Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Continues to Be Brutal
Russia has lost 757,340 troops in Ukraine since its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. This number includes 1,400 casualties suffered just over the past day. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported this on December 11.
Russian forces have also lost a significant amount of equipment, including:
* 9,526 tanks
* 19,616 armored fighting vehicles
* 31,073 vehicles and fuel tanks
* 21,067 artillery systems
* 1,253 multiple launch rocket systems
* 1,023 air defense systems
* 369 airplanes
* 329 helicopters
* 20,111 drones
* 28 ships and boats
* One submarine
A Ukrainian missile struck a boiler plant in Russia’s Rostov Oblast overnight on December 11, damaging critical infrastructure in the city of Taganrog.
Russia Makes Gains in Eastern Ukraine at High Cost
Despite making territorial gains in Eastern Ukraine, Russian forces have suffered high casualties. The use of “brutal meat wave tactics” to achieve minor victories has come at a great cost for Russian soldiers.
Prisoner Exchange Being Considered
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told NBC News that Russia would consider a prisoner exchange with Ukraine. This could be a step forward, especially as the new US administration begins.
US Provides $266 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine
The State Department approved a $266 million foreign military sales package for Ukraine on December 10. This will help sustain services and repair F-16 fighter jets.
Hungary Veto’s EU Sanctions on Georgia
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has pledged to veto a proposal to impose EU sanctions on Georgian officials for their crackdown on anti-government protests.
Russian Drone Strikes IAEA Vehicle
A Russian drone struck and severely damaged an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) service vehicle on its way to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), President Volodymyr Zelensky reported.
Ukraine Receives $20 Billion in Loan Assistance from US
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it will provide $20 billion in loan assistance to Ukraine, marking its contribution to a broader $50 billion initiative supported by G7 countries.
Successful Tests of New Ukrainian Missile
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on December 10 that successful tests of a new Ukrainian missile, dubbed Ruta (Rue), are underway.