Nov 12, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC

Analysis of leaked registry records from Russia’s statistics agency Rosstat suggests that approximately 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in the invasion of Ukraine. British newspaper The Guardian, citing hacked data analyzed by researcher Janis Kluge of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, reported that monthly Russian military fatalities frequently exceeded 15,000 in late 2024 and early 2025.

The findings coincide with scrutiny over contentious Russian recruitment practices, including reports of individuals with severe mental health disabilities being enlisted into military service.

Meanwhile, European counter-intelligence agencies continue targeting Russian proxy networks. In Latvia, security services raided a rural property near Riga, arresting suspected operative Vasilijs Kovacovs for alleged covert activities. Separately, retired Russian Colonel-General Leonid Ivashov publicly criticized President Vladimir Putin, stating Russia has lost the war and urging an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Two days of direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi have concluded with an agreement on a major prisoner exchange, marking the first direct negotiations between the two nations in over eight months.

Following the talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that potential terms for the exchange were addressed. American envoys mediating the dialogue are set to travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin before heading to Dublin for discussions with Zelensky.

While both sides reported progress and agreed to continue negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, significant disagreements remain regarding the role European nations should play in future peace talks.

Sources: Le Monde, Le Figaro, Libération, Le Soir, RTBF Info

Moldovan authorities have officially commenced the "Moldova Pregătită" emergency readiness campaign, scheduled from 19 to 21 November. The initiative focuses on informing the public about essential self-sufficiency measures during the initial 72 hours of a potential crisis, including advice on household reserves and preparing an emergency kit. Officials reaffirmed that the exercise does not stem from an immediate threat or involve planned service disruptions.

Concurrently, Moldova marked a major milestone in energy independence with the opening of the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău power line, directly integrating the domestic network into the European grid. In the digital sector, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced a €1 million grant from the European Union during a Chișinău summit to expand free public Wi-Fi access across 30 Moldovan towns.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă, Newsmaker, Moldova1, HotNews, TV8

As Slovenia prepares for local elections across its 212 municipalities, candidates are highlighting personal integrity and civic responsibility. In an interview, mayoral candidate Aleksandar Repić stressed that leadership requires moral responsibility alongside formal qualifications, stating that he feels a need to "give back to society" following past mistakes.

At the same time, the incoming local leaders will benefit from recent public sector salary reforms. Mayors taking office after the upcoming vote will receive significantly higher pay than their predecessors, reflecting broader adjustments to municipal official compensation across the country.

Sources: Siol.net, Delo

A Budapest court has confirmed the one-month pretrial detention of Áron Orbán, brother of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, alongside his partner following their arrest in a joint anti-corruption operation. Hungarian law enforcement agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency, carried out the raids linked to an ongoing investigation into human trafficking and illegal visa issuance.

Two additional individuals remain under investigation in connection with the scheme, with one placed under criminal supervision and another facing proceedings while remaining free. The case initially gained public attention after current Prime Minister Péter Magyar highlighted local press reports detailing the police action. Hungarian authorities have not yet published comprehensive details regarding the specific evidence supporting the charges.

Sources: Euronews Greece, Kathimerini, Nova TV, Telex, To Vima