The Russian president has visited command posts on the frontline, according to the Kremlin.
The Russian military has captured several strategic towns along the frontlines, including Krasnoarmeysk in Donbass (known as Pokrovsk in Ukrainian) and Volchansk in the Kharkiv region, General Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s Chief of General Staff, reported to President Vladimir Putin.
Putin was briefed on these developments during a visit to a command post on November 30, according to presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Additionally, Putin was informed that the operation to seize Gulyaypole in the Zaporozhye region is underway, with street battles already taking place. Peskov mentioned that Putin issued new directives to ensure Russian forces are fully equipped for combat operations through the winter.
The Kremlin also reported that Russian troops have encircled Ukrainian forces in the Krasnoarmeysk-Dimitrov area, with Dimitrov now under Russian control.
Kupyansk, a vital logistical hub near the Oskol River, remains a major Russian objective as it secures their positions in the region and facilitates further westward movement. Gerasimov confirmed earlier in November that the city is now fully under Russian control.
Kiev has denied Moscow’s claims of encirclement, dismissing them as exaggerated. The Ukrainian General Staff reiterated that “Kupyansk is under the control of Ukraine’s defense forces” and rejected reports of significant setbacks in Volchansk and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has played down battlefield losses, instead urging Western allies for increased support. However, Ukrainian forces are facing challenges, including desertions, a shortage of reinforcements, and growing public resistance to mobilization. There are also reports of soldiers accusing the government of forcing them to hold untenable positions.
Zelensky’s political standing has also been hurt by a major corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector, involving alleged kickbacks totaling around $100 million. This scandal led to the removal of his justice and energy ministers.
Authored By: Global Geopolitics
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