Russia claims gains in Donetsk, reports 1,565 Ukrainian losses
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According to the ministry, Russian troops from the South and Center successfully captured the settlements of Ilyinka (Illinka) and Petrovka (Petrivka), consolidating their presence in the contested region.
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In this photo taken from a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry press service on November 29, 2024, a Russian serviceman aims a D-30 howitzer toward Ukrainian positions in the border area of Kursk region, Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
The Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday announced significant territorial gains and reported substantial losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces in ongoing operations in the Donetsk People's Republic and other conflict zones.
According to the ministry, Russian troops from the South and Center military groups successfully captured the settlements of Ilyinka (Illinka) and Petrovka (Petrivka), consolidating their presence in the contested region.
The ministry stated in an official release that "Units of the southern group of forces liberated the settlement of Ilyinka," while the Center battlegroup was credited with the capture of Petrovka. These advances mark continued efforts by Russian forces to secure strategic positions in eastern Ukraine.
❗️RUSSIAN TROOPS LIBERATED THE SETTLEMENTS OF PETROVKA AND ILYINKA IN THE DONETSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC, the Russian Defense Ministry said. pic.twitter.com/l1T9HA2Ea9
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) December 1, 2024
In addition to territorial advances, the ministry reported heavy losses on the Ukrainian side. Over the past 24 hours, it claimed, Ukraine lost approximately 1,565 soldiers across multiple fronts:
- Up to 500 soldiers were reported killed in battles with Russia’s Zapad (West) group.
- The Tsentr (Center) group accounted for 470 Ukrainian casualties.
- The Yug (South) group reported inflicting 380 losses.
- Other groups, including Vostok (East), Dnepr, and Sever (North), contributed to the remaining casualties.
Beyond personnel losses, Russian forces targeted critical Ukrainian infrastructure, including military airfields, drone assembly facilities, and ammunition depots. According to the Defense Ministry, these strikes were executed using a combination of aircraft, attack drones, rocket forces, and artillery.
Read more: Zelensky proposes forfeit of eastern territories for NATO bid
Russia has intensified its military operations in Ukraine, aiming to secure additional territory ahead of the anticipated inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump has signaled plans to withdraw US military assistance to Ukraine and push for peace talks between Kiev and Moscow, a move that could reshape the dynamics of the conflict.
Trump’s proposed peace plan, outlined in a policy document co-authored by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz, suggests halting US weapons deliveries to Ukraine if it refuses to engage in negotiations.
At the same time, the plan warns Moscow that US support for Ukraine would escalate if Russia resists talks. The plan also includes the controversial proposal to delay or abandon Ukraine’s NATO membership as a bargaining tool to bring Russia to the table.
