Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to participate in a virtual G20 leaders meeting on November 22, as reported by Russian state television. This follows his absence from the in-person summit in India in September. Notably, Putin has refrained from attending such meetings in person since the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The upcoming virtual meeting aims to build on the outcomes of the September session, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing its significance.
Protest Against Proposed Ban on Protests in Novosibirsk
- In the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, dozens of Russians gathered on November 19 to protest against a local government initiative proposing a ban on protests in most city locations.
- Novosibirsk Governor Andrei Travnikov, associated with the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, argues that the initiative is intended to protect residents’ rights and freedoms.
- However, opponents claim it is a move to limit protests ahead of the 2024 Russian presidential election, enhancing Travnikov’s image in the eyes of the Kremlin.
- The ban is expected to be approved by the United Russia-controlled Novosibirsk parliament.
Ukrainian Military Advances on the Eastern Bank of Dnieper River
- The Ukrainian military reports pushing Russian forces 3 to 8 kilometers away from the bank of the Dnieper River as part of efforts to secure beachheads on the eastern side.
- Military spokeswoman Natalya Humenyuk, speaking on state television, stated that the enemy continues artillery fire on the right bank, and Ukrainian forces face significant resistance from “several tens of thousands” of Russian troops.
- Ukrainian forces have established positions at multiple locations on the eastern bank, employing reconnaissance and small reconnaissance companies in raid attacks.
Intense Fighting and Civilian Impact in Donetsk Region
- The Ukrainian General Staff, in its daily briefing on November 19, reported 71 clashes in the previous 24 hours, with intense fighting near the Donetsk region cities of Bakhmut and Avdiyivka.
- Russian artillery fire targeted 150 settlements, resulting in the destruction and damage of private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.
- Despite overwhelming evidence, Russia denies targeting civilians in its invasion of Ukraine.
- In the southern city of Kherson, two civilians were reportedly injured by Russian shelling overnight, and a 3-year-old girl was hospitalized due to injuries sustained from a land mine.
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