Ukraine Invasion: Part 46

[MagicFox]

With thanks to all keeping these threads going 🇺🇦

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Well that's excellent news!

My understanding is that it only removes him from the ballot in Colorado, where he was likely to lose anyway. Equally I assume Trump will appeal to the Supreme Court in Washington, which of course he’s filled with his cronies.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Zelensky: Military proposes to mobilize 450,000-500,000 https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-military-proposes-to-mobilize-450-500-new-soldiers/ new soldiers.

The United States Senate will not be voting on a deal this year to provide more aid to Ukraine, Reuters reported on Dec. 19. https://kyivindependent.com/us-lawmakers-will-not-reach-deal-in-2023-for-more-ukraine-aid/ [well that will cost a lot of Ukrainian lives. What a farce.]

⚡️ White House: Russia, China, North Korea seek to strengthen ties. https://kyivindependent.com/white-house-russia-china-north-korea-strengthen-ties/

Russian drones drop caustic and flammable gas on Ukrainian lines to sow panic ahead of conventional shelling, CNN wrote on Dec. 19 in its report on trench warfare on the southern front. https://kyivindependent.com/cnn-russia-uses-gas-against-ukrainian-troops-on-southern-front/

President Zelensky in Kyiv on Dec. 19 told reporters he plans to reduce government expenditures because significant funding will be needed for fresh mobilization efforts. https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-he-plans-cuts-to-government-spending/

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 19 that he has a "working relationship" with Commander-in-Chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, responding to a question about their alleged dispute. Adding that "he and the General Staff are responsible for the situation on the battlefield." https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-i-have-working-relationship-with-zaluzhnyi/

Moscow mayor claims air defense prevented https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-mayor-claims-air-defense-prevented-drone-attack/ drone attack.

⚡️ EU Commissioner: $440 million energy support fund https://kyivindependent.com/commissioner-eus-energy-fund-accumulates-440-million-to-aid-ukraine-in-winter/ to help Ukraine in winter.

⚡️Zelensky: Ukraine to produce 1 million drones https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ukraine-to-produce-1-million-drones-next-year/ next year.

⚡️Zelensky: Ukraine to receive https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ukraine-to-receive-several-new-patriot-air-defense-systems-this-winter/ new Patriot air defense systems this winter without revealing their number.

⚡️ General Staff: Russia using low-quality, defective North Korean shells https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-russians-using-low-quality-defective-north-korean-shells/

⚡️ Hyundai to sell its sole Russian car plant for symbolic price. The firm will dispose of the St. Petersburg-based factory for a symbolic sum of 7,000 rubles ($77.67), a Hyundai official told Reuters.

⚡️Colorado’s top court removes Trump from 2024 ballot. https://kyivindependent.com/colorados-top-court-removes-trump-from-2024-ballot/

Reconstruction in Kyiv suburb sabotaged https://kyivindependent.com/reconstruction-in-kyiv-suburb-sabotaged-by-local-officials-discouraging-foreign-investors/ by local officials, discouraging foreign investors
Reconstruction in Hostomel, one of Kyiv’s northern suburbs, is being stymied by the town’s ruling military administration.
Foreign companies are eager to invest and contribute to the recovery process but have been put off by the town’s administration which is facing several allegations of misappropriating and stealing funds.

Investigative Stories From Ukraine: Journalists allege that key state agency controlled by unofficial boss
A businessman and former advisor to the head of Ukraine’s Agency for Investigation and Management of Assets, known by its Ukrainian acronym ARMA, appears to still have a top role in the agency unofficially. https://kyivindependent.com/investigative-stories-from-ukraine-journalists-allege-that-key-state-agency-controlled-by-unofficial-boss/

⚡️Ukrainian citizen who spied for Russia sentenced https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-citizen-who-spied-for-russia-sentenced-to-15-years-in-prison/ to 15 years in prison.

⚡️ UN records 142 cases https://kyivindependent.com/un-records-142-confirmed-cases-of-russia-executing-ukrainian-civilians/ of Russia's summary executions of Ukrainian civilians.

Ragnar Gudmundsson

WAR IN #UKRAINE - DEC 19, 2023
■ Relatively few strikes on both sides but more combat engagements & many settlements under artillery fire
■ Highest 7-day casualties since start of war, equipment losses below average
■ Oryx: 62:3 added to records - 56:0 with removal of duplicates/corrections - 30-day ratio rises to 3.4x

UNITED24 Media Telegram

Ukraine is increasing the production of kamikaze drones to compensate for the shortage of ammunition, Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk told the BBC.
The shortage will continue to arise as Western equipment requires 155 mm caliber. Ukraine plans to jointly produce such shells on Ukrainian territory with Western companies. Havryliuk expects that next year the Ukrainian industry will produce enough to cover the difference between what the forces on the front line need and the number of shells that partners can provide.
For now, Ukraine is increasing the production of artillery rounds "for almost the entire range" of its Soviet period weapons.

🇯🇵 According to Kyodo agency citing the head of Japan's Ministry of Finance, Shunichi Suzuki, Japan plans to extend assistance to Ukraine totaling $4.5 billion.

🇺🇸The United States will allocate $150 million over five years to further Ukraine's digital transformation. The funds are allocated to build on the efforts already made to create digital infrastructure and digitize the development of small and medium-sized businesses and the business environment in Ukraine, stated the US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, at the Diia Summit.

❗️ Duda convenes the Security Council of Poland regarding Ukraine, — mass media
The issues of the front in Ukraine, international security and the possibility of supporting the Armed Forces are on the agenda.

Western equipment prohibited by sanctions is taken to Russia through the ports of Morocco and Türkiye, writes The New York Times.
Cisco, HP, Juniper, Ericsson, and Nokia products are among the products that are shipped to Russia to bypass the restrictions. For example, since the beginning of the full-scale war, the Russian Nag company through intermediaries has purchased American high-tech products worth about $100 million, and goods worth $150 million were imported from China in 2023.

The head of Quantum-Systems’ operations announced that the German drone manufacturer will establish a research and development center in Ukraine.
Beginning in January 2024, Quantum Systems intends to initiate spare parts production for its UAVs in Ukraine. Moreover, by 2025, the manufacturer plans to commence full-scale drone production operations.

🇫🇷 At the beginning of 2024, France will join the training of Ukrainian pilots on Western fighter jets — this is the initial training, which will then be continued by European partners @notimagain

The United States plans to purchase missiles for Patriot air defense systems from Japan and transfer them to Ukraine, as reported by the Washington Post.
According to the publication, Tokyo will soon officially formalize a change in policy, responding to Joe Biden's request, allowing the export of several dozen Patriot missiles to the United States. This move aims to replenish the Pentagon's stockpiles, enabling Washington to provide additional missiles to Ukraine during the critical winter period of shelling. Japan manufactures these missiles for the Patriot under a license from the American company Raytheon.

At 9 a.m. on December 19, a Boeing 777-300 departed from Boryspil International Airport. [Ukraine]
The flight marked another step in the ongoing testing for the resumption of regular flights during martial law.

The United States is urging Ukraine to prioritize the production of its own weapons by 2024.
According to the New York Times, some Americans are proposing that Ukraine adopts a strategy of 'hold and produce,' emphasizing the retention of existing territory while concurrently fostering the capacity to manufacture its own weapons.
The objective, as outlined in the newspaper, is to establish a deterrent using drones and long-range missiles, prompting Russia to consider negotiations by late next year or in 2025

"NATO is the most powerful option for Ukraine and signals about partial participation are delusional," Zelenskyy said during a press conference. He added that he had never received an offer of a full or partial invitation to the Alliance.

▫️ Mobilization of people younger than 27 years old is expedient, but not for women.

An online satellite image of the Avdiivka coke plant has surfaced.
It's remarkable to note that the plant is heroically managed and controlled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a testament to their resilience.

A cat that succeeded! 😹 [It's a Russian PoW]

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Zelensky says the lack of allied aircraft has affected the counteroffensive in the south, but Ukraine is working on additional military assistance.
The President is confident that his partners will not let Ukraine down. US assistance is a matter of time. Zelensky has reached an understanding with Joe Biden and senators of both parties.

Zelensky admitted that there was a conflict with Poland over grain. Ukraine lost hundreds of millions of dollars and part of the harvest. Ukraine cannot compromise on this issue - it is a matter of survival.
The President believes that Ukraine will improve relations with the new government of Donald Tusk.

Putin at the Board of the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Russian army needs to be equipped with robotic systems, combat lasers and equipment based on artificial intelligence

🇨🇭The lower house of the Swiss parliament has followed the upper house in approving an amendment to the law that somewhat eases the requirements for arms exports.
In theory, the new amendment will allow Switzerland to approve the re-export of weapons to Ukraine, but neither its initiators nor the federal government have announced such intentions.

So ssslllooowwww...

Russia has already forced out at least 4 million people from the occupied territories of Ukraine
It replaces them with its population or migrants: 800 thousand Russians have already settled in Crimea (1 million according to some estimates), 300 thousand are planned to be moved to Mariupol in the future, and 100 thousand migrants have been forced to work in the occupied territories.

His legal team has already announced their intention of doing so.

This may not be as certain a win as he has supposed, though. Think of it this way. He has given the justices on the Supreme Court the position for life. What more does he have to offer them, or to hold over them? He can't take the position away from them again.

I seem to remember they have ruled against him already, possibly more than once. All they have to do is decline to consider his appeal, and what can he do then?

Technically, it keeps him off of the Republican Primary ballot. And he did poorly in Colorado in the last election, so it wasn't a state he was counting on winning. The real significance is that if it is upheld, the same thing could happen in other states that he does need to win. Legally, the case is weak because it's the Colorado Supreme Court interpreting and applying the Federal constitution, which is out of their lane, so I suspect the SC will hear the case and overrule it. We should know soon.

I saw this not great news about the UK defense budget.

God Save the British Military - Spending on welfare and healthcare are crowding out national defense, as in other Western democracies.

In better news, talks in the Senate on an immigration policy/Ukraine aid compromise are said to be making progress, but nothing will go public until there's a deal.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-20-2023

Key Takeaways:

• Head of the Kremlin-controlled Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill made a series of anti-migrant and xenophobic remarks that directly contradict Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing efforts to reestablish the inclusive Russian World (Russkiy Mir) ideology.
• Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explicitly stated that the Kremlin is uninterested in negotiations with Ukraine, suggesting that the Kremlin is moving away from its information operation meant to feign interest in negotiations.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD)-controlled Africa Corps announced a recruitment campaign targeting former and current Wagner Group personnel and people with combat experience in the war in Ukraine.
• Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin discussed bilateral economic cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on December 20.
• Moscow State University (MGU) is reportedly ending its master's program in “information and hybrid warfare” aimed at teaching students how to create information operations and conduct hybrid warfare, generating outrage from Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov.
• The Kremlin continues to set conditions to create a veneer of legitimacy over the upcoming March 2024 presidential election.
• Russian forces made a confirmed advance north of Bakhmut and continued positional meeting engagements along the entire line of contact.
• Russian officials issued military summonses to migrants at a naturalization ceremony on December 20 as part of ongoing efforts to target naturalized migrants for crypto-mobilization efforts and to placate the Russian ultranationalist community.
• Russian occupation administrators continue to use educational organizations to facilitate the temporary deportation of Ukrainians to Russia.

Another good interview with Fiona Hill: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/one-decision/id1583753742?i=1000639294810

What’s it called? Apologies I don’t have Apple Podcasts so the link doesn’t go anywhere.

@Aetreides whilst I take issue with most of what you've written, I do agree that western countries were hopeful that the world had got past the need for unnecessary wars. That countries would not decide to invade their neighbours and rape, torture and kill the citizens.

Unfortunately Putin and Hamas have tried to take advantage of this and it is taking the western allies time to get their act together (a bit like in the second world war). They have now had a wake up call.

The UK government should not be looked at as a good example given it's inept leadership and tendency to lie and divert funds to private individuals rather than actually investing it where needed. This will be changing when they finally do the decent thing and call an election. The British people are patient, but this is now wearing thin.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Military: Russia moves up to 2 km near Avdiivka in 2 months, loses 20,000 soldiers. https://t.me/KyivIndependent_official/27308
"In a little more than two months... the enemy lost almost 25,000 men dead and wounded, about 200 tanks, and over 400 armored vehicles in the Tavria group's area of responsibility in Donetsk Oblast."
Around 80% of these figures concern the Avdiivka direction, the spokesperson said.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Ukrainian men living abroad would first be "invited" to report to recruiting offices, but added that measures would be taken if they did not show up willingly. https://kyivindependent.com/umerov-ukraine-will-mobilize-ukrainian-men-living-abroad/

The White House hopes that Congress will pass a funding request containing $61 billion for Ukraine in January to maintain support for Kyiv amid Russia's invasion, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Dec. 20. https://kyivindependent.com/white-house-hopes-ukraine-aid-bill-to-pass-in-january/

⚡️ Minister: Ukraine already produced 50,000 FPV drones in December. https://kyivindependent.com/minister-ukraine-already-produced-50-000-fpv-drones-in-december/

⚡️ Ukraine, 10 partner countries launch new cybersecurity mechanism.
Ukraine and 10 partner countries established on Dec. 20 the Tallinn mechanism on cybersecurity to help protect Ukraine against cyber threats.
The new mechanism was formalized by foreign ministers of Ukraine, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-partners-launch-new-cybersecurity-initiative/

The majority of Ukrainians (55%) want corrupt politicians and officials to be punished as fast as possible, even if it means there is a violation of the law in the process, a poll released by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on Dec. 20 found.
The results should be viewed in light of the extremely low public trust in the courts and prosecutors, said Anton Hrushetskyi, the executive director of KIIS. https://kyivindependent.com/poll-majority-of-ukrainians-want-fastest-possible-punishment-for-corruption-regardless-of-due-process/

Six vessels carrying almost 5 million barrels of Russian oil failed to reach their destinations in India, some idling kilometers off the coast for weeks without providing a reason, Bloomberg reported on Dec. 20.
Recent U.S. sanctions targeting the violators of the $60-per-barrel price cap could partially be the reason, the news outlet speculated. https://kyivindependent.com/bloomberg-russian-tankers-carrying-5-million-barrels-of-oil-fail-to-reach-india/

The Ukrainian Blackjack hacker group carried out a cyber attack against Rosvodokanal, a Russian water utility company, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Dec. 20, citing undisclosed law enforcement sources. https://kyivindependent.com/media-ukrainian-hackers-hit-russia-utilities-company/

⚡️ US announces new sanctions to tighten Russian oil price cap. https://kyivindependent.com/us-tightens-sanctions-on-russian-oil/

⚡️ Putin holds 'private' talks https://kyivindependent.com/putin-holds-private-talks-with-kazakhstans-ex-president-nazarbaev/ with Kazakhstan's ex-president.

⚡️EU launches https://kyivindependent.com/eu-launches-eu20-million-program-to-fund-ukrainian-startups/ €20 million program to fund Ukrainian startups.

⚡️ German Prosecutor General wants to confiscate over $780 million in Russian funds. https://kyivindependent.com/german-prosecutor-general-wants-to-confiscate-720-million-euros-in-russian-funds/ If the plan comes to fruition, it would mark a change in Germany's position toward Russian assets it holds, as currently Germany has only frozen funds belonging to sanctioned individuals and companies.

⚡️ Ukraine receives over $160 million in EU grants https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-receives-over-160-million-in-eu-recovery-funds/ for recovery efforts.

Switzerland announced a new CHF 11.5 million ($13.3 million) winter aid package for Ukraine on Dec. 20, bringing the total of Switzerland's winter assistance to Ukraine to around CHF 26 million ($30 million). https://kyivindependent.com/switzerland-announces-13-million-in-winter-aid-for-ukraine/

⚡️ Putin: There must be severe action against 'foreign agents' who help Ukraine destabilize Russia. https://kyivindependent.com/putin-says-there-must-be-severe-action-against-foreign-agents-who-help-ukraine-destabilize-russia/

⚡️ Poll: An overwhelming majority (72%) of Ukrainians would disapprove of the resignation of Zaluzhnyi, and only 8% believe that there are serious disagreements between him and Zelensky https://kyivindependent.com/poll-majority-of-ukrainians-would-disapprove-of-zaluzhnyis-resignation-believe-rift-with-zelensky-is-not-serious/

The U.S. State Department released a statement expressing concern about Hungary's adoption of a "Sovereign Defense Authority" law that contains "draconian" provisions that could be used to degrade civil liberties, spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Dec. 20. https://kyivindependent.com/us-has-concerns-about-hungarys-sovereignty-law/

⚡️ SBU puts Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman on wanted list. https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-declares-russian-oligarch-mikhail-fridman-wanted/

Duntsova, 40, a local politician in Tver Oblast and mother of three, has publicly supported peace in Ukraine, though she refrains from using the term "war" in her remarks to journalists. https://kyivindependent.com/former-tv-journalist-bids-to-challenge-putin-in-russian-presidential-election/

⚡️Prosecutor's office: 4 Ukrainians convicted https://kyivindependent.com/prosecutors-office-4-ukrainians-convicted-of-fighting-with-russian-forces-sentenced-to-12-15-years-in-prison/ after fighting with Russian forces.

Back up over 1000 Russian soldiers killed. Over 350,000 now.

Ragnar Gudmundsson

WAR IN #UKRAINE - DEC 21, 2023
■ Strikes on both sides well above 7-day average, more combat engagements, fewer settlements under artillery fire
■ Casualties slightly above average, total casualties surpass the 350,000 mark
■ High landbased equipment losses, 7-day average above 100 for the 2nd day in a row

Notable that Ukrainians don't believe there's serious disagreement between Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi. There is apparently a considerable hybrid campaign by Russia to persuade the West of a serious schism, but it looks like most Ukrainians think it's crap.

Well I wouldn’t listen to the Rahman Review podcast on what might 2024 look like…… in summary thoroughly depressing!

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The UN General Assembly adopted an updated resolution condemning Russia's serious violations of human rights, in particular calling on it to stop forced deportation and ensure the safe return of all Ukrainian children and civilian hostages, — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reports

Ukraine to produce 1 million FPV drones, more than 10,000 medium-range attack drones, and over 1,000 drones with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers next year.

The Washington Post has removed the tab dedicated to the war in Ukraine from its front page.

🇱🇹A new batch of military aid from Lithuania arrived for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including essential field equipment and tens of thousands of dry rations.

🇨🇿Czech military and reservists to purchase 10,000 FPV drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, — iROZHLAS.

According to senior officer Kostyantyn, known by the call sign 'Churchill,' half of the enemy's equipment is destroyed thanks to drones.

⚡️It is necessary to bring the war as close as possible to the Kremlin, — Malyuk
Next year, the Security Service of Ukraine will strengthen special operations behind enemy lines. Priority targets are warships of the Russian Federation, logistical corridors for the supply of weapons, military bases, etc.

To make the grain corridor work better, air defense is needed, — Kubrakov.
Since August 2023, Ukraine has exported nearly 10 million tons of commodities, mostly grain, through the grain corridor, work on which began in the Black Sea after Russia withdrew from the grain deal in July. Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor is performing better than expected, but stronger air defense is needed to quicken ship loading times and better shield ports. Kyiv’s deal with Lloyd’s of London and brokers Marsh McLennan allowed it to cut insurance costs by half.

Ukraine has mobilized efforts to improve fortifications in recent weeks as it moves to defend along much of the front line — British Intelligence.
Russia continues localized offensives in several areas, but separate attacks rarely exceed the size of a platoon, according to analysts.
"A major Russian breakthrough is unlikely to happen, and the front is generally static," – summarizes the British Intelligence.

The space communications center and military unit were attacked in Crimea, according to the media.
The first attack took place around 4 a.m. on December 20 in Alushta. Preliminary, one FSB officer was wounded, and a satellite antenna was damaged by a UAV. The second attack was carried out, preliminarily, by Storm Shadow missiles on the village of Vityne, Saky district, with at least 2 hits and damage to military equipment.

Innovative Vision of Ukraine: WINWIN—Main Directions of the Country’s Development Now and After Victory
The strategy hinges on developing the innovation system, supporting the innovation ecosystem, and advancing in 13 key areas:

• AUV—Unmanned technologies
• Semiconductors—Utilized in cars, telephones, and computers
• GreenTech—Environmentally friendly technologies
• AI—Artificial Intelligence
• MedTech—Medical technologies
• BioTech—Biotechnological advancements
• DefenseTech—Defense technologies
• Secure Cyber Space—Cybersecurity
• XR—Technologies extending reality (VR, AR, and MR)
• AgriTech—Agricultural technologies
• Fluid Economy—An economy without borders
• EdTech—Education system development

🌿 The Verkhovna Rada has backed the draft law for the legalization of medical cannabis in its second reading, garnering 248 votes in favor.

In Kherson, as a result of Russian shelling, a warehouse containing humanitarian aid from the Kherson regional organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross was destroyed.

Live: Ukraine Telegram

❗️Local residents report powerful explosions in Kerch.
The Crimean bridge is blocked.

The US side has information, confirmed by satellite images, that North Korea has delivered more than a thousand containers of munitions to Russia - US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith

The EU has provided Ukraine with much more assistance than the US in total, but now the question is whether such assistance will continue, says Borrell, head of European diplomacy
If we take only military aid, the US has provided more, but if we add up all types of aid, Europe is ahead, he noted.

🇪🇺The EU is providing https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1737780478747218268** Ukraine with another €1.5 billion in macro-financial assistance.
This is the last disbursement of the €18 billion EU support package scheduled for 2023.

Up to 7 million Ukrainians need medical cannabis, and in the future, half of the Ukrainian population may need it. This includes cancer patients, people with sleep disorders, military personnel who need pain relief or have psychological problems.

🇩🇰Funded by Denmark and delivered by UNOPS Ukraine, the total of 34 buses will eventually benefit over 3,000 students across 30 schools in Dnipro, Kharkov, and Mykolaiv regions.” — Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine

Advertising in a Russian shopping center

@Igotjelly It's called One Decision

That Russian advertisement for coffins is crass and retrograde on so many levels.

It's so extraordinarily tacky it's almost good.

I found a fabulous eight minute interview with a Ukrainian Bradley IFV commander on Twitter. He's very frank about the vehicle and the training he received.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1737620818082070786

MissConductUS, thanks for sharing the Bradley love. Him hugging and kissing it was gold. It hunts at night, shoots, withstands strikes and saves lives. To think the guy was a chef in real life, told his wife he joined to cook and ended up commanding a Bradley!

for anyone on Twitter who hasn't encounter him yet, Peter Clifford does roundups of the news.

His slant is very pro-Ukraine and he doesn't often give the bad-news side but he collects info from quite a lot of sources into one place

https://twitter.com/PeterClifford1

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Oscar shortlist includes Ukrainian film '20 Days in Mariupol'. The Ukrainian documentary "20 Days in Mariupol" has been shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards, the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Dec. 21. https://kyivindependent.com/20-days-in-mariupol-oscar-list/

⚡️China-Russia 2023 trade surpasses $200 billion https://kyivindependent.com/china-russia-2023-trade-surpasses-record-200-billion/
Chinese-Russian bilateral trade hit $218 billion from January-November 2023, surpassing the $200 billion goal the two countries set in 2019, CNN reported following the China-Russia annual year-end meeting.
Western sanctions led to heightened trade and cooperation between China and Russia, and China has become a key partner for Russia, both economically and politically. After the full-scale invasion began in Ukraine, trade between China and Russia grew 30% in 2022

⚡️Finland announces https://kyivindependent.com/finland-announces-military-aid-package-for-ukraine/ military aid package for Ukraine worth $116 million.

⚡️Germany announces 88.5 million euros in winter aid for Ukraine. https://kyivindependent.com/germany-announces-88-5-million-euros-in-winter-aid-for-ukraine/

⚡️ Governor: Czech Republic to provide $10 million in aid for medical facilities in Kharkiv Oblast. https://kyivindependent.com/governor-czech-republic-to-provide-10-million-in-aid-for-medical-facilities-in-kharkiv-oblast/

The Biden administration is intensifying efforts to confiscate around $300 billion worth of Russian assets frozen in the West to ensure continued funding for Ukraine, the New York Times reported on Dec. 21 https://kyivindependent.com/nyt-white-house-intensifying-efforts-to-confiscate-russian-assets/

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev allegedly ordered the assassination of the late head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) wrote on Dec. 22, citing Western intelligence and a former Russian intelligence officer. https://kyivindependent.com/wsj-patrushev-ordered-prighozins-assassination/

⚡️ Official: 3,900 trucks waiting in line at Polish border to enter Ukraine. https://kyivindependent.com/official-3-900-trucks-waiting-in-line-at-polish-border-to-enter-ukraine/

⚡️ Energy Ministry: Widespread power outages due to bad weather Russian attacks.
Wide swathes of Ukraine were without power on Dec. 22 due to bad weather conditions and Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine's Energy Ministry said. https://kyivindependent.com/energy-ministry-widespread-power-outages-due-to-bad-weather-russian-attacks/

⚡️Russia has fired 7,400 missiles at Ukraine since February 2022. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-fired-7-400-missiles-at-ukraine-since-february-2022/

⚡️Ukraine's debt restructuring extended to March 2027.
"Today's agreement on the revision of debt obligations allows us to reduce the burden on the budget until the end of the IMF programme and save foreign currency liquidity to ensure social spending," Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko said. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-debt-restructuring-extended-to-march-2027/

⚡️Abramovich loses appeal https://kyivindependent.com/abramovich-loses-appeal-to-be-removed-from-eu-sanctions-list/ to be removed from EU sanctions list.

How Russian troops killed 3 unarmed teenagers in Ukrainian village https://kyivindependent.com/reconstructing-russian-militarys-murder-of-3-ukrainian-teenagers/

⚡️ Governor: Russian soldiers killed boy in front of his family https://kyivindependent.com/governor-russian-soldiers-in-occupied-kherson-oblast-killed-a-boy-in-front-of-his-family/ in occupied Kherson Oblast
Russian soldiers in occupied Kherson Oblast took a Ukrainian boy off the street and shot and killed him in front of his family, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said in a press conference on Dec. 22, cited by Suspilne.

⚡️Shooting in Prague kills https://kyivindependent.com/shooting-in-prague-kills-at-least-15/ at least 15, injures 24.

Ukraine's former President Petro Poroshenko received $1 million from Hungary due to interest earned on foreign investments, Poroshenko's party, European Solidarity, said in a statement on Dec. 21. https://kyivindependent.com/poroshenko-received-1-million-from-hungarian-finance-ministry/

⚡️ Ombudsman: 12-year-old boy returned after nearly 2 years https://kyivindependent.com/ombudsman-12-year-old-boy-after-22-months-under-russian-rule/ under Russian control.

⚡️Orban claims Russian invasion of Ukraine is not war. https://kyivindependent.com/orban-claims-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/

Ukraine’s largest parcel delivery service wants to conquer Europe Interview with co-owner of Nova Poshta https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-largest-parcel-delivery-service-wants-to-conquer-europe-interview-with-co-owner-of-nova-poshta/

Back over 1000 dead again, plus a considerable amount of hardware.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
⚡️ WAR IN #UKRAINE - DEC 22, 2023
■ Strikes & combat engagements stay above 7-day average, more settlements under artillery fire
■ Casualties slightly above average, landbased equipment losses down between days
■ Poternet: +117 🇷🇺 KIA identified