First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, and Agence France-Presse; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM
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Russian strikes thwarted, wreckage hits buildings, by Hanna Arhirova and Jamey Keaten | AP KYIV — Ukrainian authorities said they thwarted a Russian attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region today as their air defense system intercepted and destroyed 13 explosive-laden drones, although wreckage from some of them damaged five buildings. The attacks highlighted Ukraine’s claims of increasing efficiency in intercepting weapons — something that Patriot missiles from the U.S. may soon help boost. Ukrainian President . . . READ MORE . . .
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No Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, Russia says, as prisoner swap frees American, by Tom Balmforth and Pavel Polityuk | Reuters * Missiles, rockets hit Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia * American among dozens freed in Ukraine-Russia swap * U.S. citizen among dozens of detainees handed to Ukraine * No plans for Christmas ceasefire, Kremlin says | KYIV — Moscow today said no “Christmas ceasefire” was on the cards after nearly 10 months of devastating war in Ukraine, even as the release of dozens more prisoners including an American showed that some contacts between the two sides remain. Russia and Ukraine are not currently engaged in talks to end the fighting, which is raging in the east and south and reached Kyiv again today. Tens of thousands . . . READ MORE . . .
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Putin’s annual State of the Nation Address likely to be held in 2023 – source. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s State of the Nation Address to the Russian Federal Assembly is likely to be arranged next year, a source in the parliament said today. In line with the Constitution of Russia, the president delivers his address annually to the Federal Assembly focusing on . . . READ MORE . . .
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Kyiv says 64 Ukrainians, U.S. citizen released in prisoner swap with Russia. From AFP. Ukraine said today that it had secured the release of Suedi Murekezi, a U.S. citizen “who helped our people” as well as 64 Ukrainian members of the military in its latest prisoner swap with Russian forces. “Sixty-four soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who fought in Donetsk and Lugansk . . . READ MORE . . .
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Zelensky urges Europe to back war tribunal for Russian leaders. From AFP. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today urged Europe to help set up a tribunal to try Russia’s leadership for the “crime of aggression”, as he accepted the EU’s top rights award. “I call on all of you, your . . . READ MORE . . .
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Kremlin says Russia has no plans for holiday ceasefire in Ukraine. From AFP. The Kremlin said today that it had not received any proposals from Kyiv to halt fighting in Ukraine during the upcoming holiday period and that a ceasefire was not on Moscow’s agenda. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on Jan. 7, and public holidays in the country usually extend from New Year’s Day until . . . READ MORE . . .