Hello, this is Yuliia Taradiuk reporting from Kyiv on day 1,363 of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Today’s top story so far:
Ukraine’s Ground Forces published photos of destruction in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Nov. 17, showing the devastating toll Russia’s grinding advances in the east are having on Ukrainian cities.
Since June 2025, Kostiantynivka has been facing a looming “humanitarian catastrophe” as ongoing Russian strikes destroy critical infrastructure, leaving residents without electricity, gas, and a stable water supply.
A report accompanying the photos in a post on Facebook said there were still 4,800 civilians left in the city and that local authorities had said evacuation was still possible.
“However, numerous burned cars on the outskirts of the city and on all major roads indicate how dangerous and difficult evacuation operations are now,” the Ground Forces said.
“And staying civilian in the city is more dangerous. The enemy is constantly dropping controlled aerial bombs on residential quarters with huge charge and turning them into the cells of hell on Earth.”
A picture of the devastation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, published by Ukraine’s Ground Forces on Nov. 17, 2025 (Facebook)A picture of the devastation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, published by Ukraine’s Ground Forces on Nov. 17, 2025 (Facebook)A picture of the devastation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, published by Ukraine’s Ground Forces on Nov. 17, 2025 (Facebook)A picture of the devastation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, published by Ukraine’s Ground Forces on Nov. 17, 2025 (Facebook)A picture of the devastation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, published by Ukraine’s Ground Forces on Nov. 17, 2025 (Facebook)A picture of the devastation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, published by Ukraine’s Ground Forces on Nov. 17, 2025 (Facebook)A picture of the devastation in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, published by Ukraine’s Ground Forces on Nov. 17, 2025 (Facebook)
Kostiantynivka has been under constant drone attacks that have brought significant destruction to the city over the spring and summer, as reported by Kyiv Independent’s journalists who spent 24 hours in the city in August.
As of November, the city is now surrounded on three sides by Russian forces, according to DeepState monitoring group.
What the fall of Pokrovsk would mean for Ukraine — and Russia
Ukraine to purchase 100 Rafale jets, Zelensky says after signing defense declaration with Macron
Last updated 3:13 p.m. Kyiv time.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent on cooperation in the defense sector on Nov. 17, with Kyiv aiming to acquire Rafale jets and new SAMP/T air defenses.
The declaration, signed during Zelensky’s official trip to France, concerns “acquisition of defense equipment” by Ukraine, the Ukrainian Presidential Office said. Zelensky called the signing a “truly historic” moment for both nations.
The agreement enables Ukraine to purchase materiel from the French defense industry, “including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft for Ukraine’s combat aviation by 2035, SAMP/T air defense systems, radars for air defense systems, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs,” Zelensky said on social media.
The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, considered one of the most advanced among European jets.
Speaking at a press conference after the signing, the Ukrainian president clarified that Kyiv would receive eight SAMP/T systems, each comprising six launchers.
Macron said the agreement covers a next-generation SAMP/T system now in development, with Ukraine expected to receive the first deployed version. France has previously supplied Ukraine with a SAMP/T battery, delivered jointly with Italy.
Ukraine to purchase 100 Rafale jets, Zelensky says after signing defense declaration with Macron
At least 6 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day
At least six people have been killed and 28 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities reported on Nov. 17.
Overnight Russia attacked Ukraine with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, 128 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, according to the Air Force. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 91 drones.
Thirty-two drone strikes occurred at 15 locations, and two missile strikes occurred at two locations.
In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks killed one person, injured 11 over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.
Russian Forces struck critical transport and social infrastructure, residential areas in Kherson Oblast, damaging a high-rise building, two houses, a farm building, ambulances, a private car, and a gas pipeline.
In Donetsk Oblast, Russian strikes killed one person, injured one, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.
In Chernihiv Oblast, a 54-year-old woman, gas station employee, was injured, according to Governor Viacheslav Chaus.
In Kharkiv Oblast, Russia targeted 11 settlements, including Kharkiv. The Russian missile strike on the town of Balakliia in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast killed three and wounded 15, including four children, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.
Elsewhere in the Kharkiv Oblast, one person was killed, five injured.
Russian missile strike on Kharkiv Oblast kills 3, wounds 10, including 3 children
General Staff: Russia has lost 1,159,420 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
Russia has lost around 1,159,420 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on Nov. 17.
The number includes 1,160 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
According to the report, Russia has also lost 23,594 (+3) armored fighting vehicles, 67,536 (+72) vehicles and fuel tanks, 34,486 (+17) artillery systems, 1,246 (+2) anti-aircraft systems, 1,544 (+1) multiple rocket launchers, and 81,499 (+213) drones.
Brazilian foreign fighters in Ukraine sound alarm about infiltration by South American gangs
