Sat Dec 21 17:19:09 UTC 2024: ## Russia Claims Victory in Eastern Ukraine Amidst Cross-Border Drone Attacks
**Moscow, December 21, 2024** – Russia’s military claimed to have captured the village of Kostiantynopolske (Ostrovsky) in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine on Saturday. This follows previous Russian advances in the area, with reports suggesting Kurakhove is under imminent threat of encirclement. The claim, however, could not be independently verified.
Simultaneously, Ukraine launched drone attacks on the Russian city of Kazan, over 1,000 km from the frontline. Local authorities reported that eight drones targeted the city, damaging residential buildings and an industrial facility. While no casualties were reported, Kazan airport halted flights and cancelled public gatherings. Ukraine has not officially acknowledged the attack.
These events follow Friday’s attack on a town in Russia’s Kursk region, using U.S.-supplied missiles, which resulted in six deaths, including a child. In retaliation, Russia launched a massive overnight drone barrage against Ukraine, launching 113 drones, 57 of which were shot down by Ukrainian forces. A further 56 were rendered inoperable, likely through electronic jamming. Eight people were wounded in subsequent drone attacks on Kharkiv. The escalating cross-border attacks mark a significant intensification of the conflict.
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