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Ukrainian Strike Hits Russian Fuel Depot, Disrupting Strategic Operations

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The Ukrainian military announced a targeted strike on a fuel storage depot in Engels, a city in Russia’s Saratov region, approximately 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The overnight attack ignited a blaze at the depot, which supplied a critical air base used by Russian planes to launch missiles into Ukraine. Ukraine’s General Staff stated that the strike significantly disrupted Russian strategic aviation, hampering their ability to target Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.

Russian officials confirmed a major drone attack in the area, with Saratov Governor Roman Busargin reporting fire damage at an industrial site in Engels caused by falling debris. No injuries were reported, but authorities responded by restricting flights at airports in Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk. The incident reflects escalating tensions as Ukraine expands its reach into Russian territory using domestically developed long-range weapons.

Ukrainian presidential advisor Alexander Kamyshin attributed the attack to Ukraine’s indigenous arsenal, emphasizing the effectiveness of locally produced capabilities with the hashtag #MadeInUkraine. Last year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted Kyiv’s development of weapons with a range of up to 700 kilometers, with recent strikes proving their ability to hit targets over 1,000 kilometers away. This marks a shift in Ukraine’s strategy amid restrictions on the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons.

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Ukraine Launches Surprise Offensive in Russia’s Kursk Region

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Ukraine has launched a surprise offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, aiming to reclaim ground after months of setbacks. Reports emerged early Sunday from Russian military bloggers, later confirmed by officials in Kyiv and Moscow. Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked multiple fronts near Sudzha, with the country’s Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak describing the situation as “good news” for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have repelled two assaults and inflicted heavy losses on Ukrainian troops, including North Korean soldiers aiding Moscow.

This escalation follows Ukraine’s initial incursion into Kursk last August, during which Kyiv seized significant territory before losing over 40% due to sustained Russian counterattacks. The latest offensive seeks to regain momentum amid concerns that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may push for a peace deal, potentially pressuring Ukraine into unfavorable compromises. Analysts have cautioned against premature conclusions about the attack’s significance, as both sides have engaged in disinformation campaigns.

As Ukraine braces for potential changes in U.S. support, its leadership is focused on negotiating from a position of strength. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained strong rhetoric, highlighting Russian losses, including North Korean troops, in the ongoing battles. Western analysts suggest that while the offensive’s outcome remains uncertain, it underscores Ukraine’s determination to challenge Moscow and resist territorial concessions.

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Russia Launches Massive Christmas Day Assault on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure

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In a brutal escalation nearly three years into the war, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy system and cities on Christmas Day, using over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the assault as “inhuman,” citing deliberate strikes on critical energy facilities in freezing temperatures. The attacks killed one person in the Dnipropetrovsk region, injured six in Kharkiv, and left 500,000 people in Kharkiv without heating. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones overnight and into Wednesday morning.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, claiming they targeted energy facilities supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. However, Ukrainian officials called for international support, with DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, describing the incident as state-sponsored terrorism. U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the “outrageous” attack and pledged to expedite further military aid to Ukraine, while U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink decried the attack as “Russia weaponizing winter.”

Meanwhile, a missile crossed into Moldova’s airspace during the assault, drawing condemnation from Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The timing of the attack—during Ukraine’s newly adopted December 25 Christmas celebration—marks a symbolic move away from the Russian Julian calendar tradition and underscores Russia’s intensified winter campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure.

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Russia Launches Massive Strike on Ukraine’s Power Grid, Leaving Over One Million Without Electricity

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Ukraine is reeling from a devastating Russian missile and drone assault that left more than one million people without power. The coordinated attack, which lasted for nearly nine-and-a-half hours, targeted energy infrastructure across the country, including Odesa, Kharkiv, Lutsk, and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using cluster munitions, making it harder for rescue teams and energy workers to address the damage. Over 100 drones and more than 90 missiles were involved in the strike, marking the second such attack this month.

Authorities have reported widespread power outages across at least 12 regions, with emergency power cuts implemented to prevent grid overloads. In cities like Lutsk and Kharkiv, explosions were heard, and public transport, including trolleybuses, came to a halt. In the Lviv region, more than half a million people are without electricity, and officials are bracing for further strain on the energy system as temperatures drop, signaling the arrival of Ukraine’s harsh winter.

This strike comes on the heels of earlier missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, which have severely impacted the country’s power plants. Ukrainian officials had warned of the possibility of a broader assault aimed at depleting the national power grid as winter approaches. With the ongoing war and extreme weather conditions, Ukrainians face another challenging winter ahead, already having endured multiple severe winters since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

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Russia Fires ICBM at Ukraine’s Dnipro in Unprecedented Escalation

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Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s Air Force reported on Thursday. The missile, identified as the RS-26 Rubezh with a range of 5,800 kilometers, was reportedly non-nuclear and accompanied by a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were intercepted. The attack injured two people and targeted critical infrastructure in Dnipro, underscoring the intensifying military hostilities.

This marks the first reported use of an ICBM in the over 1,000-day war. The RS-26, a nuclear-capable missile tested successfully in 2012, represents a significant show of force from Moscow. The move comes days after Russia warned of retaliation following Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian-held territory, signaling escalating tensions between the warring nations.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDR) described the alleged ICBM deployment as “unprecedented.” Andrey Baklitskiy of the UNIDR noted that ICBMs, typically strategic nuclear deterrents, are rarely used in active military operations due to their high cost and precision capabilities. Russia has not officially commented on the Ukrainian Air Force’s claims.

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UK Government Allocates £2.26bn in Support for Ukraine from Seized Russian Assets

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The UK government has announced an additional £2.26 billion ($2.93 billion) to support Ukraine, funded by profits from seized Russian assets held in Europe. This funding is part of a broader £38 billion ($50 billion) initiative pledged by G7 nations to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of this contribution, stating it would enable Ukraine to enhance its frontline military equipment and serve as a means of countering the effects of Russian aggression.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the funds will be provided as a loan, with the UK recouping costs through the earnings and interest from the seized assets, all within the appropriate legal framework. While the UK will not be confiscating sovereign Russian assets outright, this approach aims to provide timely financial support to Ukraine. The payments are expected to be disbursed in tranches, allowing Ukraine to allocate funds according to its immediate needs, including potential contributions to its reconstruction efforts.

The UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense comes on the heels of over £12 billion already provided in military aid, with assurances of continued support in the future. Both Healey and Reeves, in a joint appearance, reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, which will endure “for as long as it takes.” This announcement precedes the government’s upcoming budget, where discussions on public service spending, including defense, are anticipated.

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Ukraine receives first F-16 jets, officials say

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The first batch of much-anticipated F-16 jets has arrived in Ukraine, according to Lithuania’s foreign minister and a U.S. official on Wednesday. This delivery is expected to aid Ukraine in restoring its weakened air force. The F-16s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, have long been sought by Ukraine due to their significant firepower and widespread availability. Equipped with a 20mm cannon, these fighter jets can carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that “F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible.” A U.S. official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the delivery has been completed.

Denmark has pledged a total of 19 jets, while the Netherlands has committed to delivering 24 aircraft. Both nations have played a key role in forming an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also announced it will donate six F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have undergone training with the help of Western allies for several months.

As Ukraine has fought against Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, it has relied on a limited fleet of Soviet-era aircraft. Ukrainian officials consider the addition of F-16s a crucial enhancement for their Air Force. However, analysts and officials indicate that while the F-16s will strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities, they are unlikely to be a decisive factor in the ongoing conflict.

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Russian Court Imprisons Theatre Figures for Play About IS Wives

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A Russian playwright and a theatre director have been convicted of “justifying terrorism” by a Moscow military court. Director Yevgenia Berkovich and playwright Svetlana Petrichuk received six-year sentences for their play, The Brave Falcon Finist. The play, loosely inspired by real events, depicts Russian women traveling to Syria during the civil war to marry Islamic State fighters.

Their defense lawyer has pledged to appeal the verdict. The trial, held partially behind closed doors, has raised concerns about artistic freedom in Russia. In addition to their prison sentences, both women are barred from “administering websites” for three years post-release. They have been in custody since May 2023 and will now be sent to a penal colony, as reported by RBC.

Prosecutors argued that the play conveyed a positive view of IS, with prosecutor Yekaterina Denisova highlighting “signs of justification of terrorism” in the content. At the trial’s outset, Berkovich, 39, and Petrichuk, 44, stated that they created the play to oppose terrorism, expressing strong condemnation of terrorists. Berkovich emphasized her lack of affiliation with any form of Islam, particularly radical forms.

Throughout the trial, both women asserted their innocence. Defense lawyer Ksenia Karpinskaya condemned the trial as “absolutely illegal” and “unfair,” committing to appeal despite having “little hope.” She emphasized the innocence of both women.

Supporters suggest Berkovich’s prosecution may be linked to her critical poems about Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s artistic community has faced growing pressure from the Kremlin. Notable Russian figures, including newspaper editor Dmitry Muratov and actress Yulia Peresild, have expressed support for Berkovich and Petrichuk.

The Brave Falcon Finist, which debuted in 2020, won two Golden Mask Theatre Awards for best playwright and best costumes. Recently, Russia has experienced deadly Islamist militant attacks in Moscow and Dagestan, with the Kremlin making unproven claims of Ukraine’s involvement.

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Children’s hospital hit as Russian strikes kill dozens in Ukraine

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A children’s hospital in Kyiv has been severely damaged by Russian strikes, resulting in 33 fatalities across Ukraine in an early morning attack. In Kyiv alone, 19 people were killed, including two at Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital, Ukraine’s largest pediatric facility, which suffered extensive damage. Kryvyi Rih saw at least 10 deaths, three people were killed in Pokrovsk, and one in Dnipro. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently in Poland signing a security pact, has vowed retaliation.

President Zelensky detailed on social media that multiple cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk, were hit by over 40 missiles, damaging residential buildings, infrastructure, and the children’s hospital. Dr. Lesia Lysytsia from Ohmatdyt described the missile strike as resembling a scene from a film, with a bright light followed by a deafening sound, resulting in 60-70% of the hospital being damaged. Images showed children with IV drips being evacuated. The hospital, which provides cancer treatments and organ transplants, is currently evacuating patients, though many on ventilators cannot be moved easily.

Hospital officials reported to Ukrainian TV that around 20 children were being treated in the ward that was hit. A subsequent explosion nearby forced hundreds to seek shelter in an underpass. President Zelensky mentioned on social media that people were trapped under the hospital rubble, with doctors and civilians assisting in the rescue efforts.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko described the bombardment as one of the worst attacks on the capital since the war began. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service revealed that a separate maternity unit in Kyiv was also partly destroyed, killing four and injuring three. Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina will wear a black ribbon at her Wimbledon match to honor the victims.

In Kryvyi Rih, the attack killed at least 10 and wounded 31, with 10 in serious condition, according to military administration head Oleksandr Vilkul. Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, has faced repeated attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Dnipro regional head Sergiy Lysak reported one death and six injuries in Dnipro, with a high-rise building and a business hit. Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region saw three deaths amid recent Russian advances.

The bombardment coincides with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Moscow, where he is set to meet President Vladimir Putin. Russia claimed the strikes targeted military facilities, not civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov called for increased air defense support from allies, citing insufficient current capabilities. The UN’s human rights mission in Ukraine noted a rise in civilian casualties, with May being the deadliest month in almost a year due to renewed Russian air attacks.

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Hungary’s Orban Calls for Ceasefire During Visit to Kyiv

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Viktor Orban arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday for an unannounced visit shortly after assuming the role of rotating president of the European Union. While in Kyiv, the Hungarian prime minister suggested that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could expedite negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Orban, known for his critical stance on Western support for Ukraine and close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has not visited Ukraine in 12 years but has met with Putin several times. During his joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, their body language was notably reserved, and neither took questions from the media.

Orban previously delayed the agreement on a €50 billion EU aid package meant to support Ukraine against Russia. However, his new role as head of the European Council for the next six months grants him significant influence as a European figurehead. He emphasized the need to resolve past disagreements and focus on future cooperation during his discussions in Ukraine.

Zelensky stressed the importance of maintaining Europe’s support for Ukraine and fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial cooperation among European neighbors. Orban highlighted the necessity of collaboration and proposed a ceasefire to hasten peace negotiations with Russia, expressing gratitude for Zelensky’s candid responses.

Orban stated that his visit underscored the importance of peace not just for Ukraine but for all of Europe, acknowledging the war’s profound impact on European security. Zelensky did not publicly respond to Orban’s ceasefire comments but later posted on X, emphasizing the significance of European unity and collective action. He described their discussion as focused on achieving a just, lasting, and fair peace.

Many Ukrainians view a ceasefire as potentially solidifying Russia’s control over seized territories and prefer negotiations from a position of strength. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed openness to working with all parties to solve problems, acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing the potential for tangible results.

During Orban’s visit, he and Zelensky also addressed bilateral issues, including the status of the 100,000 ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraine. Orban expressed optimism about progress on the rights of ethnic Hungarians and wished Ukraine success. The EU had initiated membership talks for Ukraine just before Hungary assumed the EU Council Presidency.

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