Today's review covers significant developments both worldwide and in Ukraine. Russia is forced to subsidize its oil refineries as they operate with minimal profit, unable to fully supply the market with fuel. President Putin has eased rules to allow refineries to receive billions of rubles in state aid, regardless of profitability, until May 1 of next year.
In Crimea, Ukrainian Defense Forces struck an oil depot in Feodosia. Russia claims to have intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones overnight, though some managed to reach their targets.
Russian forces also attacked Sumy region last night, injuring two civilians. In Odesa region, large fires broke out in textile warehouses after drone strikes, but there were no casualties.
President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted increasing effectiveness of interceptor drones against Shahed drones—up to 68%—in a Fox News interview. He emphasized that producing interceptor drones requires substantial funding and that exporting excess weaponry could help finance Ukrainian production.
Regarding military aid, Donald Trump is considering supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, though a decision has yet to be made. Zelensky promised that such missiles would be used solely against Russian military targets, a point noted by the Kremlin, which responded with warnings.
A hostage release by Hamas has started in the Middle East as steps towards a peace agreement begin, though its durability remains uncertain. In France, a Russian submarine surfaced unexpectedly near its shores due to an emergency, while the French government faces political challenges.
US-China trade relations continue to be tense, with the Pentagon investing $1 billion to reduce reliance on Chinese critical minerals.
Finally, Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov reported possible loss of his Ukrainian citizenship.
Follow for updates on Ukraine’s internal and foreign policy.
