For today, links to four reports: from the Kyiv Independent, National Public Radio, Tass, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA, SYRIA and 9/11 TRUTH entries for this date are HERE, HERE and HERE.)  — MCM

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Russia strikes apartment building in Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve, at least 9 injured, by Natalia Yermak | The Kyiv Independent  Russia attacked a residential building in the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast today, injuring at least nine people, Gov. Serhii Lysak said. Preliminary reports say … . . READ MORE . . .

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Is Ukraine’s strategy to use more drones in the war against Russia working? Reported by Brian Mann and Asma Khalid | NPR  Facing a desperate manpower shortage, Ukraine is relying more and more on unmanned flying attack drones. The weapons are deadly and efficient — but will they be enough? Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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Russian forces pound Ukrainian military airfields, ammo depots over past day — top brass. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian forces struck Ukrainian military airfields, ammunition depots and amassed enemy manpower and military hardware in more than 140 areas over the past day in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry said today in a broader statement. READ MORE . . .

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FROM DEC. 23  Ukraine says it received $1.1 bln from IMF in latest funding. From Reuters. Ukraine’s prime minister Denys Shmyhal said on Monday the country had received $1.1 billion from the International Monetary Fund, which would be used for key budget expenditure. Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said . . . READ MORE . . .