Mon Dec 02 06:13:04 UTC 2024: ## Casualties Mount as Russia and Ukraine Trade Blows on War’s 1012th Day
**Kyiv/Moscow, December 2nd** – The Russia-Ukraine war continued its brutal trajectory on its 1012th day, leaving a trail of civilian casualties and escalating military tensions. Drone strikes by both sides resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
In western Ukraine, a Russian drone attack on Ternopil killed one and injured several others, damaging residential buildings. Further south, at least three were killed and seven wounded in a similar attack on Kherson. The conflict’s reach extended into Russia, where a reported Ukrainian drone attack in the Bryansk region claimed the life of one child. Russian Governor Alexander Bogomaz stated that a house was destroyed in the attack.
The Russian Defense Ministry countered by claiming gains in the eastern Donetsk region, seizing control of Illinka and Petrivka. They also reported shooting down 55 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours. These claims remain unverified.
Amidst the ongoing fighting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressed outgoing US President Joe Biden to secure NATO membership for Ukraine. However, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan swiftly dismissed reports suggesting the US would reconsider returning nuclear weapons to Ukraine.
Russia’s commitment to the conflict is underscored by a newly approved military budget, showcasing a planned 25 percent increase in military spending for 2025-2027. The escalating casualty numbers and heightened military activity signal a continued intensification of the war.
First Piper 