**Ukraine Asks NATO for Air Defense Systems**
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has asked NATO partners to provide at least 20 air defense systems to help protect against Russian aerial attacks. This request comes ahead of a meeting in Brussels on December 3.
Sybiha said that the provision of HAWK, NASAMS, and IRIS-T batteries would help prevent blackouts as Ukraine prepares for fresh attacks in its third winter of war. He emphasized the importance of having a strong defense system to negotiate from a position of strength.
**Seeking NATO Membership**
Ukraine is also seeking an invitation to join NATO, with President Volodymyr Zelensky suggesting that ending the “hot phase” of war along Ukraine’s eastern front could be achieved in exchange for membership. However, several allies remain opposed to Ukraine’s quick accession to the alliance.
**Sanctions Against Russian Banks**
The latest Western sanctions against 50 Russian banks have forced Russian importers to use complex schemes to pay their Chinese sellers, according to reports from Moscow Times.
**NATO Meeting**
A two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers will focus on providing Ukraine with enough military aid to enable it to enter any possible negotiations from a position of strength. The meeting comes as Ukrainian troops fend off Russian forces attempting to establish a foothold in the Kharkiv Oblast town of Kupiansk.
**Casualties and Attacks**
Ukraine has reported 1,780 casualties among Russian forces over the past day. An overnight drone attack on Ternopil damaged energy infrastructure, while Moscow’s forces targeted energy facilities in several regions.
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