Published November 11, 2025
last updated November 11, 2025
Moscow is increasing pressure at several key points along the eastern front. Overnight drone strikes also hit energy and transport infrastructure in Odesa. DW reports the latest.
What you need to know
Despite Russian claims of ground gains, Kyiv says the strategically important crossroads town of Pokrovsk remains under Ukrainian control. Odesa suffered a wave of drone attacks overnight that damaged energy and transport facilities. Below are the main developments from Russia’s war in Ukraine on Tuesday, November 11.
Justice minister’s home searched in corruption probe
The home of Ukraine’s Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko was searched as part of a broad corruption investigation into state nuclear firm Energoatom. Halushchenko, a former energy minister, said he is fully cooperating with investigators. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) say they are probing allegations that around $100 million (€86 million) was laundered in bribes linked to Energoatom. Authorities reported at least five arrests in the case; at least one suspect is said to have close ties to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from before his political career.
Kremlin denies reports Lavrov is no longer top diplomat
Moscow rejected Western media reports that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has fallen from favor after a public absence. Reports suggested Lavrov’s position was undermined following a poor call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that affected plans for a possible summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Lavrov has not appeared publicly since October and was missing from a televised meeting of senior officials and from Russia’s G20 delegation announcements. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports as “absolutely false,” saying Lavrov will appear at appropriate public events. Lavrov has led the foreign ministry for 21 years.
Odesa suffers drone attack
Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said a Russian drone strike damaged energy and transport infrastructure in Odesa, injuring at least one person and causing fires at multiple energy sites. Critical infrastructure is operating on backup generators and emergency centers have been activated. Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy hubs ahead of winter. The attacks on Odesa were part of a large wave of strikes: the Ukrainian military reported that at least 400 drones were intercepted overnight.
Ukraine says 300 Russian troops now in Pokrovsk
President Zelenskyy has said Pokrovsk remains under Ukrainian control, but Russian forces have intensified operations around the largely ruined former rail hub. Ukrainian officials said Russian units attempted to enter the town in light vehicles but were pushed back. Kyiv’s military estimated about 300 Russian soldiers are now in Pokrovsk and attempting to reach northern sectors to encircle defenders. Russia has sought Pokrovsk for more than a year because the town sits at a strategic crossroads that would help push deeper into Donetsk. If captured, its fall would represent a significant gain for Moscow, comparable to the loss of Avdiivka in February 2024. Russia’s Defense Ministry also claimed its forces now fully control eastern Kupiansk in Kharkiv region.
Welcome to our coverage
Today’s reporting covers Russian claims of advances in eastern Ukraine and major drone strikes on Odesa’s infrastructure ahead of the winter months. Follow for further updates and analysis on the conflict.
