Kyiv – 13 drones sent by Russia targeting the capital city of Ukraine were shot down by the army. 2 government offices in Shevchenkovskyi district were destroyed by drone attack. Russia launched heavy rocket attacks on Harkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhia. Russia stepped up its offensive in response to Ukraine’s attacks on a Russian airstrip earlier this month.
At the same time, the US decision on providing Ukraine with the advanced Patriot missile defense system could be made today. Although the US and other European countries have provided air defense systems, Ukraine can fully resist Russian missile and drone attacks targeting its energy production and distribution systems if it gets the Patriot.
Russia has not responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request that Russian forces begin withdrawing before Christmas ahead of a peace deal.
Pope’s call to help Ukraine to celebrate Christmas
ROME – Pope Francis has called for Christmas to be kept simple and money given to those suffering in Ukraine. The Pope said that the celebration of Christmas without forgetting those who are suffering due to war will not be meaningful. The Pope had written a letter to all the major heads of state asking them to fulfill the Christmas celebration by pardoning deserving prisoners.
English Summary: Ukraine shoots down 13 russian drones