Kremlin folds occupied parts of Ukraine into Russia's Southern Military District

The Kremlin has officially incorporated the occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions into Russia’s Southern Military District, the Center for Countering Disinformation reported on November 6.

The district already included occupied Crimea, and the move paves the way for expanded conscription in occupied territories.

Ukrainian officials warn this sharply increases the risk of illegal mobilization of residents into Russia’s armed forces, which constitutes a war crime under international law.

According to Ukraine’s intelligence services, Russia has already mobilized around 300,000 men from occupied Ukrainian territories since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, as reported by the Eastern Human Rights Group and the Institute for Strategic Studies and Security (ISRS).

Reports indicate that Russian authorities often target vulnerable groups for mobilization, including orphans, children of people with disabilities, and boys whose parents are seriously ill.

Meanwhile, Russia plans to introduce year-round military conscription starting Jan. 1, 2026, under a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin.

1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting against Ukraine on the Russian side

At least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries have been identified as participating in Russia's war against Ukraine, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported on X.

He noted that the actual number is likely higher, as Russia recruits Africans through deceit, coercion, or monetary offers. “Some are promised money, others are tricked or forced. Signing a contract with Russia is essentially signing a death sentence,” Sybiha said.

According to him, foreign recruits are often sent into “meat assaults,” where most are quickly killed. Russian commanders view them as expendable since no one will be held accountable for their deaths.

Sybiha urged foreign fighters to refuse recruitment or, if already deployed, to surrender. He said most foreign mercenaries captured by Ukraine were taken prisoner during their first battle, which saved their lives.

Ukraine treats prisoners of war according to international humanitarian law, Sybiha added, calling captivity “a ticket to life and a chance to return home.”

He appealed to African governments to publicly warn their citizens against joining Russia’s army, emphasizing that doing so violates international law and the UN Charter.

Zelenskyy vows to prevent Russia from selling oil to Hungary

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he believes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will seek to negotiate Russian energy purchases during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to journalists on November 7, Zelenskyy said Orbán would likely focus on energy issues and “do everything possible” to maintain Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine would not allow Russia to profit from its energy exports. “We will not allow the Russians to sell oil there [to Hungary]. It’s only a matter of time and our position,” he said.