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Massive Russian Strikes Cripple Ukraine’s Power Grid Ahead of Peace Talks

An employee works at a thermal power plant damaged by multiple Russian missile strikes, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Russian forces launched a sweeping overnight assault on Ukraine’s energy network, striking multiple regions just hours before planned peace discussions. The barrage targeted major cities including Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaging power stations and transmission lines that millions rely on for heat and electricity during freezing winter conditions. Ukrainian officials reported widespread outages, with emergency crews working through the night to stabilize the grid. Residential areas were also hit, leaving civilians injured and prompting renewed concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict. The timing of the strikes has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian leaders, who argue the attacks are intended to undermine the upcoming negotiations and pressure Kyiv at the bargaining table. Despite the escalation, both sides are still expected to attend the talks, thou...

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Shoppers Kept Spending This Holiday Season

 

  • Holiday Spending: U.S. retail sales increased by 3.1% from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, with a notable rise in last-minute shopping before Christmas.
  • Sales Breakdown: Online sales grew by 6.3%, while in-store sales saw a 2.2% increase. However, electronics and jewelry sales declined.
  • Economic Impact: Strong consumer spending, particularly on travel and dining, supported the U.S. economy in 2023 despite high interest rates.
  • Retailer Outlook: Retailers reported mixed results for the holiday season, with some experiencing steady sales and others noting a pullback in consumer spending.

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