Zelensky to replace air defense chief after Odessa strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to dismiss Dmytro Karpenko, the head of Air Command South, following a series of devastating Russian strikes on the Odessa region.
"We are strengthening our air defense and, frankly, we will also strengthen the command. Today, I raised the issue of replacing the commander... I believe a new candidate will be found because we must react in a timely and rapid manner," Zelensky stated.
Rising Civilian Toll in Southern Ukraine
The decision follows a heavy Russian assault on port infrastructure on the night of December 19, which killed at least eight people and injured 27 others.
The State Emergency Service reported that several victims were traveling on a bus that was caught in the "epicenter" of the strike.
This follows a separate incident on December 18, where a Russian strike drone hit a civilian vehicle crossing a bridge. Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the death of a woman and noted that her three children were injured in the blast.
"No matter how difficult it is for us, we must protect as many people as possible; we must protect Odessa and our other regions to the maximum extent," Zelensky remarked regarding the leadership change.
Energy Crisis and Strategic Infrastructure
The Odessa region's port facilities remain primary targets for Russian forces. Recent strikes have triggered multi-day power outages and severed water supplies for local residents.
Emergency crews confirmed that the December 19 missile strike specifically targeted a port infrastructure facility, causing significant collateral damage to civilian transit.
New Diplomatic Framework Proposed
In a separate development on Saturday, December 20, President Zelensky revealed a potential new format for peace negotiations proposed by the United States.
The framework could involve American and European envoys. Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv that Ukraine would evaluate the proposal based on the productivity of ongoing bilateral talks with U.S. negotiators.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
