THE DOWNTURN IN FIGHTING AND PRISONER EXCHANGES OFFER A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR DE-ESCLATION

The cold weather has come to Ukraine, which is a significant obstacle for any offensive operations for both of the warring sides. After the withdrawal of Russian units from the western bank of the Dnieper river in the Kherson region, the Ukrainian front lines have remained almost unchanged for the last two weeks. The Russian and Ukrainian military enjoy a certain lull in hostilities and are transferring units from Kherson to the Bakhmut, Severodonetsk, Donetsk and Ugledar sections. Meanwhile, in the Kherson region, fierce artillery duels continue along the Dnieper River. On November 21, a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group attempted an assault operation on the eastern bank near the village of Dneprovskoye. The Ukrainian group on boat was destroyed by Russian forces. Since then, the Ukrainian forces have not risked conducting any offensive operations in the region. In the Ugledar area, Ukrainian forces attempted to counterattack near the villages of Vladimirovka, Pavlovka and Vremevka. Offensive operations failed, and Ukrainian units were pushed back. Ugledar and Novomikhailivka remain under the control of the Ukrainian Army, where it continues to strengthen its positions, including at the expense of forces from the Kherson region. On the Donetsk front lines, Russian troops are storming the heavily fortified strongholds in Marinka. Fierce battles continue in the town. Also, Russian forces continue assault operations on another Ukrainian stronghold in Krasnogorovka. In turn, the Ukrainian Army attempted a counteroffensive on Opytne in order to stop the advance of Russian forces south of Avdiivka. Heavy positional fighting continues in Bakhmut and in its outskirts. Wagner fighters are seizing new facilities and have established control over a waste recycling plant on the southeastern outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, PMCs and DPR fighters are advancing along the entire front line to the south of Bakhmut. Russian troops attacked Ozaryanovka, Kurdyumovka, Andreevka and Kleshcheyevka in order to cut an important railway line in the area. Fighting continues for Belogorovka in the Lysychansk direction, Russian troops are holding control of the eastern outskirts of the village, while Ukrainian units defend their positions in its western part. While the belligerents are yet to claim any decisive successes on the front lines, they are celebrating their achievements to the rear. On November 24, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 50 prisoners of war. The day before, the parties exchanged 35 servicemen. The absence of large-scale offensive actions on the front lines and the increase in prisoner exchanges may indicate possible advances in the diplomatic processes between the belligerents.