Fierce Fighting in Pokrovsk as Ukrainian Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Peace Talks

On November 28-29, 2025, Russian forces claimed control of 70% of Pokrovsk, but Ukrainian troops continue strong resistance in the key Donbas city. President Putin vowed the war will persist until Ukrainian troops withdraw from occupied territories, rejecting Kyiv’s legitimacy. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s powerful chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigned amid a major corruption scandal, pledging to move to the front lines. Peace negotiations advance around a refined US-backed plan excluding territorial concessions, while Russian drone and missile strikes caused casualties and damage in Kyiv.

Background & Context

The Russia Ukraine war continues to evolve as a multifaceted conflict involving territorial battles, persistent drone and missile strikes, and sophisticated hybrid warfare tactics such as espionage and sabotage. Western nations provide Ukraine with military and diplomatic support while navigating complex peace negotiations. Moscow maintains maximalist territorial demands and consistently denies the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government, employing propaganda to bolster its position. Meanwhile, neighboring countries including Poland, South Africa, and Jordan are grappling with spillover security challenges linked to recruitment and sabotage related to the conflict.

Diplomatic efforts have involved prisoner exchanges, mediated peace talks, and negotiations between the United States and Russia, yielding controversial peace proposals that lack consensus. European leaders emphasize the necessity of Ukraine’s direct involvement in any peace agreement and the respect for its sovereignty. The Ukrainian public remains resilient amidst ongoing attacks and governance challenges, while NATO members remain vigilant against hybrid threats. The international community remains divided on sanctions, military aid, and the future diplomatic resolution of this enduring Russia geopolitical conflict.

Key Developments & Timeline

The latter days of November 2025 continued to reflect the high intensity and complexity of the Russia Ukraine war, with escalating military operations, diplomatic challenges, and significant geopolitical repercussions. Below is a chronological overview of the key developments from November 27 to 29, 2025.

November 27-28, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated maximalist demands, insisting on Ukrainian troop withdrawals from occupied territories as a precondition for ceasefire. Russia claimed to have encircled 70% of the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Donbas, though Ukrainian forces continued fierce resistance.
November 28-29, 2025: Russia intensified drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, causing civilian casualties including children. Amid these pressures, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigned amid a corruption scandal but pledged to support frontline efforts directly.
November 29, 2025: Ukrainian and US delegations reported progress in refining the 28-point US-backed peace plan; however, European nations pushed back, emphasizing that the plan must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and reject land concessions. Zelenskyy’s negotiators excluded territorial concessions from their framework.
November 29, 2025: Polish authorities arrested Ukrainians and Belarusians accused of railway sabotage aiding the Russian military, while the UK Defence Secretary warned of ongoing Russian hybrid warfare threats, including laser attacks from the Russian spy ship Yantar targeting RAF aircraft over northern UK waters.
November 29, 2025: South Africa’s Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned amid investigations into her alleged role in recruiting fighters for Russia’s forces in Ukraine. Concurrently, Jordan condemned Russia’s recruitment of Jordanian nationals after two were killed fighting for Russia.
Ongoing: Russia continued employing sophisticated hybrid warfare tactics, including the use of a shadow fleet with false flag vessels to evade international sanctions while transporting oil valued in the billions. Additionally, Russia banned Human Rights Watch citing undesirable status, intensifying its clampdown on dissent.
Late November 2025: French Rafale jets were integrated into Ukraine’s defense capability through an international military aid deal. Meanwhile, Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea sustained attacks leading to fires and emergency rescue responses, further complicating the maritime security environment.
Additional Diplomatic Notes: Leaked recordings of US envoy Steve Witkoff’s calls, criticized as coaching Russia, sparked controversy, though defended by prominent US figures. Russian propaganda efforts also intensified domestically, portraying Putin in heroic roles to bolster morale amid the protracted conflict.

These developments underscore the persistent high threat level presented by Russian missile attacks, hybrid warfare, and geopolitical tensions amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a peace settlement. The fluid frontline battles in eastern Ukraine, combined with international diplomatic and military support for Kyiv, continue to shape the trajectory of the Russia geopolitical conflict.

Official Statements & Analysis

Recent remarks reflect an intensification of the Russia Ukraine war and the complex intertwining of military, political, and hybrid warfare dynamics. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his position, stating, “Ukrainian troops must withdraw or we will achieve this by force,” signaling that Moscow intends to continue operations until territorial conditions are met. Contrastingly, Ukrainian chief negotiator Andriy Yermak declared firmly, “No one should count on us giving up territory as long as Zelenskyy is president,” affirming Kyiv’s resolve to maintain sovereignty despite heavy fighting, including Russia’s claims of surrounding Pokrovsk. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized concerns over hybrid warfare, noting “Sabotage acts bear hallmark of Russian intelligence,” highlighting concerted Russian efforts to undermine logistical routes. UK Defence Secretary John Healey described Russian naval activities near UK waters as “deeply dangerous,” specifically warning about the spy ship Yantar, with the UK “ready” to respond militarily if provoked. Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. framed peace negotiation difficulties as “classic negotiation techniques,” suggesting critics seek to undermine deal-making efforts.

The evolving military conflict continues with Russian drone and missile strikes striking civilian targets in Kyiv, causing casualties and infrastructure damage, exacerbating humanitarian concerns amidst ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine. The exposure of hybrid threats such as sabotage and espionage, particularly near NATO borders, complicates security and logistics. Diplomatic efforts remain fragile, with a refined US-backed peace plan under debate but peace remaining elusive amid entrenched positions. The combination of direct military pressure, hybrid warfare tactics, and political maneuvering sustains high geopolitical volatility. Effective monitoring of these developments is vital for anticipating future shifts in Russia NATO tensions and potential risks of escalation or nuclear threat in this protracted Russia geopolitical conflict.

Conclusion

The Russia Ukraine war continues with intensified combat around strategic locations like Pokrovsk, alongside ongoing missile and drone attacks causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Despite a refined US-backed peace plan, deep political divisions and corruption scandals, including the resignation of Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, complicate diplomatic progress. Hybrid warfare tactics such as sabotage and espionage remain significant threats, as exemplified by recent arrests linked to railway attacks and warnings of Russian covert operations. Western military aid continues to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, yet the balance between advancing peace negotiations and preserving national sovereignty presents enduring challenges in this complex Russia geopolitical conflict.

Trail Cameras – Watch the perimeter passively — browse solar and night-vision trail cams.

Mini Liquor Bottles – Use booze as currency or morale boost — grab a stash of mini bottles.