Summary for November 23: Poisonings in Russia and execution lists.

Putin Behind Yushchenko's Poisoning – U.S. Intelligence   The American intelligence community has partially declassified a report indicating that Russian special services have been involved in the assassinations of political opponents of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The report also mentions the poisoning of former President Viktor Yushchenko. It outlines a series of similar killings, with intelligence suggesting that Russian special services are implicated, and that Putin personally sanctioned these actions. The Kremlin's targets include "political and opposition leaders in key former Soviet republics deemed a threat."   Budanov Reveals Russia's Execution Lists   Russia had been preparing for the genocide of Ukrainians long before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and had formed execution lists. This was stated by Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. He noted that the lists were to include Ukrainian language, literature, and history teachers, ATO veterans, journalists, scholars, writers, priests from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and other denominations who supported Ukraine, as well as public and political figures, leaders of state and local government. Additionally, according to Budanov, Russia's preparations for genocide against the Ukrainian people included the creation of mobile crematoria and plans for mass burials.   Missile Strikes on Russia: France Confirms Permission   France has allowed Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with long-range weapons supplied by Paris. This was announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. He emphasized that Western allies should not impose any restrictions on supporting Ukraine in the war initiated by Russia, nor should they establish "red lines."   Ukraine Honors the Memory of Holodomor Victims   On this day, Ukrainians light a candle in their homes to commemorate those who died from the man-made famine orchestrated by Joseph Stalin's regime. President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska participated in events honoring the memory of Holodomor victims in Ukraine. In particular, they attended an ecumenical service at the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and a march to the Holodomor Museum. At the monument to the Holodomor victims, the presidential couple paid their respects to the deceased.   Poles Block Medyka-Shehyni Crossing   Polish farmers have initiated a new protest at the border with Ukraine. The crossing point at Medyka-Shehyni is blocked for trucks. Trucks traveling from Poland to Ukraine will be allowed to pass one at a time per hour. Passenger cars, buses, vehicles carrying humanitarian aid, and military convoys pass without issues in both directions. Farmers are protesting for two reasons. The first is the failure to meet the demand to maintain the agricultural tax level in 2024 at the same level as in 2023. The second concern involves the European Union signing a free trade agreement with South American countries.   Lithuania to Allocate €10 Million for Ukraine's Long-Range Weapons   Lithuania will finance the production of Ukrainian long-range weapons, specifically the Palianytsia project. The first tranche of €10 million has been agreed upon. Key priorities for 2025 are also being discussed: training and equipping Ukrainian brigades, supplying ammunition, air defense systems, and enhancing cooperation in the defense industry.   Zaporizhzhia Attack: One Dead and One Injured   As a result of a Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia and the surrounding area on Saturday night, a 55-year-old man was killed, and an 11-year-old boy was injured. In Zaporizhzhia, 15 residential buildings and several non-residential premises were damaged. Windows and balconies in four apartment buildings and roofs in eleven private sector homes were affected.   Zelensky Criticizes Brazilian President   The G-20 summit took place with very weak support for Ukraine. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva showed a lack of support, stated President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Brazil is a large country, I know… that most people support Ukraine, and I want to thank them for that. Unfortunately, the G-20 occurred with very weak support for Ukraine," said the head of state.