A sweeping Russian attack has ensnared thousands of Ukrainian troops, escalating the war while a 28-point peace blueprint linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump advances. Satellite imagery and battlefield reports reveal that around 5,000 of Kyiv’s forces are now isolated near the Oskil River, as Moscow seizes ground in the Kharkiv region and moves toward Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukraine face mounting pressure over the proposed deal ahead of a looming deadline.
Russian Offensive Advances Amid Diplomatic Pressure
Russian units launched an intensified offensive across the Kharkiv front, cutting off Ukrainian forces near the Oskil River and encircling significant numbers of troops. At the same time, Moscow opened separate attacks toward Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, signaling a broader push to regain momentum.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin disparaged Ukraine’s government as an “organised criminal enterprise,” Western allies expressed alarm over the unexpected advance. The trapped Ukrainian units now face dwindling supply lines and a rapidly shifting front.
Peace Deal Under Fire: Leverage and Crisis
Simultaneously, former President Trump’s confidential 28-point peace plan—widely reported to grant Russia sweeping control over the Donbas and significant influence in Ukraine’s future—has entered the spotlight. Kyiv has been urged by Washington to sign off before November 27 to secure U.S. backing, but internal resistance remains high.
Critics argue the offer resembles coercion rather than genuine diplomacy, noting that Russia’s offensive seems timed to boost its negotiating position. As the battlefield situation deteriorates, Ukraine is under pressure on two fronts: militarily and politically.
What Comes Next — Risks and Reactions
With thousands of Ukrainian troops trapped and Ukrainian command under pressure, the immediate risk is a large-scale collapse or forced surrender along the Oskil River line. Should Moscow break through fully, this could shift the war’s trajectory.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Western partners face a dilemma: endorsing the peace plan could secure short-term relief, but may concede long-term sovereignty. For Russia, the combination of battlefield success and diplomatic leverage offers an opportunity to reshape the conflict on its terms. Kyiv must decide whether to fight or negotiate — and fast.
