On Christmas Day, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, utilizing 78 missiles and over 100 drones. The assault targeted power plants and other energy facilities across multiple regions, causing widespread power outages and casualties. Ukraine’s air defense systems intercepted numerous missiles and drones, but significant damage was still inflicted. The attacks resulted in at least one death in Ukraine, disrupted heating for hundreds of thousands, and caused damage in Russia as well.
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On Christmas Day, Russia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages and casualties across the country, including Kyiv, where residents sought shelter in metro stations. President Zelensky condemned the attack as an “inhumane” and “conscious choice” by Russia, highlighting the targeting of critical energy facilities for the 13th time this year. Despite the attacks, many Ukrainians remained resilient, celebrating Christmas as best they could amidst the ongoing conflict. The attack left cities like Kharkiv with widespread damage and hundreds of thousands without essential services.
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Jointly, the UK Foreign Office and the US Embassy in Ukraine denounced Russia’s Christmas Day missile and drone barrage as an inhumane act, weaponizing winter against Ukrainian civilians. The attack, comprising over 180 projectiles targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas across multiple regions, was partially repelled by Ukrainian forces. Despite this, the assault resulted in further restrictions on power supply. This marks the third consecutive winter in which Russia has employed this brutal tactic.
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On Christmas Day, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, striking a thermal power plant and causing widespread blackouts and heating disruptions, particularly in Kharkiv. Over 70 missiles and 100 drones were fired, with Ukrainian forces shooting down a significant number. The attack resulted in casualties, with at least seven people wounded and one killed. This marks the 13th such attack on Ukraine’s power grid this year, prompting accusations of inhumane terror tactics by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
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On December 25th, Russia launched a widespread aerial assault on Ukraine, employing missiles and drones to target multiple cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Ivano-Frankivsk. The attacks primarily focused on energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts and damage to power plants, as reported by Ukraine’s Energy Minister and DTEK. Poland responded by scrambling fighter jets following the missile threat in western Ukraine. These attacks follow a pattern of intensified assaults on critical infrastructure and represent a significant escalation of the conflict.
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Sending troops to help Russia was apparently North Korea’s idea, according to U.S. officials. This seemingly bizarre proposition makes a surprising amount of sense when considering the potential benefits for Kim Jong Un. The loss of North Korean soldier lives isn’t a major concern for him; it’s a way to solve the problem of having too many mouths to feed, providing a revenue stream simultaneously. This action also bolsters the nationalistic narrative within North Korea, emphasizing wartime conditions and justifying even stricter control of the population.
This could be viewed as North Korea testing the waters in the mercenary market, exploring the possibilities of becoming a provider of military forces for hire.… Continue reading
The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea following an engine room explosion on December 23rd. Fourteen crew members were rescued, but two remain missing. The ship, previously sanctioned due to its owner’s ties to the Kremlin, was reportedly carrying port equipment and may have been part of a convoy evacuating Russian military assets from Syria. Ukraine’s military intelligence suggested the incident hampered Russia’s efforts to withdraw equipment from Syria, impacting their military presence in the region.
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In a recent interview, Pope Francis criticized the hypocrisy of simultaneously advocating for peace while supplying arms to Ukraine, highlighting Europe’s profitable arms industry as a key contradiction. He expressed concern over ignored peace appeals and the devastating impact of the war, particularly on Ukrainian youth. While calling for an urgent peace treaty, the Pope did not directly condemn Russia’s aggression, instead focusing on the need for dialogue and a cessation of hostilities. He reiterated his Christmas message urging a ceasefire across multiple global conflict zones.
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A significant fire destroyed a Shahed drone warehouse at Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone on December 23rd, resulting in an estimated $16 million in damages to 65 drone fuselages and other critical components. Ukraine’s HUR reported the incident, stating the fire eliminated materials for approximately 400 Shahed drones, though they did not claim responsibility. This attack follows previous Ukrainian strikes on the Yelabuga drone factory, highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia’s drone production capabilities. Local authorities have yet to publicly acknowledge the incident.
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A Russian cargo ship, the Sparta, tasked with evacuating troops and equipment from Syrian bases, experienced engine failure in the Atlantic Ocean near Portugal. This occurred amidst uncertainty regarding the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria following a regime change. Russia is reportedly negotiating with Syria’s new leadership to maintain its bases, secured under a 49-year lease with the previous government. The incident follows reports of Russian asset relocation, possibly reflecting a cautious approach to the evolving political landscape in Syria.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood