Zelenskyy’s potential refusal to cede territory in Donetsk, supposedly for a “special economic zone,” raises some serious red flags, and I can certainly see why Kyiv might be reluctant. The whole idea smells fishy, frankly.
The core issue is this: the US, potentially under a new administration, is suggesting that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the areas they currently control in Donetsk. The carrot offered is a vague “special economic zone.” The stick? Well, it seems to be the potential loss of US support. And if you ask me, that’s a bad trade. Why would Ukraine give up strategically vital defensive positions for something so nebulous, especially when Russia is involved?… Continue reading
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clarified that the suggestion of Ukraine ceding Donetsk Oblast originated from Russia, not the United States. During a press briefing, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia was the source of this idea, while Ukraine is focused on defending its territories. He also stated that Ukraine, Europe, and the United States are working on three documents to form the basis of a peace settlement, with Ukrainian and European proposals already prepared to be presented to the U.S.
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On November 23rd, Ukrainian forces reported ongoing efforts to clear central Pokrovsk of Russian soldiers, with firefights continuing but the enemy failing to establish a foothold. The Airborne Assault Forces stated they are containing Russian forces and conducting search and destroy operations, while also claiming to have killed 388 Russian soldiers and wounded 87 since the beginning of November. Recent clearing operations by the Skala Separate Assault Battalion have targeted areas like the railway station and Pokrovsk Pedagogical College. The city of Pokrovsk, a critical logistical hub in Donetsk Oblast, has seen intense fighting, and its potential loss could offer Russia logistical advantages.
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According to the 7th Corps of Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, Ukrainian forces have cleared the center of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast of Russian troops, including areas near the railway station, Pokrovsk Pedagogical College, and Sobornyi Square. This action has effectively blocked Russia’s attempts to consolidate forces within the city. Fierce firefights continue, with Ukrainian forces preventing the enemy from gaining a foothold and executing search-and-strike missions. Since early November, Ukrainian forces have reportedly eliminated 388 Russian soldiers in the Pokrovsk area.
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Fighting in the Pokrovsk area of the Donetsk region is intense, with Ukrainian forces repelling numerous Russian attacks throughout the day. Ukrainian troops have engaged in building-by-building combat within Pokrovsk, working to detect and eliminate enemy forces attempting to advance into the city’s outskirts. Despite logistical challenges, Ukrainian forces are holding their positions and preventing the enemy from securing the outskirts of the city. While acknowledging the difficult situation, the Armed Forces are focused on blocking Russian logistics and disrupting reinforcements in an effort to push the invaders out.
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Ukrainian forces successfully destroyed a major Shahed drone storage and launch base located at the Donetsk airport, as reported by Commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi. The operation, a coordinated effort involving Special Operations Forces, missile troops, artillery, and the 414th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems, followed months of detailed reconnaissance. The strikes resulted in multiple explosions and secondary detonations, completely destroying ammunition depots, fuel storage, and a UAV processing facility, while also damaging power and communication infrastructure. This targeted attack is part of a larger campaign that has already significantly reduced the number of Shahed drone launches against Ukraine by disrupting production and storage facilities.
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Russian forces are reportedly aiming to encircle the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, deploying approximately 11,000 troops for this operation, according to Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps. These Russian forces are attempting to advance northwest and north of Pokrovsk, with reported enemy groups already infiltrating the city. Within the 7th Corps’ area, Russia has amassed significant military assets, including around 27,000 personnel, 100 tanks, and 260 armored vehicles. Ukrainian defenders have been actively engaging the enemy, inflicting casualties and destroying equipment while continuing their defensive operations.
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On October 23, the Ukrainian military released footage purportedly showing a Russian FPV drone targeting Ukrainian farmers in Donetsk Oblast, with the 12th Brigade Azov describing it as a “safari” of civilians. The video depicts farmers fleeing agricultural equipment as the drone approaches and crashes into a vehicle. This alleged incident adds to the list of reported war crimes. Additionally, reports indicate Russian soldiers killed at least four civilians sheltering in a basement in Zvanivka, Donetsk Oblast, after attempting to obtain information about Ukrainian positions.
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On October 26, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces announced the liberation of Kucheriv Yar and Sukhetske in Donetsk Oblast, approximately 30 kilometers north of Pokrovsk, over the past ten days. This follows a period of intense fighting and a rapid Russian advance in August, during which Ukrainian forces have since recaptured nine villages. Despite these Ukrainian gains, Russian forces continue offensives, having entered Pokrovsk and accumulated troops there, with reports of ongoing battles within the city. The 7th Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces confirmed Russian penetration to the railway as of October 20.
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During a phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly demanded Ukraine cede full control of the strategically important Donetsk region to end the ongoing war. This condition was relayed to President Donald Trump by Putin, according to sources familiar with their conversation. The demand underscores Russia’s continued focus on territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. The call highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the potential obstacles to peace negotiations.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker