High Air Pollution Prompts Sarajevo To Ban Outdoor Events
High Air Pollution Prompts Sarajevo To Ban Outdoor Events Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
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Russia Fires Drones at Targets Across Ukraine as Peace Talks Ruled Out
Russia fired drones at targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, early on December 20, Ukrainian authorities said, as the Kremlin ruled out peace talks hours after further U.S. aid to Ukraine was thrown into doubt.
Drone Attacks Destroyed in Multiple Regions
- The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 18 out of 19 drones launched at Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, and other regions of Ukraine had been destroyed.
- Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, stated that there were no casualties or destruction in the capital.
Live Briefing: Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
RFE/RL’s Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia’s full-scale invasion, Kyiv’s counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL’s coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.
Surface-to-Air Missile Attack in Kharkiv Region
The Ukrainian Air Force also reported that Russia attacked the Kharkiv region in the east with two surface-to-air guided missiles. There were no casualties as a result of the assault.
Injuries from Russian Shelling in Kherson Region
The regional military administration in the southern Kherson region stated that 16 people, including four children, had been injured in Russian shelling the day before.
No immediate comment from Russia has been received regarding these attacks.
Kremlin Rejects Peace Talks
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated in Moscow on December 20 that there is no current basis for talks between Moscow and Kyiv. He deemed Kyiv’s proposed peace plan as absurd for excluding Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree in October 2022 formally declaring the prospect of any Ukrainian talks with Putin “impossible” after Russia claimed to have annexed four regions of southern and eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskiy’s 10-point peace plan calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops, cessation of hostilities, and the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia.
Uncertainty Surrounding U.S. Aid Package
Reports emerged that the U.S. Senate will not vote on a package to provide more aid to Ukraine and bolster U.S. border security before early next year, as Democratic and Republican negotiators continue talks.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell stated that negotiators “are making encouraging progress” but “challenging issues remain.”
Assistance from United States and Europe
Despite the setback, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed confidence in receiving additional military aid from the United States and ongoing support from European partners.
Zelenskiy emphasized the need for immediate assistance to continue the fight against the invasion.
The White House announced plans for more military aid this month, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a $4.3 billion capital increase to boost funding for Ukraine.
Russian President Claims Initiative in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared at a meeting with top military leaders in Moscow that Russian troops are “holding the initiative” in Ukraine.
He stated that they are effectively doing what is needed and improving their positions where necessary.
With reporting by AP and Reuters
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which relates to SDG 16 as it focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The attacks mentioned in the article also have implications for the health and well-being of the affected individuals, connecting to SDG 3. Additionally, the article mentions the need for assistance from the United States and the European Union, highlighting the issue of reduced inequalities (SDG 10) in terms of access to resources and support.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
- Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies
The article highlights the violence and attacks carried out by Russia in Ukraine, indicating a need to address Target 16.1. The injuries sustained by individuals in the Kherson region also emphasize the importance of reducing premature mortality (Target 3.4) and promoting well-being. The mention of assistance from the United States and the European Union relates to the target of facilitating safe and responsible migration and mobility (Target 10.7).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age
- Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease
- Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, the number of casualties and injuries resulting from the attacks can be used as an indicator for measuring progress towards Target 16.1. The mortality rate attributed to injuries and non-communicable diseases can be indicators for Target 3.4. The mention of assistance and support from the United States and the European Union implies the need to measure recruitment costs borne by individuals seeking migration (Target 10.7).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies | Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: rferl.org
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