Russian barrage damages Kyiv-area infrastructure as Ukraine strikes back
Key Questions
What shattered the ceasefire in Ukraine?
Massive drone and missile strikes on Kyiv shattered the ceasefire, with new attacks also reported in Belgorod. NATO-Russia clash odds have risen significantly.
Why did Zelensky sack the top army commander?
Zelensky dismissed the top army commander amid days of protests following the ceasefire breakdown. This move aims to address internal military challenges.
How has Russia impacted Odessa port operations?
Russia shut down Odessa port, leading Maersk to suspend services. Only 1/5 to 1/6 of cargo can be rerouted via land, raising European food crisis risks.
What does Mearsheimer say about the wars in Iran and Ukraine?
John Mearsheimer links US wars in Iran and Ukraine as driving the world toward catastrophe. He warns of merging regional conflicts escalating globally.
What is the risk of broader NATO involvement?
Odds of a NATO-Russia clash have risen from 4% in June to 22.5% by December. The conflicts are increasingly merging according to analysts.
A reported Russian overnight attack involved 36 ballistic missiles and 172 drones, damaging Kyiv-area energy and water systems and contributing to outages. Ukraine reportedly hit Russian sites, though a possible refinery strike is unconfirmed by local officials. The war continues without a ceasefire, with civilian disruption and wider European security concerns.