Russia claims to have seized two new villages in eastern Ukraine

"Russia says its soldiers captured Yantarne in the eastern Donetsk region and Kalinove in the northeastern Kharkiv region." AJ

140 combat clashes in past day

"140 combat engagements between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders were recorded along the frontlines.
In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian troops four times in the areas of Vovchansk and Kozacha Lopan.
In the Kupiansk sector, eight enemy attacks occurred over the last day. The Ukrainian forces repelled assaults near Petropavlivka and Pishchane.

In the Lyman sector, Russian troops attacked 12 times, trying to advance toward Kopanky, Shyikivka, Pershotravneve, Makiivka, Tverdokhlibove, Terny and Zarichne.
In the Kramatorsk sector, 15 combat engagements were recorded in the areas of Chasiv Yar and Stupochky.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy carried out 13 attacks in the vicinity of Toretsk, Bila Hora and Shcherbynivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian troops stopped 58 Russian assault and offensive operations in the areas of Yelyzavetivka, Lysivka, Zelene, Promin, Novyi Trud, Pokrovsk, Udachne, Kotlyne, Novovasylivka, Sribne, Petropavlivka, Novoandriivka, Dachne, Shevchenkove and Yantarne.
In the Novopavlivka sector, the enemy launched nine attacks near Kostiantynopil, Neskuchne, Vremivka and Rivne, with the Russian Air Force operating in the area
In the Siversk, Orikhiv and Huliaipole sectors, the enemy did not conduct any active operations in the past day.
In the Prydniprovskyi sector, Russian troops made one unsuccessful." Ukrin

Switzerland willing to organize Trump-Putin meeting, awaiting agreement from both sides

"Switzerland is ready to organize a meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin if both sides agree, Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nicolas Bideau said. The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Putin would not be an obstacle to organizing such negotiations, as the Swiss government has the right to make exceptions for peace talks. President-elect Donald Trump stated that Putin wants to meet with him and that the organization of the talks has already begun." NV

Serbian President offers Belgrade as venue for Trump-Putin meeting

"Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has announced that he will officially propose his country as the venue for the anticipated meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin." NV

Syria denies Russian warships access to Tartus port

"Syrian authorities have refused to allow Russian military transport vessels to dock at Tartus, Syria’s second-largest coastal city after Latakia. Analysts also reported the presence of S-400 air defense systems stationed on the piers in Tartus." NV