Ukraine Withdraws from East Amid Deadly Russian Strikes, Energy Site Attacks

• Ukraine withdrew troops from Siversk in Donetsk region after intense fighting, aiming to preserve soldiers' lives and combat capability.
• Russian strikes killed three civilians, including a four-year-old child in Zhytomyr, and damaged energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages.
• President Zelensky stated the attacks ahead of Christmas show Russia's intent to continue the invasion, despite recent US-mediated settlement talks.
• Chernobyl plant director warned that a direct Russian strike could collapse the internal radiation shelter, posing a severe threat.
• Russia claimed advances in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, while Ukraine reported drone attacks in Belgorod, Russia.

Why It Matters: Ukraine withdraws from east as deadly Russian strikes hit civilians, energy, and threaten Chernobyl.