Summary of the Day:
Regional tensions escalated on two fronts today, with protests erupting in Tbilisi over Georgia’s delayed EU accession plans, while Russian-North Korean cooperation intensified through Defense Minister Belousov’s surprise visit to Pyongyang. The protests in Georgia represent growing civilian resistance to pro-Kremlin policies, while the North Korean visit signals deepening military ties between the two nations.
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces reported territorial gains, with Russian forces advancing near Kupyansk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka. Ukrainian forces successfully pushed northeast of Vuhledar and conducted strategic strikes against four Russian air defense systems and two oil depots on November 28-29. Russia responded with extensive drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and defense facilities over two consecutive nights.
Both sides implemented significant command changes. Putin appointed Colonel General Rustam Muradov as First Deputy Commander of Russian Ground Forces, while Ukraine’s President Zelensky named Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new Ground Forces Commander, replacing Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavlyuk.
President Putin continues to emphasize Russia’s Oreshnik missile capabilities in what US and Ukrainian officials characterize as primarily a propaganda effort rather than a significant military advancement. Meanwhile, Russian opposition media outlets Mediazona and BBC Russian Service confirmed at least 80,937 Russian military casualties since the invasion began in February 2022, highlighting the conflict’s continuing human cost.
Picture of the Day:
Teddy bears representing Ukrainian children killed in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are seen in front of the Washington Monument as part of an installation in Washington DC, United States. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
The escalating situation in Georgia has reached a critical point after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced potential delays in EU accession talks until 2028, sparking protests in Tbilisi that mirror Ukraine’s 2014 Euromaidan movement. For two consecutive nights, authorities have forcefully dispersed peaceful demonstrators using tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray, resulting in several police officers being injured in clashes on Chichinadze Street where protesters threw eggs at law enforcement. The crisis represents a concerning flashpoint in the broader struggle between European integration and Russian influence in the post-Soviet space, with Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning both the violent response and Georgia’s postponement of EU talks, while President Salome Zourabichvili criticized the decision as working against Georgian interests. The situation has broader implications, as the ruling Georgian Dream party faces criticism for democratic backsliding and alleged pro-Kremlin leanings, evidenced by Vladimir Putin’s praise for Georgian authorities immediately after the announcement, potentially adding another point of tension between Russia and the West at a time when global stability is already strained by ongoing conflicts.
Russia and Belarus issued a joint declaration that undermines global stability by falsely claiming to support international law while Russia continues its illegal invasion of Ukraine. This hypocritical stance, which criticizes the “politicization of international justice,” reveals how both countries disregard the very principles of sovereignty and international law they claim to uphold, threatening the foundation of peaceful international relations.
The Path to Peace
In a recent Sky News interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a new approach to ending the war’s “hot phase” by suggesting NATO membership for territories currently under Ukrainian control, while pursuing diplomatic means to recover occupied regions. This marks a shift from his previous stance against partial NATO membership. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged NATO to invite Ukraine to join the alliance during the upcoming Brussels meeting on December 3-4.
Turkish officials have denied supporting any peace plan that would freeze the war in Ukraine or require territorial concessions to Russia, Ukrainian lawmaker Ahtem Chiygoz reported after meetings in Ankara. This clarification comes after recent reports that Turkish President Erdogan might propose a peace plan involving Ukraine postponing NATO membership and accepting a frozen front line. Turkey reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, including over Russian-occupied Crimea, and is working to ensure continued international assistance to Ukraine regardless of potential U.S. election outcomes.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
On November 28-29, Ukrainian forces conducted a series of targeted strikes against Russian military assets, including the destruction of a Zoopark radar system by the “Kryla” unit using four long-range FPV drones in the Donetsk region, a Buk-M3 air defense system in Zaporizhia Oblast, a “Podlyot” radar system near Kotovske, Crimea, and reportedly struck an S-400 air defense system near Simferopol, Crimea. The Zoopark system, valued at approximately $24 million and used to detect and track artillery fire within a range of up to 50 kilometers, has been present in occupied areas since 2014 with previous activity recorded in the Donbas region, and a similar system was also destroyed in March 2024 in the Lyman sector of Donetsk.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched counterattacks in Ukraine’s salient in Kursk Oblast on November 28-29, though no confirmed advances were reported. Russian forces claim to have captured streets in Martynovka and advanced near Darino and Nikolaevo-Darino, though these claims lack visual confirmation. A Ukrainian brigade reported repelling a Russian mechanized assault, destroying five armored vehicles through remote mining. Combat continues near several key areas including Korenevo, Sudzha, Novoivanovka, and Plekhovo, with Russian forces deploying various units including airborne divisions, naval infantry, and motorized rifle regiments. Poor weather conditions are reportedly hampering drone operations in the region.
Ukrainian forces conducted drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, targeting the Atlas Oil Depot in Rostov Oblast which supplies fuel to Russian forces, and reportedly struck another oil depot near Slavyansk-on-Kuban in Krasnodar Krai, with the strikes sparking a major fire affecting two petroleum reservoirs at the Rostov facility.
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR/HUR) successfully conducted a sabotage operation and drone strike against a Russian SUV loaded with short-range drones in Rylsk, Kursk Oblast, which was identified by Ukrainian partisans.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks near Kharkiv City at Hlyboke, Vovchansk, and Tykhe from November 27-29, though no confirmed advances were made. While Russian sources claimed minor gains in Vovchansk and increased activity along the Kozacha Lopan-Slatyne line, these claims remain unverified. Ukrainian forces reported successfully repelling a Russian mechanized assault in the region and stated their drone operations have effectively limited Russian armored movements, forcing enemy troops to conduct infantry-only attacks in northern Kharkiv Oblast.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
A Ukrainian official confirmed on November 28 that a small Russian infantry force has crossed to the west bank of the Oskil River near Kupyansk. Russian forces attacked positions at Fyholivka, Holubivka, and Kindrashivka, with claims of establishing a foothold near Dvorichna and crossing near Novomlynsk. Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported that the Russian presence is limited to company size but noted that Russian commanders will likely try to expand this position. Multiple Russian army units are attempting to eliminate the Ukrainian bridgehead on the east bank southeast of Kupyansk.
Russian forces made confirmed advances west of Svatove near Vyshneve and on the eastern outskirts of Terny, near Kreminna. They also claimed advances near Kopanky. Fighting continued along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, with Russian attacks targeting multiple settlements including Kupyansk-Vyzlovyi, Kolisnykivka, Lozova, Zeleny Hai, Tverdokhlibove, and the Serebryanske forest area. Russian special forces are reportedly conducting drone strikes near Makiivka and Torske.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced additional military supplies will be sent to forces near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast. After visiting units in these areas, Syrskyi reported continuing efforts to counter Russian forces. Russian advances have intensified, with reports indicating they captured 234.79 square kilometers in the past week, making it the largest territorial gain in 2024. Ukrainian officials have expressed concern about a possible new Russian offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, while Russian forces continue pushing near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Ukraine faces challenges in maintaining troop numbers and securing rapid weapons deliveries from Western allies.
Siversk
No ground attacks were reported by either side in the Siversk area on November 28-29.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces continued their assault operations around Chasiv Yar and nearby settlements of Stupochky and Bila Hora from November 27-29, though they made no confirmed advances. While Russian sources claimed advances near central Chasiv Yar’s refractory plant and Avanhard stadium, as well as northwest of Kurdyumivka, these claims remain unverified. A failed Russian mechanized assault north of Chasiv Yar was documented in late November, and Russian drone operations continue in eastern Chasiv Yar’s Novyi Microraion area.
Toretsk
Russian forces advanced in southern Toretsk through continued offensive operations from November 27-29, with confirmed progress along Hinky Street. Fighting has intensified in the area, including reported advances near Nelipivka and in Zabalka Microraion. Ukrainian officials describe difficult conditions in Toretsk due to urban combat and Russian strikes, with ongoing Russian assaults near Dyliivka and Druzhba despite reduced air operations due to weather.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk on November 28-29, with confirmed progress into central Zhovte and nearby forested areas. They likely captured Pustynka en route to Zhovte, and advanced south of Lysivka. Russian forces are now approximately six kilometers from Pokrovsk’s outskirts. Fighting continues across multiple settlements including Myrolyubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Krutyi Yar, Dachenske, Novyi Trud, Chumatske, and Zhovte.
Kurakhove
Russian forces claimed advances near Kurakhove, particularly around Berestky and towards Stari Terny, though these gains remain unconfirmed. Russian sources reported movement along the Berestky-Voznesenka railway line and in central and southern Kurakhove. Fighting continues near multiple settlements including Sontsivka, Novodmytrivka, Berestky, Zorya, and Dalne, with various Russian military units operating throughout the area.
Southwest of Donetsk City (Target: Andriivka)
Ukrainian forces made a small advance near Yelyzavetivka, northeast of Vuhledar. While Russian sources claim advances near several settlements including Illinka, Veselyi Hai, and Yasna Polyana, most remain unconfirmed. Fighting continues around Romanivka, Trudove, Kostiantynopolske, Sukhy Yaly, and Rozlyv, with Russian forces reportedly two kilometers from Kostiantynopolske.
Velyka Novosilka (formerly Zaporizhia-Donetsk Border Area)
Russian forces captured Rozdolne, northeast of Velyka Novosilka, with Russian naval and infantry units raising a flag in the town center. Russian forces aim to cut off logistics routes between Velyka Novosilka and Kurakhove while attempting to capture Velyka Novosilka itself. Despite weather hampering drone operations, fighting continues around several settlements including Rivnopil, Novodarivka, and Novopil, with Russian forces using various vehicles and air support in their advances.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces conducted offensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast from November 27-29 without confirmed advances. Vladimir Rogov, a Zaporizhia occupation official, claimed Russian forces captured territory northeast of Robotyne, including parts of Mala Tokmachka and Bilohirya, though these claims remain unverified. Ukrainian officials report Russian preparations for assaults near Hulyaipole and Orikhiv, including increased airstrikes, reconnaissance, and military equipment deployment.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Fighting continued along the Dnipro River in east bank Kherson Oblast from November 27-29 without frontline changes. Russian forces failed to capture islands in the Dnipro River Delta. Russia moved riverboats from Crimea to the Kinburn and Tendrivska spits to strengthen defenses in the Kherson River Delta. Ukrainian partisans report widespread desertion among Russian forces in the Kherson area due to command abuse.
Ukraine News
On the night of November 27-28, Russia launched a major attack against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and defense facilities, using 188 drones and missiles. The assault included 57 Kh-101 cruise missiles from Volgograd Oblast, 28 Kalibr missiles from Black Sea vessels, 3 S-300 missiles from Belgorod Oblast targeting Kharkiv Oblast, and 97 Shahed drones from various locations including Kursk, Oryol, and Rostov regions. Ukrainian forces intercepted most of the attacks, downing 76 Kh-101 missiles and 35 drones, while 62 drones were disabled by electronic warfare. However, at least 12 Russian projectiles successfully hit Ukrainian fuel and energy facilities.
On the night of November 28-29, Russia launched 132 Shahed drones targeting multiple regions across Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces shooting down 88 drones over Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkassy, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, and Odesa regions, while 41 drones were disabled by electronic warfare, with the attacks causing damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure in Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Volyn regions, specifically injuring seven people in Odesa and damaging multiple buildings including residential homes and infrastructure, while in Kyiv’s Dniprovskyi district, a drone strike damaged a children’s clinic.
Ukrainian poet and writer Myroslav Herasymovych was killed in combat on November 25 while defending Avdiivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast, just days before his 57th birthday. A graduate of the journalism program at Taras Shevchenko National University, Herasymovych’s death was announced by his brother Taras Kulyk on social media.
During a story about horse evacuation in Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast, two Hromadske journalists came under Russian attack on November 25. Ksiusha Savoskina and Oleksii Nikulin were filming volunteers from Kharkiv Animal Rescue when a Russian drone spotted them, leading to attacks that destroyed their car and equipment. Despite explosions and a building fire, all people and horses escaped safely, with the animals eventually reaching Kharkiv.
Ukraine has recovered the bodies of 502 fallen soldiers, with most found in Donetsk Oblast (397), Zaporizhzhia Oblast (64), and Luhansk Oblast (24), while 17 were returned from Russian morgues. Multiple Ukrainian agencies collaborated on the recovery effort, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This follows similar repatriations in recent months, including 563 soldiers in November and 501 in October. President Zelensky reported in February that approximately 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
Ukrainian prosecutors launched new investigations into two separate incidents where Russian forces allegedly executed surrendered Ukrainian soldiers. Nine Ukrainian prisoners of war were reportedly killed: four near Petrivka in Donetsk Oblast on November 22, and five near Novodarivka in Zaporizhia Oblast on November 24. Both incidents violated international law, as the soldiers had surrendered and were disarmed, making them protected under the Geneva Convention on POWs.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine made two key military leadership changes, appointing Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, 42, as the new Ground Forces Commander, replacing Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavlyuk, and naming Colonel Oleh Apostol, 37, as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, with Drapatyi having previously organized successful defenses in the Kharkiv sector against Russian offensives and played a key role in liberating Mariupol in 2014, these appointments aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities through improved training and modern management approaches at a critical time as Russian forces are making their fastest gains in months, with reports of North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 1 INJURIES: 22
Russia attacked 15 settlements across Kherson Oblast, including Kherson city, killing one person and wounding nine others.
Russian drone strikes on Odesa Oblast injured seven people, including one woman critically injured, with four requiring hospitalizations. The attacks damaged 13 homes, infrastructure, and vehicles across three settlements in the Odesa district.
Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast wounded three people – two in Kurakhove and one in Toretsk.
Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast’s Nikopol district injured a 33-year-old man and damaged 11 homes, infrastructure, and utilities, including power lines and a gas pipeline.
A Russian air strike in Sumy Oblast’s Esman community wounded one person.
Falling debris from intercepted drones damaged three districts in Kyiv, setting a polyclinic on fire in the Dniprovskyi district and injuring a security guard who was hospitalized.
The aftermath of the Russian strikes against Odesa Oblast. (The National Police of Ukraine / Telegram)
Ukraine’s Allies
South Korea has provided Ukraine with its first budget assistance of $100 million, part of a larger $2.1 billion loan agreement spanning 2024-2029, announced Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The loan features a 1% interest rate and five-year grace period over 20 years. While South Korea has provided humanitarian aid throughout the war, its laws prevent direct weapons supplies to conflict zones, though Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently visited Seoul as Russia makes gains and North Korean troops are reported in Kursk Oblast.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
Eight Ukrainian children, ages 6 to 16, have been rescued from Russian-occupied territories in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk Oblasts, and Crimea through the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative. Qatar mediated the return of seven children, while one was evacuated through a humanitarian corridor. According to Ukrainian officials, Russia has abducted over 19,500 Ukrainian children since February 2022, with fewer than 390 returned, while 1.5 million children in occupied areas remain at risk of deportation.
Russia News
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a security council meeting in Kazakhstan continued to emphasize the capabilities of Russia’s new Oreshnik ballistic missile, which was used to strike Dnipro City on November 21. Putin described the missile’s destructive power, comparing it to a nuclear weapon and meteorite, while threatening additional strikes against Ukraine, including potential targets in Kyiv. He suggested these strikes could be aimed at both military and political targets, stating “everything is possible.”
US and Ukrainian officials have downplayed the significance of Russia’s new Oreshnik missile, despite Putin’s emphasis on its capabilities. According to Reuters sources, US intelligence maintains that Russia is unlikely to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, even in response to Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons. Ukrainian President Zelensky characterized Putin’s threats as a continuation of Russia’s existing missile campaign against Ukraine. The Oreshnik strike on Dnipro City appears to be part of Russia’s ongoing intimidation tactics rather than a sign of new military capabilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia is considering creating a dedicated military branch for unmanned systems, following Ukraine’s establishment of its own Unmanned Systems Forces in February 2024. This move comes as Russian drone units currently operate informally within other military units. Putin praised Defense Minister Andrei Belousov for leading this initiative, despite recent criticism from Russian military bloggers over the deaths of drone operators in Ukraine.
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov’s initiative to create a new military branch for unmanned systems could take up to a year to implement, according to a Kremlin source. The process will require educational program expansion, new military specialty registrations, and integration of volunteer projects. Belousov previously established the “Rubikon” Center for Prospective Unmanned Technologies in August 2024, which appears to be laying the groundwork for this new military service branch.
Russian military bloggers are expressing concerns about the Ministry of Defense’s plans to centralize drone operations into a specialized service branch. They warn this reorganization could stifle innovation by monopolizing drone supplies and may not prevent commanders from using drone operators as infantry during manpower shortages. Critics also point out that the lack of a unified communications system could hinder coordination between drone units and ground forces. Some suggest that commanders may be sending drone operators into dangerous assault operations before losing them to the new centralized drone battalions being formed under the “Rubikon” Center initiative.
Colonel General Rustam Muradov has reportedly been appointed as First Deputy Commander of the Russian Ground Forces, according to a Dagestani official. This appointment is controversial as Muradov was previously dismissed from his role as Eastern Military District commander in early 2023 following significant military failures and heavy losses near Vuhledar in western Donetsk Oblast. Russian military bloggers have criticized this appointment, viewing it as another example of the Defense Ministry promoting commanders based on loyalty rather than competence.
The Russian economy is showing severe strain as the ruble dropped to a two-year low of 115 against the US dollar on Wednesday. Russia’s central bank has raised interest rates to 21% and may increase them further according to Governor Nabiullina. The economic pressure stems from declining oil revenues due to reduced demand from China and Europe, combined with increased global production. The situation has alarmed Russian business leaders, with Severstal chairman Alexey Mordashov expressing concern about the unprecedented gap between interest rates and inflation.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Russia reported record daily losses of 2,030 troops in Ukraine on November 29, bringing their total casualties to 738,660, according to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Russian forces have suffered at least 80,937 confirmed military deaths in Ukraine since their February 2022 invasion, according to reports from Mediazona and BBC Russian Service. Over half of these casualties were not part of Russia’s military when the invasion began. The reports indicate that volunteer soldiers typically survive only two to four weeks after reaching the front lines. Of the total Russian losses, volunteers account for 22% and recruited convicts make up 18%.
Troops +2030
738660 |
Tanks +8
9458 |
Artillery +34
20886 |
Arm. VEH +33
19339 |
Aircraft 
369 |
Heli
329 |
Ships
28 |
Russia Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Russian Ministry of Defense is expanding the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in its military operations by creating new positions for religious assistants who will work directly with commanders and troops on the front lines. These church representatives, appointed by Patriarch Kirill, will serve as personal confessors to military commanders and provide religious guidance to individual soldiers in combat zones.
The Kremlin is expanding its “Time of Heroes” program, which places Russian veterans in government positions, to include occupied Ukrainian territories. Russian authorities plan to enable veterans to represent these occupied regions in the 2026 State Duma elections. This expansion is part of Russia’s strategy to integrate occupied Ukrainian territories into Russia and may serve as an incentive for military service in these regions.
Russian military recruitment offices are reportedly conducting illegal raids with law enforcement, public groups, and Cossacks to forcibly recruit “volunteers” for frontline service. These raids target young adults and migrants across Russia, with plans to specifically target intoxicated individuals during New Year celebrations.
Ukrainian officials report that Russia is stealing and attempting to adapt Ukrainian electronic warfare technology to enhance their own military capabilities.
Russia’s Allies
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov made an unannounced visit to Pyongyang to meet with North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol, deepening military ties that were established during Putin’s state visit in June 2024, with Belousov describing the partnership as fundamental to a “new Eurasian security system,” as North Korea has supplied Russia with over 5 million artillery rounds, 100 ballistic missiles, and various artillery systems including M-1989 Koksan guns and M-1991 rocket launchers, while U.S. Representative Robert Wood confirmed that since November 2023, North Korea has transferred over 18,000 containers of munitions and over 100 ballistic missiles to Russia, with more expected to follow, additionally sending over 10,000 troops to support Russia’s war effort, with initial encounters with Ukrainian forces reported in Kursk Oblast where Ukraine has lost approximately 40% of previously gained territory to Russian counterattacks, and according to Ukraine’s General Staff, the majority of North Korean soldiers are completing their training.
Russian forces established a filtration camp in Naroulia, Gomel Oblast, Belarus, approximately 70 kilometers from the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in March 2022, where they detained and tortured Ukrainian prisoners of war, civilians, and children, with the camp processing hundreds of captives from the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions before transferring them deeper into Russia, as identified by Radio Liberty journalists and their Belarusian colleagues through testimonies, satellite imagery, and videos, with the camp being established on Belarusian state property and known for its brutal treatment of detainees including torture and beatings, potentially implicating both Russian and Belarusian authorities in violations of international law, while Belarus has also assisted Russia in the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children to both Belarus and Russia.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com