Russian forces fighting in Pokrovsk are disguising themselves by dressing up as civilians, Ukrainian military officials have said, adding to the challenge of holding on to the strategic city.
Military personnel deliberately passing as civilians to deceive the enemy is classified as a war crime, and even changing into the uniforms of Ukrainian forces or other Ukrainian security services violates the laws and customs of war.
“The most difficult thing is that they disguise themselves as civilians. They have been changing clothes for a long time and receive instructions to do so," the commander of the 68th Jaeger Brigade, codenamed "Liutyi," told Suspilne.
“Sometimes we identify the enemy only after the start of the firefight, because civilians will not open fire on our units,” he said.
Earlier, the Kremlin denied reports that Russia is holding secret talks with the Trump administration over ending the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday dismissed a report in Axios which claimed that US officials had drawn up a 28-point peace plan consisting of "security guarantees, security in Europe, and future US relations with Russia and Ukraine”.
Key Points
- Putin's troops using war crime tactic to fight in Pokrovsk, says Ukraine
- 19 killed as Russia fires 518 drones and missiles in huge overnight attack
- Russian spy ship approached UK waters near Scotland, says Healey
- Russian embassy accuses UK government of being 'Russophobic'
- Poland scrambles jets after Russian strikes on Ukraine, Polish armed forces say
- Moscow says Kyiv used US-made ATACMS missile in Voronezh strike
Putin's troops using war crime tactic to fight in Pokrovsk, says Ukraine
03:20 , Arpan RaiRussian forces fighting in Pokrovsk are disguising themselves by dressing up as civilians, military officials said, adding that this complicates Ukraine’s defence efforts.
Military personnel deliberately passing as civilians to deceive the enemy is classified as a war crime, and even changing into the uniforms of Ukrainian forces or other Ukrainian security services violates the laws and customs of war.
"It is more like sabotage and reconnaissance work. They do not follow any standard procedures, but their movements still complicate our logistics routes," the commander of the 68th Jaeger Brigade, codenamed "Liutyi," told Suspilne yesterday.
“The most difficult thing is that they disguise themselves as civilians. They have been changing clothes for a long time and receive instructions to do so," he said.
"Sometimes we identify the enemy only after the start of the firefight, because civilians will not open fire on our units,” he said.
External power line to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant restored, says Russian management
03:00 , Alex CroftOne of the external power lines to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine was restored on Wednesday, the Russian-installed management said in a statement.
The nuclear plant, Europe's largest, has been under Russian control since March 2022, when Russian forces overran much of southeastern Ukraine. It is not currently producing electricity but relies on external power to keep the nuclear material cool and avoid the risk of a meltdown.
The Dniprovska power line was returned to operation after being disconnected earlier this month by the plant's protective systems, the statement said.
The plant remains near the frontlines of the war, and Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling it on a number of occasions.
It was without external power supply for 30 days through late September and most of October, relying on diesel generators.
Trump pushing cash-for-land deal on Ukraine in new peace plan – report
02:55 , Arpan RaiThe US officials working on a new peace plan could force Ukraine to lease a part of its territory to Russia, people aware of the situation said.
The deal would ask Kyiv to cede control of the eastern Donbas region, while retaining legal ownership of the territory, officials familiar with the deal told The Telegraph.
Russia would pay an undisclosed rental fee for the region, they said. Russian will be the official state language and the Russian orthodox church would be given official status in the occupied territories.
The deal will also slash the size of Ukraine’s military in half and ban them from possessing long-range missiles, the report added.
The deployment of foreign troops will also be blocked under this deal, US military assistance will also cease and foreign diplomatic aircraft will be prevented from landing in the country.
Poland to withdraw consent for Russian consulate in Poland
02:00 , Alex CroftEarlier, we reported that Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Wednesday the country will respond to last weekend's railway sabotage, not only by diplomatic means.
He has since said that he would withdraw consent for the functioning of Russia's last operating consulate in Poland, in Gdansk, in response to last weekend's railway sabotage.
An explosion damaged a Polish railway track near Mika village on Monday, a route crucial for delivering aid to Ukraine, with Warsaw saying it was the work of a “foreign state”.
Slovakia wants Nato to boost air defences on country's eastern flank
01:02 , Alex CroftSlovakia wants Nato to boost air defences in the country, on its eastern flank, Slovak prime minister Robert Fico said after a meeting with the military alliance's chief.
"During the joint discussion, he also asked the Secretary General to strengthen the air defence of Slovakia," the Slovak government office said in a statement after the meeting on Tuesday evening, without providing more details.
Slovakia has sought to bolster its air defence capabilities in recent years, including acquiring defence systems from Israel and buying new F-16 fighter jets.
It was among the EU states on the eastern flank that agreed in September on the need for a "drone wall" with advanced detection.
But Slovakia has opposed the European Union's policy towards helping Ukraine's defence against Russia's 2022 invasion, and Mr Fico reiterated in his meeting with Mr Rutte that the government would not directly supply lethal weapons to Kyiv, with the exception of allowing commercial contracts.
Watch: US medic on Ukraine’s frontline says Nato not ready for war with Russia
00:00 , Alex CroftFrom blowing up tankers in Europe to drone sightings in Belgium: How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Wednesday 19 November 2025 23:01 , Alex CroftEuropean allies have been shaken by provocations on Nato’s eastern frontier in recent months, accusing Russia of making brazen incursions onto foreign soil to test the bloc’s responses and undermine collective resolve.
Russia has long been accused of interfering in European affairs. But the issue was thrust back into focus in September, when nearly two dozen drones crossed over into Poland amid a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine. Days later, jets violated Estonia’s airspace as Russia concluded major drills in Belarus.
Subsequent activity near the border has forced Europeans to close airports and borders, causing major disruption and exposing vulnerability. Businesses have responded with a wave of military and civilian innovations to safeguard the continent against the threats of modern warfare.
Our foreign affairs reporter James Reynolds writes...
Blowing up tankers and drone incursions: How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Zelensky chief of staff says Kyiv in constant contact with US
Wednesday 19 November 2025 22:02 , Alex CroftWe’ve been reporting that the US is renewing its push to achieve a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has now said he has been in constant contact with US administration representatives and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff as they work on reaching just and stable peace.
"All scheduled meetings are taking place according to plan and in a businesslike atmosphere," Mr Yermak wrote about his visit to Turkey as a part of the Ukrainian delegation which aims to revive talks with Russia on ending the war.
Poland will respond to railway sabotage, minister says
Wednesday 19 November 2025 21:01 , Alex CroftPolish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Wednesday that Poland will respond to last weekend's railway sabotage, not only by diplomatic means.
He added that he will inform about Poland's response "in the next few days".
An explosion damaged a Polish railway track near Mika village, a route crucial for delivering aid to Ukraine, with Warsaw saying it was the work of a “foreign state”.
Polish authorities have since said that two Ukrainian nationals collaborating with Russian intelligence were responsible for an explosion on the railway track used to transport weapons to Ukraine.
Large-scale fire breaks out in Lviv after Russian strikes
Wednesday 19 November 2025 20:00 , Alex CroftA large-scale fire has broken out in Lviv following a Russian strike early on Wednesday morning, amid its huge air attack on western Ukraine.
An energy facility, woodworking business, and warehouse have all been damaged
“There is a big fire in Lviv. It will take several hours to put out the fire. Close your windows as the air may be polluted,” city authorities warned,” said Ihor Zinkevych, a member of Lviv City Council.
Maksym Kozytskyi, the head of the region’s military administration, said that “emergency power outages have been introduced in the Lviv region”.
He added: “This is a forced step due to the fact that the enemy attacked a number of energy facilities throughout the country.
“If the system cannot be stabilized quickly, unfortunately, hourly outage schedules will have to be applied.”
Watch: Defence secretary issues a stark warning to Putin after Russian spy ship directs lasers at RAF pilots
Wednesday 19 November 2025 19:01 , Alex CroftSpy ship shows Russia presents 'genuine and immediate threat' to UK
Wednesday 19 November 2025 18:27 , Holly EvansA senior MP said “more assertive retaliation” could be required following reports of a Russian spy ship near UK waters.
Matt Western, chairman of Parliament’s Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, said: “Today’s news demonstrates once again that Russia presents a genuine and immediate threat to the UK’s security.
“Earlier this year, my committee highlighted the vulnerability of Britain’s underwater infrastructure and concluded that the UK needed to be more muscular in tackling Russian aggression.
“I welcome the seriousness with which the defence secretary is treating this issue, but there is more we can do. More assertive retaliation may be required.”
In Focus | Inside Putin’s plan to crush Ukraine this winter – and why it might work
Wednesday 19 November 2025 18:25 , Alex CroftCold and darkness are the cruel weapons of Russia’s energy terror campaign aimed at crushing Ukraine this winter. The Kremlin has been attempting to systematically destroy Ukraine’s electricity, heating and transport systems for three years now – so far, without success. But this winter could be the one when Ukraine’s air defences are finally overwhelmed. Russia’s attack strategies have been honed to a peak of destructiveness, with a raft of devastating new tactics aimed at making whole cities and regions uninhabitable.
First, and most spectacularly, Russian forces are becoming increasingly adept at evading air defences by sending ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in unprecedentedly large swarms. Last week, for instance, Kyiv was kept under unrelenting bombardment for over five hours, with 430 drones and nearly 20 missiles hitting electrical grids, railway sidings and gas-fired power stations, as well as smashing into apartment buildings. At least eight civilians were killed.
Inside Putin’s plan to crush Ukraine this winter – and why it might work
Russian embassy accuses UK government of being 'Russophobic'
Wednesday 19 November 2025 18:06 , Holly EvansThe Russian embassy in the UK has accused the British Government of being “Russophobic” and “whipping up militaristic hysteria” after Defence Secretary John Healey accused a Russian ship of targeting RAF pilots with a laser.
Mr Healey said frigate HMS Somerset and RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft have been keeping watch on the Yantar, which is designed for gathering intelligence and mapping crucial undersea cables, after it entered wider UK waters this month.
According to a translation, a statement from the Russian embassy said: “We have taken note of yet another provocative statement by British Defence Secretary John Healy. This time, the reason was the activities of the Russian oceanographic research vessel Yantar in international waters.
“The endless accusations and suspicions of the British leadership cause only a smile. Our country’s actions do not affect the interests of the United Kingdom and are not aimed at undermining its security. We are not interested in British underwater communications.
“However, London, with its Russophobic course and whipping up militaristic hysteria, contributes to the further degradation of European security, creating the prerequisites for new dangerous situations.
“We call on the British side to refrain from destructive steps that exacerbate the crisis on the European continent.”
Russian escalation 'will not deter' UK from supporting Ukraine, Cooper says
Wednesday 19 November 2025 17:59 , Holly EvansForeign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK would be “vigilant and determined” in its response to Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
At a press conference in Berlin with counterpart Johann Wadephul she said: “Russia has failed in its military objectives over the course of this year, so as a result what we have seen them try to do is to seek continually to escalate.
“We can see the approach they are taking, we have no illusions about what they are doing. We see what Putin is doing and we understand and we will continue to be vigilant and determined in our response.
“Just as we have been about incursions into Nato airspace, just as we are being now in terms of identifying the Russian spy ship in UK waters and just as we have continued to be in response to sabotage threats that we have seen across many different European countries as well.
“It will not deter us from supporting Ukraine, quite the opposite, because we know Ukraine’s security is our security.”
Three injured as Russia targets energy infrastructure in western Ivano-Frankivsk region
Wednesday 19 November 2025 17:51 , Alex CroftEarlier, we brought you the news that Russia had launched a huge overnight missile attack on Ukraine overnight.
Local authorities have reported that two children were among three people who were injured in a combined Russian strike targeting energy infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
"A difficult night for Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. The Russians have once again struck our oblast using different types of weapons,” said Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the region’s military administration.
“Energy infrastructure facilities were targeted. Early reports indicate that three people have been injured in the Ivano-Frankivsk district, including two children."
One house was damaged and those injured are receiving medical treatment, Ms Onyshchuk said.
One of Russia's largest oil refineries suspended
Wednesday 19 November 2025 17:19 , Alex CroftOne of Russia’s largest oil refineries suspended crude processing after a Ukrainian drone attack.
Three industry sources told Reuters on November 15 Rosneft’s Ryazan oil refinery operations were suspended.
"The plant is expected to remain idle until the end of the month. No [oil product[ loadings are planned before December 1," one of the sources said.
Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov said on his Telegram channel on Saturday morning that "debris from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) caused a fire at one of the industry facilities".
He did not specify the name of the facility.
Prisoner swap between Russia and US could be conducted - ICYMI
Wednesday 19 November 2025 16:47 , Alex CroftAs we reported earlier, another prisoner swap could be conducted between Russia and the US.
Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev told US outlet Axios there was discussions underway.
"I met some US officials and members of the Trump team on some issues that are humanitarian in nature, such as possible exchanges of prisoners that the US side has been working on," Axios quoted Dmitriev as saying.
Axios also received confirmation from the US there was discussions.
Trump administration ‘secretly working with Russia to form new Ukraine peace plan’
Wednesday 19 November 2025 16:15 , Alex CroftWashington has been secretly forming a plan with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, according to a report.
The new 28-point plan would consist of “security guarantees, security in Europe, and future US relations with Russia and Ukraine”, Axios reported, citing sources.
It comes amid a fresh attempt by the US to force through a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv after several diplomatic overtures faltered in recent months.
Mr Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is said to have discussed the plan with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Volodymyr Zelensky’s security adviser Rustem Umerov, according to officials from Washington and Kyiv.
Read the full report:
Trump administration ‘secretly working with Russia to form new Ukraine peace plan’
In pictures: Western Ukraine rocked by Russian missile strike
Wednesday 19 November 2025 15:42 , Alex Croft
Zelensky prepares for Turkey talks amid new peace drive
Wednesday 19 November 2025 15:11 , Alex CroftUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is set to hold talks in Turkey on Wednesday and meet US Army officials in Kyiv on Thursday in a new drive to revive peace negotiations with Russia.
No face-to-face talks have taken place between Kyiv and Moscow since a meeting in Istanbul in July and Russian forces have pressed on with Moscow's nearly four-year-old war in Ukraine, killing 19 people in strikes overnight.
Efforts to revive peace negotiations appear to be gaining momentum although Moscow has shown no sign of changing its terms for ending the war. It played down a media report that the United States was working on a 28-point peace plan.
Announcing plans to visit Turkey, the Ukrainian president said on Tuesday he was preparing to "reinvigorate negotiations" and would discuss with Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan how to bring a "just peace" to Ukraine.
"Doing everything possible to bring the end of the war closer is Ukraine's top priority," he said of the meetings in Turkey.
Ukraine's parliament sacks two ministers amid corruption probe
Wednesday 19 November 2025 14:39 , Alex CroftUkraine's parliament voted on Wednesday to dismiss the energy and justice ministers after a major corruption investigation into the energy sector sparked the country's biggest wartime political crisis.
The probe into an alleged $100 million scheme to control contracting at the state nuclear agency has stirred public anger at Ukraine's leadership as it struggles to fend off Russian forces.
Justice minister German Galushchenko, who served as energy minister from 2021 until 2025, and current energy minister Svitlana Hrynchuk had both resigned earlier under pressure from president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Both cabinet ministers deny any wrongdoing in the scandal.
Opposition forces have called for tougher measures after news of the probe rattled Kyiv's political class, including a total government overhaul and the dismissal of Mr Zelensky's powerful chief of staff.
Anti-corruption authorities have said their investigation, whose chief suspect is Mr Zelensky's former business partner, includes other state agencies.
Germany urges partners to help Ukraine amid 'unabated' Russian attacks
Wednesday 19 November 2025 14:10 , Alex CroftThe situation in Ukraine is very tense due to Russia's ongoing attacks, and Kyiv urgently needs help with its defence from partners, a German government spokesperson said on Wednesday.
"Russia's unabated attacks are putting Ukraine under immense pressure, and all the more reason for Ukraine's supporters to assist the country in its defence," said the government spokesperson at a regular government news conference in Berlin.
Russia air attack death toll increases to 19
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:56 , Alex CroftThe death toll in Russia’s overnight attack on Ukraine has increased to 19 people, Ukrainian authorities have said.
The missile and drone attack, which wounded 66 people, included an attack on an apartment building in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil,
It targeted energy and transport infrastructure, forcing emergency power cuts in a number of regions in frigid temperatures.
The upper floors of the residential building in Ternopil were torn away in the attack. Black smoke poured upwards, while an orange glow burned through the haze from a fire in the tower block.
Russia launched more than 470 drones and 48 missiles in the overnight attack, officials said. Poland, a Nato member state bordering western Ukraine, temporarily closed Rzeszow and Lublin airports in the southeast of the country and scrambled Polish and allied aircraft as a precaution to safeguard its airspace.
Analysis | As Russia strikes Europe again, when will this hybrid war with Nato turn physical?
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:39 , Alex CroftRussia stands accused of sabotage on Poland’s railways. The Kremlin attacked a gas-loaded tanker on the Romania border, forcing the evacuation of several villages in the country. Moscow has repeatedly flown drones into European airspace, and jets over Estonia.
These, plus waves of sabotage, cyber attacks, and social media propaganda, are acts of war. But they are all part of a hybrid war. And this malevolent blend allows Vladimir Putin to punch well above his weight.
Russia is the prime suspect in Monday’s bombing of the Warsaw to Lublin railway line, a main artery from Poland to Ukraine.
Poland’s security ministry said that “everything points to Russian sabotage”, after the blast on the railway and another attack in which the rails on the same route were cut.
Our world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
As Russia strikes Europe again, when will this hybrid war with Nato turn physical?
Watch: US medic on Ukraine’s frontline says Nato not ready for war with Russia
Wednesday 19 November 2025 13:14 , Alex CroftPoland to withdraw consent for Russian consulate in Poland
Wednesday 19 November 2025 12:50 , Alex CroftEarlier, we reported that Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Wednesday the country will respond to last weekend's railway sabotage, not only by diplomatic means.
He has since said that he would withdraw consent for the functioning of Russia's last operating consulate in Poland, in Gdansk, in response to last weekend's railway sabotage.
An explosion damaged a Polish railway track near Mika village on Monday, a route crucial for delivering aid to Ukraine, with Warsaw saying it was the work of a “foreign state”.
In pictures: Russia says Ukraine fired US-made ATACMS missile at Voronezh
Wednesday 19 November 2025 12:24 , Alex Croft
In Focus | From blowing up tankers in Europe to drone sightings in Belgium: How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:59 , Alex CroftEuropean allies have been shaken by provocations on Nato’s eastern frontier in recent months, accusing Russia of making brazen incursions onto foreign soil to test the bloc’s responses and undermine collective resolve.
Russia has long been accused of interfering in European affairs. But the issue was thrust back into focus in September, when nearly two dozen drones crossed over into Poland amid a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine. Days later, jets violated Estonia’s airspace as Russia concluded major drills in Belarus.
Subsequent activity near the border has forced Europeans to close airports and borders, causing major disruption and exposing vulnerability. Businesses have responded with a wave of military and civilian innovations to safeguard the continent against the threats of modern warfare.
Our foreign affairs reporter James Reynolds writes...
Blowing up tankers and drone incursions: How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Slovakia wants Nato to boost air defences on country's eastern flank
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:36 , Alex CroftSlovakia wants Nato to boost air defences in the country, on its eastern flank, Slovak prime minister Robert Fico said after a meeting with the military alliance's chief.
"During the joint discussion, he also asked the Secretary General to strengthen the air defence of Slovakia," the Slovak government office said in a statement after the meeting on Tuesday evening, without providing more details.
Slovakia has sought to bolster its air defence capabilities in recent years, including acquiring defence systems from Israel and buying new F-16 fighter jets.
It was among the EU states on the eastern flank that agreed in September on the need for a "drone wall" with advanced detection.
But Slovakia has opposed the European Union's policy towards helping Ukraine's defence against Russia's 2022 invasion, and Mr Fico reiterated in his meeting with Mr Rutte that the government would not directly supply lethal weapons to Kyiv, with the exception of allowing commercial contracts.
Zelensky chief of staff says Kyiv in constant contact with US
Wednesday 19 November 2025 11:15 , Alex CroftWe’ve been reporting that the US is renewing its push to achieve a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has now said he has been in constant contact with US administration representatives and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff as they work on reaching just and stable peace.
"All scheduled meetings are taking place according to plan and in a businesslike atmosphere," Mr Yermak wrote about his visit to Turkey as a part of the Ukrainian delegation which aims to revive talks with Russia on ending the war.
External power line to Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant restored, says Russian management
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:54 , Alex CroftOne of the external power lines to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine was restored on Wednesday, the Russian-installed management said in a statement.
The nuclear plant, Europe's largest, has been under Russian control since March 2022, when Russian forces overran much of southeastern Ukraine. It is not currently producing electricity but relies on external power to keep the nuclear material cool and avoid the risk of a meltdown.
The Dniprovska power line was returned to operation after being disconnected earlier this month by the plant's protective systems, the statement said.
The plant remains near the frontlines of the war, and Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling it on a number of occasions.
It was without external power supply for 30 days through late September and most of October, relying on diesel generators.
Russian spy ship approached UK waters near Scotland, says Healey
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:28 , Alex CroftDefence secretary John Healey said the Russian spy ship Yantar was operating on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland and had directed lasers at pilots of surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities.
He told a Westminster press conference: “My message to Russia and to Putin is this: We see you. We know what you’re doing. And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.”
Mr Healey also said the UK “must step up” in a “new era of hard power”, saying that the “world is changing. It is less predictable. It is more dangerous”.
He added: “In the last year alone, we’ve seen the Israel-Iran war bring the Middle East close to the very brink, armed conflict break out between India and Pakistan, Chinese spies targeting our democracy at home, Putin escalate still further his war in Ukraine.
“And in just this last year, we’ve also seen Europe’s skies plagued by drone disruptions, we’ve seen Russian incursions into Nato airspace double and we’ve seen 90,000 cyber attacks on the UK defence system alone.”
Poland will respond to railway sabotage, minister says
Wednesday 19 November 2025 10:10 , Alex CroftPolish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Wednesday that Poland will respond to last weekend's railway sabotage, not only by diplomatic means.
He added that he will inform about Poland's response "in the next few days".
An explosion damaged a Polish railway track near Mika village, a route crucial for delivering aid to Ukraine, with Warsaw saying it was the work of a “foreign state”.
Polish authorities have since said that two Ukrainian nationals collaborating with Russian intelligence were responsible for an explosion on the railway track used to transport weapons to Ukraine.
Large-scale fire breaks out in Lviv after Russian strikes
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:49 , Alex CroftA large-scale fire has broken out in Lviv following a Russian strike early on Wednesday morning, amid its huge air attack on western Ukraine.
An energy facility, woodworking business, and warehouse have all been damaged
“There is a big fire in Lviv. It will take several hours to put out the fire. Close your windows as the air may be polluted,” city authorities warned,” said Ihor Zinkevych, a member of Lviv City Council.
Maksym Kozytskyi, the head of the region’s military administration, said that “emergency power outages have been introduced in the Lviv region”.
He added: “This is a forced step due to the fact that the enemy attacked a number of energy facilities throughout the country.
“If the system cannot be stabilized quickly, unfortunately, hourly outage schedules will have to be applied.”
Romania evacuates border village after Russian drone attack on gas tanker - ICYMI
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:27 , Alex CroftMoscow says Kyiv used US-made ATACMS missile in Voronezh strike
Wednesday 19 November 2025 09:09 , Alex CroftMoscow has accused Ukrainian forces of firing four US-made ATACMS missiles at the southern Russian city of Voronezh in an attempted strike on civilian targets.
Ukraine's military said on Tuesday it had attacked military targets in Russia with US-supplied ATACMS missiles, calling it a "significant development."
Kyiv received the systems in 2023 but was initially restricted to using them only on its own territories, nearly a fifth of which are controlled by Russia.
"Russian S-400 air defence crews and Pantsir missile and gun systems shot down all ATACMS missiles," Russia's defence ministry said on Telegram.
Falling debris from the destroyed missiles damaged the roofs of a Voronezh retirement home and an orphanage, as well as one house, the ministry said adding that there were no casualties or injured among civilians.
Moscow has a history of strong responses to such strikes. After Ukraine fired ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia last year, Putin ordered a hypersonic missile be fired at Ukraine.
Three injured as Russia targets energy infrastructure in western Ivano-Frankivsk region
Wednesday 19 November 2025 08:48 , Alex CroftEarlier, we brought you the news that Russia had launched a huge overnight missile attack on Ukraine overnight.
Local authorities have reported that two children were among three people who were injured in a combined Russian strike targeting energy infrastructure in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
"A difficult night for Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast. The Russians have once again struck our oblast using different types of weapons,” said Svitlana Onyshchuk, the head of the region’s military administration.
“Energy infrastructure facilities were targeted. Early reports indicate that three people have been injured in the Ivano-Frankivsk district, including two children."
One house was damaged and those injured are receiving medical treatment, Ms Onyshchuk said.
In Focus | Inside Putin’s plan to crush Ukraine this winter – and why it might work
Wednesday 19 November 2025 08:32 , Alex CroftCold and darkness are the cruel weapons of Russia’s energy terror campaign aimed at crushing Ukraine this winter. The Kremlin has been attempting to systematically destroy Ukraine’s electricity, heating and transport systems for three years now – so far, without success. But this winter could be the one when Ukraine’s air defences are finally overwhelmed. Russia’s attack strategies have been honed to a peak of destructiveness, with a raft of devastating new tactics aimed at making whole cities and regions uninhabitable.
First, and most spectacularly, Russian forces are becoming increasingly adept at evading air defences by sending ballistic and cruise missiles and drones in unprecedentedly large swarms. Last week, for instance, Kyiv was kept under unrelenting bombardment for over five hours, with 430 drones and nearly 20 missiles hitting electrical grids, railway sidings and gas-fired power stations, as well as smashing into apartment buildings. At least eight civilians were killed.
Inside Putin’s plan to crush Ukraine this winter – and why it might work
Latest pictures of deadly Russian air attack
Wednesday 19 November 2025 08:15 , Alex CroftWe can now bring you more images of the massive Russian air attack on Ukraine, which involved 518 drones and missiles in total, according to President Zelensky.
Romania scrambles jets after drone breaches airspace
Wednesday 19 November 2025 07:54 , Alex CroftRomania scrambled fighter jets on Wednesday when a drone breached its airspace during a Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure near the border, the defense ministry said.
The radar first picked up the signal of a drone 8 km inside national airspace near the villages of Periprava and Chilia Veche in Tulcea County, the military said.
The drone signal disappeared off the radar before reappearing intermittently for 12 minutes near villages in Galati county, it added.
Romania scrambled two Eurofighters - part of German air policing missions in Romania - and later two Romanian F-16 fighter jets and warned citizens in the southeastern counties of Tulcea and Galati to take cover, the ministry said.
The ministry added it received no reports of drones hitting ground in Romanian territory.
The European Union and Nato state, which shares a 650 km (400 mile) border with Ukraine, has had Russian drone fragments fall on its territory repeatedly as Moscow attacks Ukrainian port infrastructure across the river Danube from Romania.
Nine killed as Russia fires 518 drones and missiles in huge overnight attack
Wednesday 19 November 2025 07:36 , Alex CroftRussian forces fired more than 470 drones and 48 ballistic and cruise missiles at Ukraine in a huge overnight air attack, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday morning
At least nine people have died and there are dozens of casualties in total, the Ukrainian president said in an update on Telegram.
All nine people died in the western city of Ternopil, where people may be trapped under the rubble after nine-storey residential buildings were hit resulting in“significant destruction”, Mr Zelensky added.
He said a “massive strike” was carried out on Kharkiv in the northeast, injuring dozens, including children. Further attacks in the Donetsk, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
“Each brazen attack against ordinary life shows that the pressure on Russia is insufficient,” he said.
“Effective sanctions and assistance to Ukraine can change this. The primary need is air defense missiles, additional systems, increasing the capabilities of our combat aviation, and the production of drones to protect life.”
Poland says airports in Rzeszow and Lublin resume operations
Wednesday 19 November 2025 07:08 , Arpan RaiPolish airports in Rzeszow and Lublin have reopened after they were closed due to military aviation operations, the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) said.
Polish military commanders said earlier that Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled due to Russian attacks on facilities located in western Ukraine.
In photos: Rescuers work to save locals as Russian missiles strike Ukraine
Wednesday 19 November 2025 07:01 , Arpan Rai
Poland scrambles jets after Russian strikes on Ukraine, Polish armed forces say
Wednesday 19 November 2025 06:45 , Arpan RaiPolish and allied aircraft were deployed in the early hours today to ensure the safety of Polish airspace after Russia launched airstrikes targeting western Ukraine near the border with Poland, the armed forces of the Nato-member country said.
“Quick-reaction fighter pairs and an early warning aircraft have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar surveillance systems have reached the highest state of readiness," the operational command said in a post on X.
At 4am GMT nearly all of Ukraine was under air raid alerts following Ukrainian Air Force warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks.
In photos: Restless night in Ukraine as missiles and drones rain in western parts
Wednesday 19 November 2025 06:33 , Arpan Rai
Poland closes two airports after Russian strikes on Ukraine
Wednesday 19 November 2025 06:06 , Arpan RaiPoland has temporarily closed Rzeszow and Lublin airports in the southeast of the country today.
The shutdown was confirmed by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA), just hours after the army scrambled jets due to Russian strikes on Ukraine.
“Due to the need to ensure freedom of operation for military aviation, Rzeszow and Lublin airports have been temporarily closed," PANSA said on X.
Explosions shake western Ukraine after Russia's missile and drone attacks
Wednesday 19 November 2025 06:04 , Arpan RaiA series of explosions were heard in the western Ukrainian cities of Lviv and Ternopil, just hours after Ukraine’s military warned of a high threat of Russian missile and drone attacks.
"Russia is once again attacking our energy infrastructure," Ukraine's energy ministry said on its Telegram app.
"Emergency power outages have been introduced in a number of regions of Ukraine,” they said.
Ukraine used US-provided ATACMS missile strike on Voronezh, says Russia
Wednesday 19 November 2025 05:52 , Arpan RaiUkrainian forces fired four US-made ATACMS missiles at the southern Russian city of Voronezh yesterday in an attempted strike on civilian targets, Russia’s defence ministry said.
“Russian S-400 air defence crews and Pantsir missile and gun systems shot down all ATACMS missiles," the ministry said in an update this morning.
Last week, Voronezh was one of the two locations from where Russian forces launched four Iskander-M ballistic missiles to target the regional headquarters of major Ukrainian broadcasters.
As Russia strikes Europe again, when will this hybrid war with Nato turn physical?
Wednesday 19 November 2025 05:21 , Arpan RaiRussia stands accused of sabotage on Poland’s railways. The Kremlin attacked a gas-loaded tanker on the Romania border, forcing the evacuation of several villages in the country. Moscow has repeatedly flown drones into European airspace, and jets over Estonia.
These, plus waves of sabotage, cyber attacks, and social media propaganda, are acts of war. But they are all part of a hybrid war. And this malevolent blend allows Vladimir Putin to punch well above his weight.
Russia is the prime suspect in Monday’s bombing of the Warsaw to Lublin railway line, a main artery from Poland to Ukraine.
Poland’s security ministry said that “everything points to Russian sabotage”, after the blast on the railway and another attack in which the rails on the same route were cut.
As Russia strikes Europe again, when will this hybrid war with Nato turn physical?
From blowing up tankers in Europe to drone sightings in Belgium: How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Wednesday 19 November 2025 05:16 , Arpan RaiEuropean allies have been shaken by provocations on Nato’s eastern frontier in recent months, accusing Russia of making brazen incursions onto foreign soil to test the bloc’s responses and undermine collective resolve.
Russia has long been accused of interfering in European affairs. But the issue was thrust back into focus in September, when nearly two dozen drones crossed over into Poland amid a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine. Days later, jets violated Estonia’s airspace as Russia concluded major drills in Belarus.
Subsequent activity near the border has forced Europeans to close airports and borders, causing major disruption and exposing vulnerability. Businesses have responded with a wave of military and civilian innovations to safeguard the continent against the threats of modern warfare.
Blowing up tankers and drone incursions: How Putin is pushing Nato to a cliff edge
Did Russia just attack Nato? Romanian villages evacuated after tanker strike on Danube River
Wednesday 19 November 2025 05:11 , Arpan RaiTwo Romanian villages were evacuated on Monday after a drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker, setting it ablaze in southern Ukraine.
The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas in a Ukrainian border city near Romania, sparking fires while more than a dozen workers were onboard.
The strike came the day after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky signed a deal to import energy resources through the area of the strike.
Did Russia just attack Nato? Villages on Danube evacuated after tanker strike
Ukraine to seek $44bn from Russia for wartime emissions
Wednesday 19 November 2025 05:06 , Arpan RaiUkraine plans to seek nearly $44bn (£33bn) from Russia for the damage linked to an increase in climate-warming emissions from the ongoing war, a government minister said.
The move marks the first time a country is claiming damages for such an increase in emissions, including from the fossil fuels, cement and steel used in fighting the war, and from the destruction of trees through resultant fires.
“A lot of damage was caused to water, to land, to forests," said Pavlo Kartashov, the country's deputy minister for economy, environment, and agriculture.
“We have huge amounts of additional CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases," Kartashov told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.
Healey to announce new munitions factories as UK looks to boost warfighting readiness
Wednesday 19 November 2025 04:53 , Arpan RaiBritain will build a network of new munitions factories to boost its warfighting readiness, in a move aimed at restoring domestic production of military explosives for the first time in nearly two decades.
Defence secretary John Healey is set to announce plans for new potential sites today and confirm that construction on the first factory is expected to start next year.
These factories will produce munitions, propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics for the British Army and support for Ukraine.
At least 13 potential sites have been identified for factories and the first construction is expected to begin next year.
Earlier this year in June, the government committed £1.5bn of additional investment for munitions and related components.
Two top US Army officials in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian leadership
Wednesday 19 November 2025 04:34 , Arpan RaiAt least two senior US army officials are reportedly in Kyiv today on an unannounced trip to push forward peace talks with Ukrainian officials, two people familiar with the trip said.
Army secretary Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff General Randy George will be meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, the war-hit nation’s military leaders and lawmakers, reported Politico.
The two senior military officials will focus on engaging Ukrainian leadership on the stalled peace process with Russia.
Driscoll is planning to meet with Russian officials at a later date, the Wall Street Journal reported separately.
Poland scrambles jets after Russian strikes on Ukraine, Polish armed forces say
Wednesday 19 November 2025 04:17 , Arpan RaiPolish and allied aircraft were deployed in the early hours today to ensure the safety of Polish airspace after Russia launched airstrikes targeting western Ukraine near the border with Poland, the armed forces of the Nato-member country said.
“Quick-reaction fighter pairs and an early warning aircraft have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence and radar surveillance systems have reached the highest state of readiness," the operational command said in a post on X.
At 4am GMT nearly all of Ukraine was under air raid alerts following Ukrainian Air Force warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks.
