“Breakthrough” in unblocking the border with Poland and destruction of three Russian Su-34s: highlights of December 22
Ukraine and Poland agree on an action plan to resolve the border blockade by Christmas. The Ukrainian military destroyed three Russian Su—34 fighter—bombers in the south. We have collected the main news for December 22, 2023.
Action plan for unblocking the border with Poland
The Ministries of Infrastructure of Poland and Ukraine are finalizing the details of an agreement to lift the blockade on the border. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Poland Pawel Hancharz called today's meeting with his Ukrainian counterparts on the blockade a “breakthrough” in resolving it.
The Ministry of Reconstruction of Ukraine said that it had reached an understanding with representatives of the Polish government on compromise solutions. At the same time, they emphasized that changes to the current Agreement on the Liberalization of Freight Transportation between Ukraine and the EU are not being discussed.
In addition, the issue of trade between the two countries was raised today by the new head of the Polish Foreign Ministry, Radoslaw Sikorski, during his visit to Kyiv.
Downing of three Russian Su-34s
At noon on December 22, the Ukrainian military shot down three Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers in the southern direction.
The spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yurii Ihnat, told the United News telethon that these aircraft are among the newest in Russia's arsenal. The occupiers are using them to launch guided bombs at Ukraine.
Return of a child from occupation
A 12-year-old boy was returned to territory controlled by the Ukrainian government.
According to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, the boy was in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale war, and then in Russia.
The child’s mother could not pick up her son on her own because she is a servicewoman in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, the woman turned to Lubinets to request help to return her son.
New help from Germany
The German government has updated the list of military aid donated to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. In particular, the country has donated Gepard anti-aircraft systems, Wisent 1 demining vehicles, and 155 mm caliber shells.
The new aid package also includes drones, trucks, and medical supplies.
Other important news
- Zelenskyy appointed Sandyha as deputy head of the AMCU.
- Zelenskyy announced that the Netherlands is preparing to transfer the first 18 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.
- The Russian Federation announced the downing of a Ukrainian drone near Moscow.
- In the shelter of one of the Kyiv schools, the ceiling collapsed when children were there. No one was injured.