Firefighters battle a blaze set by a Russian attack on Odesa in southern Ukraine, December 16, 2025
EA on WION: Ukraine — Tulsi Gabbard and Kremlin v. US Intelligence Agencies
Monday’s Coverage: “Constructive” Ukraine-US Talks in Florida
UPDATE 0828 GMT:
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that 52 residents, including the elderly and several children, were abducted by Russian troops from a border village in northeast Ukraine.
The Russians invaded Hrabovske in the Sumy region last Thursday.
“I think they simply didn’t expect Russian troops to simply walk in and take them away as prisoners,” Zelensky said. “But that’s what happened.”
ORIGINAL ENTRY: Russia carried out widespread missile and drone attacks on western Ukraine overnight.
Explosions were heard in Rivne, the towns of Burshtyn and Rohatyn, and the outskirts of the city of Cherkasy.
Air raid alerts were activated in almost all regions of the country the Ukraine Air Force warned of the launch of hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. The Energy Ministry said emergency power outages were implemented in several regions.
“As soon as the security situation allows, rescue teams and energy specialists will begin addressing the consequences of the attack to restore electricity supply in the regions as quickly as possible,” the Ministry said.
On Monday night Russia struck Odesa in southern Ukraine for the second time within 24 hours. Port facilities and a ship were damaged.
The earlier assault targeted port and energy infrastructure, setting a fire and disrupting electricity to tens of thousands of people.
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned, “It is [the Russians’] nature to make some kind of massive strike on our Christmas. We are again raising the issue of air defense and the protection of our communities, especially on December 23, 24, and 25.”
The Kremlin rejected Kyiv’s proposal of a Christmas truce, saying it would give Ukraine a respite from Russian attacks.
Zelensky: US Must “Elicit A Response by Russia”
In his national address to the nation, Zelensky reported on the three-day talks in Florida between his senior officials and Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
He emphasized, “It is important that the American side be able to elicit a response from Russia – a genuine willingness by that state to focus on something other than aggression.”
It is hard to believe that [Vladimir] Putin can live without killings or invasions.
But lowering the price of Russian oil, strong global sanctions, and continuing all other forms of pressure — that’s what will convince even such as stubborn person.
