War in Ukraine today: latest news, 21 November, 2024 (photo)

It has been the 1002nd day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression. 

What happened in Ukraine today:

Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 4 pm:   

Ukraine’s defence forces are holding back the offensive of russian occupiers. Terrorists continue to destroy Ukrainian cities and villages with missile, air and artillery strikes. On 21 November, the number of military clashes made 114.  

Ukrainian defenders are taking necessary measures to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into Ukrainian territory.

Enemy artillery, mortars, and multiple rocket launchers shelled, in particular, the communities of Volfine, Kliusy, Pokrovka, and Zhuravka in Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts.  

Towards Kharkiv, the enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian troops six times near Vovchansk, and the fighting continues.

Towards Kupiansk, russian occupiers attacked the Defense Forces 12 times in the vicinity of Petropavlivka, Kolisnykovka, Zahryzove and Lozova. Five clashes are ongoing.

Towards Lyman, the invading army also carried out twelve attacks on Ukrainian positions near Tverdokhlibove, Novoiehorivka, Hrekivka, Terny, Torske and in Serebrianka forest. Ten battles were over, two more are ongoing. Ukrainian soldiers are holding their defenses steadfastly and inflicting losses on the enemy.

Towards Siversk, enemy aircraft struck Kuzminivka with CABs.

Towards Kramatorsk, the enemy attacked twice near Chasiv Yar and Stupochky, and the battle is currently ongoing.

Towards Toretsk, the aggressor tried to penetrate Ukrainian defense four times in the vicinity of Toretsk and Shcherbynivka. The enemy is actively using aviation. It struck with CABs on Toretsk, Kalynove, Ivanopillia and Kostiantynivka.

Towards Pokrovsk, russian invaders made 30 attempts to push Ukrainian defenders from their occupied positions near Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Petrivka, Chumatske and Pustynka. The defense forces were holding back the onslaught and repelled 22 enemy attacks, eight clashes are still ongoing.

Towards Kurakhove, the enemy army made 21 attacks near Berestky, Sontsivka, Zori, Kurakhivka, Dalne, Katerynivka and Antonivka. Nine attempts to advance were repulsed. Fighting is ongoing. The enemy dropped seven air bombs on Andriivka. 

Towards Vremivka, there were seven enemy attacks near Trudove, Konstantinopolske, Rozlyv, Sukhi Yaly and near Novodarivka. Three battles are still ongoing. Ulakly and Velyka Novosilka were hit by enemy bombs.

In the Orikhiv, the occupation troops stormed the positions of the Defense Forces once near Piatikhatky.

Towards Kherson, the enemy attack continues.

The operation in Kursk oblast continues. russian aircraft launched 15 strikes with 22 KABs on their own territory. Ukrainian soldiers have repelled 11 attempts by the invaders to break through Ukrainian defenses, and battles are ongoing.

In other directions, there are no significant changes.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy informs that all the characteristics of the missile that russia used to attack Dnipro in the morning indicate that it was an intercontinental ballistic missile. Expertise is currently underway. 

Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reports that since the start of the full-scale invasion, 58 prisoner of war exchanges have taken place. As part of these exchanges, 3,767 Ukrainians were returned, of whom about 40 % were considered missing.

Recent war events in the east of Ukraine

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the number of attacks towards Vremivka was equal to that towards Kurakhove yesterday. Also russian occupiers attempted to advance 29 times near Trudove, Kostiantynopilske, Novodarivka and Rozdolne.

Near Pokrovsk, Ukrainian defenders repelled 34 attacks, in particular near Myroliubivka, Pustynka, Promin and Krutyi Yar.  

 Another 29 attacks were conducted by russian troops towards Kurakhove. Ukrainian troops repelled attacks near Berestky, Zoria, Sontsivka and Maksymilianivka. 

Kharkiv oblast

The police said that yesterday the russian military once again violated the laws and customs of war and used aviation, artillery and drones against the civilian population of Kharkiv oblast. Three civilians were injured as a result of russian shelling.

Bohodukhiv region:

At 5:15am, one guided aerial munition hit a field near Chornohlazivka village and two more near Myronivka village.

At 9:50am, the wreckage of a Shahed UAV was found in a field near the village of Kalynove, Zolochiv community.

Kupiansk region: 

At 8:32am, a private house was damaged in Senkove village as a result of shelling.

At 12:30pm, a residential building was damaged by artillery shelling in the town of Kupiansk. A civilian man was injured.

At 12:55pm, an outbuilding was damaged and a civilian man injured in Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi village.

At 2:59pm, two men aged 42 and 64 were injured in Kupiansk.

Kharkiv region: 

At 3pm, a private house was damaged in Borshchova village as a result of artillery shelling.

At 3pm, a Shahed UAV attack damaged private buildings in Vysokyi village. A civilian woman was injured.

At 3:12 pm, an administrative building was damaged by shelling in Vysokyi village, Vysochansk community. A 64-year-old woman was injured.

At 4:47 pm, a private house was damaged in Borshchova village, Lyptsi community.

Towards Kharkiv, the enemy conducted four unsuccessful assault operations near Vovchansk and Starytsia.

The number of combat engagements reached seven towards Kupiansk. Defence forces repelled the enemy attacks near Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Kucherivka, Kruhliakivka and Zelenyi Hai.  

 During the day, 139 people were evacuated from Kupiansk and Borova directions.

Kharkiv Regional Military Administration and the Regional Council signed an important memorandum of cooperation with the US state of Ohio. The memorandum covers several key areas, including energy, digital technologies, bioeconomy, agricultural innovations, infrastructure development and mechanical engineering. Working together in these areas will help strengthen business relations and attract new opportunities for Kharkiv oblast entrepreneurs.

Maryna Poliakova, Head of the All-Ukrainian Association of Relatives of Missing and Fallen Defenders of Ukraine, reported that 1,500 flags with the names of the fallen defenders of Ukraine were placed under the destroyed Kharkiv Regional Military Administration building in the centre of Kharkiv. Veterans, volunteers, family members of the victims and NGOs took part in the action.

The regional Infrastructure Restoration and Development Service reported that in Kharkiv oblast, movement across the bridge on Kyiv-Kharkiv-Dovzhansk highway, which was destroyed during the liberation of Kharkiv oblast in 2022, has been restored. The exact location of the overpass is not disclosed for security reasons.

Donetsk oblast

A child was killed and 8 civilians injured as a result of the russian attack. The police recorded 2,915 enemy attacks on the frontline and residential areas.

10 settlements were under attack: Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, Mykolaivka, Toretsk, Novoekonomichne, Viroliubivka, Pershomarivka, Rai Oleksandrivka, Ulakly and Chervone.

55 civilian objects were damaged, including 41 residential buildings.

Russians shelled Pershomarivka by Tornado-S MRLs with cluster munitions, killing an 11-year-old boy and injuring two other people – a 63-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl. Two private houses and a civilian car were damaged.

The enemy dropped two FAB-250 bombs with an UMPK module on Kostiantynivka, injuring 6 civilians and damaging 10 apartment buildings, a shop, a gym, a non-residential building, a boiler room, a garage, a car and a gas pipeline.

The occupiers attacked Mykolaivka with a drone, damaging a residential building and a car.

Russia struck Ulakly village by an UMPB D30-SN bomb, damaging a private house and a civilian car.

Artillery shelling damaged 6 private houses in Chervone, three private houses, an educational institution and 2 civilian cars in Viroliubivka.

In Novoekonomichne, 19 private houses were damaged.

Andrii Polukhin, Spokesman of the 24th Brigade, reported that russian troops have changed their tactics and have not been storming Ukrainian positions in Chasiv Yar for some time now, but are trying to bypass them and operate in the “rear” of the frontline posts.

The 79th Separate Mechanised Brigade said that near Kurakhove, Ukrainian paratroopers recaptured “one of the important positions” and captured three russian soldiers.

Mariupol City Council reported that near Mariupol, russian occupation authorities are repairing a part of the road that will connect the city with the so-called Novorossiya highway. This is a land route between russia and the Crimean peninsula, which the occupiers began to build in the autumn of 2023.

Luhansk oblast

The invaders attacked ten times towards Lyman, where they failed to force our defenders from their positions. According to the Regional MIlitary Administration, the invaders fired from cannon artillery at Hrekivka. Near Novoiehorivka, russians actively used bombers and attack aircraft. They sent guided aerial bombs at our fortifications towards Siversk.

The so-called “luhansk people’s republic” has received money under a programme of major housing reconstruction, which is supposed to restore only the roofs and foundations of about 200 apartment buildings between 2024 and 2026. This is even less than what has been damaged in Siverskodonetsk alone, not to mention other frontline cities. The occupiers have started the same work in Luhansk, which was hardly affected by shelling. They will repair the roofs of nine apartment buildings there. Other settlements will wait, perhaps until the next programme.

By 1 January, the invaders obliged farmers and landowners to re-register their land plots in the occupied Luhansk oblast under russian law. Those who fail to do so will have their land simply “nationalised”. To re-register the plots, a number of russian documents are required, including a passport.

What is happening now in the north of Ukraine

Kyiv oblast

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on his meeting with the ambassadors of the European Union member states. They discussed the progress of this year and the ongoing comprehensive support for Ukraine in the coming year. The discussion focused on assistance with reconstruction and energy equipment, development of green energy, assistance in defence and the expansion of air defence systems, financial support and sanctions against russia.

Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Regional Administration, announced that the construction of a radiation shelter for the lyceum ‘Obladovanist’ is nearing completion in Uzyn. The work is being carried out at the expense of the FLN. Upon completion, the new shelter will be able to accommodate up to 500 people at a time, which will allow for face-to-face training in compliance with all safety standards. In peacetime, the shelter will be used for clubs, sports or extracurricular activities.

The Ukrainian military received another batch of aid from the community of Kyiv. HEAVYSHOT bombers, Mavic UAVs of various types, fpv drones and electronic warfare systems were handed over to the soldiers of the Svoboda battalion of the 4th Rubizh National Guard Brigade by Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klychko. According to him, since 2022, Kyiv has allocated almost UAH 800 million from the city budget to equip the brigade.

Kyiv plans to co-finance prosthetics for the defenders and will allocate UAH 45 million for this purpose. In addition to state funding, the capital will pay for the manufacture of prostheses with high functionality and comfort as part of the city’s targeted programme ‘Support for Kyiv residents – Defenders of Ukraine’.

Recently, the Ukrainian Women’s Guard held a mine safety training for schoolchildren in grades 8-9 in Kyiv. Certified UWW instructors came to the specialised school No. 91 to give a presentation on ‘Risks associated with explosive devices’. The Ukrainian Women’s Guard conducts such training on a regular basis to raise awareness of explosive devices and the risks of encountering them.

On the Day of Dignity and Freedom, a monument to Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Kotsiubailo (‘Da Vinci’) was unveiled at Askold’s Grave in Kyiv. The soldier of the 67th Separate Mechanised Brigade, volunteer, battalion commander and Hero of Ukraine ‘Da Vinci’ was killed in action near Bakhmut on 7 March 2023. The soldier was depicted with a weapon in his hands and three wolves behind him – in honour of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion he commanded.

Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Regional Business Association, informed that at the meeting with representatives of Tuscany, they discussed the creation of a joint online platform for business. It was noted that Italian companies can invest in the development of infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, agriculture and other industries, providing thousands of residents of oblast with jobs. Memorandums of partnership between universities in Kyiv oblast and the Italian region of Tuscany have also been initiated.

The educational platform ‘Znakno!’ launched an online course ‘Don’t Stand Still – Switch on: Light, Heat, Internet’ to help prepare for winter and safely use alternative energy sources. The course was launched on 21 November in Kyiv. The programme includes 8 lectures by TNMK, a representative of the State Emergency Service and an energy efficiency expert, as well as a course presentation, interactive activities and masterclasses.

Zhytomyr oblast

The RMA says that Zhytomyr oblast will receive another UAH 88 million of subvention to buy housing for veterans with disabilities and UAH 22 million for housing for resettled veterans. 

Serhii Khomenko, co-founder of the volunteer initiative, says that volunteers of the Polish Armor initiative over two years of work have manufactured and handed over to the military almost 2,000 body armour, 120 electronic warfare systems, as well as FPV drones free of charge. Currently, the team is looking for volunteers who will help manufacture electronic warfare systems for the military.

As part of the work of the Regional Office for International Cooperation, a meeting was held on November 20 with representatives of the Polaris international technical assistance program “Support for Multilevel Governance in Ukraine” for 2024-2028. The program is being implemented with the support of the Government of Sweden.

The delegation of Brusylivka territorial community of the region took part in a number of international events in the city of Ogre in the Republic of Latvia. The members of the delegation became participants in the International Scientific and Practical Conference “The Historical Mission of the Ukrainian and Latvian Peoples in the Struggle for European and World Democratic Values ​​in the Conditions of Russian Military Aggression against Ukraine.”

Sumy oblast

 According to Svitlana Horoshko, Acting Lebedyn Mayor, on 21 November, around 4pm, missile debris fell in Prystailove village, Lebedyn community. Preliminary reports indicate that two houses were damaged, one of which was occupied at the time. Additionally, over 10 windows in a school were shattered. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

During night and morning, russians carried out 6 shelling attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy oblast, resulting in 26 explosions. The attacks targeted Khotin, and Bilopillia communities.

During the day russians carried out 33  shelling attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy oblast, resulting in 77 explosions. The attacks targeted Khotin, Yunakivka, Myropilia, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Andriiashivka, and Esman communities.

Esman community: the enemy hit by an FPV-drone (1 explosion), by mortars (4 explosions).

Andriiashivka community: an attack was carried out by the “Shakhed” type UAV(1 explosion).

As a result of the attack, 4 private houses and the premises of the church were damaged.

Velyka Pysarivka community: tank shelling (5 explosions), NURS (unguided air missile) rocket shelling (2 explosions) was recorded.

Krasnopillia community: russians dropped 39 mines on the territory of the community. Also, the enemy dropped a VOG from UAV (8 explosions) and attacked by an attack UAV “Lancet” (1 explosion). As a result of the attack, 1 civilian was injured. A private house and a car were also damaged.

Khotin community: VOG drops from UAVs (2 explosions), mortar shelling (1 explosion), FPV-drone attack (4 explosions) took place.

Bilopollia community: VOG was dropped from a UAV (1 explosion), mortar shelling (5 explosions)

Myropillia community: FPV-drone strikes (2 explosions).

Yunakivka community: GAB attack (1 explosion).

Krasnopillia Settlement Council reported that mandatory evacuation has been announced in Krasnopillia, Sumy oblast. The council is organising the evacuation of residents, as well as material and cultural assets, to safer areas. This measure aims to ensure the safety of the population amidst ongoing threats.

Chernihiv oblast

On 20 November, the russian army attacked two border communities in Chernihiv oblast: Semenivka, and  Snovsk communities. The fire was conducted by mortars and FPV-drones. Border guards recorded 20 explosions.

Semenivka community:

• towards Leonivka village: three hits, probably by a 120mm mortar;
• towards Kostobobriv village: one fire, probably by an FPV-drone, and nine fires, probably by an 82mm mortar;
•  towards Buchky village:  four shots, probably by a 120mm mortar.

Snovsk community

– towards Kliusy village: three shots, probably by a 120mm mortar.

No casualties or injuries among the local population were reported as a result of the shelling.

Kulykivka settlement territorial community reported that on 20 November, in Kulykivka community of Chernihiv oblast, residents paid tribute to soldier Mykola Stepanchuk, who was 24 years old. 

Recent events in the central regions of Ukraine

Dnipropetrovsk oblast

Mykola Lukashuk, Head of the RMA, reported that overnight, russian forces shelled Nikopol region multiple times. The attacks targeted the regional centre, Chervonohryhorivka and Pokrov communities by artillery and Grad missile systems.

Updated information indicates that 31 people were injured in the missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. 2 of them are in critical condition in the hospital. The attack damaged administrative buildings, 9 apartment blocks, a post office, a store, minibusses, a car and a power line. In Dnipro, 3 people were injured in a morning attack. Private houses, a one-story building, a rehabilitation centre and a garage cooperative were damaged. Later, russian forces targeted Nikopol region again by artillery, striking the regional centre and Marhanets community.

Vinnytsia oblast

​​According to Vinnytsia City Council, the 59th Brigade named after Yakiv Handziuk received 20 Mavic 3T drones and 200 FPV drones from Vinnytsia oblast. Also, 200 trench candles made by local schoolchildren and 20 wood stoves from the coordinators of the Interregional Humanitarian Coordination Headquarters in Kryzhopil were delivered.

Poltava oblast

Victor Solovei, a serviceman from Pyriatyn community, was killed while defending Ukraine in Donetsk oblast. The 53-year-old soldier is survived by his wife, daughter and 2 sons.

Cherkasy oblast

On 21 November, Cherkasy National University honoured fallen graduates and students from the Institute of Physical Education and Sports. Over 10 years of war, 11 people from this department were killed in the battles for Ukraine.

Latest news from the front of the southern regions of Ukraine

Zaporizhzhia oblast

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian Defence Forces in  Orikhiv axis repelled a russian attack near Piatykhatky.

Ivan Fedorov, Head of the RMA, informed that russian forces launched 288 strikes on 11 towns and villages in Zaporizhzhia oblast on 20 November. These included 139 artillery attacks on Lobkove, Shcherbaky, Huliaipole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Novodanylivka, Bilohiria, Malynivka, Olhivske and Novodarivka.

Mykolaiv oblast

Vitalii Kim, Head of the RMA, said that on 20 November, russian forces conducted 2 mortar attacks near Ochakiv community. There were no casualties reported.

According to the RMA, Kutsurub community came under FPV drones attack. A private house in Kutsurub village was damaged. There were no casualties reported.

Odesa oblast

According to the Ukrainian Navy, the Black Sea is hosting 24 russian ships, including 5 equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles. These ships are armed with up to 28 missiles.

Kherson oblast

According to the RMA, at around 4pm, russian forces attacked Beryslav by a drone, injuring a 44-year-old man who was hospitalised.

Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the RMA, stated that russian forces shelled 12 settlements in the oblast, killing 1 person and injuring 10, including a child. The attacks damaged a bread distribution point, a gas station, 5 apartment buildings and 8 private houses.

Also, a 62-year-old woman was killed during the shelling of Darivka on 19 November.

Latest news for today in the western regions of Ukraine

Volyn oblast

Lutsk community sent an EcoFlow DELTA MAX charging portable power station and a Kraft Dele KD 164 5.5 kW gasoline generator to the Military Unit A7270.

Zakarpattia oblast

An on-site meeting of government officials was held in Berehove, dedicated to the completion of works on the reconstruction of the dormitory of the vocational lyceum of the service sector, which will serve as housing for internally displaced persons. Those present discussed the state of the project, urgent problems and further steps for its completion. In a 4-story building with a total area of ​​1,500 sqm, it is planned to house about 200 IDPs Ukrainians.

Ivano-Frankivsk oblast

Ivano-Frankivsk community sent drones to the 155th Separate Mechanised Brigade in Zaporizhzhia oblast.

Ivano-Frankivsk Hospital received a modern Mitaka MM51/YOH neurosurgical microscope thanks to cooperation between Japan and Ukraine.

Lviv oblast

5 servicemen of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine from Lviv oblast were posthumously awarded with the III degree Order of Courage. Relatives of defenders (parents, wives, children) were awarded.

The Italian city of Turin became the 31st sister city of Lviv. The partnership agreement was signed today by Andrii Sadovyi, Lviv Mayor, and Stefano Lo Russo, Turin Mayor.

Rivne oblast

For 2 years, the Psychosocial Support in Ukraine international project (PRO_MentalHealth) has been implemented in Rivne oblast. The oblast is a pilot oblast where 4 psychosocial support centres were opened in each district as part of the initiative. Yes, they are currently operating in Sarny, Volodymyrka, Dubna and Zdolbunov.

Ternopil oblast

Ternopil City Council reported that since the beginning of the year, financial aid for treatment and rehabilitation has already been provided to 237 military personnel.

Khmelnytskyi oblast

Khmelnytskyi community is among the 1st selected for the Alliance of Integrity of Local Self-Government. The Alliance operates within the framework of the Promoting Integrity in the Public Sector (Pro-Integrity) project, which is financed jointly by USAID and UK International Development. Promoting Integrity in the Public Space (Pro-Integrity) is a large-scale anti-corruption project.

Chernivtsi oblast

During the October session, Chernivtsi City Council directed UAH 8.5m to meet the needs of the Armed Forces. 

International support of Ukraine in the russian-Ukrainian war (russia’s invasion of Ukraine)

Germany updated the list of aid provided to Ukraine. The updated list includes: ammunition for MARDER BMPs; 47 MRAP armoured vehicles; TRML-4D radar; 4 self-propelled guns Panzerhaubitze 2000 with spare parts; 41,000 shells of 155 mm calibre; 7 barrels for self-propelled guns M109; 20 VECTOR UAVs with spare parts; 12 HORNET XR reconnaissance UAVs; 60 Golden Eagle reconnaissance UAVs; 2 VT-4 Rochen reconnaissance UAVs; 100 RQ-35 HEIDRUN reconnaissance UAVs; 120 SONGBIRD reconnaissance UAVs; 2 BEAVER bridge-laying tanks with spare parts; 3 WISENT 1 demining tanks with spare parts; 3 mine plows; 8 Caracal amphibious vehicles; 20 cars for border protection; 6 M1070 Oshkosh tank tractors; 8,000 shells of 40 mm calibre; 340 high-precision HLR 338 rifles with bk (74,000); 100,000 cartridges for firearms; 55,000 turnstiles; and 100,000 occlusion stickers.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, met with Anna Bjerde, World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations. Key topics of the negotiations are financial stability, support programs, funds from russian assets.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, had a phone conversation with Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland. They discussed the continuation of defence cooperation.

A conference was held in the Republic of South Africa on the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported to russia and forcibly displaced in the occupation. The event was organised within the framework of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.

Vladyslav Vlasyuk, President’s authorised adviser on sanctions policy, held a briefing for heads of diplomatic institutions and representatives of the embassies of the European Union countries in Ukraine, devoted to the analysis of the impact of sanctions on the russian federation and ways of strengthening restrictions.

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Materials compiled by Tetiana Kliuchnyk-Horobets, Tetyana Pidgorna, Olena Reka, Yana Hushchyna, Tamara Moshkovska, Sofia Ratynska, Ioanna Kryvenko, Helena Albahachiieva, Kristina Maknynia 

Translated by Tetyana Pidgorna, Yana Hushchyna, Alla Litrovnyk, Liudmyla Stadnykova, Ilona Korolevska, Tetiana Moiseienko, Marharyta Koval, Tetiana Kurbatova

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