Summary of the Day:
Ukrainian forces have reclaimed previously lost positions in Toretsk and near Velyka Novosilka, demonstrating continued defensive capabilities. However, Russian forces made simultaneous advances in multiple sectors, including Chasiv Yar, areas near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Vuhledar, Velyka Novosilka, and pushed forward in Kursk Oblast.
A US State Department and Yale University report has directly implicated President Putin in organizing the forced deportation and “re-education” of Ukrainian children, documenting at least 314 confirmed cases. Meanwhile, despite Putin’s claims of economic stability and 4% growth projections, Russia faces significant economic challenges with possible interest rate increases to 25% and historic lows in citizens’ cash savings. The Kremlin continues strengthening its internal control by placing war veterans in key leadership positions through its “Time of Heroes” program.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced a decisive break with the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), citing its failure to protect Armenian territory from Azerbaijani encroachment in 2021 and 2022. This development represents a significant blow to Russian influence in its former Soviet territories and signals shifting regional alliances.
Picture of the Day:
Ukrainian soldiers are seen during infantry training inside a building at an undetermined location in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Georgia’s political crisis has deepened with President Zelensky announcing potential Ukrainian sanctions against the Georgian government following its crackdown on pro-EU protesters. After Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze suspended EU accession talks until 2028, over 220 protesters were arrested, with police using tear gas and water cannons. The situation threatens regional stability, with the US suspending its Strategic Partnership with Georgia and multiple countries imposing sanctions. The pro-Russian Georgian Dream party’s actions, including a controversial “foreign agents” law and disputed elections, signal a concerning shift away from Western alignment and toward Moscow’s influence, potentially destabilizing the regional balance and European integration efforts.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that Armenia’s relationship with the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has reached a breaking point. This development stems from CSTO’s failure to protect Armenia when Azerbaijan encroached on its territory in Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces during 2021 and 2022, despite previous promises to defend Armenia’s borders. Armenia has already ceased participating in CSTO activities, marking a significant shift in regional alliances. This deterioration in Armenian-Russian relations represents another decline in Russia’s influence over former Soviet territories, potentially reshaping power dynamics in the region and impacting regional stability as countries seek new security arrangements beyond Russian influence.
A 34-year-old Colombian national has been arrested in Romania for allegedly planning to sabotage critical infrastructure under Russian direction. The suspect, arrested on November 13 and facing up to 20 years in prison, reportedly conducted reconnaissance of strategic targets for potential explosive attacks. The case emerges amid growing concerns about Russian destabilization efforts in Romania, highlighting the broader threat to NATO infrastructure and regional security. This incident underscores the expanding scope of hybrid warfare tactics that could threaten international stability and peace.
The UK’s National Crime Agency has uncovered a major international money laundering operation that helped Russian spies and oligarchs evade sanctions through cryptocurrency. The scheme, operated through Smart Group and TGR Group across 30 countries, enabled Russian networks to bypass financial restrictions and invest in UK property. The investigation resulted in 84 arrests and $25.4 million in seized assets. The revelation comes as Russia continues to circumvent Western sanctions through various networks and allies including China, Iran, and North Korea, highlighting ongoing challenges to international financial security and the effectiveness of sanctions as a peacekeeping tool. The exposure of this complex financial network demonstrates the global nature of modern security threats and their potential impact on international stability.
Russia and Belarus are deepening their military cooperation with plans to establish three joint soldier training centers in Belarus’ Hrodna region and Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod and Kaliningrad regions. According to Belarusian official Gennady Lepeshko, the two nations have signed over 160 military agreements. This expansion of military collaboration raises concerns for global stability, particularly since Belarus already hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons and has allowed its territory to be used for operations against Ukraine. The situation is further complicated by recent reports from the Belarusian Investigative Center revealing that Russian forces operated a torture chamber for Ukrainian prisoners in the Belarusian town of Naroulia in spring 2022. This growing military alliance between Russia and Belarus represents an escalating threat to regional security and international peace efforts.
Belarus and China’s military officials met in Minsk to explore expanding their military partnership, a move that could further shift global power dynamics and potentially impact regional stability, particularly given Belarus’s close alignment with Russia during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The Path to Peace
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has indicated that Germany might consider sending troops to Ukraine to maintain a potential future ceasefire. This statement comes amid reports that the UK and France are discussing similar possibilities. While Baerbock represents a pro-Ukrainian stance, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has taken a more cautious approach, recently speaking with Putin about troop withdrawal and potential talks with Kyiv. Scholz continues to oppose sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, even as other nations have approved long-range missile transfers. Germany faces possible snap elections in February, with polls favoring the more hawkish CDU/CSU alliance.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
A South Korean soldier fighting for Ukraine has released a video appeal urging North Korean troops in Russia to desert, promising them new lives in a democratic state if they surrender. Ukrainian officials report approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including the 92nd and 94th special forces brigades, are currently deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. According to President Zelensky, some North Korean troops have already suffered casualties. A recent Ukrainian strike on a Kursk monastery, reportedly using Storm Shadow missiles, killed 18 Russian service members and several North Korean officers. North Korea has emerged as Russia’s closest ally in the Ukraine conflict, supplying 3.5 million artillery shells and signing a mutual defense treaty with Moscow in June.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces made advances in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast, specifically in southern Darino, southeast of Korenevo. While there were claims of Russian advances near Malaya Loknya, these remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Nikolayevo-Darino, Darino, and Novoivanovka, while Russian forces continued their assaults near Darino and Martynovka.
Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted multiple drone strikes against Russian military facilities, with targets including the Dyagilevo Air Base near Ryazan City, which hosts strategic aircraft, and the “Kadyrov” Spetsnaz Police Regiment’s barracks in Grozny, Chechnya. The Grozny strike hit the roof of the Akhmat Kadyrov regiment headquarters, with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov acknowledging casualties without providing specifics, following an earlier October drone strike on a Russian Special Forces University in Gudermes. The Russian Defense Ministry claims to have intercepted a total of 24 Ukrainian drones across several regions including Rostov, Bryansk, Belgorod, Ryazan, Astrakhan, and Krasnodar Krai, with four drones specifically intercepted over Ryazan Oblast.
Multiple explosions were also reported near the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, which has become a key port for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet following previous losses in Sevastopol. While Ukraine has not confirmed involvement in the Chechnya incidents, these attacks follow a recent Ukrainian drone strike on an oil depot in Russia’s Kaluga region, located 500 kilometers from Ukraine.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks along the international border north of Kharkiv City near Kozacha Lopan and Hlyboke, as well as near Vovchansk, but made no confirmed advances. Ukrainian officials report that Russians are building deep underground defensive positions, up to 10 meters deep, to protect against drone strikes, making these positions particularly difficult to attack.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces successfully pushed back Russian troops near Kupyansk, eliminating a Russian bridgehead near Novomlynsk on the west bank of the Oskil River, and significantly reduced another Russian position near Masyutivka-Zapadne.
Russian forces continued attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line without confirmed advances. Russian forces launched assaults near multiple settlements, including Synkivka, Dvorichna, Kucherivka, Petropavlivka, Stelmakhivka, Kolisnykivka, Lozova, Pershotravneve, Zelenyi Hai, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Druzhelyubivka, Terny, Makiivka, Zarichne, and Yampolivka. Ukrainian officials report increased Russian drone activity in the Luhansk region.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
There were no reported combat engagements in the Siversk direction, though Russian artillery units were reportedly active near Vasyukivka, southwest of Siversk.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces made a small advance in the town of Chasiv Yar. They moved into the central Refractory Plant area. However, a Ukrainian counterattack from nearby Ivanivske forced the Russians to pull back from some positions along the Bakhmut-Kostyantynivka highway. Fighting continued in and around Chasiv Yar, including near the settlements of Stupochky and Bila Hora.
Toretsk
Ukrainian forces made a small advance in central Toretsk along Pyaboshapky Street. Russian forces also gained ground in northern Leonidivka and reportedly captured most of the Zabalka area in southern Toretsk, advancing to the Tsentralna Mine. Fighting continues in Toretsk and near Nelipivka, with Russian forces attacking in small groups using smokescreens, drones, and artillery support.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces made a small advance to northwestern Zhovte, south of Pokrovsk. They reportedly captured Novyi Trud and reached the edges of Zelene and Shevchenko. Russian forces also claimed to have bypassed Novopustynka and Lysivka, moving toward Dachenske. Fighting continues around Myrolyubivka, Promin, Pushkine (Chumatske), and other settlements in the Pokrovsk area.
Kurakhove
Russian forces reportedly captured Stari Terny, north of Kurakhove on the northern shore of the Kurakhivske Reservoir and are moving toward Kurakhove and Dachne. Fighting continues around several settlements including Sontsivka, Zorya, Novodmytrivka, Berestky, and Dalne in the Kurakhove area, though some of these advances remain unconfirmed.
Andriivka
Russian forces made a small advance southeast of Kostiantynopolske, northwest of Vuhledar, and claimed advances toward Sukhi Yaly and Romanivka. They are targeting two key roads: the Novomykhailivka-Zelenivka road through Kostiantynopolske and Uspenivka, and the Kurakhove-Zaporizhzhia highway through Kurakhove and Dachne. Fighting continues around several settlements including Hannivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Trudove, with Russian forces using both infantry and artillery units in the area.
Velyka Novosilka
Ukrainian forces regained positions in southeastern Rozdolne, while Russian forces advanced in southern Blahodatne and east of Makarivka, all near Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces claim to be surrounding Velyka Novosilka and controlling access roads. Fighting continues around Novyi Komar, Novodarivka, and the Vremivka area, with both sides conducting attacks and counterattacks in the region.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched offensive operations near several settlements in western Zaporizhia Oblast. The attacks focused on Robotyne and nearby areas including Novoandriivka to its northwest and Novodanylivka to its north. No territorial gains were reported from these operations.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks in the Dnipro region, including a major assault on Kozatskyi and Kruhlyk islands near Nova Kakhovka in their attempt to establish positions in the Dnipro River Delta to move closer to the river’s western bank, as confirmed by Ukrainian military spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn. Russia has deployed approximately 300 boats for naval operations and established a “Dnipro Flotilla” training unit in occupied areas of Kherson and Zaporizhia, with Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin confirming the boats are intended for potential river crossings, though Ukrainian officials report all assault attempts have been unsuccessful. Additionally, Russia has increased their military presence on the Kinburn Spit since October, adding artillery, air defense systems, and specialized drone units to support their island assault operations, with the area facing consistent Russian attacks since Ukraine regained control of western Kherson in November 2022.
Ukraine News
Russian forces launched multiple aerial attacks against Ukraine overnight using one Kh-59/69 cruise missile from Kursk and 50 Shahed drones from various Russian locations. Ukrainian forces shot down 29 drones across nine regions, while 18 others were disabled by electronic warfare. A claimed Russian attack on an Odesa gas terminal remains unconfirmed.
The northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv continues to face intense Russian attacks, with residents having only 40-45 seconds to seek shelter from S-300 missiles due to the city’s proximity to the Russian border. According to Mayor Ihor Terekhov, guided aerial bombs take 3-4 minutes to reach the city, and drone strikes carrying explosives pose an additional threat, particularly to energy infrastructure. The city has adapted by establishing over 3,000 shelters, including 30 metro stations, which housed up to 160,000 people during the early days of the 2022 invasion. In a recent attack this morning, at least 23 people were injured when the city was struck without an active air raid alert.
Ukraine’s delegation is attending a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, seeking an invitation to join the alliance. However, several NATO members, including the US, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Luxembourg, currently oppose Ukraine’s membership. President Zelensky has proposed potentially ending active combat on the eastern front in exchange for NATO membership, suggesting that NATO’s collective defense might not apply to areas of active conflict. While some NATO members support Ukraine’s EU membership, unanimous agreement among all 32 NATO members would be required for Ukraine to join the alliance.
Ukraine’s gas transit chief Dmytro Lyppa warns of potential Russian attacks on the country’s gas infrastructure when the current Russia-Europe gas transport agreement expires at year’s end. While Lyppa believes the risk of completely halting gas flow is “very low,” he notes that Ukraine’s robust system, originally built to handle 150 billion cubic meters yearly, now transports only 14-15 billion. Russia’s gas exports to Europe through Ukraine have already declined significantly, with EU imports of Russian gas dropping from 45% in 2021 to 15% in 2022. Ukraine has stated it won’t extend the 2019 transport agreement.
Ukrainian businesses are adapting to winter power cuts by moving beyond traditional diesel generators. Nova Energy, part of Nova Poshta postal service, is equipping about 1,000 branches with battery power systems, with 400 already installed, while maintaining 4,000 generators as backup. The company has invested $13 million in energy independence, including solar power and gas-piston plants. According to an American Chamber of Commerce survey, 87% of companies are prepared for winter blackouts, with 40% developing alternative power sources. Major agricultural company MHP is also expanding its energy independence, installing 15 megawatts of solar generation on poultry houses and 20 megawatts of cogeneration systems, with plans for more renewable energy projects.
Innocent Victims Of War
Reported casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 7 INJURIES: 16
Yevhenii Matvieiev, mayor of Dniprorudne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, has died following torture while in Russian captivity. According to Governor Ivan Fedorov, Matvieiev was captured in the early days of Russia’s occupation of the southeastern town and held for two years and eight months before his death. His body was recently returned to Ukraine during a prisoner exchange. The mayor had chosen to remain in Dniprorudne during the occupation to support his community and maintain local services. The case adds to documented Russian abuses in occupied territories, including civilian murders, torture, and mass kidnappings.
In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks left four civilians dead and 11 injured across several settlements. The casualties occurred in Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Dachne, Druzhkivka, and Zvirove, with artillery strikes causing the most damage in Kostiantynivka where one person died and four were wounded.
Russian attacks in Kherson Oblast killed two civilians and wounded five others, while damaging 20 homes, a cell tower, and an outbuilding.
The aftermath of Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. (Governor Vadym Filashkin/Telegram)
Ukraine Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Ukraine faces pressure from Western allies regarding military mobilization, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating Ukraine must make “hard decisions” about recruitment. While the U.S. urges lowering the minimum draft age from 25 to 18, President Zelensky argues that Ukraine lacks sufficient equipment, noting only 2.5 of 10 requested brigades have been fully supplied. The mobilization slowdown has left front-line units understaffed despite reforms passed in April.
Ukraine has begun serial production of Palianytsia, a new lightweight missile-drone hybrid, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced. This development is part of Ukraine’s expanded domestic missile program, which includes modified Neptune cruise missiles with extended range. President Zelensky recently reported that Ukraine has produced its first 100 missiles and aims to manufacture 30,000 long-range drones and 3,000 missiles to enable independent military operations without requiring partner coordination.
Ukraine’s Allies
German defense firm Helsing has begun production of its AI-equipped HX-2 “Karma” kamikaze drone, with the first few hundred of 4,000 units scheduled for delivery to Ukraine this month. The electric-powered drone weighs 12 kilograms, has a range of 100 kilometers, and can reach speeds of 220 kph. According to Helsing, the HX-2’s onboard AI allows it to operate in electronic warfare environments and can be deployed in swarms, while maintaining human control over critical decisions. The company claims prototypes have already been tested in eastern Ukraine, with lessons learned incorporated into the production version.
Ukraine’s Finance Ministry and the EU have signed an agreement for a potential 35-billion-euro loan as part of a broader G7 financial package worth $50 billion. The funding, backed by frozen Russian assets, aims to support Ukraine’s economy during the ongoing war. The U.S. has pledged $20 billion to this initiative, while the EU’s final contribution may be adjusted to around 18.9 billion euros. Ukraine’s parliament has passed legislation indicating it expects the loan to be repaid using frozen Russian assets rather than Ukraine’s own resources. Other G7 members, including the UK, Canada, and Japan, are also expected to participate in this financial support package.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged a global shortage of air defense systems while pledging to support Ukraine’s defense needs. Ukraine has requested at least 20 systems including NASAMS, HAWK, and IRIS-T to protect its infrastructure from Russian strikes. While Romania provided a Patriot system in October and Germany promised two IRIS-T systems by year’s end, Ukraine says allies are slow in delivering promised air defenses as the country prepares for potential increased Russian attacks during winter.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Ukraine will receive $50 billion from frozen Russian assets held by the US and EU in the coming weeks. Additionally, the US will deliver a new $725 million weapons package including Stinger missiles, HIMARS ammunition, artillery rounds, drones, and landmines. Blinken noted that since 2022, the US has provided $102 billion in assistance to Ukraine, while allies have contributed $158 billion.
The US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on five Russian officials involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. According to Ukraine’s “Children of War” database, over 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted and sent to Russia or Russian-controlled areas, with fewer than 400 returned. A new Yale study reveals Russia’s systematic program of deporting children via military aircraft, changing their identities, and subjecting them to pro-Russian re-education before adoption by Russian families. The evidence, which links President Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova to the program, will be submitted to the International Criminal Court.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to vote on President Biden’s request for $24 billion in additional Ukraine aid, with $16 billion meant to restock US arsenals and $8 billion for Ukraine’s security assistance. Johnson stated that since Trump won the election, any decisions about Ukraine funding should wait for the new commander in chief. The Biden administration is attempting to expedite aid to Ukraine before Trump, who has been critical of military support to Kyiv and advocates for peace negotiations, takes office in January.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
A new report from the US State Department and Yale University has revealed direct evidence linking Russian President Vladimir Putin to the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. The December 3 report documented 314 confirmed cases of child deportation, though the actual number is believed to be much higher. Putin personally oversees the program, with Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova managing its implementation. The children, many claimed to be orphans by Russian authorities, are placed with Russian families, forced through “re-education” programs, and typically naturalized as Russian citizens. The program aims to separate children from their Ukrainian heritage and immerse them in Russian culture. Under the Geneva Convention, such forced transfer of children constitutes an act of genocide.
Partisan group Atesh reports discovering a mix of real and decoy Russian defense positions in Crimea’s Yevpatoria district. The group identified manned fortifications along the Crimean coast in the Chornomorske region, designed to counter potential Ukrainian sea attacks. Russian forces in Yevpatoria are preparing for possible Ukrainian airborne operations, with increased security measures including checkpoints and military presence. Recent intelligence reveals that Russian forces have moved military equipment and air defense systems from Yevpatoria to Kerch to protect the Crimean Bridge, leaving the Yevpatoria aircraft repair plant relatively undefended with only outdated anti-aircraft weapons.
Russia News
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims of economic growth at a VTB Bank forum, including a projected 4% growth for 2024, Russia faces significant economic challenges. The Russian Central Bank may raise interest rates to 25% in December, following an earlier increase to 21% in October. Central Bank Head Elvira Nabiullina indicated another rate hike is possible, while Putin acknowledged the need to control inflation. Russian citizens’ cash savings have hit historic lows, now representing only 15% of total savings. While Putin touted a low 2.3% unemployment rate, particularly among youth, this figure likely reflects the absence of young men fighting in Ukraine and ongoing labor shortages rather than economic strength.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1580 748950 |
Tanks +13 9506 |
Artillery +21 21023 |
Arm. VEH +22 19472 |
Aircraft  369 |
Heli 329 |
Ships 28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Kremlin is expanding its “Time of Heroes” program, placing Ukraine war veterans in key government and state company positions. Recent appointments include Captain Nikolai Korolev as St. Petersburg’s Deputy Chairman of Security and Law, and Captain Pavel Yakushev as a patriotic education advisor at Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy operator.
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russia’s Nov. 21 missile strike on Dnipro using a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (Oreshnik) was reportedly a coordinated propaganda effort, according to Moscow Times sources. The attack and subsequent media coverage, including President Putin’s televised address, were allegedly orchestrated to intimidate Western nations following their approval of Ukraine using Western weapons for strikes within Russia. While Putin threatened to target Kyiv with the new missile, experts doubt Russia’s ability to mass-produce the Oreshnik, suggesting the weapon is still in testing phases.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com