Ukraine retreats near Siversk while Russia targets power grid - Tuesday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
In the early hours of December 23, Russia unleashed a large-scale combined drone and missile attack on Ukraine, as Ukrainian troops withdrew from Sievierodonetsk in the Donetsk region.
Read more about what happened on Tuesday, December 23.
Ukrainian troops withdraw from Siversk, General Staff says
The General Staff reported that heavy fighting is ongoing in the Siversk area, Donetsk region. Russian forces have a significant advantage in both equipment and manpower and continue their offensive attempts despite sustaining heavy losses.
Energy grid in western Ukraine hit, casualties and power outages recorded: Consequences of Russia's attack
On the night of December 23, Russia launched a massive combined attack on Ukraine, using drones and missiles. The main strike targeted energy facilities in the west of the country, leaving people killed and wounded and causing power supply disruptions.
German foreign minister warns Russia could attack NATO after the war in Ukraine
"Our assessment is — and will remain so in the near future — that we can achieve security in Europe only as security from Russia. Security can be achieved only from a position of strength, unity within the Alliance, and strong defense capabilities," he said.
From VIP security to trenches in Donbas: Reuters exposes scheme to recruit foreigners into Russian army
According to a South African resident, his 20-year-old son was promised elite training as a VIP bodyguard in Russia. Instead, the young man ended up in the trenches in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
Putin shields elites while shifting burden of war onto poorer regions, UK intelligence
UK intelligence reports that recruiting new soldiers in poorer regions—often predominantly populated by ethnic minorities—allows Russian authorities to use financial incentives more effectively while limiting the impact on urban segments of the population that hold greater political influence.
