Overview
- Leo XIV urged a one‑day global pause in fighting at Christmas and said Russia had apparently rejected a truce request.
- Local officials reported Russia launched more than 650 drones and over 30 missiles, killing at least three people, including a four‑year‑old, and cutting power in several regions.
- Poland scrambled fighter jets to secure its airspace during the overnight strikes, its army said.
- Ukraine confirmed a withdrawal from Siversk to preserve forces after fierce battles in the Donetsk region, with fighting continuing on the outskirts.
- The Chernobyl site director warned a further strike could collapse the inner radiation shelter and said full restoration could take three to four years.