Kiev's call to withdraw Russian troops by the holidays was rejected by Moscow
Kiev's call to withdraw Russian troops by the holidays was rejected by Moscow. Thus, the Russian Federation announced that there is no "Christmas truce". European Union leaders are therefore meeting in Brussels to discuss aid to Ukraine as the Russian invasion enters its tenth month. With details, Mihaela Culcinschi.
Moscow is rejecting Kiev's call to start withdrawing troops by the holidays as a step to end Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two, saying there is no "Christmas truce".
In the past 24 hours, the Russian military has launched eight missiles, 31 airstrikes and more than 60 attacks with multiple launch missile systems against Ukraine, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thus, the neighbouring country attacked the city of Donetsk, illegally occupied by the Russians. One of the biggest attacks in recent years in Eastern Europe took place last night. The neighbouring country also repelled several Russian attacks near six towns in the Donetsk region.
Five buildings in Kyiv were damaged after a Russian drone offensive, and regular Russian attacks have devastated infrastructure and other housing blocks in the south and east of the country in recent weeks. Russian forces also hit the regional administration building in the city of Kherson.
The consequences of the Russian attacks on Ukraine will be discussed in Brussels by the leaders of the European Union. They will consider providing new military and financial support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also participate in the meeting online.
At the same time, NATO member states agreed on a significant increase in the common budget for next year in the context of the new security situation in Eastern Europe caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov announced that Vladimir Putin would not hold the traditional marathon press conference this year.
According to him, the Kremlin leader could deliver his speech at the Federation Assembly in 2023.
