Russia attacked Kyiv, Zelensky appointed new ambassadors. Main news for December 20.

Russia attacked Kyiv

Today, December 20, around 07:00 AM, the Russian armed forces launched a combined missile strike on Kyiv. Preliminary reports indicate that the enemy used Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles from MiG-31K aircraft and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles. A total of eight missiles were fired. Following this strike, debris was recorded falling in three districts of the city.

As a result of the morning attack on Kyiv, debris was recorded falling in several districts of Kyiv, leading to burning vehicles and damage to buildings. Ten people have already been reported injured and one dead. This was reported by the city mayor Vitali Klitschko and the Kyiv city military administration.

All morning, local residents, photographers, and press services of official authorities have been posting images of the horrifying consequences of the attack on social media.

Zelensky appointed over 30 new Ukrainian ambassadors

Today, December 20, Volodymyr Zelensky approved over 30 new appointments of Ukrainian ambassadors. This was reported by the President of Ukraine.

“Today, together with our diplomatic team, we approved a list of new Ukrainian ambassadors. I have approved more than 30 decisions. Among them are Nariman Dzhelial in Turkey, Alona Hetmanchuk as Ukraine's representative to NATO, and Andrii Melnyk as Ukraine's representative to the UN. These and other decrees will be issued soon, according to diplomatic procedures,” the message reads.

Ukraine and Lithuania signed a joint statement

Today, December 20, the first intergovernmental consultations between Ukraine and Lithuania took place, which will have important practical consequences for both states. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that the agreements were recorded in a joint statement that will become a significant document for the near future.

Shmyhal reported on what is discussed in the joint statement:

• Ukraine's victory is a common priority. The Lithuanian government is ready to allocate 0.25% of GDP annually for Ukraine's defense needs, as recorded in the bilateral Security Agreement.
• Agreement on the first tranche from Lithuania in the amount of €10 million for the implementation of the 'Danish initiative' this year. In fact, Lithuania has become the second country among Ukraine's partners to implement such an approach.
• Lithuania also confirmed its readiness for further activation of defense-industrial cooperation between the countries. This includes joint production of drones, electronic warfare means, and munitions.
• Lithuania promotes and will promote Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, providing both political support and advisory assistance.
• Lithuania supports Ukraine's Victory Plan and all tracks of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula.
• Lithuania will continue to assist in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Shmyhal and Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas agreed on further effective support for Ukrainian energy. In particular, regarding the transfer of equipment from decommissioned Lithuanian nuclear and thermal power plants.
• Economic relations. 'There is a clear interest from the business of both countries in further cooperation development. In logistics, we will cooperate within the Free Rail program, which involves integrating our railways into the European space,' said Shmyhal.

Denys Shmyhal also thanked Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and all participants of the Lithuanian government delegation for their effective and fruitful work.

Commander of the 211 Brigade Oleg Poberezhniuk was released on bail

In Ternopil, the commander of the 211 pontoon-bridge brigade Oleg Poberezhniuk was released on bail. Yesterday, December 19, he was given a preventive measure of two months in custody with the right to post bail of 908,400 hryvnias. This was reported by Suspilne, citing the Ternopil Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the field of defense of the Western region.

It is currently unknown whether Oleg Poberezhniuk personally posted bail or someone did it for him.

The brigade commander Oleg Poberezhniuk was suspected of abuse of power. According to the investigation, he involved subordinate servicemen in the construction of his own house in Khmelnytskyi, distracting them from fulfilling their official duties.

The National Police conducted an investigation concerning the brigade commander. He was informed of the suspicion of abuse of power resulting in severe consequences (part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The suspect’s name has not been disclosed, but it concerns Oleg Poberezhniuk as he is the brigade commander.

The court hearing in the Ternopil city district court regarding the selection of preventive measures for Poberezhniuk was postponed due to the absence of his lawyer, who could not be present for valid reasons.

Some servicemen of the 211 brigade expressed support for their commander, calling the accusations 'ordered' and denying the facts of abuse and violence in the brigade.

Ukraine returned the bodies of 503 fallen defenders

As a result of the repatriation activities, the bodies of 503 fallen defenders have been returned to the territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine. This was reported by the Coordination Headquarters for the treatment of prisoners of war.

Among the fallen defenders who were returned, many were recognized as heroes, and their bodies were returned to their families for burial. This is a great loss for our country, and we honor their memory.