**Ukrainian Drones Defend Against Russian Attack**
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released footage on December 9 showing its Sea Baby naval drones successfully defending against a Russian attack near occupied Crimea. The incident occurred overnight on December 6 in Kerch Bay, east of the peninsula.
Russian helicopters, planes, and patrol boats attempted to intercept the drones, but they opened fire in return, causing significant damage. According to intercepted radio communication, several Russian crew members were killed or injured. The SBU also reported that its drones hit a barge carrying military equipment meant for the repair of the Crimean Bridge.
The claims by Russia’s Defense Ministry that two Ukrainian naval drones had been intercepted on approach to Crimea early on December 6 could not be independently verified.
**Ukraine Strikes Back**
Over the weekend, Ukraine’s Navy reported that its naval drones destroyed surveillance systems on Russian-held gas platforms in Crimea. This is just one of several incidents where Ukraine has struck back at Russian forces.
Russian military attacked Ukraine with two cruise missiles and 37 Shaheds and other unidentified drones overnight on December 9.
**War Costs Mount**
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that Russia has spent at least $200 billion on its war with Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022. The US President Joe Biden also commented, saying that Russian forces have inflicted massive damage but have been unsuccessful in their efforts to occupy Ukraine.
**Casualties Mount**
Ukraine’s General Staff reported that Russian forces suffered over 1,460 casualties just over the past day. This is a significant increase from the previous day’s total of 1,220 casualties.
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