Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: A Russian soldier was sentenced to life in prison for killing a Ukrainian prisoner of war. At least 322 such cases have occurred since 2022, but this is the first time the perpetrator is within the court’s jurisdiction.

Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukraine has once again been plunged into darkness by Russia's attacks on energy infrastructure. For Ukrainian mothers, like Myroslava, this means dealing with the stress and mess of caring for an infant – with no power.

Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Ukraine will open arms export and co-production offices in Berlin and Copenhagen, naval drones and artillery will be the main weapons exports. This will help Ukraine raise funds to buy fighter jets and air defence systems.

Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today: The UK supplied Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles, allowing Ukraine to continue hitting Russian oil facilities. U.S. sanctions and Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil facilities have weakened the Russian economy.

Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Russia fired 270 missiles at Ukraine in October - a 46% jump from September and the most since 2023. As winter nears, Russia is again targeting Ukraine’s energy grid with its most aggressive missile attacks in nearly two years.

Good morning readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Hungary was once a budding democracy. Today, it hosts dictators and repeatedly acts in Russia’s favour. István, once an Orbán supporter, is watching Hungary bend towards Moscow and is worried there may not be a path back.

Here's what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Ukrainian troops rescued a camel used by the Russian military near Russian positions in the Kharkiv region. Russia adopts low-tech solutions as the war decreases Russia’s hi-tech equipment and highly skilled manpower.

Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Russians struck critical infrastructure, targeting the heating and energy facilities, causing power outages and killing at least 2. They had stockpiled weapons for a week to plunge Ukrainians into darkness as winter approaches.

Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: A New Zealand-based insurance company run by a British family has been insuring sanctioned Russian and Iranian shadow fleet tankers. These vessel allowed Russia and Iran to circumvent international sanctions on their oil.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Ukrainian seniors are challenging stereotypes about age and becoming TikTok stars to cope with the stress and loneliness of war. 54-year-old Antonina creates content for her 55,000 followers during her work breaks.

Here’s what The Counteroffensive is reading today: Russian troops entered Pokrovsk, sparking fierce battles. If captured, Pokrovsk would give Moscow a strategic foothold in Donetsk and threaten nearby Ukrainian positions.

Here’s what you should know today: Trump has now ruled out a potential upcoming summit with Putin in Budapest, telling reporters that “I’m not going to be wasting my time.” The news comes two days after the White House said a Trump-Putin summit was “not completely off the table.”

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. As Russia’s war rages, therapy for servicemen becomes increasingly innovative. At the Kyiv Hippodrome, horses are being used in therapy for soldiers. This week, Zoriana witnessed their healing up close.

Here’s what you should know today: Chinese state-owned oil companies have suspended purchases of Russian oil by sea after the U.S. put sanctions on major Russian oil companies. Indian oil refiners are also preparing to sharply reduce imports from Russia due to U.S. sanctions.

Here’s what you should know today: Trump put sanctions on top Russian oil companies. This is the 1st time Trump has put sanctions on Russia in his 2nd term. This follows the shelved Trump-Putin meeting and a visit from NATO's GenSec, trying to keep Trump on Ukraine's side.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Centralized heating made sense to the Soviets, but now it means that Russia's attacks on energy systems are even more dangerous. Yevdokiia experienced this when a pipeline accident plunged her community into the cold.

Here’s what you should know today: Trump’s summit with Putin in Hungary may face delays after a pre-meeting between Rubio and Lavrov was postponed. The reason for putting off the meeting is not known, however sources told CNN that it was due to differences on ending the war.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Trump has backtracked once again, meaning Ukraine seems unlikely to receive U.S. Tomahawks. But in 2022, receiving F-16s also seemed impossible — until Lilia’s son, pilot 'Juice', persuaded D.C. and made it possible.

Here’s what you should know today: Germany plans to reinstate conscription to “deter Russia,” said the German Defense Minister. Conscription in Germany was suspended in 2011, but could return by 2027, after “new, modern structures” are introduced to the military.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Nastia used to be scared of dogs. That changed once she met the furry heroes at Ukraine’s police canine center. Meet the pups keeping Ukraine safe by sniffing out mines and searching for survivors.

Here’s what you should know today: Trump and Putin will meet in Budapest in the next 2 weeks. Some have pointed out that Hungary should arrest Putin, following the ICC's arrest warrant. However, this is unlikely given Hungary is in the process of withdrawing from the ICC.

Here’s what you should know today: U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth warns Washington will impose unprecedented ‘costs’ on Russia if Putin rejects peace talks. Zelenskyy visits Washington on Friday, where Trump could approve long-range missiles for deep strikes inside Russia.

Here’s what you should know today: Finland joined the PURL program, which allows EU countries to fund U.S. weapons for Ukraine, Finnish Defense Minister announced in Brussels. Earlier, on October 13, Slovenia also joined the program and purchased American weapons.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Russia renames streets not only to rewrite history, but also to rob Ukrainians, like Nataliia, of promised compensation for their destroyed homes. We investigated how Russia steals property in occupied territory.

Here’s what you should know today: Russia likely helps N. Korea to develop development submarines, S. Korean DefMin said. Previously, N. Korea announced building submarines capable of launching nuclear ballistic missiles and conducted submarines tests.

Here’s what you should know today: New reports reveal the U.S. has been providing Ukraine intelligence to strike Russian energy facilities far from the frontline. Officials say this is a joint U.S.-Ukraine effort to weaken Moscow’s economy and force Putin to the negotiating table.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. In 2022, Oleksandr, a Ukrainian marine, helped blow up the Kozarovychi Dam to stop the Russians. Now, as Russia threatens NATO, Europe considers all options, including turning their own borders into wetlands.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Although the army would seem to be that last place for an anarchist, Ukraine’s military is an exception. Here, everybody needs Ukraine to win. Faust, an anarchist, signed up to fight for the freedom of his loved ones.

Here’s what you should know today: Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure ahead of winter risk disrupting Europe’s energy market. As Ukraine increases imports from its neighbours, the EU gas market, already cutting back on Russian supply, could be further strained.

Here's what you should know today: The EU will restrict travel for Russian diplomats within the bloc, citing increasing incidents of spies using diplomatic cover. Russian diplomats must now notify local authorities when traveling between member states.

Here’s what we’re reading today: North Korea supplies 35 to 50% of Russia's ammunition, supplying 200,000 to 260,000 152 mm and 122 mm shells per month. The countries are using the war in Ukraine to test and improve North Korea's weapons.

Here’s what we’re reading today: Preliminary results show right-wing populist Andrej Babiš has won the Czech parliamentary elections, jeopardizing Czech support for Ukraine. Babis has threatened to cut a Czech ammunition program that has delivered millions of rounds to Ukraine.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. As Russia tries to erase Ukraine's history, genealogy has become a popular way for Ukrainians to reclaim their heritage. Mariana travels home to trace her family roots through Ukraine’s past.

Here’s what we’re reading today: A government shutdown could delay U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine and has already frozen talks on military aid, The Telegraph reported. This comes as winter approaches and Russia intensifies its strikes on Ukraine.

Good morning to readers: Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Russia is sending drones over Europe, testing for NATO's response: will they follow Turkey’s example and shoot down Russian drones? Mart, an Estonian military volunteer, shares what this response could mean for NATO.

Here’s what we're reading today: Taiwan is the world’s largest buyer of Russian naphtha, a petroleum product key for manufacturing semiconductors, in the 1st half of 2025. This contradicts Taiwan's open support for sanctions on Russia and Ukraine.

Good morning to readers, Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Over 11 years, Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine have been destroyed through corruption, neglect and humanitarian crisis. Jihuyn, an escapee from N. Korea, tells us what life will be like for those under Russian rule.

Here’s what we’re reading today: GOP Rep. Bacon says DefSec Hegseth is blocking Trump’s approval for Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia. Ukraine could potentially target airbases & factories fuelling Moscow’s war — upping pressure on the Kremlin to negotiate.

Here’s what we’re reading today: Moldovans began voting today in a parliamentary election marred by Russian vote-buying schemes and cyberattacks. Moscow seeks to install a pro-Russian government in Chisinau, undermining Moldova’s EU trajectory and support for Ukraine.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Like the lost Library of Alexandria, Kyiv has its own mystery: Yaroslav the Wise’s 11th century book collection, which holds clues to Ukraine’s past. But no one knows where it is—so we set out to find it.

Here's what we are reading today: Canada and U.S. jets intercepted Russian military aircraft near Alaska, on Friday. Russia has intensified provocations against NATO in the past few weeks. This was followed by Trump and the NATO GenSec calling for shooting them down.

Here’s what we are reading today: Zelenskyy will not run for president after the war. "My goal is to finish the war, not to continue to run for office," he told Axios. He understands people may prefer "a leader with...a new mandate" to take the steps to secure long-term peace.

Trump raised H1-B work visa fees to $100k pushing away talented immigrants who could’ve made the U.S. better. Instead, they will take their talent elsewhere. As someone who came to America through an H1B, the pathway I entered through is now effectively closed.

Here’s what we are reading today: Copenhagen and Oslo airports, the two busiest airports in Scandinavia, suspended operations last night after drones were spotted in the countries' airspace. It is currently unknown who is behind the violation of the countries' airspace.

OUR MONTHLY TAIWAN ISSUE: 400 years ago, Koxinga, a Chinese general, came to Taiwan and defeated it's Dutch rulers. For some, he is the island's defender but for others, a violent conquerer. Kaisanan, from the Taokas tribe, fights for a true account of Taiwan's indigenous past.

Here's what we are reading today: The Czech President urged NATO to “down” Russian aircraft when it violates NATO airspace. In the last 2 weeks, Russia committed 3 such violations: Russian jets flew into Estonian airspace and Russian drones flew into Poland and Romania.

Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. In 2002, Putin shut down a comedy show after it called him a "baby gnome". This week, Trump axed Jimmy Kimmel’s show. I spoke to Ambassador Michael McFaul about why autocrats fear comedy - what it means for free speech.

Here’s what we are reading today: Russia and Vietnam have developed a method of concealing payments for arms deals to avoid US sanctions. The countries have been using profits from joint oil and gas ventures as payment, avoiding transfers through the global banking system.

Here’s what we are reading today: European Parliament Pres. announced the opening of a permanent EP office in Kyiv — a move to support Ukraine’s EU path and signal lasting wartime and post-war support. This comes as Ukraine becomes increasingly integrated into EU affairs.

Here's what we're reading today: Lithuania’s DefMin opened the 1st of 9 schools, where children and adults are taught to fly and assemble drones. This comes after 2 Russian drones crashed in Lithuania this summer and last week over a dozen Russian drones flew deep into Poland.