Summary of the Day:
Syrian opposition forces launched significant offensives into regime-held territory in Aleppo and Idlib provinces, prompting urgent diplomatic engagement between Russia, Turkey, and Iran through the Astana Process. Russia’s ability to respond militarily appears limited due to ongoing commitments in Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces successfully recaptured previously lost positions north of Kharkiv City, while Russian forces made advances near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar. Russian military bloggers continued to criticize poor command decisions and inadequate training among Russian forces, indicating persistent internal dissatisfaction with military leadership.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov conducted an unannounced visit to Pyongyang, meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss military cooperation and strategic partnership. Kim expressed support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, signaling continued alignment between the two nations.
Picture of the Day:
Blackout of Ukrainian cities are widespread after Russia’s missile attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Kostyiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
The recent Syrian opposition offensive into Aleppo and Idlib provinces threatens to destabilize an already fragile Middle East peace, drawing concern from major regional powers Russia, Turkey, and Iran. This escalation risks reigniting broader regional tensions at a particularly sensitive time when Russia, a key powerbroker in Syria, has diminished military presence there due to its focus on Ukraine. The diplomatic scramble between Moscow, Ankara, and Tehran through the Astana Process highlights growing fears that Syria could become a flashpoint for wider regional conflict. Russia’s reduced military capability in Syria, after withdrawing S-300 defense systems and personnel for its Ukraine operations, creates a power vacuum that could further destabilize the region. This security gap comes at a critical time when the international community is already struggling to manage multiple global conflicts, potentially testing the limits of diplomatic solutions in preventing further escalation in the Middle East.
Georgia is experiencing nationwide protests following Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s decision to delay EU accession until 2028, with demonstrations occurring in Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Telavi, and Gurjaani, where the government has responded harshly to protesters. This crisis has multiple facets: the U.S. State Department, through Spokesperson Matthew Miller, has suspended its Strategic Partnership with Georgia, citing the ruling Georgian Dream party’s anti-democratic actions and condemning the use of force against protesters; President Zourabichvili has warned about the country’s pro-Russian direction; relations with Western allies have deteriorated following the passage of a controversial “foreign agents” law and accusations of rigged parliamentary elections; and the situation mirrors the early stages of Ukraine’s 2013 EuroMaidan Revolution, raising concerns about potential Russian influence expansion in the Caucasus region, with State Department officials warning that Georgia’s rejection of closer European ties increases its vulnerability to Russian influence, potentially creating another flashpoint in the broader East-West geopolitical struggle that could further destabilize regional and international security dynamics.
The surprise meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov in Pyongyang signals a concerning deepening of military cooperation between two nuclear-armed nations. This strengthening alliance, with North Korea explicitly backing Russia’s Ukraine invasion, raises global security concerns as it potentially creates a more unified bloc of nations willing to challenge international peace. The strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea could destabilize both the European and Asian security landscapes, particularly as it represents a growing coalition of nations operating outside established international norms and peace frameworks.
The joint Russian-Chinese air patrols over the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, and western Pacific Ocean signal growing military cooperation between the two powers, raising concerns about regional stability amid heightened global tensions.
The Path to Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a new approach to ending the conflict with Russia. In a recent Sky News interview, he suggested that a ceasefire could be achieved if NATO extends protection to Ukraine’s currently controlled territories, while leaving occupied regions for future diplomatic negotiations. This marks a shift from his previous stance of fighting until all Ukrainian territory was reclaimed. Zelensky also addressed relations with US President-elect Donald Trump, expressing a desire for direct communication and emphasizing the importance of American support. He believes the war could end in 2025 with proper international backing, though he acknowledged that Russian forces have been making steady gains in the east while Ukrainian forces struggle to retake lost ground.
Donald Trump’s special representative Keith Kellogg has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine that includes giving Ukraine a share of Russian energy sales for post-war recovery. The plan calls for freezing the front line, establishing a cease-fire, and creating a demilitarized zone. Under this proposal, Ukraine would not have to give up occupied territories but would need to pursue their return through diplomacy rather than military action. The plan also suggests Ukraine give up its NATO membership bid in exchange for security guarantees. Kellogg notes significant progress may need to wait until after Putin leaves office.
President-elect Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Orban have held multiple phone calls since November 5, discussing potential strategies to end the Ukraine war. Orban, who maintains close relationships with both Trump and Russian President Putin, is reportedly planning a December peace mission that may involve conveying messages from Trump to Ukrainian President Zelensky, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This follows Orban’s earlier peace efforts in July, when he met with both Zelensky in Kyiv and Putin in Moscow. Trump has previously claimed he could end the war within 24 hours if returned to office, while Orban has consistently opposed EU aid to Ukraine.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
President Zelensky revealed that Western allies only fully equipped 2.5 out of 10 requested Ukrainian brigades, hampering Ukraine’s military capabilities. He emphasized that mobilizing new troops is ineffective without proper equipment and cited bureaucracy and competing priorities as reasons for delayed Western aid. Ukraine continues to lose ground in the east as Russia intensifies its attacks, while equipment shortages remain a critical challenge.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Major Ilya Yevlash revealed that Russia has modified some Shahed drones to carry less explosives but more fuel, allowing them to stay airborne for over 24 hours. He also noted that Russia is using decoy drones without weapons to strain Ukraine’s air defenses.
Russian military bloggers criticized command decisions and training issues, noting that the 132nd Motorized Rifle Brigade sent an injured soldier back into combat near Toretsk. They also reported that Russian air defense units frequently target their own drones despite being notified of drone operations, highlighting coordination and training problems within Russian forces.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) has struck Russian air defense assets in occupied Crimea, destroying three valuable radar stations collectively worth $40 million: two “Podlyot” radar systems and one “Kasta-2e2” radar system, which were designed to detect low-altitude air targets, as part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting Russian military installations in Crimea, which Russia has occupied since 2014.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast, particularly near the towns of Martynovka, Darino, and Tolsty Lug, though no confirmed advances were made. Fighting was reported around several settlements including Novoivanovka, Nikolayevo-Darino, Nizhny Klin, Sverdilkovo, and Plekhovo. According to a Ukrainian officer, Russian forces have shifted to small-team infantry attacks using light vehicles, after Ukrainian strikes limited their use of heavy equipment. Russian naval infantry units from both the Pacific and Black Sea fleets are reportedly involved in the operations. No combat was reported in the Glushkovsky area west of the main conflict zone.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces recovered some positions north of Kharkiv City, as confirmed by footage showing Russian strikes near Hlyboke. Russian forces continued attacks along several fronts, including near Kudiivka, Hoptivka, Kozacha Lopan, Vovchansk, and Tykhe. Russian sources claim they are using drones to prevent Ukrainian forces from crossing the Vovcha River near Vovchansk.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, claiming advances near several settlements including Novomlynsk, Kolisnykivka, Lozova, Yampolivka, and Terny. Fighting continues around multiple locations including Zahryzove, Pershotravneve, Druzhelyubivka, Torske, and Hryhorivka. Russian forces claim to control half of Zahryzove, though this remains unconfirmed.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian sources report ongoing combat near Siversk, with fighting taking place around Bilohorivka to the northeast and Verkhnokamyanske to the east.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attempted to advance near Chasiv Yar ocusing on the town’s southern outskirts near a refractory plant. While Russian military bloggers claimed some gains, including a position in northern Novyi Microraion, no advances were confirmed. Russian forces are attempting to flank the town from both north and south, with some activity occurring near Block-9 mine. Small Russian groups are probing Ukrainian defensive lines, while Ukrainian forces are using drones to strike Russian concentrations. Fighting continues in and around Kalynove, Predtechyne, Stupochky, and Bila Hora.
Toretsk
Russian forces continued attacks near Toretsk with no confirmed advances. Russian commanders have sent additional troops to the area, using both infantry-only attacks and vehicle-supported assaults. Fighting continues around Druzhba, Nelipivka, and Shcherbynivka.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced south of Pokrovsk capturing territory along the E50 highway near Hryhorivka, taking control of Yurivka, and moving west of Pushkine. While Russian sources claim additional advances toward Ukrainka, Novopustynaka, and Zhovte, these remain unconfirmed. Fighting continues across multiple settlements including Myrolyubivka, Myrnohrad, Promin, Lysivka, Krasnyi Yar, Krutyi Yar, Novyi Trud, Pustynka, Dachenske, and Chumatske.
Kurakhove
Russian forces advanced near Kurakhove making gains north of Novodmytrivka. While Russian sources claim to have entered Stari Terny, this remains unconfirmed. Russian forces continue attacks near several settlements including Sontsivka, Zorya, Dachne, Berestky, and Dalne.
Southwest of Donetsk City (Target: Andriivka)
Russian forces made a small advance northwest of Vuhledar gaining ground near Trudove during a mechanized assault. Russian sources claim additional advances near Kostiantynopolske and Yasna Polyana. Fighting continues across multiple settlements including Veselyi Hai, Romanivka, Yelyzavetivka, Hannivka, Katerynivka, Antonivka, Rozlyv, and Sukhi Yaly, with Russian special forces and motorized rifle units operating in the area.
Velyka Novosilka (formerly Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area)
Russian forces continued attacks in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border area with no confirmed advances. While Russian sources claim gains near Blahodatne and Urozhaine, these remain unverified. Fighting continues around Velyka Novosilka, Rivnopil, Novodarivka, Novopil, and Rozdolne. Russian forces reportedly cut the Kurakhove-Velyka Novosilka highway near Rozdolne.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks near Novodarivka, north of Robotyne in western Zaporizhia Oblast, though they made no confirmed advances. A Ukrainian National Guard commander reported that Russia is gathering forces and equipment in the area, potentially preparing for a major offensive. The commander noted that while Russian forces primarily conduct infantry assaults in the region, they sometimes utilize motorcycles and ATVs.
Ukraine is completing fortification construction around Zaporizhzhia and nearby settlements in response to potential Russian offensive threats. The improved defenses, particularly effective against drone attacks, come as Ukraine monitors increased Russian troop movements in the region.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in the Dnipro area, including eastern Kherson Oblast (on the left bank of the river) but failed to make any verified territorial gains.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched a limited drone attack on Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian forces intercepted eight out of ten Shahed drones across multiple regions including Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson. One drone was disrupted by electronic warfare, while another entered occupied Ukrainian territory. Additionally, Russian ballistic missiles struck an agricultural facility in Mykolaiv Raion, causing a fire.
President Zelensky reported that Ukrainian F-16 fighters shot down seven Russian cruise missiles during a recent attack. However, he emphasized that Ukraine needs more F-16s and Patriot air defense systems from Western allies to effectively defend against Russia’s large-scale strikes.
Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko announced that the country cannot return to its pre-war debt levels while defending against Russia’s invasion. The state budget deficit has risen from 3.8% to 19% of GDP, with Ukraine now relying on foreign aid for 50% of its budget (Hr.2.2 trillion or $52.38 billion). Marchenko indicated that achieving financial independence could take 5-10 years after the war ends, noting that the economy is currently operating at maximum capacity to fund its military forces.
A growing majority of Ukrainian refugees in Germany are planning to stay permanently, according to German Refugee Agency head Markus Seibert. About 65% now intend to remain, compared to most wanting to return home a year and a half ago. Germany hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees in Europe, with over 1.1 million residents, including 50,000-60,000 in Berlin. Ukrainians receive special residency status allowing them to work and access social benefits. Meanwhile, an estimated 130,000 Ukrainians have returned to Russian-occupied Donbas due to displacement challenges since 2022.
Ukraine is experiencing a rise in “dark tourism” as companies offer guided tours of war-affected areas. Tourists are visiting sites like the destroyed Irpin bridge and suburbs of Kyiv, with tours costing between 150-250 euros. Companies like War Tours and Capital Tours Kyiv have hosted mostly European and American visitors, with some profits going to the Ukrainian army. While some locals in Irpin question the ethics of profiting from their suffering, tourism officials note that foreign visitors have doubled since 2022 to 4 million, though mostly for business. The controversial trend has sparked debate about balancing memorial education with respect for war-affected communities.
Since Russia’s invasion began in 2022, 15 of Ukraine’s 20 civilian airports have been damaged, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported. While Ukraine is considering partially reopening its airspace, currently closed since the war’s start, security concerns remain paramount. Russia has also attacked port infrastructure nearly 60 times in three months, damaging 300 facilities and 22 civilian vessels. Insurance experts suggest either Lviv or Boryspil International Airport could potentially resume operations by January 2025, though President Zelensky favors reopening Boryspil first.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has charged Russian Colonel-General Yevgeny Nikiforov in absentia for ordering an Iskander-M missile strike on the Taras Shevchenko Theater in Chernihiv last August. The attack killed seven people, including a six-year-old child, and wounded over 200. The missile was launched from Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This case is one of 143,000 alleged Russian war crimes under investigation, with Ukraine having charged 730 people and convicted 137 for war crimes as of November 2024.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 6 INJURIES: 30
A Russian missile strike on the village of Tsarychanka in Ukraine’s Dniprovskyi district killed four civilians and injured 24 others, including an 11-year-old boy. The attack caused three fires, damaging a shop, an apartment building, and a home. Eighteen victims are hospitalized, with seven in serious condition.
A Russian attack in Kherson Oblast has resulted in one death and six injuries.
A Russian aviation bomb strike on the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast has killed one man.
Ukraine Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Ukraine’s government has updated its rules for businesses seeking to exempt employees from military service through reservation. Starting December 1, 2024, companies must prove their “critical importance” status to reserve conscripts through the Diia portal. Businesses have until February 28, 2025, to meet new requirements, including paying minimum monthly salaries of Hr.20,000 ($480) and having no tax debts. During this transition period, existing critical enterprises can continue reserving or extending reservations for employees. Companies providing false salary information will lose their critical status for at least six months. A recent audit showed 95% of critical enterprises retained their status, while 5% lost it.
Ukraine’s Allies
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) has officially ended its cooperation agreement with Russian research institutes due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision, which takes effect today, results in the expulsion of about 350 Russian scientists from the Geneva-based organization. Earlier this year, CERN also terminated its agreement with Belarus. While Russia was never a full member state of CERN, which operates the Large Hadron Collider, it had observer status and maintained research cooperation through International Cooperation Agreements.
Police in North Macedonia have arrested a citizen (identified as J.K.) for allegedly planning to join the Russian army to fight in Ukraine. The suspect reportedly communicated with a Russian army recruiter online, visited Moscow in October, and planned to sign a contract offering 3,000 euros in compensation. This is North Macedonia’s first such arrest under the law against joining foreign military forces, with the suspect facing a minimum three-year sentence if convicted. North Macedonia, a NATO member, has imposed sanctions on Russia.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized opposition leader Friedrich Merz for suggesting Germany should deliver an ultimatum to Russia regarding Taurus cruise missiles for Ukraine. Speaking at his party conference in Berlin, Scholz warned against “playing Russian roulette with Germany’s security.” The dispute centers on Ukraine’s requests for Taurus missiles, which have a 500-kilometer range. While other Western allies have provided long-range weapons to Ukraine, Scholz maintains his refusal to send the German-made missiles, despite pressure from Merz and his CDU/CSU party. Merz had proposed giving Russia 24 hours to stop bombing Ukrainian civilians before sending the missiles to Ukraine.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, currently under Russian occupation, lost connection to the Ferrosplavna-1 power line. Both Ukrainian energy officials and Russian sources attribute this disconnection to Russian shelling.
Russia News
A Russian sailor from Yekaterinburg, previously stationed on the aircraft carrier “Admiral Kuznetsov,” developed severe radiation sickness while serving in Ukraine. According to military lawyer Petr Portnyagin, the sailor was exposed to radioactive contaminated water while washing clothes on an unnamed naval vessel. The serviceman, who already had a bullet lodged in his head from a 1990s injury and had survived the Kursk submarine disaster, is now suffering from necrosis and bone destruction. The incident highlights concern about safety conditions and poorly maintained equipment in the Russian military.
According to a recent Levada Center poll, 39% of Russians now believe using nuclear weapons in Ukraine could be justified, while those opposed dropped from 52% to 45% since June. The poll’s chief researcher, Alexey Levinson, noted this increasing acceptance follows Putin’s escalating nuclear rhetoric and his recent approval of an updated nuclear doctrine. This comes after Russia’s November 21 test launch of the “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile designed for nuclear weapons. Most Russians continue to support Putin and the war against Ukraine.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1730
742130 |
Tanks +6
9469 |
Artillery +14
20923 |
Arm. VEH +14
19369 |
Aircraft 
369 |
Heli
329 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russian authorities conducted raids on Moscow nightclubs overnight officially to enforce censorship laws. However, an insider source claims these raids, like previous ones targeting migrant communities, are aimed at filling penal colonies to recruit more people for military service.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com