17:44 Russia: Two reported deaths in Kherson region after HIMARS strike
The Russian-controlled authorities revealed two casualties in the Kherson region of Ukraine due to bombardments by Ukrainian forces. A village named Nova Majashka saw several missiles launched by Ukrainian troops, with most of them successfully intercepted, as reported by Vladimir Saldo, an official representative appointed by Moscow. According to Saldo, one US-made HIMARS missile managed to strike during a food supply distribution attempt, leading to the deaths of two civilians and injuring two others. The information remains unverified by independent sources. Ukrainian military reported Russian drone assaults throughout the Kherson region and Kiev during the night, intercepting 30 drones out of 31 attempts.
Hungary threatens Bulgaria with EU membership veto over Russian gas taxes
Hungary announced an impending European Union membership veto against Bulgaria if they fail to rescind the transit tax on Russian gas. Budapest's Foreign Ministry expressed this intention, asserting that blocking Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area contradicts Hungary's interest in preserved regional unity. Western European nations have largely stopped importing Russian gas, while Hungary receives 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia – primarily through Bulgaria and Serbia.
Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria team up to clear Black Sea sea mines
Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria collaborate to clear sea mines that have been laid in the Black Sea, as a consequence of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Turkish Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar, indicated that a treaty on this matter would be signed by January. These mines have reportedly been dislodged and drifted towards straits due to currents, resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Retired colonel claims Western weapons in Ukraine becoming less effective
According to retired colonel Ralph Thiele, Ukrainian forces are facing issues with their Western-supplied weapons in the harsh winter conditions, as well as increased pressure from Russian breakthroughs at the front. The inadequacy of armor, lack of supplies from the West, and treacherous weather conditions have allegedly left the Ukrainian defenders in a precarious position.
Discussions surface around utilizing seized Russian assets to bolster Ukraine's defense efforts
The G7 nations have been reportedly discussing the potential use of Russian state assets to bolster Ukraine's military might. According to the Financial Times, the US is advocating for seizing these assets, in line with international law. Despite initial resistance from the G7 members, placed partly to avoid scaring off investors, the EU has proposed considering pocketing profits from these assets instead of full-scale confiscation. An estimated €300 billion in Russian central bank reserves are currently blocked in EU and G7 countries.
Russian Kursk region reports Ukrainian drone attacks
The Russian region of Kursk, close to Ukraine's border, has reported another round of Ukrainian drone assaults. The governor of Kursk, Roman Starovoit, announced damage to houses in the village of Krupets, in addition to power line and compressor station harm. Previous attacks in the region saw the downing of four drones.
Vladimir Putin gears up for Presidential run once again
Just three months prior to the scheduled 2024 presidential election, Russian leader Vladimir Putin begins his campaign preparations for a potential fourth consecutive term in office. The individuals appointed for selections to his candidacy, such as politicians, athletes, and artists, presented unanimous support for Putin's nomination. Despite blatant accusations of manipulation and the near disappearance of opposition, Putin's approval seems imminent with authorities classifying this step as only a ritual formality.
Sixth consecutive Kiev airstrike in December, causing night-time explosions
The city of Kiev encountered six airstrikes within this month of December, and most recently experienced a series of explosions throughout the night. The intense Russian bombardment forced residents to seek shelter amid further escalations in hostilities. The continuous attacks have affected residential areas near the city center, as well as historic Podil highlights.
Russia reinforces troops to capture Kupiansk in Kharkiv region
The Russian forces have intensified their efforts in the Kharkiv region, aiming to capture the strategic city of Kupiansk. With significant losses in recent battles, Moscow is now deploying reserves of infantry battalions to replace combat units. In order to reach the village of Synkiwka, Russian troops hope to establish a blockade around Kupiansk, recaptured by Ukrainian troops last fall. The ongoing conflict in the Kharkiv Oblast has erupted in heavy fighting, with both sides experiencing fatal casualties.
London Mayor refuses to send used vehicles to Kiev as requested by Victoria Klitschko
London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected a plea from Kiev's Mayor Vladimir Klitschko to supply vehicles collected for scrapping in the UK. Klitschko made the request in hopes of utilizing the vehicles in Kiev, as they could provide valuable support for emergency services and transportation. Despite the potential for such vehicles to aid Ukrainian citizens, London officials refused to provide the assistance, citing environmental regulations and concerns that blocking funds might harm investor confidence in the capital city.
G7 countries weigh options for supporting Ukraine with Russian state assets
Members of the G7 have begun discussing the possibility of utilizing Russian state assets to aid Ukraine in their defense against the Russian invasion. The U.S. has proposed the option of utilizing frozen assets in accordance with international law, arguing that they solely belong to Russia. As the members of the G7 remain divided on the matter, the focus has shifted towards siphoning off profits from these assets rather than full-scale seizure.
Russian drone attacks on Kherson region cause damage, injuries
The Kherson region of Ukraine has experienced drone attacks from the Russian armed forces. Multiple explosions impacted areas throughout the Kherson region, damaging power lines and a compressor station, among other installations. These attacks reportedly caused injuries to four civilians.
