As the war reaches its 665th day, here are the key events as of Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
Fighting:
– Ukraine’s military reported a fifth air strike by Russia on Kyiv, with air defense systems successfully intercepting the weapons.
– Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it downed a Ukrainian drone near Kyiv, leading to flight restrictions in Moscow but reported no casualties.
– Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold off Russian forces in Kupiansk, despite being outnumbered.
– Firefighters worked to extinguish fires in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine’s Donetsk following shelling.
Politics and diplomacy:
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the US and other Western allies to continue supporting Ukraine and called for the mobilization of an additional 500,000 troops.
– Russia’s President Vladimir Putin declared that Moscow had the momentum in the war and was making progress towards its objectives.
– Italy pledged to supply means, materials, and equipment to Ukraine for its fight against Russia.
– The UN human rights chief suggested that Russia had committed war crimes in Ukraine, including summary executions and enforced disappearances.
– A court in Poland convicted 14 individuals from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine for being part of a spy ring preparing acts of sabotage on behalf of Moscow.
Weapons:
– Russia’s defense minister revealed that the country had increased production of tanks, drones, and artillery shells since the start of the invasion.
– Zelenskyy announced plans for Ukraine to manufacture 1 million drones next year for battlefield use.
– The US charged an Iranian and a Chinese national for allegedly supplying US-manufactured microelectronics to Iran’s drone program, while imposing sanctions on related entities and individuals.
The situation in the war continues to evolve rapidly, with developments across multiple fronts.