Ukraine presses its high-risk, high-gain campaign against Russian energy and defense infrastructure across Russian-occupied territory with long-range drones and newly domestically manufactured missiles. This new military initiative is a direct response to quickly escalating tensions. Ukrainian forces have recently described in detail the devastating use of such attacks as Russia has used nearly 1,400 attack drones and 1,100 guided aerial bombs in just the last week.
In a recent media appearance, Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s Secretary of National Security and Defence Council, emphasized the importance of ongoing peace discussions. Following one round of discussions in Istanbul, Turkey, Umerov pointed to Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a ceasefire along existing frontlines. He further emphasized that as a condition of any agreement to end the war, Ukraine should be aiming to secure international security guarantees.
According to Ukrainian officials, Ukrainian forces carried out attacks on two sanctioned oil tankers in the Black Sea. They employed maritime drones to execute these attacks during the newest stage of hostilities. For instance, these vessels were accused of on-carrying Russian oil, showcasing Ukraine’s relentless pursuit perhaps most evident in targeting replenishing resources supporting its foe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shone a spotlight on the massive military campaign Russia has waged. He reiterated that Russia is employing massive amounts of air power to destroy Ukrainian fortifications. He underscored the severity of the attacks. He reiterated the acute need for a political resolution that ensures Ukraine returns to sovereignty, independence, and a prosperous state.
Umerov stressed that negotiations with international partners require constant dialogue with U.S. officials. He even called out Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff by name. Of course, the Ukrainian delegation is still working on their U.S.-backed plan that would definitely need more elaborative and in-depth analysis to limit its negative impacts.
“This isn’t an official one, but we do have the document. We haven’t discussed it with anyone yet because the points in it require truly serious analysis and discussion.” – Yuri Ushakov
Despite the ongoing dialogue, Ukraine remains firm in its stance against ceding any territory not already occupied by Russian forces. President Vladimir Putin has stated that the conflict will persist until “Ukrainian troops withdraw from the territories they occupy,” reinforcing the complexities surrounding peace negotiations.
Umerov stressed the necessity of creating “a pathway forward that leaves Ukraine sovereign, independent, and prosperous,” while acknowledging concerns about future aggression toward Ukraine.
The situation remains tense as Ukrainian servicemen engage Russian troops along the front lines, particularly near Pokrovsk in Donetsk. Recent missile and drone attacks on Kyiv caused devastating parking lot damage, with dozens of vehicles burned from a blast on November 29.
As peace negotiations begin, Ukraine’s European partners are starting to sound the alarm. They argue the initial plan tipped the scales in favor of Moscow and requires major revisions. Umerov echoed this sentiment, stating that these negotiations are crucial to guarantee a sustainable solution to the discord.
