Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Sylskyi, reported on a meeting with commanders regarding the situation at the Dobropillia salient and in Pokrovsk. According to him, Ukrainian troops are increasing pressure on enemy positions, continuing the liberation and clearing of territory, making it difficult for the enemy to concentrate forces in the region. During the operation, 188 sq. km have been liberated, and almost 249 sq. km cleared of sabotage and reconnaissance groups.
The situation at the front remains challenging. Journalist Dmytro Svyatnenko shared the news of his brother Volodymyr's death, a military drone pilot, during a missile strike at an awards ceremony. Such incidents, attributed to negligence during military formations, are criticized as remnants of Soviet traditions.
Internationally, possible negotiations to resolve the war are being discussed. The chairman of NATO's military committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavadhrane, noted that NATO will support Ukraine until negotiations begin with Russia, and said that the war is at a stalemate. Belarus announced its readiness to send peacekeepers to Ukraine if both sides agree.
On November 4, an EU summit on expansion will be held in Brussels. Ukraine is expected to receive another tranche of financial aid, but part of the funds will be withheld due to incompletion of some reforms. President Zelensky will participate online.
Western sanctions against Russia, particularly under former President Donald Trump, are resulting in reduced oil and gas exports. China, India, and Turkey are reducing Russian oil imports, and Gazprom may reduce its gas exports to the EU to the lowest level in 50 years by the end of 2024. Russia's automobile industry is also experiencing a production decline.
According to Ukrainian foreign intelligence, Russia is becoming increasingly economically dependent on China, especially in the Far East, where Chinese companies receive preferential access to resources, but local communities benefit little. Chinese expansion also extends to tourism and real estate sectors.
Reports indicate that some Russian assets in Britain, totaling around £700 million, have not been frozen, remaining outside sanctioned lists.
In the Czech Republic, sanctions may be imposed on the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country, Metropolitan Ilarion. The author notes that Russia's economy is in decline, while Ukrainians, even during war, demonstrate increased purchasing capacity in the automotive sector.
