Russia has launched retaliatory strikes on military sites and “foreign mercenaries” in Kharkiv in response to Ukraine’s bombardment of the Russian border city of Belgorod, which resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people. The strikes in Kharkiv caused casualties and extensive damage to residential buildings, hotels, and medical facilities, with two children among the injured. Russia’s Ministry of Defence stated that its strikes targeted “decision-making centers and military installations,” including a hotel and the headquarters of the Ukrainian Security Service for the Kharkiv region. The situation escalates an already volatile conflict, with both sides engaging in increased attacks in the final weeks of 2023.

Best Coverage: https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/31/europe/russia-strikes-kharkiv-after-belgorod-attack/index.html