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Russia confirms damage to warship in Black Sea

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A Ukrainian airstrike targeted a Russian warship, the Novocherkassk, at the Black Sea port of Feodosiya in Russian-occupied Crimea, causing damage and casualties. The attack occurred early on a Tuesday morning, with the Ukrainian Air Force claiming responsibility and stating that their warplanes had successfully destroyed the ship using guided missiles. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the large landing ship was hit, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Six buildings were damaged, and some people had to be relocated to temporary accommodation centers. The port’s transport operations were reportedly functioning normally after the area was cordoned off, and the fire caused by the attack was contained.

Footage depicting a substantial explosion at the port was shared by Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, though independent verification of the images is lacking. Satellite imagery from December 24 showed a ship at the port matching the length of the Novocherkassk. This landing ship is designed for transporting troops, weapons, and cargo to shore.

There have been previous instances of Ukrainian forces targeting the Novocherkassk. In March 2022, the ship was reportedly damaged in an attack on the occupied Ukrainian port of Berdyansk, where another amphibious assault ship, the Saratov, was sunk. Lt Gen Oleshchuk mentioned on Telegram that the Novocherkassk had met a fate similar to the Moskva, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet flagship, which sank in the Black Sea the previous year.

Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian Air Force, joking about the “impressive replenishment” of the Russian Black Sea fleet. He emphasized that occupiers would find no peaceful place in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict stems from Russia’s seizure and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, with Russian forces based in Crimea playing a significant role in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted Russian forces in Crimea, destroying and damaging multiple navy ships in the Black Sea. Last September, a missile strike on the Black Sea fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol led to the relocation of much of the Russian Black Sea fleet to Novorossiysk.

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Pope: Free Israeli hostages and end the Gaza war

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Pope Francis delivered a Christmas Day message at St Peter’s Basilica, calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Expressing sorrow for the victims of the October 7 attack, he urgently appealed for the liberation of those still held hostage and pleaded for an end to military operations that result in innocent civilian casualties.

The Pope also emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid to address the desperate situation in Gaza. He highlighted the appalling impact of the conflict and urged for a solution to the humanitarian crisis through the provision of necessary aid.

In addition to addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict, Pope Francis touched on other global conflicts. He called for peace in Ukraine, where the war with Russia has persisted for nearly two years. The Pope also expressed his prayers for political and social stability in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen—countries marked by prolonged periods of war and unrest.

Beyond specific regions, Pope Francis advocated for peaceful solutions to conflicts in various parts of the world, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as in different areas of Africa and on the Korean Peninsula. His message resonated with a plea for harmony and resolution in troubled spots across the globe.

In his address, Pope Francis extended his concerns to millions of migrants worldwide, highlighting their plight as “the little Jesuses of today.” He emphasized the challenges faced by migrants on perilous journeys undertaken in desperation and in search of hope, calling for compassion and understanding in addressing their struggles.

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Ukraine spy chief’s wife Marianna Budanova ill in suspected poisoning

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Marianna Budanova, the wife of Ukraine’s top spy, Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov, has been hospitalized for suspected poisoning with heavy metals, as confirmed by a Ukrainian intelligence source. The source did not disclose additional information about potential victims or the circumstances surrounding the incident. Several Ukrainian media outlets have independently reported similar information, suggesting that multiple intelligence officials may have been affected. Notably, Ukraine’s military intelligence has not officially commented on these reports.

Lt Gen Budanov, who leads Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, has been a pivotal figure in planning and executing major military operations against Russian forces following the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite the reports of poisoning, there is no indication as to whether Russia is believed to be responsible for the alleged attack.

Mrs. Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, holds a master’s degree in psychology and has been involved in politics, previously serving as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv. The reports suggest that she may have been exposed to heavy metals through poisoned food. Although the specific heavy metal involved has not been disclosed, sources emphasize that the substances are not commonly used in everyday life or military operations.

In the context of safety concerns, Lt Gen Budanov and his wife had been staying in his office since the February 2022 invasion, as mentioned in a September interview. Despite more than 10 reported assassination attempts against Lt Gen Budanov, there is no indication in the current reports that he has also been targeted. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are awaited as investigations unfold.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright