Saratov oil refinery under attack, Kyiv and Moscow trade prisoner lists - Friday brief

Saratov refinery attack: Ukraine’s intelligence behind drone strike

An oil refinery in Saratov was attacked by drones on the night of November 8. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate (DIU) is reportedly behind the operation.

According to sources, DIU drones reached Russia’s Saratov region and inflicted fire damage on the Saratov Oil Refinery.

Reports of numerous explosions in the Zavodsky district of Saratov, where the refinery is located, were confirmed not only by local residents on social media but also by local authorities. The Governor of Saratov region attributed the explosions in the city to the air defense system responding to UAVs.

Local media confirm that the drones struck one of the refinery’s oil processing units as well as fuel oil storage tanks.

Ukraine exchanges lists of prisoners of war with Russia

Ukraine has received lists of prisoners of war from Russia. Representatives from both sides met today, November 8, on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, according to a statement from Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.

With the assistance of the Belarusian side, on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, and with the participation of the ICRC, the Ukrainian Ombudsman met with the Russian Commissioner for Human Rights, Tatyana Moskalkova.

Additionally, Lubinets stated that he spoke with the leadership of the ICRC missions in Ukraine and Russia.

Pentagon allows US defense contractors to operate in Ukraine - Reuters

American defense contractors will be able to service and repair Ukrainian military equipment directly in Ukraine. This authorization was granted by the Pentagon, according to Reuters.

An unnamed US official stated that the number of contractors will be small, and they will operate far from the front lines. The contractors will not participate in combat.

Germany's coalition breakdown: analyst assesses threat to Ukraine aid packages

Germany is one of Ukraine’s key partners, regularly providing new aid packages. However, the political crisis in Germany is sparking concerns about a potential halt in this support, according to the RBC-Ukraine article "Scholz against all: Why Germany to hold early elections and what Ukraine should expect."

Viktor Savinok, a political analyst and senior analyst at the Zygmunt Wojciechowski Western Institute in Poznan (Poland), noted that deliveries will continue in 2025, as long-term contracts and agreements are in place.

In his view, the German government will find it challenging to respond to urgent requests due to the crisis and the election period.

Disgrace to Europe: Details emerged on attack on Israeli fans in Amsterdam

In the early hours of November 8 in Amsterdam (Netherlands), Israeli football fans were attacked. Israel has responded with outrage and even considered a rescue operation involving its military, while local authorities promise to hold the perpetrators accountable.
More details can be found in the material by RBC-Ukraine.