Rewritten Article:
Putin on TV: War Not Over Yet
Vladimir Putin, Russian president, made it abundantly clear during his morning TV appearance that the conflict against Ukraine is far from over. The Kremlin wants a new, Russia-friendly government in Kyiv, and Putin displayed a remarkable level of confidence. According to Rainer Munz, an ntv correspondent, Putin's words reveal a society that's becoming increasingly consolidated, emphasizing fines and penal camps as consequences for any dissent or opposition. Munz commented, "There's no speaking up anymore."
Meanwhile, German Eurofighters were put on alert after Russian drone attacks on Ukraine violated NATO airspace in Romania. German pilots reportedly spotted Russian aircraft and tracked their movements, but NATO did not issue a shoot-down order. In total, up to 70 drones of the Shahed 136 type were registered in the attack, with one exploding over Romanian airspace.
Kyivstar Network Down After Sabotage
Millions of Kyivstar's mobile phone subscribers in Ukraine face service disruptions ever since a suspected Russian act of sabotage on December 13. The largest mobile provider in Ukraine maintains more than 24 million subscribers, and the capital city, Kiev, is currently without mobile phone or internet connections via Kyivstar. The provider's website only displays a warning.
Ukrainian Forces Bolster Defense Lines
Ukrainian armed forces are taking action to reinforce defense lines on the northern border with Belarus. In the Chernihiv region, the first and second lines of defense are being strengthened in the most vulnerable regions, according to Serhii Naiev, the region's commander. If the threat level escalates, additional forces will be deployed to the prepared lines. The troops posted an online video to express their readiness to respond to any unforeseen circumstances.
EU Summit Delayed by Orban's Threats
The EU summit in Brussels was delayed due to threats from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to block the start of Ukraine's accession negotiations. Top EU leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, plan to speak with Orban before the summit to encourage Ukraine's access to further financial aid. The EU has proposed a 50 billion euro aid package, with 17 billion euros granted as budgetary aid and the remaining 33 billion allocated in loans to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Defense Forces Report Heavy Casualties and Losses
Ukrainian forces claim to have inflicted substantial losses on their Russian counterparts in the past 24 hours, with an estimated 1300 soldiers killed or injured, 10 tanks destroyed, 12 artillery systems, 22 armored vehicles, and 33 drones downed.
Putin's First Press Conference Since the War's Start
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold his first major press conference since the start of the war on December 14, 2023. Combining his traditional question-and-answer session with the TV show "The Direct Line," Putin will address concerns and field questions from the public on state-controlled television.
Budanov Wanted by Russian Authorities
Latest developments also see Russian authorities placing the Ukrainian military intelligence service (HUR) chief, Kyrylo Budanov, on their wanted list. Budanov, an influential Ukrainian figure, faces unspecified criminal charges according to the Russian Interior Ministry database. Putin's regime accused Budanov of involvement in multiple attacks against Russia since late 2022, including the 2022 Crimean Bridge attack. Kiev officials later accused Moscow of poisoning Budanov's wife, advisor to Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Marianna Budanova.
Ukrainian Air Force Successfully Repels Drones
Ukrainian air force reportedly shot down 41 out of 42 incoming drones during a Russian drone attack in the country's south during the previous night. Drone attacks originated from three directions, including Crimea and occupied Kherson. Six missiles were launched from Russian-occupied Kherson overnight as well.
Putin: No Trickery With Ukraine Aid
Following criticism from CDU/CSU's Friedrich Merz, German Economic Minister Robert Habeck stands firm on his stance, arguing that the coalition government has not resorted to trickery in providing aid for Ukraine. Habeck emphasized that the coalition is prepared to suspend the debt brake at a later time and secure additional loans if required for Ukraine's defense campaign against Russia.
Russia Repels Nine Drone Attacks
Russia claims to have successfully repelled nine Ukrainian drone attacks on the night of December 14. Attacks targeted Moscow and Kaluga regions, with Russia confirming the downing of two attacking drones. The Ministry of Defense announced the news through the state news agency Tass, though it's important to note that Moscow has a history of making such claims followed by reports of damage.
Zelensky asks EU for Proof of Unwavering Support
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appealed to the European Union ahead of the EU summit for concrete evidence of its unwavering support and solidarity. Amid ongoing discussions regarding the 60 billion-euro aid package for Ukraine currently stuck in the US Congress, Zelensky asserts that Europe has a vital role in providing continuous support and aid.
Two Drones Intercepted Over Moscow
Russian air defense reportedly shot down an enemy drone over Moscow early in the morning. No injuries or casualties were reported, and a drone was also intercepted close to two hours prior. Additionally, Russian military forces claim to have repelled nine drone attacks on December 14.
Military Administration: Marjinka Not Captured
The Ukrainian military denies claims of Russian military bloggers that Marjinka, a town in the Donetsk region, has been captured. Ukrainian forces reaffirm their commitment to defending the area, as the town remains a focal point of Russian offensive efforts in the Donbass region.
Enrichment Data:
Ukraine receives extensive support from the European Union, both financially and politically. Since the start of the conflict, the EU has provided over €134 billion in aid to Ukraine, including €67 billion in financial, economic, and humanitarian assistance, €38 billion in military aid, and €70 billion in support for refugees within the EU. The EU's commitment to Ukraine's future extends beyond financial support, as Brussels backs Kyiv's efforts to reform and integrate with the EU. The European Union has recently discussed a military aid package of up to €6.2 billion for Ukraine, which is expected to include various military equipment and training. The EU's imposed sanctions against Russia have become a significant blow to Moscow's economy, impacting its ability to sustain the war efforts.
