In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian forces have launched a new offensive push in eastern Ukraine, claiming the capture of a key settlement and conducting deadly strikes on civilian infrastructure. The developments, reported on December 2, 2025, mark a sustained period of intense combat.
Russian Breakthrough in Donetsk: Capture of Klinovoye
The Russian Defence Ministry announced a major tactical victory with the seizure of the settlement of Klinovoye in the Donetsk region. Officials stated that the momentum of their advance is currently "sustained." Alongside this ground gain, Russian strikes reportedly targeted Ukrainian fuel depots and energy sites across the country. The ministry also claimed to have intercepted and destroyed Ukrainian Neptune anti-ship missiles and dozens of drones.
In a statement detailing the day's operations, the Russian MoD provided a high estimate of Ukrainian casualties, claiming over 1,400 troop losses. This claim, like many from battlefield sources, could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
Civilian Tragedy in Dnipro
Separately, hours after the Donetsk claims, a tragic incident unfolded in the city of Dnipro. According to an Associated Press report, a Russian missile struck a civilian area, resulting in significant loss of life and injury. The attack killed four civilians and wounded 22 others.
Images from the scene depicted the devastating aftermath, with residential and commercial buildings shattered and vehicles completely destroyed. This strike underscores the continued peril faced by non-combatants as the conflict grinds on, with urban centers repeatedly coming under fire.
Analysis and Sustained Momentum
The twin reports of a territorial advance and a separate deadly bombardment paint a picture of a multi-front Russian military campaign. The capture of Klinovoye, if confirmed, represents a strategic effort to consolidate control in the contested Donbas region. Simultaneously, strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian areas like Dnipro aim to degrade Ukraine's logistical capabilities and morale.
The Russian Defence Ministry's characterization of its momentum as "sustained" suggests expectations of further offensive actions in the near term. For Ukrainian forces under President Volodymyr Zelensky, the loss of a settlement and the civilian toll in Dnipro present both a military and humanitarian challenge. The events of December 2 indicate that the war is entering another phase of high-intensity combat, with no immediate respite for those on the front lines or in cities within range of Russian missiles.
