Ukraine's gift to Polish officials explodes, Russia changes tactics to deal with HIMARS

Polish police chief hospitalized after gift from Ukrainian official explodes. Russia changes tactics to deal with HIMARS complex.

According to the Guardian, on December 15 (local time), the Polish Ministry of the Interior confirmed that Mr. Jaroslaw Szymczyk, the leader of the country's police force, had to be hospitalized after a gift given by a Ukrainian official suddenly exploded.

Polish police chief Jaroslaw Szymczyk. Photo: Guardian

"On December 14, an explosion occurred in the room next to Mr. Szymczyk's office. One of the gifts Mr. Szymczyk received during his visit to Ukraine on December 11-12 exploded. Mr. Szymczyk suffered minor injuries and is being treated. Another employee was also injured in the incident, but did not need to be hospitalized," the Polish Interior Ministry said in a statement.

During his visit to Ukraine, Mr. Szymczyk met with the head of the country’s police and emergency services, and it is not yet clear which official the gift was from. The Polish Interior Ministry has asked Kiev to provide a clear explanation.

Russia changes tactics to deal with HIMARS

According to RT, on December 15, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valeriy Zaluzhny had an interview with The Economist. Mr. Zaluzhny admitted that Russia has changed its tactics and sought to adapt to the weapons used by Kiev.

"The enemy has moved to a distance that HIMARS cannot reach. We also do not have any more effective long-range weapons," said General Zaluzhny.

Ukraine's HIMARS missile complex. Photo: Pravda

During the interview, the Ukrainian commander reiterated Kiev’s request to the West for long-range weapons. In addition, Mr. Zaluzhny also shared about the frequent missile attacks targeting Ukraine’s important infrastructure.

"Although our air defense system has a very high interception rate, the power system can still collapse at any moment," General Zaluzhny added.

Kherson lost power completely after the raid.

According to Reuters, on December 15 (local time), Mr. Yaroslav Yanushevych, head of the Kherson government, said that this area was completely disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid after the raids.

"Kherson has been hit by dozens of attacks, carried out by multiple rocket launchers, tanks, mortars and drones in the past 24 hours. One shell hit a pumping station and a transformer station serving the city's heating system in the Korabelny district," Yanushevych said.