The article recounts the harrowing experiences of civilians who lived through the occupation of Kherson, Ukraine, by Russian forces. It focuses on the story of an escapee who describes the daily life under occupation, including the constant threat of rocket attacks and the psychological toll it took on the residents. Despite the danger, the escapee speaks about moments of defiance, such as wallpapering their home as a form of resistance and maintaining a semblance of normalcy. The article provides a personal perspective on the broader conflict, highlighting the resilience and coping mechanisms of those caught in the war zone.

Russian occupation authorities have transformed schools in Ukrainian territories into tools of militarisation and ideological control, replacing Ukrainian identity and language with Russian nationalist indoctrination. Youth movements such as Yunarmiya and the Movement of the First, along with Russian military and Rosgvardia units, run daily activities that promote military discipline, weapons training and loyalty to Moscow. Children are taken to camps across Russia and incorporated into networks such as VOIN, designed to forge a militarised identity. These practices violate multiple international conventions, involving forced assimilation, removal of Ukrainian education, coercive citizenship policies and the transfer of children. Witness accounts describe systemic pressure, threats and the erosion of Ukrainian cultural presence, creating an environment in which young people have little choice but to comply.

Kharkiv is under renewed Russian attack, with significant bombings forcing evacuations in the region, particularly from Vovchansk. The situation remains dire, with shortages of food and medicine, and ongoing power outages. Despite the intense conflict, Kharkiv attempts to maintain normalcy. Ukrainian officials, including Governor Oleh Synehubov and President Volodymyr Zelensky, assure that the situation is under control, although fighting continues in the 'grey zone' near the border. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims control over several villages, while the Institute for the Study of War suggests the Russian strategy may aim to divert Ukrainian forces and create a demilitarized zone.

The article provides a harrowing account of the situation in Kharkiv, where residents have been displaced due to repeated Russian invasions. The narrative highlights the dire conditions faced by the people, including the destruction of infrastructure and shortages of essential supplies like food and medicine. Despite the challenges, the local population remains resilient and determined not to surrender.

The article by Julia Kalashnyk for Euronews covers the experiences of civilians in Kharkiv, Ukraine, who have been forced to live in an underground metro station due to the heavy bombardment by Russian forces. Natalya, a 62-year-old local, shares her story of fleeing her home and spending three months in the metro, only to emerge to a devastated city. Despite the Ukrainian forces pushing back the Russians, Kharkiv remains under threat of artillery. The article details the daily struggles of those who sought refuge in the metro, the community support they received, and the fear that persists even as city officials attempt to resettle them in dormitories. Many are reluctant to leave the perceived safety of the metro, and some have returned after attempting to relocate, indicating the ongoing trauma and uncertainty faced by the residents of Kharkiv amidst the war.

A clash between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky over the Holocaust, with Putin accusing Kiev of 'neonazism' and Zelensky countering that Ukraine is the victim. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions and differing narratives between Russia and Ukraine.

Ukrainians were awakened by air raid sirens and explosions as Russian missiles targeted key infrastructure across the country, aiming to leave Ukrainians without power during the festive season. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted many missiles, particularly in Kyiv, though some regions like Odessa and Lviv experienced significant blackouts. Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks, emphasizing the resilience and preparedness of their defenses. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the attacks would continue, highlighting the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians.

Ukraine is struggling to stabilize its energy system following repeated Russian attacks on infrastructure, leaving much of the country in darkness. Residents of Kyiv face severe power outages, with some considering temporary relocation. The situation is dire in Kherson, with limited electricity and ongoing Russian bombardments. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia's tactics and pledged continued support for Ukraine, including weapons and generators. The Ukrainian Navy warned of Russian warships in the Mediterranean, highlighting the broader threat to Europe.

Ukraine is struggling to restore electricity following a Russian attack that further damaged the country's energy infrastructure. About 50% of Kyiv remains without power, with residents like 37-year-old Polina experiencing prolonged outages of light, water, and heating. The Kyiv mayor has informed that a third of homes have heating restored and efforts continue to reconnect the rest. Despite the damage, the Prime Minister Denys Shmygal stated that energy producers are meeting 70% of the demand and critical infrastructure has been reconnected. However, regional energy networks face distribution issues, affecting 200,000 to 400,000 consumers in each region. Additionally, the recently liberated Kherson is under heavy bombardment, resulting in 15 deaths and 35 injuries, forcing evacuations from hospitals.

Russian bombing in Ukraine has led to widespread damage to energy structures, plunging areas from Kharkiv to Lviv into darkness.