"Cross-Border Strikes Escalate as Ukraine and Russia Exchange Deadly Attacks"

Russia conducted retaliatory strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine, claiming to target military sites and "foreign mercenaries" after accusing Ukraine of a deadly attack on the Russian city of Belgorod, which resulted in at least 24 civilian deaths. The Russian strikes on Kharkiv killed at least three people and injured 28, with damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Russia's Ministry of Defence stated that their response targeted Ukrainian military installations and fuel depots, while also claiming to have destroyed two HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. The escalation marks a significant increase in attacks as the year ends, following Russia's largest air assault on Ukraine since the invasion began.