Morning Briefing

Ukraine — Russian Strikes Disable Three Thermal Power Plants

Russia launched a multi-wave attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on 3 November, using 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles and 59 cruise missiles, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Ukrainian energy company DTEK said three of its five thermal power plants were taken offline, while officials reported electricity outages in Kyiv and at least six other regions. Russia’s Defence Ministry said it had struck electricity facilities supplying Ukrainian military production and forces.

Sources: Reuters

Iran — United States Carries Out Strikes on Qeshm Island

US officials said American forces struck Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on 2 November. One official said the strikes were limited and did not mark a resumption of major combat operations; another described them as defensive, aimed at Iranian forces using surface-to-air missiles against US assets. Iranian state media reported several explosions on the island. The Pentagon referred questions to US Central Command, which did not respond to requests for comment.

Sources: Reuters · Times of Israel

Oman — Indian-Flagged Vessel Struck by Unidentified Aerial Object

The Indian-flagged vessel MSV Al Jusufi was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman on 2 November, India’s shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said. One of its 14 Indian crew members was killed. The Omani coast guard rescued the other 13.

Sources: ANI

Ukraine and Russia — Kremlin Confirms Abu Dhabi Peace Talks

The Kremlin confirmed on 3 November that Russian, Ukrainian and US delegations would meet in Abu Dhabi on 10–11 November. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky would lead Russia’s delegation, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy identified security guarantees, an energy ceasefire and a Black Sea truce as expected subjects. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a lasting agreement must include European countries, and that it was “completely unacceptable for third countries to discuss Ukraine’s future without involving Ukraine itself”.

Sources: Reuters — Kremlin · Reuters — Berlin