At a Glance
- Russian drones struck Odesa, injuring six people, including a toddler
- President Putin remains confident of victory in the war
- Ukraine’s weapons fund reaches $4.3 billion with 24 nations contributing
- Why it matters: The attack shows ongoing conflict, while diplomatic efforts and funding highlight attempts to shape the war’s future
Russian drones launched overnight from Ukraine struck the southern city of Odesa, damaging four apartment buildings and key power infrastructure and leaving six people injured, including a toddler. While President Vladimir Putin declared confidence in Russia’s eventual victory, diplomatic channels remain active as U.S. and European leaders push for a peace settlement and Ukraine secures substantial weapons funding.
Odesa Drone Attack
Four apartment buildings in Odesa were damaged, and the DTEK power provider reported significant damage to two energy facilities. The company also confirmed that 10 substations in the region were hit earlier in December.
- Four apartment buildings damaged
- Two energy facilities suffered major damage
- Ten substations hit in December
Diplomatic Push and Peace Talks
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, said a productive call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner took place with national security advisers from Britain, France, Germany and Ukraine to advance the European peace process. The discussion focused on strengthening security guarantees, developing deconfliction mechanisms, and reconstructing Ukraine post-war.
- Participants: Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, national security advisers from Britain, France, Germany, Ukraine
- Focus: security guarantees, deconfliction mechanisms, post-war reconstruction
Russian Claims and Disinformation
Russia’s Defense Ministry released a video purporting to show a drone downed near a Putin residence, a claim Kyiv denies as a lie. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said the images could not prove the attack, noting the drone’s origin and the video’s location were unknown.
President Putin stated:
> “We believe in you and our victory.”
Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said:
> “It took Russia more than two days to fabricate this evidence. The photographs of metal fragments laid out on the snow do not prove anything in themselves.”
European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas called the allegations:
> “a deliberate distraction.”
Ukraine’s Weapons Fund and Counterattacks
Zelenskyy announced that Romania and Croatia have joined a fund that purchases U.S. weapons for Ukraine, bringing the number of contributing NATO members to 24. The fund has raised $4.3 billion, with almost $1.5 billion added in December.
| Total Raised | December Contribution |
|---|---|
| $4.3 billion | $1.5 billion |
A Ukrainian drone strike hit the Temp oil depot in Rybinsk, 800 km from the border, according to a Ukrainian security official.
Key Takeaways
- Odesa drone attack injured six, highlighting ongoing conflict
- President Putin remains confident of Russia’s victory
- Ukraine’s weapons fund tops $4.3 billion, aiding defense efforts
These events underscore the intensity of the conflict and the international community’s efforts to influence its outcome.
