9:30 AM Ukraine: Russia reports substantial casualties
Reports from Ukrainian defense forces indicate that Russia has suffered significant losses in the past 24 hours, with an estimated 1300 troops injured or killed. Additionally, Ukraine claims to have knocked out 10 tanks, 12 artillery systems, 22 armored vehicles, and 33 drones.
8:49 AM Putin resumes annual press conference
Russian President Vladimir Putin is breaking from his recent press conference hiatus, holding his annual Christmas Q&A session today. Combined with the TV show "The Direct Line," the event is expected to begin at 10 AM CET, allowing citizens to describe their issues.
8:28 AM Budanov put on Russia's wanted list
The head of Ukraine's military intelligence service, Kyrylo Budanov, has been added to Russia's' wanted list by authorities. No charges or specific accusations have been revealed, leading to speculation about the reasons behind this move.
7:40 AM Ukrainian air force successfully repels drone attacks
Ukraine's air force is reported to have successfully defended against 41 out of 42 drone attacks in the country's south during the previous night. The drones, launched from multiple directions, including Crimea, were intended to sow chaos and destruction.
7:19 AM Habeck denies Ukraine aid "trickery" claims
German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, dismissed accusations by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader, Friedrich Merz, of "tricking" with Ukraine aid in the 2024 budget. Habeck stressed that any additional loans for defense support against Russia would comply with the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling.
6:55 AM Russia reports repelling 9 drone attacks
Russia's Ministry of Defense claims to have intercepted nine drone attacks over the Moscow and Kaluga regions the previous night, but independent verification has been challenging to obtain.
6:34 AM Zelensky demands proof of EU's unwavering support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged EU leaders to provide concrete proof of their unwavering support as they meet for the EU summit today. In light of a US aid package stalled in Congress, Europe is expected to take on a larger role in providing aid to Ukraine.
5:05 AM Drone intercepted over Moscow
Multiple reports suggest that a drone was intercepted over Moscow, with no reported injuries or damage. This is the second such incident in two hours, adding to the ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia.
3:44 AM Sumy region under Russian artillery fire
Russian forces targeted seven communities near the Sumy region border last day, using twelve separate artillery attacks. Despite heavy shelling, no civilian casualties or damage to infrastructure were reported.
2:50 AM Decline in U.S. support for Ukraine observed
Russia believes that U.S. support for Ukraine is waning, as the Americans question the effectiveness of their financial aid. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed concern that the $100 billion Ukraine promised to secure a victory has not materialized.
1:35 AM Odessa suffers from Russian air strikes
Russian air strikes hit Odessa, resulting in eleven injuries and causing damage to several buildings. Three children were among the injured. First responders are working to clear the area and provide assistance.
12:07 AM Ukraine denies Marjinka capture claim
Ukrainian military officials dispute Russian military bloggers' claim of capturing Marjinka, a key battleground in the Donetsk region. The ongoing conflict between the two countries shows no signs of easing.
Additional Insights
- In the ever-evolving spat between Ukraine and Russia, both sides have begun using drones in their warfare, showcasing the blurring line between traditional military operations and cyberwarfare.
- The conflict has expanded into the cyber realm, with both sides employing AI for enhanced precision in their attacks.
- While military operations continue, Russia has seen a decline in U.S support for Ukraine.
- Ukraine is striving for stronger EU support, while grappling with negative economic growth and substantial infrastructure damage.
Source: Modified from the original newspaper article
