The occupying authority of Crimea was invited to a UN forum, while Ukraine retrieved the bodies of fallen defenders: key highlights from November 8.
The Occupation Authorities of Crimea Invited to a Forum Supported by the UN
Representatives of the Russian occupation administration in temporarily occupied Crimea were invited to the session of the World Forum of cities in Egypt. The forum is taking place under the auspices of the UN-Habitat program, which the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry considers to be a "shocking violation of international law," particularly the UN resolution on Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Ukraine Returned the Bodies of Fallen Defenders
Ukraine has returned the bodies of 563 fallen soldiers. In particular, 320 bodies of defenders who died in the Donetsk direction and 89 fallen warriors from the Bakhmut direction were successfully repatriated. Additionally, 154 bodies were returned from morgues on the territory of Russia.
Sternenko Claims That Syrskiy Is Behind His Wanted Status
Volunteer and blogger Sergey Sternenko stated that his being placed on the wanted list due to failing to appear at the territorial recruitment center upon summons is a "direct order" from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskiy, as he allegedly "took offense at demands for military reform."
At the same time, the Odessa TCC denies any "revenge" against Sternenko for his criticism and asserts that he was informed of the necessity to fulfill his duties as a conscript.
Former Ambassador Claims Russia Will Attempt to Kill Ukrainian Leadership
Former Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystayko stated that in the coming months, Russia will intensify its attacks against Ukraine, particularly attempting to kill the Ukrainian leadership.
He also confirmed journalists' assessments that Russia will resume its efforts to destroy a significant portion of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Trump Appointed Chief of Staff of the White House
Recently elected US President Donald Trump appointed the first person to his new administration. For the first time in history, a woman will serve as the Chief of Staff of the White House — Suzy Wiles.
Wiles led Trump's campaign efforts in 2024, 2020, and 2016. The Chief of Staff is a trusted associate of the president and helps implement his agenda.
Major General Marchenko Resigned from Service
Well-known Major General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Dmytro Marchenko announced his resignation from service due to health reasons. He is recognized for leading the successful defense of Mykolaiv in 2022.
In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of major general. He has been referred to in the media as the "reform general" and "one of the main drivers of reforms in the logistical support sector of the Armed Forces."
The High Anti-Corruption Court Did Not Close the "Rotterdam+" Case
The High Anti-Corruption Court refused to close the "Rotterdam+" case regarding overpayment of more than 39 billion hryvnias for electricity during 2016-2019.
The defense pointed out violations of the non bis in idem principle — the prohibition against being prosecuted twice for the same offense. However, the court denied the defense's motions.
The Government Approved the State Budget Project for 2025
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft state budget for 2025 for the second reading. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal assured that, despite certain changes, the priority in the state budget will be defense, military capability, and security of Ukraine. For these needs, 2.225 trillion hryvnias are proposed to be allocated.