Ukraine, Moscow: conquered Pokrovsk and Volchansk. Putin: 'Prepare to continue fighting'

Moscow forces captured the cities of Pokrovsk, in the Ukrainian Donetsk region, and Volchansk, in Kharkiv, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This was written by the Ria Novosti news agency.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the administration was "very optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement in Ukraine". "Yesterday's talks in Miami were very good," she added.

French President Emmanuel Macron 'spoke this afternoon with President Trump about the situation in Ukraine. And he reported on the discussions that took place in Paris during President Zelensky's visit", Elysée Palace sources reported. Macron and Trump 'talked about the conditions for a strong and lasting peace in Ukraine and the next steps in the mediation work the US is engaged in. The President of the Republic,' the sources continue, 'particularly emphasised the central dimension of the security guarantees necessary for Kiev and our determination to work on it with the United States'.

The UN found the ongoing talks for the solution of the Ukrainian conflict to be serious, but could not examine the peace plan, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

"The risks for Belgium" from the use of frozen Russian assets "are simple: if Russia takes us to court it will have every chance of winning and we will not be able to repay these 200 billion because they represent the equivalent of a year's federal budget. It would mean bankruptcy'. This was said by the Belgian Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, in an interview with RTL, pointing out that this is the 'great sword of Damocles hanging over Belgium's head'. 'We want to avoid violating international law not by relying on a judicial decision, but on political will,' he explained.

"The Russians do not want to stop despite the losses. And for Russia it is a question of territory, but it is a question that must be linked to security guarantees," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 'At the centre, there are people. And we must guarantee our citizens that the aggression will not be repeated. We,' Zelensky further said, 'must make sure that Russia does not get the impression that it is getting a reward for the war.

"The United States like Ukraine like all Europeans want peace. And that is the central goal of the negotiations that have been held over the last few weeks. But it is clear to all of us that when it comes to peace, everyone has to play their part. Russia, stop the aggression. has given no signal. Ukraine is the only one that can discuss territories, they are its own, recognised by international law, it is sovereign'. This was stated by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris at a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky. "When we talk about security guarantees, they cannot be decided or discussed without the Ukrainians being around the table and so for the Europeans and all the allies of the coalition of the volunteers because it is about the guarantors and it is about the security of Europe. When it comes to frozen Russian assets, the countries concerned and the EU must be around the table because they alone have the competence,' he concluded.

"There have been several rounds of talks, the last of which ended a few minutes ago. It is an ongoing process'. In any case, "our delegation will be in Ireland tomorrow and we will discuss this with the Russians, who will also receive the updated American plan. We will see where we stand after all this". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a press conference at the Elysée Palace after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, giving an update on the US peace plan negotiations.

"There are three sensitive issues concerning security guarantees," Zelensky revealed, adding, however, that "the plan is improving".

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "participated this afternoon in a telephone conversation with President Zelensky and other European leaders, to take stock after yesterday's meetings in Florida between the US and Ukrainian delegations on the path to peace in Ukraine". This was reported in a note from Palazzo Chigi, explaining that the Prime Minister 'commented with the other leaders on the results of this new phase of negotiations, stressing the constructive approach always shown by President Zelensky. She also reiterated the importance of the convergence of views between the European partners and the United States as a foundation for achieving a just and lasting peace'.

The 'territorial issue' will be 'the most difficult' in the peace talks. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaking at a press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée Palace.

It is a moment 'that could be decisive for the future of peace in Ukraine and security in Europe'. This was stated by French President Emmanuel Macron speaking at a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysée Palace.

Germany, together with Italy and other major EU partners, intends to prevent any attempt to divide Europe while Russian aggression against Ukraine continues. This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a press conference in Berlin with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. "No decisions on Ukraine and Europe without the Ukrainians and Europeans; no peace imposed over Ukraine's head; no weakness or division of the EU and NATO," Merz said, reiterating the principle agreed in talks with Kiev, Washington and European partners. The chancellor warned that 'the unity of Europe is also at stake in Ukraine'. Merz went on to emphasise the shared responsibility 'with France, the UK, Italy and other member states to ensure that nothing and no one succeeds in dividing Europeans'. "It is a responsibility that we intend to fully assume," he added.

The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, reportedly participated in a video conference with the French President, Emanuel Macron, and the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, who is in Paris.

Macron and Zelensky also heard from other European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as the heads of the EU institutions.

The Presidents of France and Ukraine Macron and Zelensky spoke "both and in succession" by video conference with "British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and then with several European leaders (Germany, Poland, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands), as well as with Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen and Mark Rutte". This is according to Elysée Palace sources. The discussions with the various leaders took place at the end of the foursome lunch - Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron with Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena.

"It is clear that Russia is not interested in peace. So we have to bring it into a position where they want to negotiate because now they believe they can outlast us: I see a lot of pressure on the victim, Ukraine, but no sacrifices are being asked of Russia, that we know of." This was said by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. "Moscow wants to negotiate with those who are ready to give them something, it is their interest, but it should not be ours," she added in response to questions whether Europe should not send its own Witkoff at this point.

Trump's US envoy Steve Witkoff has a new meeting with Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov in Florida. Sources close to the dossier tell Afp. "Umerov and Witkoff are meeting again right now" because "there are still some issues" to be discussed, it is reported. Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Umerov tomorrow in Ireland, while Witkoff is expected in Moscow the same day to meet Vladimir Putin.

Russia made its largest advance into Ukraine in a year in November. According to Afp's analysis of data provided by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), which collaborates with the Critical Threats Project (CTP), in November the Russian army made the largest advance on the Ukrainian front in a year. In one month, Russia captured 701 km² from the Ukrainians, the second largest advance after November 2024 (725 km²), excluding the first months of the war in the spring of 2022, when the front line was very mobile.

'The work for peace continues'. This was written on X by French President Emmanuel Macron, commenting on a picture of him at the Elysée together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was visiting Paris today.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure over the weekend, in particular an attack on an oil terminal owned by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (Cpc) and another that targeted two oil tankers in Turkish waters. Peskov called both incidents 'outrageous'. According to a statement by the terminal owner Cpc, a major oil terminal near the port of Novorossiysk halted operations on Saturday after an attack by unmanned vessels damaged one of its three berths. This came a day after Ukrainian naval drones struck two oil tankers in the Black Sea that were reportedly part of Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' evading sanctions.

French President Emmanuel Macron will ask Chinese leader Xi Jinping to 'press' Russia for a ceasefire in Ukraine. This was reported by Bfmtv, quoting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking on France Culture this morning: 'We are counting on China, as we are a permanent member of the Security Council, to press Russia' so that Moscow and in particular Vladimir Putin 'can finally decide to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine'.

"We consider Giuseppe Cavo Dragone's statement on potential pre-emptive strikes against Russia to be an extremely irresponsible step, which demonstrates the alliance's willingness to continue moving towards escalation," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement, referring to the interview in the Financial Times of Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of the Atlantic Alliance's military committee. Tass reports. "We view the statement as a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts to find a way out of the Ukrainian crisis," he added.

La portavoce del Ministero degli Esteri russo Maria Zakharova - EPA/RAMIL SITDIKOV/REUTERS / POOL / POOL

The European Commission will present 'in the coming days', the proposal on the Repair Loan for Ukraine. "The answer I gave last Friday still stands, when I said 'in the coming days'. I think the next few days are approaching: in the next few days imminent." This was said by EU Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho when asked about the issue during the daily press briefing.

For the German government there is no 'Plan B' regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. This was explained at a press conference by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, stating that 'the federal government is so convinced of Plan A that it wants to pursue it for the time being without an alternative'. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever wrote a letter to the European Commission arguing that the immediate use of frozen Russian assets would expose the Union to legal risks and deprive Brussels of leverage in future negotiations with Moscow. For now, there have been no contacts on the subject with the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. "At the moment such talks have not taken place. We have taken note of the Belgian prime minister's letter. We do not comment on it now. We know Belgium's position and we follow and support the talks that the Commission is conducting, also with the Belgian government, to clarify these concerns,' the spokesman explained.

The death toll of the Russian missile attack on Dnipro in east-central Ukraine has risen to four dead and 22 wounded. This was reported on Telegram by Vladyslav Haivanenko, the regional governor, reporting damage to civilian buildings.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the Elysée Palace in Paris. He was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron with a warm embrace in the Elysée Palace courtyard and then the two entered the palace for a bilateral meeting.

Russia is 'interested in the success' of the peace negotiations for Ukraine, and for this reason does not intend to conduct 'any discussions through the media'. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this on the eve of a meeting in Moscow between President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff. "We have already said that for the success of the process, and we are interested in the success, we do not intend to conduct it in megaphone mode, and we do not intend to conduct any discussion through the media," Peskov said, quoted by the Interfax news agency, responding in particular to a question about what the 'Trump plan' envisages for the use of Russian capital frozen in the West.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation today with Finland's President Alexander Stubb, during which the parties discussed the diplomatic route and coordinated efforts in negotiations with European partners.

"I spoke with the president of Finland today - we continue to coordinate with Alex," Zelensky wrote.

Russian forces have extended their control over the village of Klinovye in the Donbass region, the Russian Defence Ministry announced today. "Units of the Southern Troops Group penetrated enemy defences and liberated the village of Klinovye, in the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry statement read. The village of Klinovye, whose population was less than 1,000 according to the 2001 census, is located less than 10 kilometres southeast of the town of Bakhmut.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin tomorrow in Dublin.

According to reports from the British broadcaster BBC, President Zelensky will also meet the newly installed Irish President Catherine Connolly for a 'courtesy visit', the Irish government said.

The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the US envoy Steve Witkoff in Russia is scheduled for tomorrow local afternoon. This was told to reporters by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, according to Russian news agencies. "Yes, indeed a meeting with Whitkoff is scheduled for tomorrow," Peskov said, adding that "the president will also hold several private meetings today in preparation for the Russian-American contacts tomorrow."

Nato is considering being 'more aggressive' in its response to cyber attacks, sabotage and violations of Russian airspace. This was said by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of the Atlantic Alliance's military committee in an interview with Ft. 'We are studying everything,' he said, 'on the cyber front, we are in a sense reactive. Being more aggressive or proactive instead of reactive is something we are thinking about." Dragone said that a 'pre-emptive attack' could be considered 'defensive action', but warned: 'It is further from our normal way of thinking.

"We must continue to put Ukraine in a strong position. This means allowing it to defend itself, first of all by guaranteeing ammunition and adequate financial instruments. The European Union has a very clear common position: no decision on Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine'. This was said by German Defence Undersecretary Sebastian Hartmann on his arrival at the EU Defence Council, pointing out that the security of Kiev is an integral part of the European security architecture and the NATO structure. The undersecretary emphasised the absence of any willingness to negotiate on the part of Russia: "Moscow is intensifying its attacks against civil and energy infrastructure. That is why we must do everything necessary to strengthen Ukrainian air defence and ensure ammunition stocks'. Berlin, he added, has just increased its military aid package by EUR 3 billion, bringing the total to EUR 11.5 billion. 'Ukraine can count on Germany and Europe'. Hartmann called the European Commission's work to activate loan mechanisms for reconstruction that also include the use of frozen Russian funds 'an important signal': 'We are in an exceptional situation because of the Russian war of aggression. Everything that can be done, within the law, must be done'. On the European defence front, the undersecretary referred to the need to increase joint capabilities, production and acquisitions: 'We want to buy more, faster and focus on the technologies of the future. With EUR 108 billion invested, Germany is reaching the highest level of defence spending ever'. One example cited is Military Mobility, the programme that enables the rapid movement of troops and vehicles across Europe: 'It is crucial for deterrence. With our partners we will be able to transfer forces from the Netherlands, via Germany, to the north-eastern border'. As for possible negotiations, Hartmann reiterated that 'only a position of strength can lead to a just peace'. US assistance remains decisive, in particular for air defence and rapid equipment deliveries: 'The US supports us with effective mechanisms that accelerate transfers. All this shows that we do our utmost, together, to defend Ukraine. Now it is Russia that has to show that it really wants to negotiate'.

"Looking at the whole, European countries like the Netherlands are intensifying their efforts, but overall it is not enough. And that is why we must use the frozen assets to ensure that Ukraine not only receives sufficient support now, but also in the years to come. Because if Putin feels that support for Ukraine is dwindling and that he is gaining ground every day, then he will continue his aggression. The only way to change his calculations is to ensure solid and lasting support for Ukraine. We can do this on the one hand with bilateral support, but we also need frozen assets'. Says the Defence Minister of the Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans, arriving at the Defence Council in Brussels. "As far as negotiations are concerned, it is obviously very important to put more pressure on Russia, for example by using frozen assets, but also through sanctions because the only way to get the concessions we need from Russia is to increase the pressure on them. And I think this is very important. I think the positive aspect of the last week is that Europe was able to sit at the negotiating table, also to raise the points that are crucial for us, and that we are now an integral part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts,' he adds.

"It is clear that Russia does not want peace, so we have to make Ukraine as strong as possible to defend itself at this very difficult time. This could be a crucial week for diplomacy. Yesterday we heard that the talks in America were difficult but productive. We don't know the results yet, but today I will talk to the defence minister and the foreign minister of Ukraine'. Says EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas arriving at the Defence Council.

Talks to achieve peace in Ukraine 'will not take place without' the Europeans, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot assured today, stressing that Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Paris 'is no accident'.

"We spared no effort to ensure that everything was done in the interest of peace for Ukraine and security for Europe," Barrot told France Culture radio, recalling that "we achieved on the one hand that everything concerning the Europeans was removed, and we also achieved that the United States, for the first time, clearly expressed its intention to work with us on the preparation of what are called security guarantees, i.e. the military elements that will allow, once peace is achieved, to avoid any new aggression" against Ukraine.

After the earthquake over the ouster of the powerful Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet chosen his next head of the presidential office and is not expected to do so until Wednesday, when he returns from his trip abroad. According to media reports in Kiev, there are five top candidates to fill the important role: Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kirill Budanov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Pavlo Palisa. Also in the running is First Deputy Foreign Minister Serghei Kyslytsa, who is currently engaged in negotiations with the United States.

Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council and head of the Ukrainian delegation that was in Florida yesterday, will travel from the US to Paris, where he will meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and report to him on the results of the talks with the US on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. Yesterday Umerov participated in talks in Miami between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Also according to Axios, Witkoff will in turn leave today for Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin tomorrow. According to the US media, which quotes two Ukrainian officials briefed on the negotiations, yesterday negotiations between the US and Ukraine focused on defining the de facto border with Russia under a peace agreement. The two Ukrainian officials described the five-hour meeting as "difficult" and "intense", but productive. Russian President Putin, who is scheduled to meet President Trump's envoy tomorrow, insists that Russia will not rest until it is in control of the entire Donbass region in eastern Ukraine.

"We must remember that for 1,300 days, between 1,200 and 1,500 Russians and Ukrainians have been dying in the war every day. That is why all of us cannot but want an immediate end to it. The whole West, the whole world now wants a peace, a truce, it is up to Russia to come up with the conditions for this to happen. Russia knows what the red lines are that Ukraine cannot be asked to cross. Putin knows them perfectly well. And he knows perfectly well what Ukraine cannot surrender'. Thus Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in an interview with Corriere della Sera. "Ukraine first lost Crimea, now three provinces, and next time? We must be certain that this is the last time Russia tries to destroy Ukraine. We are all working on it. But for the end you have to be two, to want peace you have to be two - he added - Can the Trump plan work? I have heard a lot of criticism, I myself have made some. The theme is that you always start with something. So the good part is that someone decided to try to discuss a proposal. Now it has to be changed, it has to be made acceptable by Ukraine in the first place. But we have to do it at all costs. Like peace in Gaza."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be in Paris today, where he will meet with Elysée chief Emmanuel Macron and where he will be joined by the head of the Kiev delegation Rustem Umerov arriving from Miami, who will update him in detail on the outcome of yesterday's negotiations. Meanwhile, also today, US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff will fly to Moscow, where he is scheduled to meet with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin tomorrow, US officials told several US media outlets. Trump confirmed Witkoff's trip to Russia without specifying the date. Accompanied by his wife, Olena Zelenska, the Ukrainian president will be received this morning at the Elysée Palace by Macron for what will be Zelensky's tenth visit to France since the outbreak of war on 24 February 2022. According to the French presidency, Macron and Zelensky will 'discuss the situation and the conditions for a just and lasting peace, based on the Geneva talks and the American plan, and in close consultation with our European partners'. They will also review the work done on security guarantees within the framework of the Coalition of Volunteers, reports Bfmtv.

- Negotiations between the US and Ukraine held yesterday in Florida on the plan to end the conflict focused on defining the de facto border with Russia. Two Ukrainian officials told Axios, describing the five-hour meeting between US negotiators and the Ukrainian delegation as "difficult" and "intense", but fruitful.

According to the sources' account, after an hour-long extended meeting, the meeting saw three officials on each side engaged in discussing mainly the line of territorial control: on the American side, envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump's advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner; on the Ukrainian side, Secretary of the National Security Council Rustem Umerov, Chief of Staff General Andrii Hnatov, and Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence Vadym Skibitskyi.

President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow on Monday, a US official said, as Washington pushes for an end to Russia's war with neighbouring Ukraine. News of Witkoff's visit, scheduled for Tuesday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, follows talks today in Florida between senior Trump administration officials and a Ukrainian delegation.

"I think there is a good chance of reaching an agreement" to end the Russian war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump said this while responding to reporters aboard Air Force One about talks between US and Ukrainian officials in South Florida. Trump, who said he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, stressed, as reported by CNN, that the talks "are going well. We want to prevent people from being killed." "Ukraine has some difficult problems, but I think Russia would like to see them resolved," the US president added. Pressed for clarity on these 'difficult problems', the president pointed to an 'ongoing situation of corruption, which is not helpful'. But, he emphasised, "I think there is a good chance of reaching an agreement".

The total combat losses of Russian forces in the war against Ukraine from 24 February 2022 to 1 December 2025 amount to approximately 1,173,920 men, of which 1,060 were lost on the last day. Ukrinform reports this figure citing a post by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook. As reported by Ukrinform, as of 22:00 on 30 November, 155 clashes occurred between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Russian invaders along the front line, more than a third of them in the Pokrovsk sector.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue during the negotiations between the Ukrainian and US delegations in Florida on Sunday, according to Ukrinform, which quotes a message from the president on his Telegram account. "Today, following the work of the teams in the US, the head of the Ukrainian delegation Rustem Umerov reported on the main parameters of the dialogue, its highlights and some preliminary results," Zelensky wrote. For the Ukrainian president, 'it is important that the talks were constructive and that all issues addressed during the meetings were discussed openly and with the aim of ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and national interests'. Zelensky went on to express "gratitude to the United States, Trump's team and the President of the United States personally for the time invested so intensively in defining the steps to end the war". "We will continue to work," he added, ". I look forward to receiving a full report from our team during a personal meeting," he added. As Ukrinform reported, the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Rustem Umerov, said that the talks in Florida had led to significant progress towards achieving a just peace and bringing the positions of Ukraine and the US closer together.

Vilnius airport has again suspended flights after balloon sightings, according to The Kyiv Independent on its Telegram channel. The incident marks a further disruption of flights in Lithuania, which has faced repeated stoppages in recent months for this reason. Lithuanian authorities have extended the latest airspace restrictions until 5am local time on 1 December.