Russia occupied 150 sq. km in Donetsk Oblast over the past week

Russian forces have occupied approximately 150 square kilometers in Donetsk Oblast over the past week, according to recent intelligence reports.

Colonel Ants Kiviselg, Head of the Estonian Defence Forces Intelligence Centre, indicated that Russian troops are advancing steadily in Donetsk Oblast, retaining control over the entire front line and forcing Ukrainian forces into a gradual retreat.

Russian forces have reportedly made the most progress in Donetsk, capturing areas around Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, Vuhledar, and Velyka Novosilka, seizing an additional 150 square kilometers over the past week.

Additionally, there are indications that Russia might be preparing for ground offensives in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Reports suggest that the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, based in Pskov, may be mobilized for these upcoming assaults, with the aim of capturing new territory and further engaging Ukrainian forces in the area.

Kiviselg also mentioned the possibility of a Russian breakthrough in the Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, or Vuhledar regions before the end of the year.

Putin is not interested in negotiations with Kyiv, he strives to destroy Ukrainian statehood

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have observed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin remains steadfastly opposed to a negotiated ceasefire, signaling a persistent commitment to dismantling Ukraine's statehood.

In early October 2024, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić reportedly discussed the possibility of a ceasefire with Putin, marking their first conversation in two and a half years. Vučić raised the topic of ending hostilities in Ukraine, but Putin reiterated Russia’s intent to achieve all its objectives under the “special military operation,” a term used by Russian authorities to describe the war against Ukraine. According to ISW analysts, these objectives effectively aim at undermining Ukraine's statehood and government.

Analysts further noted that Putin had previously dismissed the prospect of a ceasefire during a press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on July 5, arguing that a pause in fighting would allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm.

The Russian army captured important logistics centers in eastern Ukraine

Bloomberg reports that Russian forces captured the town of Selydove this week, and that Pokrovsk and Kurakhove are among their next targets.

Both cities are important logistical centers for Ukraine's defense in the Donetsk region. If these cities fall into Putin's hands, it will be another milestone on his path to taking over the entire industrial east of Ukraine.

Over 45 countries pledged support at the Montreal conference for the total return of Ukrainians captured and deported to Russia

Following the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of the Peace Formula in Montreal, over 45 countries signed a pledge on October 31 to support the return of all Ukrainian captives and deportees held by Russia.

Centered on the fourth point of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, the conference in Montreal gathered representatives from approximately 70 countries and international organizations. The signed pledge outlines shared principles among participants, strongly backs Ukraine's success, and condemns any nation assisting Russian aggression.

Key agreements involve strengthening Ukraine’s collaboration with international partners to address humanitarian concerns and uphold the Geneva Conventions. The signatories also committed to identifying trusted states to mediate negotiations for the return of Ukrainian military personnel, civilians, and children.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the conference’s tangible results, particularly commitments by specific countries to aid in returning children. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly noted pledges from Qatar, the Vatican, South Africa, Lithuania, and the UAE to assist in the return of deported individuals.

A coalition will be established to gather information on captured Ukrainians and verify their identities. Conference participants further committed to supporting Ukraine in reintegrating those who return and to raising awareness of Russia's unlawful detentions and deportations.

Russian authorities, with the involvement of collaborators, have unlawfully deported thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia. At least 19,500 children have been confirmed as abducted since Russia’s full-scale invasion, with fewer than 400 of them having been returned home, according to the Children of War database.

Russia also detains thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war, of whom 3,672 have been successfully returned. United Nations reports describe widespread and systematic torture of Ukrainian POWs, with detention conditions labeled as “shocking.” Some Ukrainian POWs have died in captivity from injuries such as "blunt force trauma."