[Russia-Ukraine War] Christmas, New Year Ceasefire Not Being Discussed; Russia Targeting USA Patriot Missiles if Sent to Ukraine

Russian authorities have refused a Christmas and New Year ceasefire in its war against Ukraine and have warned the United States that any patriot missiles sent to Kyiv will be shot down.

In a statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that if American-made patriot missiles were given to Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate targets for Russia's military forces. The official's remarks came during an interview.

Patriot Missiles for Ukraine

Peskov was asked whether or not he held the same view as former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who said that the missiles would immediately become targets for Moscow's forces if they were sent to Ukraine.

The Kremlin spokesman replied, "certainly," but noted that he would refrain from providing further details since there have only been media reports so far. On Tuesday, it was reported that United States President Joe Biden's administration was finalizing plans to provide Ukraine with the patriot missile defense system.

A decision was most likely going to be announced as soon as this week, two U.S. officials and a senior administration official said. The Pentagon's plan still requires the approval of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin before it can be sent to Biden's desk for his signature, as per CNN.

While it was not clear how many missile launchers the U.S. will provide Ukraine, a typical patriot battery includes a radar set that is capable of detecting and tracking targets, computers, power generation equipment, an engagement control station, and up to eight launchers, each of which is capable of holding four ready-to-fire missiles.

After the U.S. government's alleged plans are finalized, the patriot missiles are expected to be shipped out quickly in the following days. Later, Ukrainian military forces will be trained to utilize the weapons at a U.S. Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

According to KSL, the situation comes after Ukrainian forces reportedly shot down 13 drones on Wednesday amid Russia's first major drone attack on the capital of Kyiv in the last few weeks. No peace talks between the two sides have begun in an attempt to end the conflict that has already resulted in the death of thousands and displacement of millions of civilians.

Christmas Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Russia this week to start withdrawing its military forces by Christmas which would be taken as the first step toward a peace agreement. On Wednesday, the Kremlin said that a "Christmas cease-fire" was not on the agenda for Moscow's officials.

In a statement, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that powerful explosions rocked the city's central Shevchenkivskyi district early Wednesday. He added that two administrative buildings were damaged by the attacks. Authorities later ordered an air raid alert that ended after three hours.

Zelensky, speaking via video link at the G7 Summit, urged Russia to at least try to show the world that it was capable of letting go of its aggression as the Christmas season approaches. The Ukrainian president said that now was the time for normal people to think about peace instead of aggression, AA reported.