Under sustained Ukrainian air strikes, Russia has suffered heavy losses!

Following these strikes, global oil prices rose by over 2%—which is precisely why Western countries largely oppose Ukraine’s use of long-range strikes against Russia: they prioritize domestic inflation and fuel prices. I will elaborate on this hypocrisy in my upcoming article, 'Hypocritical Allies.' Previously, Ukraine refrained from concentrating attacks on oil refineries—not only because of limited drone production capacity, but also because Western aid was still substantial at the time. Now, however, with aid dwindling, Ukraine no longer feels compelled to accommodate Western sensitivities. Ukraine also claimed to have destroyed four S-400 'Triumf' air defense systems stationed at the port, including two critical radars—the 96N6 and 92N6. Approximately twelve S-400 missile launchers were deployed at this military base (though naturally far fewer than those protecting Putin). Satellite imagery confirms that at least three air defense systems were destroyed. The video evidence is provided at the end of this article. The total loss for these air defense systems amounts to $450 million. Satellite images show at least three concentrated fire zones—not only affecting port infrastructure and air defense systems, but also damaging two oil berths at the Shekskharyi Terminal. The oil tanker 'Alan,' flying the flag of Sierra Leone, sustained damage; a maritime watchtower collapsed at sea. That same night, Ukraine also struck an oil refinery. According to sources, the refinery will remain shut down until the end of the month. Its annual crude oil processing capacity is eight million tons. The resulting fire raged for two days—and still hasn’t been extinguished. The facility had already been hit and halted operations on November 11, and the November 13 strike dealt it further damage. The following night, on November 14, Ukraine struck Russia’s fifth-largest refinery—the Ryazan Refinery—with an annual capacity of 17 million tons. Such large-scale refineries are difficult to disable in a single strike; since August, this facility has been hit four times, each time triggering fires. Additionally, Ukraine claimed an attack on a radar station in Crimea—but no satellite imagery has yet been released. It is expected, however, that such imagery will emerge within the next few days. Currently, Ukrainian strike capabilities against ports are concentrated primarily along the Black Sea.

Russia’s losses exceed 1.15 million; Orbán secures Trump’s exemption for Russian oil and gas.

◆ President Zelenskyy disclosed on social media that Ukrainian forces inflicted casualties on 25,000 enemy troops in October—but he immediately clarified that this figure refers specifically to Russian fatalities. He attributed these losses to drone operations and asserted that the number is precise, as each death was confirmed by video footage. He added that an additional 2,000–3,000 Russian soldiers died without corresponding video evidence. He described this as the highest monthly Russian loss since the full-scale war began. Zelenskyy used the term 'deaths,' but this may have been a slip of the tongue. According to data released by Ukraine’s General Staff, Ukrainian forces eliminated a total of 30,350 enemy personnel in October. If 25,000 of them were killed, then only 5,000 would have been wounded—a ratio inconsistent with typical battlefield casualty patterns. ◆ Zelenskyy also announced that Ukraine will begin mass-producing a new domestically developed drone model to replace the widely used DJI Mavic series—small, commercial quadcopter drones. Previously, Ukrainian forces extensively employed Mavic-series drones for tactical reconnaissance (up to 15 km range), artillery fire correction, and modified versions capable of dropping small munitions onto enemy positions—effectively serving as the 'eyes' of Ukrainian infantry and artillery units. Other updates: 【1】 Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov stated that Ukraine plans to begin producing Gripen fighter jets by 2033, announcing this during a press conference following a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. He emphasized that this contract—Europe’s largest-ever arms procurement deal—represents a truly landmark agreement for Ukraine, Sweden, and the entire continent, requiring extensive preparation. He further noted that older Gripen C/D variants—significantly less expensive and less equipped than the newer E-model—are expected to arrive in Ukraine as early as 2026. On November 6, Reznikov revealed that Sweden has assisted Ukraine in manufacturing 400 long-range drones, frequently used to strike targets inside Russia—including oil refineries. 【2】 Hungary has successfully secured U.S. exemption to continue purchasing Russian oil and gas: On November 7, following his meeting with Donald Trump in Washington, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on social media: 'We have received full sanctions exemptions for the TurkStream and Druzhba pipeline projects.' However, according to Reuters, this exemption is time-limited—valid for one year. Orbán, a close ideological ally of Trump, resisted intense pressure to halt purchases of Russian oil and gas. After the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Russian energy giants Lukoil and Rosneft in late October, Orbán stated Hungary would seek ways to 'circumvent' these restrictions. Trump told reporters that Orbán faces exceptional difficulties sourcing oil and gas elsewhere, as Hungary is landlocked. He added: 'Hungary is a great country, a vast country—but unfortunately, it has no coastline and no ports, so they face a very tricky problem.' The two countries also signed a nuclear fuel agreement with Westinghouse to supply fuel for Hungary’s Paks I Nuclear Power Plant. Hungary will additionally purchase U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to diversify its energy supply.

Hungary looking to extend US sanctions waiver on Russian energy

Sep 24, 2026

Hungary's government seeks to extend a US sanctions waiver allowing continued imports of Russian oil and gas beyond November. The state-owned energy group MOL cites technological transition needs, while analysts note over 90% of current imports rely on Russian pipelines.

reuters

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Hungary looking to extend US sanctions waiver on Russian energy

Hungary looking to extend US sanctions waiver on Russian energy

FAQ