Kremlin says it will secure its interests in Ukraine regardless of U.S. political changes Missile Launchers
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia intends to secure its interests regarding Ukraine regardless of political changes in the United States following the Democratic victory in the midterm congressional elections. He emphasized that protecting Russian interests in Ukrainian affairs in no way depends on the situation in the U.S. and that Moscow will pursue its goals under any circumstances.
Peskov indicated that these interests could be achieved either through military means by continuing the so-called “special military operation” or through a peaceful path. He framed the military option as one available route while presenting a negotiated settlement as an alternative.
According to Peskov, a peaceful resolution would only be possible if someone in Kyiv demonstrates the political will and takes responsibility for reaching an agreement. The comments effectively underscored Russia’s readiness to continue the war while placing conditions on any potential diplomatic settlement.
Russia agrees to supply Iran with 90 helicopter-mounted guided launchers
Russia has agreed to provide Iran with 90 APU-L launchers for LMUR guided missiles, also known as “Izdeliye 305,” according to internal Russian defense industry documents reviewed by the Financial Times. The systems are designed for installation on attack helicopters and enable high-precision strikes against moving targets. The missiles have been widely used by Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.
The production schedule for 2024–2025 lists an export order for 90 APU-L launchers under the buyer code “K-10,” a designation used by Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport for Iran. The same documents show China ordering 192 APU-305 launchers. While the records confirm the order, they do not verify whether the systems were ultimately delivered. Iran already operates Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters, which are compatible with these launchers.
The LMUR is a light multipurpose guided missile capable of striking targets at ranges of around 14 kilometers, with an operator able to adjust its flight path in real time. The deal underscores deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, even as Russia seeks to balance its regional relationships.
US$330,000 bail posted for senior Ukrainian police official in Carthage case
Bail of 15 million UAH (approximately $330,000) has been posted for Volodymyr Tsenov, First Deputy Head of the National Police’s Strategic Investigations Department, who is implicated in the Carthage case. The High Anti-Corruption Court had remanded him in custody on November 5 with the option of bail.
According to court and law enforcement sources, the bail was paid by two individuals: Mykola Tsenov and T. Lysakova. Mykola Tsenov is the father of the suspect and previously served as first deputy head of the Interior Ministry’s Main Directorate for Combating Organised Crime. He also acted as an authorized representative for a parliamentary candidate in 2012 and co-founded an anti-organized crime NGO that ceased operations in 2017.
The Carthage case involves allegations of a criminal group that systematically bribed senior law enforcement officials to protect scam call centers and other illegal businesses. The investigation, conducted by NABU and SAPO, has already led to searches and detentions of high-ranking officials.
Zelensky hopes for increased US support following midterm elections
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the Democratic victory in the U.S. midterm elections will help stabilize the balance of power in Washington and lead to increased support for Ukraine. Speaking in an interview with ZDF, he said that during the campaign Democrats clearly signaled that, beyond domestic issues, they would prioritize attention to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine continues to enjoy bipartisan support and expressed gratitude to both Democrats and Republicans. At the same time, he noted that some of the traditional ties between America and Europe had weakened over the past two years. He described the transatlantic alliance as critically important, stating that without it, stopping Putin would be extremely difficult.
The president said that stronger financial assistance or weapons deliveries from the U.S. Congress, comparable to the level of support currently provided by Europe, would be a positive development. He believes such steps would influence Russian leader Vladimir Putin and make him reconsider the value of continuing the war, potentially bringing the sides closer to negotiations and a possible peace.