17:02 Putin and His AI Double in a Propaganda Spectacle
The annual Q&A session for Putin, the Kremlin leader, turns into an hour-long propaganda spectacle. The questions are preselected and known to Putin in advance. What better way to answer questions from Putin than by turning to Putin himself? Without a moment's hesitation, one of Putin's AI doubles is activated and introduced to the studio.
Noon: Selensky Arrives in Frankfurt
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky touches down in the Rhine-Main area, landing at Frankfurt Airport. He was then safely escorted by the police to his appointment in the region. The details of his visit are not yet known. Selensky had been in Oslo, Norway, following trips to Argentina and the United States and other places.
Putin: The Competent Problem Solver
Russia expert Gerhard Mangott believes that Putin's appearance at the annual press conference shows that a negotiated solution is not likely from the Russian side. Despite this, Putin presents himself to the domestic audience as a versatile problem solver.
Ukrainian Prisoners of War Abused as Human Shields
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office has begun criminal proceedings alleging the abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields by the Russian military. The footage, published on Wednesday by the US-funded Radio Liberty, shows a group of men in Russian army uniforms leading unarmed men in Ukrainian uniforms as human shields.
Defensive Battle in Ukraine
The Ukrainian armed forces are on the defensive in many sections of the front. Russia is relentlessly attacking their positions with ferocious attacks daily. Commander Zhydkov notes that tanks' gun barrels sometimes overheat, necessitating breaks.
Zelensky to EU Summit: "Don't Deceive the People!"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeals to the EU summit to initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine. Zelensky argued that Putin's smile will not be rewarded by the meeting in Brussels if the negotiations are not started. He also declared that the day would go down in history, whether it will be good or bad for them.
Hacker Attack on Ukraine's Largest Mobile Provider
Following a massive cyberattack on Tuesday morning, Ukraine's largest mobile provider Kyivstar has been hit harder than initially thought. The attack forced the company to shut down its services, and Group CEO Olexander Komarov anticipates that it will take several weeks to restore all services.
New Russian Division Suffers Heavy Losses
British intelligence claims that a newly formed Russian airborne division suffered its highest losses during its combat debut in Kherson Oblast. The operation failed to relieve a Ukrainian bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Dnipro. The insufficient support from the air forces and artillery, as well as the inexperience of many soldiers, is believed to be the reason behind the heavy losses.
Girkin's Trial in Moscow
The trial of imprisoned former separatist leader Igor Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov, has started in Moscow. The proceedings are reportedly being held in secret, with Strelkov's supporters viewing the trial as politically motivated. Strelkov supports the war against Ukraine while critically evaluating the Kremlin's military leadership.
Ukrainian Air Force Confronts Weather Challenges
The Ukrainian air force's collaborative efforts to eliminate harmless drones are further complicated by bad weather conditions. Despite the unfavorable conditions, the airforce continues to protect the Ukrainian front.
Putin Announces the War Will Continue
In his annual question and answer session on Russian television, Putin asserted that the war against Ukraine would continue until Russia achieves its goals. According to a ZDF correspondent, a new government friendly to Russia will be installed in Kiev.
Russian Drone Attacks Trigger Alarm Launch of German Eurofighters
Russian drone attacks on Ukraine violated NATO airspace over Romania on Thursday night. This triggered an alarm launch by German Eurofighters. According to dpa, Russian aircraft were also identified by German crews with visual contact, but an order to shoot them down was not given.
Kyivstar Subscribers Still Without Mobile Services
Two days after the suspected Russian act of sabotage, millions of subscribers of Ukraine's largest mobile provider Kyivstar are still without mobile telephony and internet. Even in the capital, no connection is currently possible via Kyivstar. Even the company's website only displays a warning.
Strengthening Defense Lines in the North
The frontline in Ukraine is in the east, but the Ukrainian military is building additional defense barriers on the northern border with Belarus. In the Chernihiv region, the commander of the armed forces, Serhii Naiev, announced the reinforcement of the first and second defense lines in the most vulnerable regions. "If the threat increases, additional forces will be stationed on the prepared lines," announced Commander Naiev.
Blockade Threat by Hungarian Prime Minister Orban
The EU heads of government summit has been delayed due to blocking threats from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, among others, are seeking a meeting with Orban before the summit. The Hungarian is threatening to block the start of Ukraine's accession negotiations.
Ukraine: Russia Loses 1300 Soldiers in 24 Hours
The Ukrainian defense forces report injuring or killing 1300 Russian soldiers and destroying 10 tanks, 12 artillery systems, 22 armored vehicles, and 33 drones in the past 24 hours. Roughly 41 out of 42 attacking drones were shot down in the southern part of the country.
First Major Christmas Press Conference by Putin
After a hiatus during the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding his first major Christmas press conference, combining it with the TV show "The Direct Line" as a media spectacle on state television. The show, titled "Results of the Year," will begin at 10 a.m. CET.
Russia Wants Ukrainian Military Intel Chief on Its Wanted List
The Russian authorities have allegedly put the head of the Ukrainian military intelligence service, Kyrylo Budanov, on their wanted list. Budanov, an influential figure, has been blamed for several attacks against Russia since February 2022.
Ukraine Repels Nine Waves of Drone Attacks
The Ukrainian air force claims to have repelled nine waves of drone attacks from three different directions, including from Crimea, during the past night. According to an Internet post, six missiles were launched from the Russian-occupied Kherson at midnight.
Coalition Government Denies Trickery with Ukraine Aid
German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, denies accusations of trickery with Ukraine aid in the 2024 budget. The coalition reserves the right to suspend the debt brake and take out additional loans to provide more support in the defense campaign against Russia if the situation changes, according to Habeck.
Enrichment Data:
According to reports by human rights organizations, the Russian military has been accused of using prisoners of war as human shields in Ukraine, in violation of international law. The United Nations Human Rights Council and OHCHR have confirmed that Russian armed forces have used civilians, including children and persons with disabilities, as human shields in attacks on Ukrainian territories. Additionally, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has received credible reports of disabled persons being used as human shields by Russian soldiers. These reports indicate a hostile and deliberate use of human shields by Russian forces, which is a violation of international law and may constitute war crimes.
