. But Mr Putin suggested that Taiwan was trying to stir up a Ukraine-style crisis in Asia in order to attract outside support.
“A lot is going on around Taiwan,” Mr Putin said. “Everyone formally acknowledges, yes, Taiwan is part of China. But in reality? In reality, it is acting in a completely different direction. Provoking the situation towards escalation.
“We do support China. And because of this, we believe that [China] is conducting a completely reasonable policy. And also because it is our ally. We have a very large trade turnover, we co-operate in the security sector.”
South Korea says pro-Russia groups responsible for cyberattacks after North’s troop dispatch
08:50 , Andy Gregory
South Korea has been targeted with cyberattacks by pro-Russia hacking groups after North Korea dispatched troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, Seoul’s presidential office has warned.
The office held an emergency intra-agency meeting after detecting denial-of-service attacks on some government and private websites in recent days.
Some of the websites experienced temporary outages but there was no serious damage, the presidential office said, adding that the government will strengthen its ability to respond to such attacks.
Putin describes Trump in one word as he breaks silence on Republican’s election victory
08:31 , Andy Gregory
Vladimir Putin has described Donald Trump in one word as he spoke publicly for the first time about the Republican’s election victory, my colleague Lucy Leeson reports.
Putin said he had been “impressed” by Trump, before describing him as “courageous” concerning the assassination attempt on the president-elect at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
On Thursday, Putin said: “In his first term as president he was dubbed mostly a businessman, but his behavior when there was an attempt on his life, I was impressed, he is a courageous person.
Russian city of Saratov targeted by Ukrainian drone, says regional governor
08:00 , Namita Singh
The Russian city of Saratov was targeted by a Ukrainian drone overnight, the regional governor said on Friday, saying drone debris had fallen in an industrial zone after it had been destroyed.
The governor, Roman Busargin, made the comments on his official Telegram channel and said that nobody appeared to have been hurt.
Saratov, about 730km southeast of Moscow, hosts an oil refinery.
A major airbase housing long-range strategic bombers is also located less than 16km out of the city and has been targeted by Ukraine in the past.
Russia bombards Kharkiv, injuring 25 in strike on residential building
07:45 , Namita Singh
Early this morning, Russian forces struck the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, with a guided KAB aerial bomb severely damaging a 12-storey residential building in the Saltivskyi district and injuring at least 25 people.
The blast caused a fire, destroyed multiple floors, and left residents trapped, according to Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov. Search and rescue teams are working to locate anyone still beneath the rubble.
Five of the injured were taken to hospital, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. The attack, launched from Russian-controlled Donetsk Oblast, also damaged nearby buildings, metro entrances, and vehicles.
A separate strike targeted Kharkiv’s city centre, hitting administrative and historic structures as well as residential areas. Another hit impacted a nearby neighbourhood, damaging shops, multistorey buildings, and cars. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in these additional attacks, Mr Syniehubov confirmed.
Russia’s troop losses in Ukraine near 706,000, Ukrainian military claims
07:30 , Namita Singh
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Russia has reportedly lost 705,880 troops, according to data shared by Ukraine’s Armed Forces on its Facebook page. This tally includes 1,580 soldiers killed within the last 24 hours alone.
In addition to personnel losses, Ukraine’s General Staff reports that Russia has sustained heavy equipment losses, listing 9,233 tanks, 18,661 armoured fighting vehicles, 28,495 transport and fuel vehicles, and 20,226 artillery systems. Russian forces have also lost 1,245 multiple launch rocket systems, 996 air defence systems, 369 aircraft, 329 helicopters, and 18,526 drones, along with 28 naval vessels and a single submarine.
Russian drone strikes Odesa region, leaving one dead and nine injured
07:15 , Namita Singh
Russian forces conducted a large-scale drone assault on Ukraine’s southern Odesa Oblast early this morning, leaving one person dead and injuring at least nine others, reported Kyiv Independent, citing local officials.
The attack caused significant damage to residential buildings, with Ukraine’s State Emergency Service confirming casualties. Odesa’s regional governor, Oleh Kiper, reported that shockwaves shattered windows at a city school, while shrapnel punctured and ignited two gas pipelines in another district, heightening the risk to nearby areas.
Pentagon responds to claims North Korean troops in Russia ‘gorging on pornography’
07:00 , Rachel Hagan
Pentagon responds to claims North Korean troops in Russia ‘gorging on pornography’
What funds could Biden send to Ukraine before Trump takes office?
06:30 , Rachel Hagan
What funds could Biden send to Ukraine before Trump takes office?
Could South Korea send troops to fight for Ukraine?
06:29 , Namita Singh
The alleged deployment of North Korean soldiers to aid Russia’s war effort in Ukraine has prompted South Korea to warn that it could send military monitors as well as weapons to Kyiv.
South Korean foreign minister Cho Tae Yul said earlier this week that all options were on the table, but experts noted that Seoul was more likely to send a variety of military support short of soldiers.
The alleged presence of around 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, reportedly under a defence treaty that Russian president Vladimir Putin signed with Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this year, has set off alarm bells on the Korean peninsula.
Report:
Could South Korea send troops to fight for Ukraine?
Europe must take more responsibilty for defence and support for Ukraine, says EU chief
06:00 , Rachel Hagan
In the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election in the US, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has called on the European Union to take more responsibilty for it’s defence and for support of Ukraine.
EU officials have reportedly expressed concern privately that a second Trump administration could see the US withdraw at least some of it’s support from the continent.
Pentagon responds to claims North Korean troops in Russia ‘gorging on pornography’
05:45 , Namita Singh
The Pentagon has responded to claims that North Korean troops sent to Russia to bolster Vladimir Putin’s forces are consuming online pornography as they now have less restricted internet access.
US department of defence spokesperson Major Charlie Dietz said he couldn’t verify “any North Korean internet habits or virtual ‘extracurriculars’” taking place in Russia.
He continued: “As for internet access, that’s a question best directed to Moscow. Right now, our attention remains on supporting Ukraine and addressing the more significant regional security concerns”.
Report:
Pentagon responds to claims North Korean troops in Russia ‘gorging on pornography’
Starmer says allies must ‘step up’ Ukraine support in meeting with Zelensky
05:32 , Namita Singh
Sir Keir Starmer said allies must “step up” support for Ukraine, as he met the country’s president amid uncertainty about the future of US backing for Kyiv after Donald Trump’s election victory.
The prime minister told Volodymyr Zelensky the UK had an “unwavering” commitment to help the country defend itself against Russia’s invasion during bilateral talks at a European Political Community summit in Hungary.
Sir Keir also said the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia was “proof of Putin’s increasing desperation” and that the UK would stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes for Russia to withdraw”.
The gathering of European leaders on Thursday was largely overshadowed by Mr Trump’s historic win at the US polls which puts him on course for a second term in the White House.
But figures including Sir Keir used the summit to insist international partners “see this through” and strengthen their resolve to offer continued support for Ukraine.
Europe must make clear to US its continued backing for Ukraine, Finnish PM says
05:30 , Rachel Hagan
European countries need to send a clear message to the United States and the incoming Trump administration that they will support Ukraine as much as needed, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Thursday.
“Our message needs to be clear and strong,” Orpo told reporters ahead of a meeting of European leaders in Budapest.
Orpo added that Ukraine was fighting for a “model” that included membership of the European Union and NATO. Finland, which is an EU member, joined NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Ukraine had ‘good conversations’ with Donald Trump, says Zelensky
05:00 , Namita Singh
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky revealed his country has had “good conversations” with Donald Trump, following the latter’s election victory in the US.
Mr Zelensky congratulated Trump on his victory over Kamala Harris in a new video address on Wednesday evening (6 November).
The Ukrainian president said: “I congratulate him on this victory. In general, it was extremely important for us in Ukraine and for all of Europe to consistently hear the words of the then-45th President of the United States about “peace through strength.”
“And if this becomes the policy principle of the 47th President of the United States, America and the whole world will undoubtedly benefit from it.”
During his election campaign, Trump has threatened both a withdrawal of NATO commitments and a fundamental shift of support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Zelensky rejects ceasefire proposal as ‘nonsense,’ citing security concerns for Ukraine
04:43 , Namita Singh
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has denounced calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict without firm security guarantees for Kyiv, arguing that such proposals ultimately serve Russian interests. At a recent summit, Mr Zelensky sharply criticised the notion of halting hostilities without measures to prevent a future Russian escalation, calling it a “very scary challenge” for Ukrainians.
“A ceasefire is being proposed, for instance, by a leader who is against having Ukraine in Nato. Imagine... this is nonsense and disharmony,” Mr Zelensky said.
He also noted that similar appeals for a ceasefire have been voiced by other countries, including Brazil and China, and argued that such suggestions align with Moscow’s objectives rather than prioritising Ukraine’s security needs.
Trump's victory increases uncertainty for Ukraine amid Russian advances
04:42 , Namita Singh
Volodymyr Zelensky was among the first leaders to congratulate Donald Trump, who on the campaign trail criticised the scale of US military and financial support for Kyiv and vowed to end the war quickly, without saying how.
The United States has been Kyiv’s most important ally in the war and Mr Zelensky has pointedly praised Mr Trump’s election victory in his statements.
He spoke by telephone with the Republican late on Wednesday and described the conversation as “excellent”.
“I believe President Trump really wants a quick decision. Wants - it does not mean that it will happen. And I’m (talking) here without any reproach, I am just saying that we are where we are,” he told reporters.
In Russia, whose troops control around a fifth of Ukrainian territory, president Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he was ready to speak to Trump, as any ideas on facilitating an end to the Ukraine crisis merited attention.
Mr Zelensky said: “We must be preparing for any decision. We want a fair end to the war. I am sure that the imminent end of the war means losses.”
Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond: What a second Trump term means for the world
04:30 , Rachel Hagan
Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond: What a second Trump term means for the world
Biden administration pledges continued aid to Ukraine ahead of Trump’s potential presidency
04:20 , Namita Singh
The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to ramping up support for Ukraine ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, ensuring continued aid even if Donald Trump assumes office in January.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that there would be no disruption in the flow of assistance, emphasising the critical importance of providing Ukraine with the resources it requires.
“That’s not going to change. We’re going to surge and get that out there to Ukraine. We understand how important it is to make sure they have what they need,” Ms Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
Zelensky unaware of Trump's plan to end Ukraine war quickly
04:15 , Namita Singh
President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday said he was not aware of any details of US president-elect Donald Trump’s plan to end the Ukraine war quickly and he was convinced a rapid end would entail major concessions for Kyiv.
The Ukrainian leader told a news conference at the European Political Community summit in Budapest that he believed Mr Trump wanted to end the war with Russia quickly, but that he had not discussed a plan with him.
“If it’s just fast, it means losses for Ukraine. I just don’t yet understand how this could be in any other way. Maybe we do not know something, do not see,” he said.
Mr Trump’s election victory this week has escalated a sense of great uncertainty for Ukraine’s war effort at a perilous moment with Moscow’s troops making their most rapid advances in months and North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region.
Europe must make clear to US its continued backing for Ukraine, Finnish PM says
04:00 , Rachel Hagan
European countries need to send a clear message to the United States and the incoming Trump administration that they will support Ukraine as much as needed, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Thursday.
“Our message needs to be clear and strong,” Orpo told reporters ahead of a meeting of European leaders in Budapest.
Orpo added that Ukraine was fighting for a “model” that included membership of the European Union and NATO. Finland, which is an EU member, joined NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Putin says Ukraine must remain neutral for there to be peace
03:19 , Namita Singh
Vladimir Putin said yesterday Ukraine should remain neutral for there to be a chance for peace, adding that the borders of Ukraine should be in accordance with the wishes of the people living in Russian-claimed territories.
“If there is no neutrality, it is difficult to imagine the existence of any good-neighbourly relations between Russia and Ukraine,” Mr Putin said.
He said Russia had recognised Ukraine’s post-Soviet borders based on the understanding that it would be neutral. The US-led Nato military alliance has repeatedly said that Ukraine would one day join.
If Ukraine was not neutral, it would be “constantly used as a tool in the wrong hands and to the detriment of the interests of the Russian Federation,” Mr Putin said.
Russia controls about a fifth of Ukraine after more than two and a half years of war.
Putin says he doesn't want Russia to go back to pre-2022 path
03:05 , Namita Singh
Russian president Vladimir Putin said yesterday that he did not want Russia to go back to the path it was on until 2022 before the Ukraine war, when he said other countries were trying to subordinate it to their interests.
The Kremlin leader was asked at the close of a marathon question-and-answer session if Russia would return to its former path once the Putin era was over.
“Russia goes its own way. I hope it will not turn away from its national interests. But of course, it needs to be integrated, we have never refused this, but I would not like Russia to return to the path it was on before 2022,” he said.
“This was a path that was associated with a hidden, veiled intervention in relation to our country, aimed at subordinating it to the interests of some other countries that believed that they had the right to do this. Russia cannot exist in such a subordinate or semi-subordinate state.”
Two hurt in Russian drone attack on Kyiv, city officials say
03:00 , Rachel Hagan
Fragments from downed Russian drones injured at least two people and damaged several buildings in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv overnight, city officials said on Thursday.
Ten buildings were damaged by drone debris, including a medical facility and a business centre, said Serhiy Popko, head of the city’s military administration.
The attack also caused a fire in a restaurant on the 33rd storey of a building in the wealthy central Pechersk district, and three residential buildings were also damaged in other areas, Popko said.
Photos posted by the city authorities showed burnt-out vehicles in ruined garages, and shattered windows and charred walls in another location.
Popko said more than 30 drones had been brought down in and around the capital in the latest overnight attack.
“Currently, there is no air raid alert in Kyiv. But there are drones in the airspace of Ukraine that may move towards Kyiv,” he warned in a message on the Telegram app on Thursday morning.
Air raid sirens sounded again in Kyiv shortly after 9.00 a.m. (0700 GMT).
Large-scale drone attacks have become a nightly danger for Kyiv residents over the past month as Russia, which began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, increased the number of drones launched against Ukraine.