War against Ukraine: this is the situation

Russian invasion - War against Ukraine: this is the situation

Russia attacked Ukraine again on Saturday night with several swarms of combat drones. An air alert was sounded over the eastern part of Ukraine shortly before midnight. The Ukrainian air force reported that the aircraft loaded with explosives were moving in several waves towards the capital Kiev and the regions of Cherkasy, Zaporizhzhya, Kirovohrad and Mykolaiv. The air defense of Kiev was deployed, wrote Mayor Vitali Klitschko on Telegram.

Klitschko also reported that explosions could be heard in the Podil district near the city center. He later added that the enemy aircraft were over the center. A reporter from the German Press Agency reported that anti-aircraft fire could be heard and was getting closer. The flights of so-called kamikaze drones and explosions were also reported from other parts of Ukraine. There was initially no information on possible damage or casualties.

According to the Ukrainian air force, several regions of Ukraine were attacked by Russian drones. There is also a risk of missile strikes in Kiev. Russia has intensified its airstrikes on Ukraine in recent days, using drones, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles and cruise missiles. For its part, Ukraine also appeared to have launched drones towards the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia and towards Kursk.

After returning from a long trip abroad, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced further foreign policy initiatives for the coming year. "We continue to work with our partners to ensure that unity is maintained in the defense of Ukraine," Zelenskyi said in a video he recorded in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Saturday marks the 661st day of war since Russia invaded the neighboring country in February 2022.

Ukrainian drone attacks in Crimea

Explosions could be heard in the port city of Sevastopol in Crimea in the evening because, according to the Russian city chief Mikhail Rasvoshayev, the air defense was in action. A Ukrainian drone had been shot down in the process. This information could not be independently verified. In many cases, it turned out afterwards that the Ukrainian shelling had caused damage that was not officially reported.

The authorities also reported Ukrainian drone attacks from the Russian region of Kursk on the border with Ukraine. Four drones were intercepted, according to Governor Roman Starovoyt. Nevertheless, the remaining drones caused damage to buildings, railroad installations and power lines.

Dozens of ground battles in eastern Ukraine

In its situation report, the Ukrainian General Staff reported 82 individual battles with Russian troops along the front in the east and south of the country. The fighting was again particularly fierce near the town of Avdiivka. It is defended by the Ukrainians and lies close to Donetsk, the Russian-controlled capital of the coal and industrial district of Donbass.

Numerous battles were also recorded at the frontline sections of Kupjansk and Lyman, Bachmut and Marjinka. The daily report from the British Ministry of Defense also addressed the situation in Marjinka. Russia had further reduced the small areas still under Ukrainian control there. However, an operationally significant Russian breakthrough in this sector is highly unlikely, according to the British assessment. Marjinka is located just under 30 kilometers southwest of Donetsk. The town had around 9,000 inhabitants before the war and has now been almost completely destroyed.

Selensky speaks of new initiatives

Ukraine wants to talk to Europe, the USA and other supporters, Selensky announced, without giving details. "We will also be active in foreign policy in the coming weeks, and we have already started planning activities for January," he said. "We will do our best to ensure that Ukraine is strong and that we can all be confident next year."

He had returned on Thursday from a lengthy trip abroad through Argentina, the USA and Norway. In the USA, his appeal for new aid was initially unsuccessful because US funds for Kiev are blocked by a dispute between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. The fact that the EU heads of state and government have agreed to host talks with Ukraine is considered a success.

Military aid from Lithuania

Lithuania has handed over several million cartridges and several thousand shells for portable anti-tank systems to Ukraine as further military aid for the fight against Russia. This was announced by the Ministry of Defense of the Baltic EU and NATO country. "We are listening to Ukraine's urgent requests and are continuing our support in line with the needs expressed," said Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas in Vilnius.

Germany helps with equipment against the winter cold

The German government is continuing its support for Ukraine with the delivery of power generators, heaters and other equipment. The country is experiencing the second winter in the Russian war of aggression in violation of international law, according to a joint statement from the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Foreign Ministry. The aim is to help the cities and communities, especially in areas close to the front.

This will be important on Saturday

Ukraine is bracing itself for further drone and missile attacks as well as advances by the Russian army on the ground.