After a week of relentless aerial assaults by Russia on Ukraine, President Zelensky praises the effectiveness of the Ukrainian air defense. Russia's Shahed drones and ballistic missiles were intercepted, saving lives and infrastructure, while foreign air defense systems like Patriots, NASAMS, and Cheetahs proved their worth. Despite numerous attacks, only a handful of civilians have been injured, demonstrating the air defense's success.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, commends Chancellor Scholz's resolve at the EU summit, citing his actions as a turning point in Germany's attitude towards resolving complex issues. Polish and Slovakian truck drivers have obstructed several border crossings, causing disruptions and prompting the death of several Ukrainian drivers.
Austria has abandoned its blockade of the latest EU sanctions package against Russia, bowing to pressure from Ukraine and the EU. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on communities in the Sumy region have resulted in 138 explosions in a day, injuring a civilian while causing extensive property damage. The city of Nikopol continues to endure constant shelling, while Ukrainian forces successfully repel numerous Russian attacks along the front lines.
Drone attacks on Ukraine once again raised alarm, followed by air raids in parts of the country. The Russian government criticizes the EU's sanctions package, stating that it will harm Europe more than Russia. British intelligence services claim that the recent cyberattack on Ukrainian mobile phone provider Kyivstar was the most severe since the war began, disrupting services for at least 48 hours.
Ukrainian forces continue to fend off Russian assaults in Avdiivka, while numerous locations in the Zaporizhia region are under attack. Three more children abducted to Russian-controlled areas have been returned to their families, with Ukraine reporting over 20,000 abducted children, of which over 500 have been retrieved.
Russian forces report two deaths in Ukrainian bombardments of the Kherson region, facing heavy criticism for continued attacks despite UN calls for a ceasefire. Hungary threatens to veto Bulgaria's entry to the Schengen zone if Bulgaria does not lift its transit tax on Russian gas.
Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria seek a joint operation to clear sea mines in the Black Sea, affected by the ongoing conflict. German intelligence warns of Russian breakthroughs at the front due to equipment and weather conditions. Reports of an unprecedented US initiative to seize Russian state assets are circulating.
Russian airstrikes have hit the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, prompting air raid alerts and invoking the sixth such incident in December. The Ukrainian military intercepted 30 out of 31 drones fired at Ukraine during the night, while Moscow reinforces its troops in the Kharkiv region to capture Kupiansk.
Mayor of London refuses to supply recently scrapped cars to Kiev, despite Ukrainian requests for assistance. Political scientist Thomas Jäger assesses the EU's decision to pave the way for Ukraine's accession talks as a shock to Russia, predicting a series of Hungarian blackmailing attempts.
Intelligence agencies estimate that without U.S. and NATO aid, Ukraine could face defeat by summer 2024. An Ukrainian resistance group under Avdiivka blows up a Russian officer's car, Ukraine intercepts 30 drones while repelling attacks in multiple regions, and growing concern exists about an imminent new offensive on the city of Avdiivka.
Ukraine reports heavy shelling and fire in the Kherson region, while Russia denies responsibility for a month-long series of drone attacks that target Kiev and other cities. Hungary's Prime Minister Orban announces a veto over Bulgaria's entry to the Schengen zone if Bulgaria does not lift its transit tax on Russian gas.
[Insights from Enrichment Data]:
- NATO has provided Ukraine with increased military support, offering air defense capabilities, long-range weapons, and training opportunities to bolster Ukrainian defenses against Russian attacks.
- Russia has been accused of abducting thousands of Ukrainian children and transferring them to Russian-controlled areas.
- Austria had initially blocked the EU's sanctions package against Russia, but eventually succumbed to pressures from Ukraine and the EU.
- Efforts to contain Russian aggression in Ukraine have resulted in increased tension between Russia and NATO, with Russia claiming that EU sanctions will harm Europe more than itself.
- The West is stepping up its support for Ukraine by considering measures to seize Russian state assets. Sources: , , , , , ,
