Published November 11, 2025
last updated November 11, 2025
Moscow has stepped up operations at several points along the eastern front, while overnight drone attacks struck energy and transport facilities in Odesa. Below are the main developments from Tuesday, November 11.
Key points
– Kyiv says Pokrovsk remains under Ukrainian control despite an increased Russian presence around the town. Ukrainian commanders report repelling attempts by light-vehicle units to enter the town. Kyiv estimates roughly 300 Russian troops are operating in the area and trying to push into northern sectors to encircle defenders.
– Odesa was hit by a wave of drone strikes that damaged energy and transport infrastructure, injured at least one person and caused multiple fires. Officials say critical services are running on backup power and emergency response centers are active.
– Ukraine’s justice minister was the subject of a search linked to a wide corruption probe into state nuclear company Energoatom; investigators allege large-scale bribery and money laundering.
– Moscow dismissed media claims that long-serving Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has fallen from favor after an extended absence from public events.
Justice minister’s home searched amid Energoatom probe
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) are investigating allegations that about $100 million (€86 million) was laundered in connection with bribes tied to state nuclear firm Energoatom. As part of the inquiry, law enforcement searched the Kyiv residence of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, a former energy minister. Halushchenko said he is fully cooperating with investigators. Authorities reported at least five arrests in the case; at least one suspect is reported to have had close ties to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from before his political career.
Kremlin rejects claims Lavrov has lost standing
Western media reports that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has fallen out of favor after a prolonged public absence were rejected by the Kremlin. Reports had suggested his position was weakened following a reportedly poor call with U.S. officials and that his absence complicated plans for a possible summit involving President Vladimir Putin. Lavrov has not been seen publicly since October and was missing from a televised meeting of senior officials and from published G20 delegation announcements. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the reports “absolutely false,” adding that Lavrov will attend public events as appropriate. Lavrov has led Russia’s foreign ministry for 21 years.
Odesa hit in major drone wave
Regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported that a Russian drone strike damaged energy and transport infrastructure in Odesa, injuring at least one person and triggering fires at several energy sites. Authorities said critical infrastructure is operating on backup generators and emergency response centers have been activated. Ukrainian air defenses reported a large-scale barrage overnight, saying at least 400 drones were intercepted in multiple regions as Moscow continues attacks on energy hubs ahead of winter.
Fighting intensifies around Pokrovsk
President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials insist Pokrovsk remains under Kyiv’s control, but say Russian forces have intensified operations around the largely ruined former rail hub. Ukrainian commanders said Russian units tried to enter the town in light vehicles but were pushed back. Kyiv’s military estimated about 300 Russian troops are now inside parts of Pokrovsk and are attempting to move into northern sectors to encircle defenders. Pokrovsk sits at a strategic crossroads in Donetsk province; Russian forces have sought control of the town for more than a year because capturing it would aid deeper advances in the region. Russia’s Defense Ministry also claimed its forces now fully control eastern Kupiansk in Kharkiv region.
What’s next
Reporting will continue to track developments on the eastern front, the humanitarian and infrastructure impact of continued strikes on Odesa and the progress of the Energoatom corruption probe. Follow for further updates and analysis on the conflict.