Conflict Maps of the 2024 Ukrainian War in November
The war in Ukraine, now in its third year, continues to rage on with no end in sight. The conflict, marked by ongoing combat, territorial shifts, and persistent drone attacks from both sides, remains intense as of mid-August 2025.
Territorial Control and Recent Battles
Russian advances have been slow but steady, with incremental territorial gains in eastern and northern Ukraine. Cities like Chasiv Yar in Donetsk have fallen to Russian forces, and Russia is closing in on strategic locations such as Kupiansk in Kharkiv. However, Ukrainian defenses have effectively stalled many Russian offensives, particularly in the east, using improved drone tactics and layered defense systems.
Ukraine's counteroffensives include persistent and limited incursions into Russian territory, notably the Kursk Offensive in 2024 and subsequent operations into Belgorod and Kursk oblasts. While these incursions have drawn significant Russian troop commitments, including reinforcements from North Korean forces, they have been limited in scope and success.
Drone Attacks
Both sides maintain high drone activity, marking a shift toward more technology-driven warfare. Ukraine conducts a robust long-range drone campaign targeting Russian military infrastructure, disrupting Russian logistics and manufacturing capacity. Russia, in response, has increased its drone and missile attacks within Ukrainian territory, aiming to weaken Ukrainian defenses and morale.
Political Context and Peace Talks
Kremlin officials maintain an uncompromising stance, committed to full war aims despite economic sanctions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has indicated interest in facilitating peace talks that might see some Ukrainian territory returned as part of negotiations, highlighting ongoing diplomatic maneuvers. Russia is also reportedly preparing to renege on any peace deals if they do not serve its goals, while exploring arms control talks with the US which may indirectly affect the conflict dynamics.
Recent developments include Russia's advance towards Pokrovsk and Kurajovo, both located in Donetsk, and Ukraine's reported attack on a fuel depot in the southern Russian region of Stavropol. On November 15th, Russia launched an attack with missiles and drones against the city of Odesa. Russia has also reportedly recovered territory in the main Ukrainian salient of Kursk, the Russian border region.
The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians, with eight deaths reported after an attack with five aerial bombs against the city of Zaporizhzhia on November 8th. A new Russian drone attack in the Sumy region left at least two dead and twelve injured on November 22nd.
In summary, the war is in a protracted phase of attrition with slow territorial changes, intense drone warfare, and political efforts at peace that remain fragile and unresolved. Russian forces maintain steady pressure but have been unable to decisively defeat Ukrainian defenses, while Ukraine applies constant offensive and disruptive operations. The conflict shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
[1] Institute for the Study of War (ISW) [2] The New York Times [3] BBC News [4] The Washington Post [5] CNN
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, particularly the one in Ukraine, has been politically charged, with Kremlin officials maintaining an unyielding stance and US President Donald Trump showing interest in peace talks.
- Amidst territorial control struggles and persistent combat, both Ukraine and Russia are intensifying their use of technology in warfare, with drone attacks becoming a significant component of the conflict.
