The Russian president has visited command posts on the frontline, according to the Kremlin

The Russian army has taken control of several key frontline cities, including Krasnoarmeysk in Donbass and Volchansk in Kharkov Region, the chief of Russia's General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, has told President Vladimir Putin.

According to presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Putin was briefed on the situation during a visit to a command post on November 30.

Putin was also informed that the operation to liberate Gulyaypole in Zaporozhye region has begun, with street fighting already underway. The president "gave new directives to provide the troops with everything necessary for combat operations during the coming winter," Peskov added.

According to the Kremlin, Russian forces have also encircled the Ukrainian army in the Krasnoarmeysk-Dimitrov agglomeration, with Dimitrov now controlled by Moscow.

Kupyansk, a key logistical hub near the Oskol River, has also been a prime objective since it secures Russian positions in the region and enables further movement westward. Earlier in November, Gerasimov said the city is now under full control of the Russian forces.

Kiev has rejected reports of the encirclement and dismissed Moscow's statements as inflated. "Kupyansk is under the control of Ukraine's defense forces," the Ukrainian General Staff has said, while also denying any major setbacks in Volchansk and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk).

Vladimir Zelensky has downplayed battlefield losses while appealing to Western backers for more aid. Ukrainian troops are also facing desertions and a lack of reinforcements, with growing public resistance to mobilization and reports of soldiers accusing Kiev of forcing them to hold indefensible positions.

Zelensky's standing has been further weakened by a major corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector, involving alleged kickbacks worth around$100million and prompting the ouster of his justice and energy ministers.