TASS news agency on December 28 quoted the latest update from the Russian Defense Ministry saying that the country's military had repelled six Ukrainian attacks near the city of Kupyansk (Kharkiv province). In addition, the Ministry also announced that it had shot down a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet near the city of Kramatorsk (Donetsk province).
Also on December 28, pro-Russian officials in Sevastopol city on the Crimean peninsula announced on Telegram that Moscow's air defense systems had shot down a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
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According to preliminary information, the UAV is believed to have attempted to enter Crimea. Ukraine has not commented on the information, but no damage to infrastructure has been recorded.
Meanwhile, a report from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that on December 27, 56 military clashes occurred between the two countries.
"In total, the enemy carried out one missile strike, 77 air strikes and 51 MLRS (multiple launch rocket) strikes on the positions of the army and settlements" of Ukraine, the report said, quoted by Ukrinform news agency.
Ukrainian servicemen of the 93rd mechanized brigade during training near Donetsk region on December 25.
Civilians were injured in the bombing. Several private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged.
Regarding casualties in the ranks of the Moscow army, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the country's defense forces eliminated about 356,670 Russian troops in the period from February 24, 2022 to December 28. Moscow has not commented on this information.
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Russia says Ukraine does not want peace
TASS on December 28 quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying that the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is operating within the framework of war and lacks "the will to peace".
Mr Lavrov accused Kyiv of thinking only in war terms and using “quite aggressive” rhetoric.
"Any ceasefire is impossible [on their side]. The ban on holding talks with the Russian leadership imposed by Mr. Zelensky on September 30, 2022 remains in effect. Draw your own conclusions," Russia's top diplomat said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks in Moscow, Russia on December 27.
Earlier, Mr. Lavrov said that the longer Kiev delays negotiations, the harder it will be to reach an agreement. According to the Russian Foreign Minister, the first step in peace negotiations between the two countries should be to lift the ban on dialogue with Moscow. Kyiv has not yet responded to Mr. Lavrov's statement.
Moscow says the West is changing tactics with Kyiv
In separate interviews with state news agency RIA Novosti and Rossiya 24 television channel, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said that "some people" in the West were suggesting that Moscow should discuss peace in Ukraine.
The reason given by Mr. Lavrov was because the US and its allies failed to defeat Russian forces in Ukraine.
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Russia's foreign minister said he believed there were signs the West was changing its tactics and strategy towards Ukraine, but did not elaborate.
Ukraine says Panama-flagged civilian ship explodes in Black Sea
A civilian ship flying the Panamanian flag was hit by a mine and exploded in the Black Sea, Ukrinform reported on December 28, citing a report by the southern Ukrainian defense forces. The cargo ship was en route to one of the Danube River ports to unload grain.
The ship lost power and was out of control, a fire broke out on the top deck. To avoid sinking, the captain anchored the ship in shallow water.
The statement said that coast guard and search and rescue vessels immediately assisted the crew and brought medical staff on board.
During the inspection of the ship and discussions with the captain, two sailors were found injured. One was treated on the spot, while the other injured person was taken to the nearest hospital for further examination, accompanied by doctors. His condition is now stable.
Tugboats were deployed to remove the ship from the shoal and bring it back to port.
Southern Ukrainian forces stressed that they will continue to ensure the safety of civilian traffic in the face of a heavy mine situation, which Ukraine claims is Russian. Stormy weather often increases the danger of these explosives.
Russia did not comment on this information.
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