For today, links to seven reports: from National Public Radio, the Associated Press, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on its initials below. (GAZA and SYRIA entry for this date are HERE and HERE.) — MCM   

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Biden administration to send billions more in aid to Ukraine. Reported by Jackie Northam |  NPR  The White House says it will send nearly $6 billion in military and budget aid to Ukraine. It’s likely to be the last bit of support by the Biden administration as Trump’s team is about to take over. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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Ukrainian military says it hit Russian oil depot in Smolensk region. From Reuters. The Ukrainian military said today its forces had hit a Russian oil depot in the Smolensk region. READ MORE . . .

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Ukraine says naval drone destroys Russian helicopter for first time. From Reuters. Ukrainian military intelligence said one of its naval drones had destroyed a Russian helicopter and damaged another one in the Black Sea in a battle today near Cape Tarkhankut on Crimea’s west coast. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for video from AP .

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Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine hits multiple targets, including Kyiv, by Illia Novikov | AP  KYIV — Russia launched an aerial attack on Ukraine today, striking the capital and other regions with multiple missiles and drones. Ukraine’s air force said . . . READ MORE . . . Click HERE for report from Reuters.

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3 significant events in Russia’s history that stand out under Putin’s rule. Steve Inskeep of NPR talks with Russia expert Keir Giles of Chatham House about three key moments in which Vladimir Putin has exerted power in his 25 years of leadership in Russia. READ MORE . . .