The Ukrainian military has issued a firm denial of Russian claims to have seized the strategically vital eastern city of Pokrovsk, branding the Kremlin's assertions as "brazen" and false. This rebuttal comes on the same day that former US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow for direct talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, marking a significant escalation in American diplomatic efforts to broker an end to the conflict.
Kyiv Rejects Russian Claims on Key Battleground
In a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces directly contradicted Moscow's declaration of control over Pokrovsk. The city, often described as the "gateway to Donetsk," remains a critical flashpoint in the ongoing military campaigns in eastern Ukraine. "The brazen statements of the leadership of the aggressor country about the 'capture' of these settlements by the Russian army do not correspond to reality," the military command stated, underscoring the continued fierce resistance.
Trump's Envoy in High-Stakes Moscow Meeting
The diplomatic front saw intense activity as Steve Witkoff, accompanied by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, landed in Moscow for a scheduled afternoon meeting with President Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the engagement, noting that Witkoff has made several trips to the Russian capital this year. The pair are also set to meet with Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, a Harvard-educated official with limited diplomatic experience who was appointed a special presidential envoy in February.
This high-level visit follows a weekend of negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials in Florida and a fortnight of frantic diplomatic exchanges involving American, Ukrainian, and Russian representatives. The White House has expressed cautious optimism, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the administration feels "very optimistic" about refining a 28-point draft peace plan. However, an earlier US proposal caused alarm in European capitals last month for appearing to concede to Russian demands, including recognition of occupied Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky's Diplomatic Tour and Security Incidents
Amid the back-channel US-Russia talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky embarked on his first state visit to Ireland, touching down in Dublin with his wife, Olena Zelenska. In an address to the Irish parliament, Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine is taking diplomatic work "absolutely seriously" and working to involve European partners in any peace solution. He also accused Russia of launching a new disinformation campaign ahead of the critical meetings.
Separately, a significant security incident unfolded as Ukraine's security service announced the detention of a British national, a former member of the UK armed forces, on suspicion of spying for Russia. The man was allegedly recruited with promises of "easy money," with the investigation conducted in coordination with British intelligence.
In a related maritime incident, a Russian-flagged tanker named MIDVOLGA-2, carrying sunflower oil, reported being attacked approximately 80 miles off the Turkish coast. The Turkish maritime authority confirmed the event on Tuesday, noting the vessel's 13 crew members were unharmed and it proceeded to the port of Sinop. Unconfirmed reports suggest a kamikaze drone was used in the assault.
The convergence of military denials, high-stakes diplomacy, and international security incidents underscores the complex and volatile state of the war as external powers intensify efforts to find a political settlement. The outcome of the Witkoff-Putin discussions, set against Ukraine's steadfast defence of its territory, will be a crucial indicator of whether a viable path to peace is emerging or if the conflict is poised to enter a new phase.
