Russia-Ukraine Conflict; Key Events of December 26, 2024

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered its 1,036th day, with new developments continuing to shape the geopolitical landscape. Here’s a summary of the key events unfolding on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

Fighting in Eastern Ukraine

Heavy fighting has intensified around the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, a strategically significant location. Ukrainian military officials reported 35 Russian attacks around the city, with three Russian army units concentrated in the region.

On Christmas Day, Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine using a combination of cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as drones. The assault caused widespread damage, particularly in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, where at least six people were wounded, and in the Dnipropetrovsk region, where one fatality was reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the "inhumane" nature of the attack, which aimed to disrupt power supplies during the winter months. More than 170 missiles and drones were fired, causing power outages in several regions.

International leaders condemned the strike, with U.S. President Joe Biden labeling the attack as an attempt to deprive Ukrainians of heat and electricity during the cold season. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized the strikes, emphasizing that there was “no respite even at Christmas.”

Russian Casualties and Diplomatic Tensions

Russia, in turn, claimed that Ukrainian missile strikes and a falling drone had killed five individuals in the border region of Kursk and in North Ossetia, located in the Caucasus. Moscow’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also acknowledged that Australia had raised concerns regarding the potential capture of an Australian citizen who was fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.

Military Support for Ukraine

In response to the ongoing conflict, U.S. President Biden urged the continuation of increased military aid to Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Defense has been tasked with accelerating the delivery of weapons to support Ukraine’s defense efforts, especially in light of Russia’s escalating attacks.

Diplomatic and Humanitarian Developments

Pope Francis, in his Christmas address, called for an end to violence worldwide, highlighting the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Ukraine. The Pope’s message of peace urged international leaders to prioritize diplomacy and ceasefire efforts in conflict zones.

Meanwhile, Russian opposition leader Ilya Yashin, who had been released in a prisoner swap in August, was added to Russia’s “wanted” list. Yashin, sentenced to over eight years in prison for his outspoken criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, had denounced the atrocities committed in the Ukrainian city of Bucha.

Regional Security Concerns

Tensions also persist on the broader European security front. Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused NATO of using Moldova as a logistical hub for military supplies to Ukraine, alleging an effort to bring NATO’s military infrastructure closer to Russian borders.

In Finland, concerns arose after an undersea power cable linking the country to Estonia was severed. Finnish officials did not rule out sabotage as a cause of the disruption, which is part of a larger series of incidents targeting energy infrastructure in the Baltic region.

Additionally, a Russian cargo ship was reportedly sunk in the Mediterranean in what Russia’s state-owned Oboronlogistika company described as a “terrorist act.” The ship, identified as the Ursa Major, sank on December 23, though the perpetrators remain unidentified.

Aviation Incident in Kazakhstan

A tragic aviation incident occurred when an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The jet had been diverted from Russian airspace, particularly from areas that have recently experienced Ukrainian drone attacks. Russian regions adjacent to Chechnya, Ingushetia, and North Ossetia also reported drone strikes on the same day, raising concerns about the ongoing threat to regional security.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the situation remains tense, with both military engagements and diplomatic efforts shaping the course of the war. The coming days will likely bring more developments as international calls for peace intensify amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.