Summary of the Day:
Russian forces achieved significant territorial gains today, advancing across multiple fronts in eastern and southern Ukraine. Forces pushed west of Svatove, made progress south of both Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, and gained ground northeast of Vuhledar and Velyka Novosilka. Russia is also strengthening its military infrastructure by establishing new service academies in occupied Ukrainian territories.
In military developments, President Putin highlighted Russia’s November 21 ballistic missile strike on Ukraine, with plans announced for additional missile tests on November 23-24. Reports indicate that Russia has deepened its alliance with North Korea, providing over one million barrels of oil and air defense systems in exchange for military support in Ukraine, violating UN sanctions.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate with new evidence of war crimes. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office has opened an investigation into the execution of five Ukrainian POWs near Vuhledar, marking the latest in 53 documented cases of Russian forces executing prisoners of war, with 37 incidents occurring in 2024 alone.
Picture of the Day:
Росія завдала ударів по житловому району міста Суми на північному сході України з безпілотників “Шахед”. (Сумська обласна військова адміністрація / Telegram)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russia recently used its Oreshnik missile in a strike against Dnipro, eastern Ukraine, with President Putin announcing this as the weapon’s first combat test on November 21. The strike, which injured two people, was claimed to be in retaliation for Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied missiles, including ATACMS and Storm Shadow, against Russian territory. The hypersonic missile, launched from Kapustin Yar in Russia’s Astrakhan region, traveled 1,200 kilometers in 15 minutes at Mach 10 (2.5-3 kilometers per second), carrying six warheads with multiple submunitions. While Putin asserts the missile is unstoppable by current defense systems and capable of striking anywhere in Europe with a range of up to 5,000-6,000 kilometers, U.S. and Ukrainian officials dispute claims about its novelty.
Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh identified Oreshnik as a modified version of Russia’s existing RS-26 Rubezh missile, while Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate believes it is a codename for the “Kedr” missile complex, which has been in development since 2021. The Kedr project reportedly began in 2018-2019 as an adaptation of Russia’s Yars missile for shorter ranges. According to Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov, while the missile is designed to carry nuclear warheads, this particular test used a non-nuclear version. Deputy Chief Vadym Skibitskyi estimates Russia has approximately 10 Oreshnik missiles and expects Russia to test all of them, with planned airspace closures announced for November 23-24.
Putin announced plans for mass production of the Oreshnik, claiming Russia already has a stockpile ready for use and intends to continue testing in combat conditions. This development comes after both the U.S. and Russia withdrew from a treaty banning such missiles in 2019. Moscow notified Washington of the launch through a nuclear hotline, though the White House maintained its current nuclear posture and announced accelerated weapons deliveries to Ukraine, including air defense systems and 100 additional missiles.
The missile launch has triggered various international responses. NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah stated this new weapon would not impact NATO’s support for Ukraine or alter the conflict’s trajectory, while defense expert Fabian Hoffmann suggested the strike was politically motivated rather than for military advantage. Britain’s leadership condemned the attack as “reckless behavior,” and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the war in Ukraine has entered a “decisive phase” with potential for global conflict. Poland indicated that European Union countries are prepared to increase their support if U.S. assistance decreases.
The event coincided with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s warning that global tensions could escalate into “the most destructive thermonuclear war,” citing hostile U.S. policies. This statement came alongside the deployment of 10,000 North Korean troops to support Russian forces in Kursk Oblast, representing a significant escalation in global military tensions and potential nuclear threats. In response to the attack, President Zelensky emphasized that peace with Russia can only be achieved through force.
A critical threat to global stability has emerged as Russia and North Korea expand their military partnership in defiance of UN sanctions. According to UK research group Open-Source Centre, satellite imagery reveals Russia has supplied North Korea with over one million barrels of oil since March 2024, reportedly in exchange for military support in Ukraine, including approximately 10,000 troops primarily deployed in Kursk Oblast. South Korea’s National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik reports Russia has also provided North Korea with air defense systems and missiles while supporting their satellite technology development. While South Korea confirms Russia has given North Korea air defense systems, the exact type remains uncertain – some South Korean experts suggest it could be advanced S-400 systems, though this seems unlikely given Russia has delayed delivering S-400s to both India (until 2026) and Iran and is struggling to produce enough air defense systems to replace its own losses in Ukraine. This growing alliance, which follows a strategic partnership agreement signed between Putin and Kim Jong Un in June, with North Korea publicly pledging support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, threatens international security frameworks and could destabilize both European and Asian regions.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili warned that entering parliament after October’s disputed elections would be equivalent to “entering Russia,” highlighting growing concerns about Georgia’s democratic future. The pro-Russian Georgian Dream party claimed 54% of the vote amid widespread allegations of election fraud, triggering large-scale protests in Tbilisi. This political crisis threatens Georgia’s stability and Western alignment, as the ruling party’s apparent consolidation of power under single-party control raises fears of increasing Russian influence in the region. The situation adds another layer of complexity to regional tensions, particularly given Georgia’s strategic location between Russia and NATO-aligned territories.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko announced that he may completely shut down internet access during the 2025 presidential elections if protests occur, similar to his actions in 2020. This threat comes amid his 30-year authoritarian rule and close alliance with Russia’s Putin, raising concerns about regional stability and democratic freedoms. During the 2020 elections, when opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya claimed 60% of the vote, Lukashenko maintained power through alleged fraud and Russian support, leading to mass protests and over 50,000 political detentions. This development signals potential further instability in a region already destabilized by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Path to Peace
President-elect Trump is considering appointing Richard Grenell as a special envoy for Ukrainian peace negotiations if reelected. Grenell, who previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany and acting National Intelligence Director, has suggested creating “autonomous zones” as a potential peace solution and opposes Ukraine’s immediate NATO membership. This appointment could significantly shift peace negotiations, as Grenell’s approach appears to favor compromises that Ukraine has previously rejected. However, sources note that Trump’s plans for establishing this envoy position are not yet final.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast focusing on areas near Darino, Olgovka, and Malaya Loknya. While Russian sources claimed advances in these areas, these claims remain unconfirmed. Russian forces are reportedly sending wounded personnel into combat, and weather conditions have deteriorated in the region. Fighting continues near Pogrebki, Orlovka, Plekhovo, and Novoivanovka, with Russian airborne units and volunteer forces involved in the operations.
Russian forces have gathered about 60,000 troops in Kursk Oblast, including 11,000 North Korean soldiers, according to Ukrainian military sources. Russia aims to push Ukrainian forces back across the border into Sumy Oblast to create a buffer zone. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reports that Russian forces have lost over 20,000 troops during three months of fighting in the region, while Ukraine’s earlier operations in Kursk Oblast reportedly prevented Russia from launching a major offensive in Zaporizhia Oblast.
Ukraine’s military intelligence reported a successful strike on a Russian military command post in Gubkin, Belgorod region, where residents observed explosions and black smoke.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces attacked areas near Hlyboke, Vovchansk, and Starytsya but made no confirmed progress. While Russian sources claim advances near Tykhe, Prylipka, and Vovchanski Khutory, Ukrainian forces reportedly repelled a Russian mechanized assault in the region.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces have made a small advance near Kopanky, west of Svatove. They continue operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, with reported activity near multiple settlements including Hlushkivka, Petropavlivka, Zahryzove, Kolisnykivka, Lozova, Zeleny Hai, Novoyehorivka, Tverdokhlibove, Hrekivka, Makiivka, Terny, and Torske. Russian forces are reportedly using artillery and bombs to force civilian evacuations from settlements east of the Oskil River in Kupyansk Raion. Russian commanders are allegedly threatening their soldiers with death if they refuse to attack in the Kupyansk direction.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attempted a significant assault in the Siversk direction with 20 pieces of equipment and 100 infantry personnel, but Ukrainian forces successfully repelled the attack, according to the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service. The exact date of this engagement was not specified, and neither side reported any additional fighting in this area today.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces advanced south of Chasiv Yar with confirmed movement near Bila Hora along the Siverskyi-Donets Donbas Canal. Russian military bloggers claim advances on Parkova Street in eastern Chasiv Yar and near Klishchiivka, though these claims remain unverified. The Ukrainian General Staff reports ongoing Russian operations near Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
Toretsk
Russian forces made a small advance south of Toretsk capturing windbreaks near Yurivka. While Russian sources claim advances in central Toretsk and near Druzhba, these claims remain unverified. The Ukrainian military reports ongoing Russian operations near Toretsk and Shcherbynivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces reportedly advanced near Pokrovsk, with claims of gains near Hryhorivka, Pustynka, and Lysivka, though these remain unverified. While Russian sources claim to be near Zhovte, evidence suggests they remain over seven kilometers away. Ukrainian officials report Russian attacks near Myrolyubivka, Promin, Sukhyi Yar, Lysivka, Dachenske, Pushkine, Pustynka, Petrivka, and Hryhorivka, with Russian Special Forces operating in the area.
Kurakhove
Russian forces reportedly captured Berestky, north of Kurakhove, and are advancing toward Stari Terny. Heavy fighting continues in eastern and central Kurakhove, particularly near the grain elevator. Russian forces struck the Kurakhove Thermal Power Plant, destroying a smokestack. The Ukrainian military reports Russian attacks near Kurakhove, Berestky, Sontsivka, Zorya, and Novodmytrivka, with multiple Russian military units operating in the area.
Southwest of Donetsk City
Russian forces advanced northeast of Vuhledar, with confirmed movement near Illinka by the 10th Tank Regiment. While Russian sources claim advances near Kostiantynopolske, Trudove, Dalne, and Antonivka, only the Illinka advance is verified. Ukrainian officials report Russian attacks near Trudove, Kostiantynopolske, Rozlyv, Katerynivka, Romanivka, and Antonivka, with various Russian military units operating throughout the area.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area
Russian forces made advances near Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border region. They pushed forward to positions southeast of Rozdolne, with fighting reported on the outskirts of both Rozdolne and Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces are attempting to capture Velyka Novosilka as part of their campaign to seize Kurakhove. The Russians also launched attacks near Novodarivka. Various Russian military units, including naval infantry, motorized rifle, tank, and special forces brigades, are participating in these operations.
Zaporizhia Line
Russian forces attacked near Pyatykhaty and Robotyne in western Zaporizhia Oblast but failed to advance. Ukrainian forces are preparing defenses for expected future Russian assaults in the area. Ukrainian commanders report that Russian troops are conducting poorly organized attacks, often sending just one or two soldiers against fortified positions. Russian anti-tank units are operating near Shcherbaky, northwest of Robotyne.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Fighting continues along the Dnipro River in eastern Kherson Oblast, with no changes to the front line. Russian forces are using small boats to transport infantry teams to attack Ukrainian positions on river delta islands, while Ukrainian forces have increased their drone strikes in the area.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major drone attack against Ukraine sending 114 drones from Oryol Oblast. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 64 drones, while 41 others were disabled by electronic interference. Two drones left Ukrainian airspace, and four remained active. A drone strike on Sumy Oblast killed two people and injured 13. Russia also conducted airstrikes using guided bombs in the Zaporizhia region.
Following Russia’s use of a new “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile against Dnipro, President Zelensky has ordered Defense Minister Umerov to seek advanced air defense systems from international partners. The Russian missile, capable of speeds over 3,200 kilometers per hour, was launched after Ukraine’s first successful ATACMS strike on a Russian military target. Zelensky called Russia’s use of experimental missiles a crime and promised to share details of the attack with international media to raise global awareness of the escalating situation.
Ukraine’s parliament canceled its session today at the Verkhovna Rada due to security concerns about potential Russian strikes on Kyiv’s government quarter, with air raid alerts active across central and eastern regions, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of testing a new nuclear-capable missile called “Oreshnik” in an attack on Dnipro, which Putin claimed was in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions, while warning of retaliation against countries whose weapons are used against Russian targets.
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office is investigating 53 cases of Russian forces executing Ukrainian prisoners of war, including 37 cases in 2024. The most recent incident occurred near Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast, where Russian forces allegedly executed five captured Ukrainian soldiers in early October 2024. Two more POWs were reportedly killed in Donetsk Oblast’s Pokrovsk district in mid-November. These executions violate the Geneva Convention on POWs.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 2 INJURIES: 12
Russian forces attacked a residential area in Sumy with Shahed drones equipped with shrapnel munitions overnight, killing two people and injuring 12, with first responders conducting rescue operations at the attack site, while local prosecutors are investigating the incident as a potential war crime.
The scene of the drone attack on Sumy which killed two people (Ukrainian National Police)
Ukraine Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia continues to expand its military training capabilities in occupied Ukrainian territories. In a recent television broadcast, Crimea’s occupation leader Sergey Aksyonov publicly asked Russian President Putin and FSB Director Bortnikov to establish a border guard training academy in Crimea. While Russian military bloggers support this initiative to incorporate Ukraine war experience into training, the proposal faces practical challenges due to Ukraine’s ability to strike Crimean targets with drones and missiles. A decision on the academy is expected by late 2024, as part of Russia’s broader efforts to build up military training infrastructure in occupied regions.
Russia’s Ministry of Labor has drafted a new law to increase pension benefits for disabled servicemen from the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR). The proposal would give wounded DNR and LNR veterans the same benefits as regular Russian soldiers, including access to both age-based and service-length disability pensions. This move appears aimed at encouraging military service and preventing veteran discontent, while also formally integrating DNR and LNR forces into Russia’s military structure.
Ukraine’s Allies
Canada’s Defense Minister Bill Blair announced that U.S.-made NASAMS air defense systems, purchased by Canada for $289 million, have been delivered to Ukraine. The delivery, initially pledged in January 2023, comes as Ukraine faces increased Russian aerial attacks, including a recent strike on Dnipro using Russia’s new “Oreshnik” missile.
Ten Ukrainian armed forces personnel and ten Security Services of Ukraine (SBU) members attended a week-long nuclear forensics training at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The training taught techniques for collecting and analyzing debris after a nuclear detonation, including proper handling of radioactive materials. While INL experts consider a Russian nuclear attack unlikely, Ukraine is taking the threat seriously given Putin’s previous statements. The training was supported by multiple U.S. nuclear facilities and is part of a broader effort by the National Nuclear Security Administration to help Ukraine develop nuclear forensics capabilities to definitively identify the source of any potential nuclear attack.
Ukraine secured a $4.8 billion loan from the World Bank. The agreement, signed by Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko and World Bank’s Kevin Tomlinson, is part of the PEACE project and supported by U.S. funding through USAID. The loan will help fund essential government expenses including pensions, aid for displaced persons, and wages for teachers and emergency workers. The PEACE project has provided Ukraine with approximately $35.5 billion since Russia’s invasion began.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant’s safety situation remains unstable, according to International Atomic Energy Agency Director Grossi. The Russian-occupied facility lost power twice in the past week from its only remaining high-voltage power line, following similar outages in October.
Ukrainian partisan movement Atesh conducted a successful operation against a Russian drone unit in the Donetsk region on November 21, Ukraine’s Day of Dignity and Freedom. An Atesh agent, who had infiltrated the Russian army six months ago as a drone operator, provided crucial intelligence that led to a strike killing two Russian servicemen and wounding three others. The operation disrupted Russian plans for an offensive near Toretsk.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1420 729720 |
Tanks +20 9419 |
Artillery +24 20760 |
Arm. VEH +36 19192 |
Aircraft  369 |
Heli 329 |
Ships 28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
A Ukrainian technology expert, Serhii Beskrestnov, analyzed a captured Russian PARS-S “Stepashka” anti-drone rifle and found its construction surprisingly crude. Despite Russian claims of advanced technology, the internal components were held together with basic construction foam. The weapon, unveiled in April 2023, was touted by its manufacturer Lokmas as capable of jamming all commercial drones at ranges up to 1.5 kilometers. However, the analysis revealed heavy reliance on foreign parts and questionable assembly methods, contradicting Russia’s claims of technological innovation.
Russia’s Allies
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Belarusian Foreign Minister Ryzhenkov met in Brest to strengthen ties between their countries. They announced plans for a unified Eurasian charter and signed agreements to counter Western sanctions. The ministers also revealed that in December 2024, their countries will sign new security agreements, including plans to align their nuclear doctrines through the Union State’s Supreme State Council.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto criticized U.S. sanctions on Gazprombank calling it an “attack on sovereignty” that threatens Central European energy security. Hungary, which receives 4.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually under a 15-year contract signed in 2021, continues to maintain close ties with Moscow. As a member of both EU and NATO, Hungary stands out for its pro-Russian stance, having recently signed a new gas agreement with Gazprom while consistently opposing aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com