Sun Dec 22 07:03:13 UTC 2024: ## Drone Attack Hits Kazan High-Rise Buildings; Zelenskyy Confirms CIA Director Meetings

**KAZAN, RUSSIA/KYIV, UKRAINE** – A series of drone attacks struck the Russian city of Kazan on Saturday, causing damage to several high-rise residential buildings, including a 37-story apartment block. While significant damage was reported, local officials confirmed there were no casualties. Videos circulating on social media showed the drones impacting the buildings and resulting fireballs. The Kazan airport was temporarily shut down as a precaution, but later reopened. Russian authorities reported intercepting or suppressing several other drones. The attack, approximately 800km east of Moscow, follows recent Ukrainian attacks on Kyiv and the Kursk region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly acknowledged the attack, stating that Ukraine “will definitely continue to strike at Russian military targets with drones and missiles.” He also revealed a series of undisclosed meetings with CIA Director William Burns throughout the war, posting a photo of their most recent encounter. Zelenskyy described Burns’ visit as his last as CIA director, expressing gratitude for his support.

Meanwhile, on the eastern Ukrainian front, Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have captured the village of Kostiantynopolske near Kurakhove. The UK’s planned transfer of over £2 billion to Ukraine, utilizing frozen Russian assets, was denounced by the Russian embassy in London as a “fraudulent scheme.” The UK government maintains the funds are solely for Ukraine’s military needs, including potential drone development.

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