11:00am: Russian Drone Incident Triggers Eurofighter Alarm in Germany
Last night, Russian drones allegedly violated NATO airspace over Romania. This prompted German Eurofighters to launch on alert, according to dpa reports. Russian aircraft were spotted by German crews through visual contact, though no orders to shoot them down were issued by NATO. As part of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, up to 70 Russian Shahed 136 drones were registered during the wave of attacks, with one drone reportedly exploding over Romanian airspace.
Over two days have passed since a suspected Russian act of sabotage left millions of Kyivstar mobile phone provider customers in Ukraine without mobile telephony and internet service. Even in the capital Kiev, Kyivstar connections are currently unavailable. The company's website displays a warning. With an estimated 24 million subscribers, this outage has resulted in substantial inconvenience for many Ukrainians.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has been bolstering its defensive lines. Armed forces are building additional barriers on the northern defense lines of the Belarus border, particularly in the Chernihiv region. In a statement, Commander Serhii Naiev announced that the first and second lines of defense are being strengthened in the most vulnerable areas. Additional forces would be deployed to these prepared lines if the threat escalates.
Delayed EU Summit due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Blockade Threats
The start of the EU summit in Brussels has been delayed due to blockade threats made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. EU heads of government, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, plan to speak with Orban again before the summit. Orban is threatening to block the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine, one of the major sticking points at the two-day summit. The Commission has proposed a 50 billion euro aid package for Ukraine, with 17 billion euros proposed as grants from the EU budget and the remaining 33 billion euros as loans.
Ukraine Claims 1300 Russian Soldier Casualties in 24 Hours
Ukrainian defense forces claim to have injured or killed 1300 Russian soldiers in the past 24 hours, according to Ukrainian reports. In addition to these casualties, 10 tanks, 12 artillery systems, 22 armored vehicles, and 33 drones were reportedly knocked out or destroyed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin Participates in Annual Press Conference
Putin participated in his first major annual Christmas press conference since last year, combining the event with the state TV show "The Direct Line". Citizens were given the opportunity to describe their problems during this televised question-and-answer session, which was called "Results of the Year" and was set to begin at 10 am.
Russia Lists Ukrainian Military Intelligence Chief on Wanted List
Russian authorities have listed Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence service (HUR), on their wanted list. His name was included in a Russian Interior Ministry database of individuals wanted for violations of the Criminal Code. The charges against Budanov are currently unknown. Budanov has been accused of organizing several attacks against Russia since February 2022, including the attack on the Crimean Bridge in 2022 and the recent poisoning of his wife, Marianna Budanova, an advisor to Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
41 of 42 Russian Drones Shot Down by Ukraine Air Force
The Ukrainian air force successfully shot down 41 of 42 approaching drones during a nighttime attack in the southern part of the country, according to a Ukrainian air force spokesperson. The drones were launched from three different directions, including Crimea and Russian-occupied Kherson.
Habeck Defends Coalition Government's Decision to Suspend Debt Brake for Ukraine Aid
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck defended the coalition government's decision to suspend the debt brake for Ukraine aid in response to a CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader's accusations of "tricking" the public. Habeck argued that this decision is in line with the ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court, and if the situation in Ukraine worsens, additional loans can be taken out to provide more support to the defense campaign against Russia.
Russia Repels Nine Ukrainian Drone Attacks
Russian authorities reportedly repelled nine Ukrainian drone attacks on Thursday night, according to the state news agency Tass. The drones were reportedly intercepted over the Moscow and Kaluga regions, though these claims could not be independently verified. This event is just one examples of the ongoing disinformation campaigns and misinformation spread by both Russian and Ukrainian sides.
Zelenskyi Demands Proof of EU's Unwavering Support Ahead of EU Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has demanded proof of the EU's unwavering support ahead of the EU summit, citing the need to build Ukrainian stability and solidify its path to EU membership in the face of Russian aggression. As the 60 billion aid package for Ukraine remains stalled in the US due to Republican opposition in Congress, Europe is being called upon to provide stronger, more consistent aid to Ukraine.
Drones Intercepted Over Moscow
Russian air defenses successfully intercepted two enemy drones over Moscow, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. No injuries or damage were reported, and drone activity has been an ongoing concern in the region, due to cyberattacks and potential escalations.
Seven Communities in Sumy Region Attacked by Russian Forces
Russian forces attacked seven communities near the Sumy region border last day, according to the local military administration. The attack involved twelve artillery shellings that struck with mines, grenade launchers, and mortars. Fortunately, no casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported.
US Support for Ukraine Declining, Says Russia
Russia claims that US support for Ukraine is declining, as the Americans question the effectiveness of their investments. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the US is seeing that Ukraine's promises of a victory on the battlefield have not materialized, and the Ukrainian forces are rapidly losing ground. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to the US concluded without securing additional aid, with House of Representatives Chairman Mike Johnson opposing US President Joe Biden's request for $61.4 billion for Ukraine.
Odessa Responds to Russian Air Strikes
Following Russian air strikes in Odessa, emergency services are responding to clean up the affected areas and provide necessary aid. The strikes resulted in eleven injuries and damaged several buildings, including one that left three children needing medical attention. The Red Cross organized the delivery of food and other necessities to the affected communities.
Ukrainian President Urges EU Acceding to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj urged EU leaders to begin accession negotiations ahead of the EU summit. In a call with Italian head of government Giorgia Meloni, Selenskyj believed that the EU would demonstrate unity, strength, and a resolve to support Ukraine on its path to EU membership. His optimism comes despite the Republican-led blockage in the US Congress of a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine.
Ukraine Denies Capture of Marjinka
Ukrainian military officials deny the capture of Marjinka, a town in the Donetsk region, as claimed by Russian military bloggers. Russian forces have been attempting to storm the city, and their progress cannot be independently verified. Alongside Avdiivka, Marijinka is one of the focal points of the Russian offensive in the Donbass region.
