Kyiv Post Morning Memo – Everything You Need to Know on Friday, Dec. 16

Good morning from Kyiv, where it’s another freezing, foggy and, unfortunately – quite anxious morning. While this piece is being prepared, it is reported that dozens of Russian rockets are heading toward Ukrainian airspace.

 What’s happening today?

 Air raid alerts sounded in various regions across Ukraine at 08:10 a.m. as multiple rockets were reportedly launched on the country in a continued quest to destroy Ukraine’s power grid. That's according to Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to the minister of internal affairs of Ukraine, and other Ukrainian officials.

 Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraine’s president’s office, called on Ukrainians not to ignore the air alerts and to remain in shelters.

 Vitaly Kim, governor of the Mykolaiv region, reported on Telegram that at least 60 Russian missiles had been identified as heading to Ukrainian airspace.

 The situation is still in progress and Kyiv Post will report further on events shortly. 

 Meanwhile, the U.S. rolled out a fresh set of sanctions on Dec. 15, targeting various companies and Russian-appointed proxies in Ukraine.

You can check who and what will be affected here. 

What was in President Zelensky’s latest message?

 In his latest address on Dec. 15, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukraine's allies in the European Union (EU) for another macro-financial aid package, volumizing 18 billion euros. He also said that he had a frank conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and they agreed on strengthening defense cooperation.

Other Topics of Interest

Kyiv Denies Report Claiming It Could Develop Nuclear Weapons Amid Potential US Support Cuts

The British newspaper claimed that Ukraine could quickly build a basic nuclear device similar to the "Fat Man" bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945

 "I am grateful to PM Justin Trudeau and all Canadians for the principled leadership on sanctions policy. Every sanction step against Russia for the war that the free world has already taken helps us bring peace closer."

 Zelensky also announced important international events for the next week, which could give Ukraine more defense support this winter as well as more military capabilities.

 What’s the latest military situation?

 The Dec. 13 British Ministry of Defense (MoD) update reported that Russian forces have continued to expend considerable effort to construct extensive defensive positions along the front line. They have likely prioritized the northern sector around the town of Svatove.