200 drones and 90 missiles: one of the largest strikes on the energy sector in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that on the night of December 13, 93 missiles attacked Ukraine, including at least one North Korean missile.
According to Zelenskyy, the Russians also launched nearly 200 drones. This was one of the largest strikes on the Ukrainian energy sector.
11 cruise missiles were shot down by F-16 fighters, the president said. He once again called for a strong, “massive” global response to the massive strike.
The Ukrainian Air Force clarified that, in addition to 81 missiles, 80 drones were shot down. Another 105 drones were lost in the area. In total, the Russians launched 94 missiles and 193 UAVs.
This is Putin’s “peaceful” plan to destroy everything. This is how he wants “negotiations” – by terrorizing millions of people. And he is not limited either in range or in the purchase of the necessary components for the production of missiles, – Zelenskyy wrote.
Every 20th person died by euthanasia in 2023 in Canada
In 2023, one in 20 people in Canada died by voluntary euthanasia – 15,300 such deaths (4.7%) out of more than 320,000 deaths in the country that year. This is reported by the BBC with reference to data from the Canadian government.
The average age of these people was over 77 years old. The majority of them, about 96%, decided to undergo euthanasia due to serious illnesses, including cancer. In some other cases, patients were terminally ill and chose euthanasia because of a long and complex illness that significantly affected their quality of life.
Euthanasia was legalized in Canada in 2016. This year’s report is the fifth since then, and for the first time, it provides racial and ethnic data on those who died by euthanasia.
€200,000: Estonia to provide additional aid to vulnerable Ukrainians and economy
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia will allocate an additional €200 thousand from the 2024 budget to help vulnerable categories of Ukrainians, including women, children, and people with special needs. The funds will also be used to restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
This was announced by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tahkna, Ohtuleht reports.
We cannot forget that the situation near the front line in Ukraine is still very difficult and the humanitarian needs are great. The impact of the war deeply affects society, and it is important that Estonia, through international organizations, can support the most vulnerable people, – said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
$5 billion: Hague court orders Russia to pay Naftogaz for Crimea damages
The Supreme Court has dismissed the cassation appeal of the Russian Federation to overturn the decision of the Hague arbitration. This decision provided for the payment of $5 billion in compensation to Naftogaz for misappropriated assets in the occupied Crimea.
This was reported by the press service of Naftogaz.
Thus, the Dutch courts have for the second and final time confirmed the legality and validity of the partial award of the arbitral tribunal.
The decision of the Supreme Court strengthens the position of Naftogaz Group in enforcement proceedings to recover Russia’s debt for the illegal seizure of assets in Crimea, – said Roman Chumak, who temporarily acts as the Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz of Ukraine.
$500 million: The US has allocated a new aid package to Ukraine
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced what will be included in the next aid package for Ukraine, which was announced by the White House the day before, according to the Pentagon’s website.
The estimated cost of the aid package is $500 million. It will be allocated from the US Department of Defense’s reserves.
16 December: Moldova declares energy emergency for 60 days
The Moldovan parliament has approved a state of emergency in the energy sector due to the possible termination of Russian gas supplies from 2025, when the transit agreement between Ukraine and Russia ends. This is reported by NewsMaker.
The state of emergency will come into force on December 16 and will last for 60 days.
Its announcement allows the government to respond quickly and curb energy exports, Reuters reports. Among other things, it allows for accelerated purchases of gas and electricity, as well as decision-making in the energy sector, deviating from the law.
