Air Force: Ukraine downs 32 Russian drones overnight
The drones that were not intercepted struck front-line areas, primarily in Kherson Oblast, the Air Force said.
Abbey Fenbert
Articles
Reuters: Payment problems delay Russian oil shipments to India
Payment issues have caused delays in shipments of Russian Sokol crude oil to India, forcing Indian Oil Corp (IOC) to purchase more oil from the Middle East, Reuters reported Dec. 26, citing sources close to the matter.
National Resistance Center: Surveillance mounts in occupied Crimea after Feodosia strike
"The occupiers are looking for informants who they believe are watching the port, and are also trying to prevent information leaks about the extent of damage to the port infrastructure," the Center said.
Taiwan expands sanctions against Russia, Belarus
The expanded sanctions list includes 45 additional goods, such as semiconductors and certain chemicals, that could be used for military purposes in Russia's war.
Drone shot down over Rostov Oblast, Russian official claims
Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev said the drone was shot down in the early hours of Dec. 27, and that consequences on the ground were still being investigated.
Education Ministry creates manual for teachers on discussing war in schools
According to the ministry, the guide will show teachers how to "explain the course of the Russian-Ukrainian war, explain to students why wars occur, and develop media literacy skills."
Germany sends ammunition, demining equipment to Ukraine
The latest shipment includes ammunition for Leopard tanks, three additional Gepard anti-aircraft systems, and two more mine-clearing tanks.
ISW: Western officials should not overstate Russia's failures in Ukraine
As military aid to Ukraine stalls and the country girds itself for a difficult winter at war, these comments may suggest that Western support for Ukraine is not urgently needed, the ISW warns.
London mayor agrees to send scrap cars to Ukraine
Mayor Sadiq Khan had previously rejected a proposal to send cars that do not meet London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards to Ukraine instead of the scrapyard.
Reuters: Russia's LNG ambitions stalled by sanctions, lack of tankers
Russia hoped to increase its share of the global LNG market from 8% to 20% by 2030, offsetting the economic impact of European sanctions on Russian pipeline gas exports.
Russia shells 6 communities in Sumy Oblast
The attacks targeted the villages of Bilopillia, Esman, Krasnopillia, Seredyna-Buda, Myropillia, and Druzhba. No casualties or damages to civilian infrastructure were reported.
Biden approves record $886 billion defense budget
The bill allocates only $300 million in its record-breaking budget for Ukraine aid.
EU launches €20 million program to fund Ukrainian startups
Under the current call, Ukrainian tech startups can apply for grants of €10,000 to put towards consultancy services that will help them upgrade their business model or growth strategy.
Moldova bolsters air defenses with French radar system
Produced by the French company Thales, the GM 200 can monitor aircraft from a distance of up to 250 kilometers.
Former TV journalist bids to challenge Putin in Russian presidential election
Duntsova, 40, a local politician in Tver Oblast and mother of three, has publicly supported peace in Ukraine, though she refrains from using the term "war" in her remarks to journalists.
Drone damages house in Poltava Oblast
Governor Filip Pronin said the drone debris struck a house in the Myrhorod district. According to preliminary reports, no residents were injured in the attack.
ISW: Putin's NATO rhetoric poses threat to Western security
Putin said in a Russian state television interview that fears of Russia fighting NATO members directly are "complete nonsense." The ISW believes Putin's reassurances are better interpreted as threats.
IMF chief: Ukraine's economy depends on continued aid
Ukraine's economy could likely withstand a funding delay of "a couple of months," but a longer gap would put the nation's path to economic recovery at serious risk, IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva said.
UPDATE: North Korea launches second missile, firing long-range weapon into sea
North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Sea of Japan on Dec. 18, less than 24 hours after launching a short-range missile, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported.
National Resistance Center: Russia increases special forces in occupied Kherson Oblast
The Center said that Russian occupation forces were increasing "counter-sabotage" efforts throughout the region to intimidate residents who passed information on to the Ukrainian military.
Senator: Congress 'not anywhere close' to deal on Ukraine aid
"We’re not anywhere close to a deal. It’ll go into next year," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said on Dec. 17.
North Korea fires short-range ballistic missile into sea
The launch occurred on the 12th anniversary of the death of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
Russia loads new intercontinental ballistic missile into silo in Kaluga Oblast
The RS-24 Yars missile system carries multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRV), enabling it to deliver several nuclear warheads to different targets.
Finland reports eastern border stable after re-closing crossing points
While Finland announced on Dec. 14 that it would reopen two crossing points, the government quickly reversed the decision, closing the entire eastern border from Dec. 15.
Air defense downs 41 of 42 Russian drones overnight
The drones were launched from Balaklava and Chauda in occupied Crimea and from Primorsko-Akhtarsk in southern Krasnodar Krai, Russia.
Drones shot down over Kaluga, Moscow oblasts, Russia claims
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that air defense units destroyed nine drones over the two regions during the night of Dec. 14.
Russian Interior Ministry puts Budanov on wanted list
While the ministry's database says that Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov is wanted under Russia's criminal code, it does not specifiy under which article he is being investigated.
US Senate passes record defense spending bill
The $886 billion bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 87-13, and will now move on to the House of Representatives, which is expected to approve the bill in the coming days.
Russia shells 7 communities in Sumy Oblast
Russian troops fired 12 times throughout the day, causing at least 68 recorded explosions and striking with mines, grenade launchers, and mortar attacks.
Official: Polish border crossing blocked again after temporary reprieve
Earlier in the day, Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov announced that the blockade at the crossing point had been lifted and that trucks were again moving along the border.
Reuters: Over 100 EU lawmakers call for Congress to approve Ukraine aid
The officials represent at least 17 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, and will send the letter to their U.S. counterparts on Dec. 12.
Media: Brazilian president denies Zelensky's request to meet
President Volodymr Zelensky requested a meeting with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva while traveling to Argentina for the inauguration of Javier Milei, but the Brazilian leader declined to meet, the Brazilian news outlet O Globo reported Dec. 11.
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