Nov 9, 2026, 11:30 AM UTC

Following midterm elections in which Democrats captured control of Congress, US President Donald Trump faces shifting political dynamics at home and abroad.

In response to the outcome, Trump accused victorious Democrats of using impeachment threats as "blackmail" against officials, requesting a Department of Justice investigation. While analysts note the election outcome limits his domestic legislative influence, foreign policy remains largely under presidential control.

Speaking to CBS, Trump asserted his administration remains tough on Russia, while remarking that post-war Ukraine would likely take a "slightly different shape." Meanwhile, European and Ukrainian officials are increasingly assessing potential reductions in American assistance, following recent diplomatic and operational shifts, including sanction relief on Russian fuel and Starlink service interruptions.

Sources: Українська правда, NV, Point, Радіо Свобода, NEXTA

A drone attack triggered a fire at the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia's Leningrad region overnight, according to regional authorities and media reports. The facility serves as a primary fuel supplier for Saint Petersburg and Pulkovo Airport.

Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that air defense systems intercepted 113 unmanned aerial vehicles over the territory during the night. However, Drozdenko confirmed that a strike hit the refinery complex, igniting a blaze at the site. Authorities also reported that a female resident died in the town of Vsevolozhsk as a result of the drone activity.

Monitoring channels and open-source intelligence analysts corroborated the strike, publishing footage of explosions and the subsequent fire at the refinery.

Sources: The Insider, Verstka.

Data published by independent outlet Verstka indicates that a record number of Russian citizens traveled to Armenia, Georgia, and Serbia during the third quarter of this year. Between July and September, departure figures to these three countries exceeded the previous high recorded following the announcement of partial military mobilization in Russia in the autumn of 2022.

Armenia, Georgia, and Serbia have consistently served as primary accessible hubs for Russians relocating abroad since 2022. The recent surge points to a continuing trend of emigration influenced by political developments and domestic conditions inside Russia.

Sources: Verstka