Azerbaijani Passenger Plane Crash in Kazakhstan Leaves Dozens Dead
One person was killed and 11 others were wounded in a ballistic missile strike on an apartment block in the Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih, according to local officials on December 24. The attack comes amid clashes along much of the front line in eastern Ukraine, with Russian forces gaining ground and speculation swirling about the Kremlin’s strategy.
Ukrainian officials have condemned the attack on the residential building in Kryviy Rih, stating that it was a direct hit on a four-story block with 32 apartments. Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak confirmed that 11 people were wounded, with seven of them being hospitalized. Tragically, one man who was pulled from the rubble could not be revived despite efforts to resuscitate him. There may still be individuals buried in the debris.
The human rights ombudsman of Ukraine expressed outrage at the timing of the strike, which occurred on Christmas Eve. Dmytro Lubinets criticized the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian soil while the rest of the world celebrates the holiday season.
Kryviy Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has been a frequent target of Russian missile attacks throughout the conflict. Despite Russia’s claims that it does not intentionally target civilians, evidence points to widespread casualties among the civilian population.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on December 24 that Russian forces are making incremental advances in the Donetsk region, with the city of Pokrovsk being a key strategic target. Russian troops are reportedly approaching the outskirts of Pokrovsk, a transportation hub crucial for military operations in the region.
The fighting between Russia and Ukraine has escalated in recent weeks, with Moscow launching drone and missile attacks across Ukrainian territory. In response, Kyiv has targeted Russian energy infrastructure. The conflict has also spilled over into Russian territory, with Ukrainian strikes hitting high-rise buildings in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the possibility of concessions in the conflict but has maintained stringent conditions for any compromise. Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war quickly once he takes office, emphasizing the need to bring peace to the region.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to intensify, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing hostilities.
