Putin says Russia is ready for a missile 'duel' with the US – video
Guardian2 days
Russia Attacks Kyiv With Drones, Ballistic Missiles
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Above: A man walks through the damaged streets after a Russian ballistic missile attack on the city center on Dec. 20, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Image copyright: Kostiantyn Liberov/Contributor/Libkos via Getty Images
The Facts
Russia reportedly launched some 60 military drones toward Ukraine and fired five ballistic missiles, killing at least one person in Kyiv. Moscow said it had retaliated to the US weapons Ukraine fired at its Rostov region two days earlier.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported major damage to Kyiv, but also claimed it had "shot down all five ballistic missiles." It said Russia had used the Iskander-M or the North Korean KN-23 missiles, with their falling fragments causing all the damage.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine — increasingly with ballistic missiles — are a cruel attempt to break Ukraine's spirit. This third consecutive winter of targeting civilians' basic needs reveals Moscow's contempt for Ukrainian society. To prevent further suffering, the West must intensify support for Kyiv, ensuring Ukraine can strike vital military targets within Russia. Only by enabling Ukraine to defend itself decisively can Putin's aggression be curbed, and a lasting message sent.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia's missile strikes on Kyiv represent a defensive response born from increasing Western provocations and military interference. As NATO nations fuel the conflict with continuous arms supplies and strategic support, Moscow views these actions as an existential threat that demands decisive measures. The escalating tension is a tragic consequence of Western powers' unwillingness to pursue genuine diplomatic solutions — forcing Russia into a stance it believes is essential for safeguarding its security interests.
