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Numerous towns and villages in the Ukrainian region of Zaporizhia are under fire once again. The regional military administration reports that Russian forces attacked 19 locations in the region on the previous day, including the use of attack drones. Thankfully, no casualties were reported.
In other news, Ukraine claims that tens of thousands of its children have been abducted to Russia or areas under Russian control. Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, announced that three more children have been returned, facilitated by Qatar's mediation. Both children who were brought back from the Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine and the child in Russia have been reunited with their families. Ukraine reports that at least 20,000 abducted children have been retrieved, with around 500 children retrieved so far.
Meanwhile, Russia reports two deaths in Ukrainian bombardments of the Russian-occupied territory in the Kherson region. Vladimir Saldo, a representative of the authorities appointed by Moscow, said several missiles were fired at the village of Nova Majashka, with one US HIMARS missile allegedly causing casualties during the distribution of aid supplies. The information cannot be independently verified.
Hungary also finds itself in the spotlight, as it announces a veto against Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen zone if Bulgaria does not abolish the transit tax on Russian gas. This was announced by the Foreign Ministry in Budapest, highlighting Hungary's reliance on Russian gas imports, which total 4.5 billion cubic meters per year, primarily delivered via Bulgaria and Serbia. The members of the so-called Schengen Agreement generally waive border controls amongst themselves.
Finally, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria are working together to clear sea mines in the Black Sea, aiming to conclude a treaty to this end in January. Turbulent waters have caused mines to come loose, raising concerns for the three nations as they seek to safeguard their maritime navigation and security.
