Almost 40% of Russians think nuclear strike on Ukraine is justified -Russian sociologist

Thirty-nine percent of Russians believe that "the use of nuclear weapons could be justified" during Russia's war in Ukraine, according to Alexey Levinson, head of the sociocultural research department at the independent Russian polling organization Levada Center. Levinson made this statement during a conference on Nov. 29.

Levinson referenced a November poll conducted by the Levada Center, though the full results have not yet been published. According to this and earlier surveys, support for Russia's potential use of nuclear weapons has been gradually increasing in recent months, coinciding with the Kremlin’s escalation of nuclear rhetoric.

In November, President Vladimir Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine for Russia and issued renewed threats following the launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile, the "Oreshnik," reportedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads, on Nov. 21.

While Russia has consistently issued nuclear threats against Ukraine and the West since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, none have materialized. However, Levinson noted that Putin’s continued nuclear rhetoric is gradually influencing public opinion:

"These statements increasingly lead to a higher proportion of Russians who believe such actions are acceptable, and even morally justified."

According to Levada Center data, the percentage of Russians opposing the use of nuclear weapons has fallen from 52% in June to 45% in November.

Levada Center polls have consistently shown that a majority of Russians support Putin and believe the country is on the right path as it continues its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Russians occupy 3 more settlements in Donetsk Oblast 

Russian forces have taken control of three settlements in Donetsk Oblast, according to the DeepState project. Analysts reported overnight on Nov. 29-30 that Zhovte, Pustynka, and Rozdolne are now occupied by Russian troops.

Additionally, Russian forces have reportedly advanced near Illinka, Novodonetske, Trudove, Pushkine, and Kurakhove, reflecting ongoing clashes and territorial gains in the region.

Russians strike bus stop near Kherson injuring people

Russian forces targeted a bus stop in the village of Antonivka, near Kherson, on Nov. 30, causing casualties and injuries, according to the Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office.

The attack occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m., killing a man and a woman and injuring another civilian, who was subsequently hospitalized. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Russians droped explosives on a van in Kherson, injuring people

On the morning of Nov. 30, Russian forces dropped an explosive device on a minibus in Kherson's Dniprovskyi district, injuring four people, according to the Kherson Oblast Military Administration.

Three women, aged 35, 52, and 62, sustained blast injuries and abdominal shrapnel wounds, while a 59-year-old man suffered a leg injury. All four victims were hospitalized.

The Kherson City Military Administration also reported that over the past day, one person was killed and another injured in the city due to Russian attacks.