At least 21 people, including three children, were killed in a shelling attack in the Russian border city of Belgorod on Saturday, with an additional 110 people wounded. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported the casualties and said the attack was one of the deadliest since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2014. The attack occurred the day after an 18-hour aerial bombardment across Ukraine killed at least 41 civilians, with Russian authorities accusing Kyiv of carrying out the attack in Belgorod.
Posts tagged as “Eastern Ukraine”
On Friday, Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine, killing at least 22 civilians and damaging schools, hospitals, and homes. Ukraine's air force intercepted most of the missiles and drones, but the attack still caused significant destruction. The international community has condemned the attack and the UN Security Council is expected to meet soon to discuss the situation.
Ukrainians celebrated Christmas on December 25th for the first time this year, after the government changed the date from January 7th. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy released a Christmas message praising Ukraine’s “capabilities in negotiations with partners” and referring to the country’s claim to have destroyed three Russian fighter planes on Friday. Ukrainians celebrated with church services, prayer, and a Christmas dinner, and are hopeful that the new year will bring further progress in the fight for freedom.
The White House and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met on Saturday to discuss a potential immigration deal, however progress has been slow and a deal is unlikely to be reached before Christmas. The chamber is not set to reconvene until Jan. 9, meaning any aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan will be delayed until then. The White House and the CHC have yet to reach an agreement on the immigration deal.
Despite the failure to agree on a 50 billion-euro aid package, the European Union has opened accession negotiations with Ukraine, a momentous decision that was welcomed by the Ukrainian government. This is seen as a major step forward for the country, providing a path to peace and stability in the region.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Capitol Hill on Tuesday to appeal for U.S. aid for his country, which is suffering from Russian bombings. During the visit, Senator Lindsey Graham asked Zelenskyy to thank Mike Johnson for being willing to pass a package if border security is included, while House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar criticized Johnson for not inviting all House members. Senator J.D. Vance called the visit "grotesque" and Senator Roger Marshall said it was designed to apply pressure on Republicans. It is unclear if Zelenskyy's visit will be successful in helping to secure the aid package.
President Biden is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House to discuss a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which has stalled in Congress due to disagreements over U.S. immigration policies. Last week, a Democratic bill with billions in aid for both Ukraine and Israel failed to pass the Senate. President Biden has pleaded with Congress to pass the aid package, which is necessary for Ukraine to battle Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggression.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House to update him on the situation in Ukraine and reaffirm the United States' commitment to the country. The aid package for Ukraine has been stalled on Capitol Hill due to disagreements over immigration policies, and Senator Chris Coons, D-Del., expressed his frustration with the stalemate. The White House is hopeful that the visit will help move the process forward and provide more financial and military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.