Summary of the Day:
Russia implemented significant military leadership changes, appointing Colonel General Alexander Chaiko to command forces in Syria and Colonel General Rustam Muradov as First Deputy Commander of Russian Ground Forces. President Putin approved the 2025 federal budget, with 41% allocated to defense spending.
Ukrainian forces achieved advances in Kursk Oblast, while Russian forces made gains near Pokrovsk and Hulyaipole. These movements represent significant tactical shifts in territorial control along the front lines.
Georgia faces mounting political crisis as opposition forces challenge the Georgian Dream party’s legitimacy following its suspension of EU membership talks. The situation has sparked widespread protests, international condemnation, and the U.S. suspension of its Strategic Partnership with Georgia.
Picture of the Day:
The aftermath of a Russian attack on Ternopil, Ukraine. (State Emergency Service/Telegram)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Recent events in Syria mark a significant shift in both regional dynamics and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Russian General Sergei Kisel’s dismissal as commander of Moscow’s forces in Syria coincides with rebels led by Tahrir al-Sham briefly capturing Aleppo’s center and international airport on November 29, prompting Russian warplanes to join Syrian forces in bombing rebel positions. His replacement, Colonel General Alexander Chaiko, who previously commanded Russian troops in Syria (2015-2022), takes command alongside Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev’s arrival in Tartus. This leadership change occurs amid reports from Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) of significant Russian losses in Syria, with some units surrounded and hundreds of soldiers missing. The situation is further complicated by alleged Ukrainian special forces training of Islamist militants, including former Al-Qaeda affiliates, and Russia’s redeployment of military assets from Ukraine to Syria, including planned Su-34 fighter deployments. These developments threaten the control previously held by pro-Assad forces, supported by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, who had controlled nearly 70% of Syria, and risk drawing more international powers into the conflict while potentially impacting peace negotiations and humanitarian efforts in the region.
Widespread protests have erupted across Georgian cities including Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Telavi, and Gurjaani after Prime Minister Kobakhidze announced delaying Georgia’s EU accession until 2028, with police responding with pepper spray and water cannons against demonstrators. This suspension of EU membership talks marks a shift away from Western democratic alignment, creating geopolitical tension between Russia and the West, while President Zourabichvili’s declaration to remain in office until a legitimate parliament is elected directly challenges the ruling Georgian Dream party’s plan to hold presidential elections on December 14. The constitutional crisis between Zourabichvili and the ruling party, combined with violent suppression of pro-EU protesters, threatens Georgia’s democratic institutions, reflecting growing tensions between the country’s pro-EU population and the Georgian Dream party, which faces accusations of democratic backsliding and moving closer to Russia. The U.S. suspension of its Strategic Partnership and potential EU sanctions could isolate Georgia, potentially creating a power vacuum in the strategically important Caucasus region that serves as a crucial bridge between Europe and Asia, affecting international security arrangements and regional peace.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russian media reports that Colonel General Rustam Muradov has been appointed as First Deputy Commander of the Russian Ground Forces. While local officials in Dagestan confirmed the appointment, the Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet made an official announcement.
Russian military bloggers claimed their special forces destroyed two bridges in Ukraine’s Chernihiv Oblast near Tymonovychi and Karpovychi. These claims have not been independently verified or reported by Ukrainian sources.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces advanced near Novoivanovka in Kursk Oblast. Russian forces launched attacks near several settlements including Darino, Plekhovo, and Martynovka, while Ukrainian forces counterattacked near Pogrebki. A Ukrainian officer reported that Russian forces are using electronic warfare systems in their assault operations.
Ukrainian drones targeted multiple Russian regions. Explosions were reported in Kaluga, 500km from Ukraine’s border, where air defenses intercepted a drone in the Maloyaroslavets district. In Bryansk region, a drone strike destroyed a residential building in the Starodub district, reportedly killing one person. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims it shot down 29 Ukrainian drones across four regions: 20 over Bryansk, seven over Kaluga, and one each over Smolensk and Kursk.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched two failed mechanized attacks in Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian forces destroyed three infantry fighting vehicles in the first attack and damaged or destroyed multiple tanks and armored vehicles in the second. Russian forces also conducted operations near the settlements of Hoptivka, Kozacha Lopan, Starytsya, Tykhe, and Vovchansk.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line. They reportedly established a bridgehead across the Oskil River near Masyutivka-Zapadne, though Ukrainian forces note the river hasn’t frozen and Russians lack resources to capture Kupyansk. Fighting occurred near multiple settlements including Dvorichna, Novomlynsk, Lozova, Kruhlyakivka, Pishchane, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Zeleny Hai, Druzhelyubivka, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Terny, Torske, Zarichne, and Hryhorivka.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Neither Russian nor Ukrainian sources reported active combat in the Siversk direction. A Ukrainian unit commander noted that Russian forces are operating in small infantry groups, with dense ground fog limiting drone operations in the area.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces launched attacks on Chasiv Yar and nearby settlements of Predtechyne and Stupochky without confirmed advances. A Ukrainian brigade spokesperson reported increased Russian assaults on Chasiv Yar.
Toretsk
Russian forces attacked Toretsk and nearby settlements of Shcherbynivka and Nelipivka making no advances. A Ukrainian brigade spokesperson reported increased Russian small-group infantry attacks in the area, with groups of 5-8 personnel.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces made small advances near Zhovte, south of Pokrovsk. Fighting continues across multiple settlements: east of Pokrovsk (Myrolyubivka, Myrnohrad, Promin), southeast (Lysivka, Krutyi Yar), and south (Novyi Trud, Pustynka, Dachenske, Zhovte, Pushkine). Russian forces are conducting infantry assaults in groups of 20-30 personnel, with repeated attacks every 30-40 minutes, supported by artillery and air strikes. Low cloud cover is hampering drone operations. Ukrainian forces are facing elements of four Russian motorized rifle brigades in the area.
Kurakhove
Russian forces claimed advances near Stari Terny (northwest of Kurakhove) though without visual confirmation. Fighting continued around multiple settlements: near Kurakhove itself, northwest (Sontsivka, Zorya, Novodmytrivka, Dachne), north (Berestky), and south (Dalne).
Southwest of Donetsk City (Target: Andriivka)
Russian forces attacked multiple settlements near Vuhledar without confirmed advances. Operations continued north of Vuhledar (Veselyi Hai, Romanivka, Yelyzavetivka, Hannivka, Katerynivka, Antonivka) and northwest (Trudove, Rozlyv, Kostiantynopolske, Sukhi Yaly).
Velyka Novosilka (formerly Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area)
Russian forces claimed advances near Velyka Novosilka though without confirmation. They reported gains northeast (near Rozdolne), north (Novyi Komar), south (Blahodatne), and southwest (between Novodarivka and Rivnopil). Ukrainian sources report Russian forces are attempting to encircle Velyka Novosilka, particularly from the east.
Russian advances into Novyi Komar from the east could support their potential strategies to either envelop Velyka Novosilka or advance toward Andriivka. If Russian forces’ reported gains across the T0518 highway are confirmed, they would have cut one of three main supply routes to Ukrainian positions in Velyka Novosilka.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Recent reports indicate Russian forces made modest advances in northern Dorozhnyanka, located south of Hulyaipole in far eastern Zaporizhia Oblast, as confirmed by video footage. No additional combat activity was reported in this region by either Russian or Ukrainian sources that day.
No combat activity was reported by either Russian or Ukrainian forces in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted limited attacks in the Dnipro direction on east bank Kherson Oblast but failed to advance.
Ukraine News
Russia launched 78 drones against Ukraine overnight from Kursk, Orel, and Bryansk regions, with Ukrainian forces intercepting 32 drones across Kyiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Sumy, and Poltava regions, while 45 drones were disabled by electronic warfare. In Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district, falling drone debris damaged a residential building and set cars on fire, with drone strikes also damaging residential areas in Chernihiv region. The attack was part of a larger Russian offensive targeting energy infrastructure across Rivne, Lviv, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Volyn, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia regions, resulting in widespread power outages, while President Zelensky reported that in the past week, Russia has launched over 500 glide bombs, nearly 660 drones, and about 120 missiles against Ukraine, with a separate Russian missile strike on Dnipropetrovsk region killing at least four people.
President Zelensky stated that if Ukraine joins NATO, Article 5’s collective defense might not apply to areas under active combat. Speaking alongside European Council President Costa, he clarified that while Ukraine seeks NATO membership, the entire country must be included in any invitation, even if Article 5 initially excludes war-affected regions. Ukraine has requested NATO consideration at the December 3-4 Foreign Ministerial Meeting. While NATO affirmed Ukraine’s path to membership in July 2024, no definitive timeline exists. Concerns about future U.S. support under a potential Trump presidency have prompted some NATO allies to seek ways to secure long-term aid for Ukraine. Trump previously indicated he would allow Russia to act against NATO members not meeting defense spending requirements, while Zelensky has urged the Biden administration to advocate for Ukraine’s NATO accession during its final months.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that returning nuclear weapons to Ukraine is not under consideration, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. This comes after Ukraine’s previous decision to give up its nuclear arsenal under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum in exchange for security guarantees. While President Zelensky had mentioned nuclear capabilities in discussions about NATO membership, Ukrainian officials have since clarified that the country remains committed to nuclear non-proliferation. Recent U.S. support has focused on conventional weapons, including anti-personnel mines and ATACMS missiles, while Russian nuclear threats continue, though U.S. intelligence sources indicate a nuclear attack remains unlikely.
Ukraine launched its eSupport program on December 1, receiving over 2.1 million applications on its first day, including 500,000 for children. The program provides 1,000 hryvnias ($24) per person, usable for utilities, medicines, books, transportation, education, or donations to the Armed Forces through volunteer funds. Applications remain open until February 28, 2024, with funds available through 2025. This economic relief comes as surveys show 32% of Ukrainian families have income only sufficient for food, while 48% can afford food and clothes but must save for larger purchases.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 12 INJURIES: 55
A Russian drone strike hit a residential high-rise in Ternopil, Ukraine, killing one person and injuring three others. The attack caused a fire that damaged multiple floors of the building. Emergency teams worked overnight to extinguish the blaze and help residents, while temporary shelters were arranged for those displaced. Ternopil Mayor Serhiy Nadal reported the drone hit the building’s top floor and said medical teams were working to treat the wounded.
Russian forces attacked 14 settlements across Kherson Oblast killing two people and injuring 15.
A Russian strike hit a shuttle bus in Kherson’s Dniprovskyi district killing three and wounding eight of the 15 passengers. Seven victims were immediately hospitalized, while a 70-year-old woman sought treatment later for mine-blast injuries. According to hospital chief surgeon Vitalii Khomukha, the injured suffered shrapnel wounds to various parts of their bodies.
A Russian missile struck the village of Tsarychanka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast’s Dniprovskyi district killing four people and injuring 24. Governor Serhii Lysak reported that 18 victims were hospitalized, including an 11-year-old boy, with seven in serious condition.
Russian strikes on the town of Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast killed two people and injured four others across the front-line region.
Russian forces attacked the village of Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast with an FPV drone, leaving a 50-year-old man hospitalized with shrapnel wounds.
Ukraine Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Ukraine plans to reform its military medical commissions by November 2025 to address corruption and inefficiencies in the current system. The new system will separate medical examinations from administrative decisions, allowing individuals to choose their hospital for examination rather than going through enlistment offices. Medical data will be anonymized and reviewed by random commissions to prevent corruption, with all decisions digitally tracked. Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Melnyk noted the current system’s outdated approach creates both bureaucratic complications and security risks, including allowing some to illegally avoid service while failing to properly screen others for health issues.
Ukraine’s Allies
European Council President Antonio Costa and EU diplomat Kaja Kallas met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. Costa announced the EU will open accession negotiations with Ukraine in early 2025 and continue providing significant financial support, including 4.2 billion euros by year-end and 1.5 billion euros monthly in 2025, partially funded by frozen Russian assets. The EU praised Ukraine’s reform progress despite the ongoing war and discussed allowing certain Ukrainian goods early access to the EU single market. During the visit, Zelensky and the EU officials also discussed Ukraine’s air defense needs and paid respects at the Wall of Remembrance to fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
The EU has delivered 1 million promised artillery shells to Ukraine, as confirmed by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas during her visit to Kyiv. While the delivery was delayed from its original spring 2024 deadline, the EU plans to continue military and financial support, including monthly transfers of 1.5 billion euros throughout 2025. Kallas emphasized that while this support is significant, more assistance is needed, and the EU is exploring ways to increase production and support Ukraine’s domestic defense industry.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
Leonid Popov, a Ukrainian civilian with diagnosed schizophrenia, was charged with espionage by Russia’s FSB in August 2024, after being detained in April 2023. According to IStories, he endured severe abuse in detention, including starvation that left him weighing only 40 kg. He was briefly released before being recaptured and taken to an unknown location. His case highlights the broader issue of civilian detentions by Russian forces, with an estimated 7,000 Ukrainian civilians currently held in Russian-controlled prisons under harsh conditions, despite international laws prohibiting civilian exchanges for prisoners of war.
Russia News
Russian President Putin approved a record military budget for 2025, allocating 13.5 trillion rubles ($126 billion), over 6% of Russia’s GDP, to defense spending. The three-year budget plan shows slightly lower military expenditures for 2026-2027. Military and law enforcement spending exceeds combined spending on education, healthcare, social policy, and the economy.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
In November, Russian forces suffered their highest monthly losses since the war began, with 45,720 soldiers wounded, killed, or captured – equivalent to three motorized rifle divisions. Equipment losses included 307 tanks, 899 armored vehicles, and 884 artillery pieces, valued at over $3 billion. Russia saw its highest single-day casualty count of 2,030 soldiers, while continuing offensive operations in the Donetsk sector targeting Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. As of December 1, total Russian military losses stand at approximately 743,920 soldiers.
Troops +1790 743920 |
Tanks +9 9478 |
Artillery +30 20953 |
Arm. VEH +28 19397ß |
Aircraft  369 |
Heli 329 |
Ships 28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Former Russian space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin, now a senator for occupied Zaporizhzhia, posted a recruitment ad for his personally sponsored BARS-Sarmat military unit.
Russia’s 2025 federal budget, signed by President Putin, allocates 41% to defense and national security. While this significant military spending poses potential risks, its effectiveness may be limited since much goes toward soldier benefits rather than direct military capabilities. The heavy focus on defense spending could strain social programs and Russia’s economy, potentially impacting Putin’s ability to sustain the war in Ukraine while maintaining domestic stability.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com