Continued Russian Attacks on Kherson, Kyiv, and Odesa; Ukraine: We Shot Down 18 Drones

Ukrainian officials announced on Wednesday, December 20, that following Russian attacks on the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine, 9 people, including four children, were injured. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russian forces attacked Kherson, Kyiv, Odesa, and six other regions with 19 drones, of which the Ukrainian air defense shot down 18. In this regard, Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv regional military administration, reported that there were no casualties in the Ukrainian capital and no damages were incurred. According to reports, the Russian army also fired two guided missiles at Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated on Tuesday, December 19, that the country's military has requested an additional 450,000 to 500,000 people to join the armed forces, but a final decision has not yet been made. Mr. Zelensky announced this at a press conference, stating that senior military officials in Ukraine would discuss this matter. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his forces for taking the 'initiative' in the war and repelling Ukrainian counterattacks that began last summer. He said in a meeting with Russian military commanders on Tuesday, 'We will effectively do what we want and what we think is necessary.' Ukrainian counterattacks have only achieved limited territorial gains in the eastern part of the country. Ukraine plans to produce 'one million' reconnaissance drones. Putin stated that Russia is ready for dialogue about Ukraine's future, but based on national interests. Zelensky: The Ukrainian army wants an additional 450,000 to 500,000 people to join the military. The UN criticized Russia for failing to protect Ukrainian civilians. The Islamic Republic was once again accused in the Security Council; illegal missile testing, sending drones to Russia.