Overview
- The pope appealed for a 24-hour day of peace for Christmas and said he was saddened that Russia seems to have rejected the request.
- Reports describe Moscow as unwilling to pause fighting, arguing a ceasefire would let Kyiv rearm.
- Ukrainian outlets reported more than 650 drones and dozens of missiles overnight on Dec. 23–24, hitting at least 13 regions and causing fatalities and injuries.
- Energy facilities were targeted, with the western regions of Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky reported almost entirely without electricity.
- Media observers, including Kyiv Post, say a truce now looks unlikely, as the pope prepares to celebrate his first Christmas Mass and deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing.