**Russia’s Heavy Losses in Ukraine**
Since February 24, 2022, Russia has lost a huge number of troops and military equipment in Ukraine. According to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Russia has lost 780,860 soldiers.
In just one day, Russian forces suffered 1,540 casualties. The losses also include:
* 9,630 tanks
* 19,933 armored fighting vehicles
* 32,180 vehicles and fuel tanks
* 21,357 artillery systems
* 1,256 multiple launch rocket systems
* 1,031 air defense systems
* 369 airplanes
* 329 helicopters
* 20,971 drones
* 28 ships and boats
* One submarine
**Ukraine’s Losses**
Ukrainian poet Oleksii Bezpaltsev was killed in action while performing a combat mission in Kharkiv Oblast. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians continue to hold on to their faith, unity, and traditions during the third Christmas in wartime.
**International Reaction**
President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominee for Ukraine peace envoy, Keith Kellogg, denounced Russia’s mass attack on early Christmas morning, saying “Christmas should be a time of peace.”
Ukraine expressed gratitude to Japan for its aid, which has totaled $12 billion. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba received a call from President Zelensky.
**Russian Attacks**
Russia launched more than 70 missiles and over 100 drones at Ukraine. More than 50 missiles and a significant number of drones were shot down.
“This fire strike is part of a comprehensive campaign to weaken the ability of the Russian Armed Forces to coordinate military operations against the people of Ukraine,” said Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications.
**Other News**
Moldova condemned Russia’s acts and stood in full solidarity with Ukraine. Kazakhstan said that an Azerbaijan Airlines plane was hit by a Russian ballistic missile, killing 44 people.
Russia added 65 organizations to its list of “foreign agents” in 2024, including the Clooney Foundation for Justice and the Moscow Times.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com