At least six people have been killed and several injured in a series of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine. The attacks targeted diplomatic missions, including the Portuguese embassy in Kyiv, which was damaged.
Russian officials reported at least six deaths in a Ukrainian strike on Rylsk, in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian forces fired US-supplied HIMARS rockets, targeting several buildings, including a school and private residences.
The Kyiv attack damaged historic buildings, including the Church of St Nicholas, a Roman Catholic church and national monument. The parish priest reported that stained glass windows were also damaged.
Ukrainian officials blamed Russia’s military intelligence for a cyberattack that targeted government branches. Russian forces have taken control of two more towns in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to speak with Putin again after reinitiating contact with him. The US is reportedly preparing to announce a final package of new arms for Ukraine.
NATO representative Patrick Turner said the alliance does not think there has been an increase in Russia’s aggression, and that efforts should be made to find a sustainable peace for Ukraine.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/12/20/russia-ukraine-war-live-deadly-missile-attacks-hit-ukraines-kyiv-kherson