Russia's territorial gains in eastern Ukraine have surged, with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reporting almost six times more territory gained in 2024 compared to 2023. Russian forces have advanced towards key Ukrainian hubs, including Kupiansk and Kurakhove, while Ukraine's efforts in the Kursk region are faltering. Experts fear the collapse of Ukraine’s eastern front and attribute the failure of Kyiv’s offensive to manpower shortages. With the potential change in U.S. leadership, fears grow that military aid to Ukraine could be reduced, further weakening its position.

Ukraine launched six US-made ATACMS missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Russia claims five missiles were intercepted, with fragments from one causing a fire at a military site but no casualties. This strike follows President Biden's approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles. In response, President Vladimir Putin lowered Russia’s nuclear threshold, warning of potential retaliation for attacks threatening sovereignty. Kyiv confirmed targeting a military facility without specifying weapons used. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, addressing parliament, announced plans to ramp up domestic missile and drone production. Western nations continue supporting Ukraine despite Russian threats.

A 47-foot female fin whale, the world's second-largest whale species, was found dead near a coastal trail in Anchorage, Alaska. Hundreds gathered to view the massive carcass, which NOAA experts say was likely 1-3 years old. Biologists collected tissue samples, including heart, urine, and blood, to investigate the cause of death. Challenges like decomposition and lack of visible injuries make determining the cause difficult. Fin whales, reaching up to 85 feet, face threats like ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and climate change. These endangered whales migrate between Arctic feeding grounds and tropical breeding areas.

On the 1,000th day since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Europe to intensify efforts against Moscow, warning that the longer the war continues, the more dire the situation becomes. Speaking at a European Parliament session, Zelensky emphasized the need for a "just peace" and condemned Russia's escalating actions, including the deployment of North Korean troops. Ukraine's military chief marked the milestone by highlighting the ongoing "fierce battle" for survival. Meanwhile, the Kremlin’s updated nuclear doctrine now views attacks on Russia or Belarus as grounds for a nuclear response.

The UK Met Office has issued a Yellow warning for snow and ice, predicting temperatures to drop below freezing this week. Sub-zero temperatures, including -11.2°C in Aberdeenshire, have already caused significant disruption. The cold Arctic air is expected to bring further snow showers, particularly affecting East and West Midlands, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Train services were canceled, and more than 200 schools closed. Panic buying of essentials like milk, bread, and eggs has been reported. Travel disruptions are expected, particularly on national highways and train routes due to heavy snow accumulation.

The US Embassy in Kyiv has temporarily closed after receiving information about a possible significant air attack on November 20. The US Department of State advised embassy staff to shelter in place as a precaution. In a post on X, the embassy urged US citizens in Ukraine to be ready to shelter immediately if an air alert is announced. This comes days after the Biden administration approved the provision of anti-personnel mines and allowed US-made ATACMS missiles to be used against Russian targets, escalating tensions between the US, Ukraine, and Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has updated Moscow's nuclear doctrine, broadening the scope for nuclear deployment against non-nuclear nations supported by nuclear powers. The decree, signed after Ukraine's first US-made ATACMS missile strike on Russia's Bryansk region, marks a significant escalation. Moscow condemned the strike as a "new phase of the Western war." Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned of "appropriate reactions," urging the West to heed the updated doctrine. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russia's "red lines," with the advanced missiles placing hundreds of key Russian military assets within Kyiv's range, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Gemini Genetics in Shropshire has introduced the UK’s first pet cloning service, allowing owners to replicate their beloved pets using DNA. The process, costing £40,000 for cats or dogs and £65,000 for horses, involves preserving DNA within five days of a pet's death. The DNA is sent to the US, where cloned embryos are created and implanted in surrogate mothers. Advocates call it "assisted reproduction," but the RSPCA raises ethical concerns, citing high failure rates and health risks for animals. Despite criticism, demand for this controversial technology is rising among pet lovers seeking to keep their companions forever.

US President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, marking a shift in US policy amid rising Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. A US defense official confirmed the mines would be non-persistent, becoming inert after a set period, to reduce civilian risks. This decision follows Ukraine’s pledge to use these mines only on its territory and away from densely populated areas. Meanwhile, the US embassy in Kyiv warned of a potential significant air attack on 20 November. Recent reports also highlight drone strikes and escalating missile exchanges between Ukraine and Russia, intensifying the conflict further.

Rafael Nadal played his final professional tennis match in Málaga, Spain, during the Davis Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands. Despite losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, Nadal showcased his trademark determination. Addressing fans, he shared, “The titles, the numbers—they’re there, and people probably know that. What I’d like to be remembered for more is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.” The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who redefined tennis, leaves a legacy unmatched, including 14 French Open titles. Fans honored him with chants of "Rafa, Rafa," marking a bittersweet end to a legendary career.