File image.
The Russian military has defeated and besieged Kiev forces with Stepnogorsk in Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine defenses collapsed to the north of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk. Meanwhile, peace talks shift to Russia as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims “tough issues” need to be worked out.
Stepnogorsk Direction
The 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment of the Russian military’s Vostok [East] Group of Forces has overrun the defenses of Kiev forces all around Stepnogorsk close to the Dnieper River, besieging the remaining troops in the center of the large settlement.
The besieged troops are reported to be holding up in several high-rise buildings, thus the battle there could go on for a while.
Recent footage from this direction indicates that besieged Ukrainian troops are under intense strikes from both air and ground.
Once Stepnogorsk is secured, Russian paratroops will likely shift attention to Prymorske along the bank of the Dnieper. Half of the large settlement is already under control.
Huliapole Direction
The Vostok Group of Forces has expanded its control along the eastern and northeastern outskirts of Huliapole. To the north of the city, along the Haichur River, most of Dobropillia has been captured by Russian troops. Advance towards Varvarivka, which is located between Dobropillia and Huliapole, is also underway. Troops have already captured much of the territory to the east of the Dobropillia-Varvarivka line.
Russian drone units continue to pose a major problem for Kiev forces in this direction, targeting everything in Huliapole and nearby areas, from troops to vehicles and positions.
Porovsk Direction
The Russian military’s Tsentr [Center] Group of Forces maintained control over most of Pokrovsk in Donetsk and Ukrainian counterattacks decreased.
To the east of Pokrovsk, Russian troops continued to advance slowly, but surely, in Myrnohrad, also known as Dimitrov. More of the Ukrainian troops besieged there are surrendering everyday.
The most notable gains took place, however, to the west of Pokrovsk. The troops expanded control along the southern entrance of Hryshyne to the northwest of the city. And further to the west, a large area to the north of Udachne has been secured.
Kostiantynivka Direction
The Russian military’s Yug [South] Group of Forces broke through Ukrainian defenses to the north of Kostiantynivka and captured Klinovoye. The settlement is located just four kilometers to the east of the main road leading to the northern entrance of the city.
The capture of the settlement puts the road, which leads to Kramatorsk, under direct threat. The small city is a key logistics hub for Kiev forces.
It’s worth noting that in recent weeks, Russian troops increased pressure on Ukrainian troops to the south of Kostiantynivka by clearing Ivanopillya and expanded their control up to the southern entrance of the city.
Siversk Direction
The Yug Group of Forces is reported to be engaged in a fierce battle with Kiev forces at the center of Siversk. Advance in the southwestern part of the city was also reported, indicating the beginning of a Ukrainian collapse.
More importantly, it was reported that Russian troops have reached the outskirts of Sviato-Pokrovske, located a few kilometers to the southwest of Siversk.
The settlement is located right on the last road leading to Siversk. Once captured, Ukrainian troops in the city will be left with supply routes.
Krasny Liman Direction
The Russian military’s Zapad [West] Group of Forces has been expanding its control to the south of the city with much success.
Russian troops have reportedly captured most of the eastern part of Dibrova, securing more than 2,4 square kilometers inside and near the settlement. Russian troops also advanced in the eastern outskirts of Krasny Liman, capturing at least 12,8 square kilometers.
From Dibrova, Russian troops could directly attack the road linking Krasny liman with Raihorodok, another logistics hub of Kiev forces, to the west.
Volchansk Direction
The Sever [North] Group of Forces of the Russian military is advancing a steady pace in Volchansk and nearby areas in Kharkiv.
Russian troops have expanded their control in the southern and southwestern parts of the large settlement. Ukrainian troops now barely have a presence there. Of course this success has been enabled by relentless strikes from the air and the ground, with Russian drone units playing a key role.
In addition, the troops stormed Vilcha to the south of Volchansk, and managed to capture most of the northern part of the settlement. An area with the size of 6,4 kilometers has been secured between the two settlements.
Conclusion
On December 1, the Russian military made notable gains in nearly all directions. In Zaporozhye, Ukraine is heading towards a defeat in Stepnogorsk. The situation around Huliapole is also deteriorating very fast for Kiev forces, especially along the Haichur. Stopping the collapse in this direction seems impossible.
Meanwhile in Donetsk, Kiev seems to have finally given up on Pokrovsk and nearby areas, at least militarily. The battles in Kostiantynivka and Krasny Liman appear to be heading in a similar direction, and both cities could be captured by the Russian military within a few months. The collapse of Ukrainian defenses in Siversk is way worse, and the fate of the city will likely be sealed by the Russian military before the end of the year.
In Kharkiv, Volchansk is now the most active front. Despite denying the loss of Kupyansk, Ukrainian attempts to counterattack near the city decreased.
On the political front, Zelensky on December 1 said there are still “some tough issues” to be worked through with the United States, following talks in Florida over the weekend on the proposed peace plan.
Security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial concessions are reportedly the major sticking points of any deal. Russia is calling for Ukraine to hand over the remaining territories of the Donbass as a starting point of any ceasefire. Kiev is already losing these territories, but has so far declined to accept this term.
All eyes are now moving towards Russia. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to arrive in Moscow on December 1 and is due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for discussions on a proposed peace plan. Moscow will not likely back down from its main objective, especially when it comes to Donbass.
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it makes no sense at all . it’s ridiculous in fact . everyone promoting it is dubious imo .
to the west , the east ,the north ,the south all sounds so logistical what a load of it .