Brian Mann

Thank you.

The Azerbaijani jetliner crashed in Kazakhstan while en route to a city in Russia Wednesday with 67 passengers and crew on board. 29 people survived. During a briefing with reporters, U.S. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said it's possible Russian weapons hit the civilian plane.

The Azerbaijani jetliner crashed in Kazakhstan while en route to a city in Russia Wednesday with 67 passengers and crew on board. 29 people survived. During a briefing with reporters, U.S. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said it's possible Russian weapons hit the civilian plane.

Kirby emphasized the probe into the fiery crash is still underway. Azerbaijan Airlines officials said in a statement it appears external interference impacted the plane. The airline has suspended flights to airports inside Russia. Brian Mann, NPR News, Kyiv.

Kirby emphasized the probe into the fiery crash is still underway. Azerbaijan Airlines officials said in a statement it appears external interference impacted the plane. The airline has suspended flights to airports inside Russia. Brian Mann, NPR News, Kyiv.

Good morning, Cassara.

Good morning, Cassara.

Good morning, Cassara.

Well, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says they were able to shoot down 50 of the 70 or so missiles launched Christmas morning by Russia. Ukraine also blocked most of those drones. They often used electronic jammers, causing them to crash. But at least 20 of these missiles got through. There were explosions and fires across Ukraine. One utility worker and engineer was killed.

Well, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says they were able to shoot down 50 of the 70 or so missiles launched Christmas morning by Russia. Ukraine also blocked most of those drones. They often used electronic jammers, causing them to crash. But at least 20 of these missiles got through. There were explosions and fires across Ukraine. One utility worker and engineer was killed.

Well, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says they were able to shoot down 50 of the 70 or so missiles launched Christmas morning by Russia. Ukraine also blocked most of those drones. They often used electronic jammers, causing them to crash. But at least 20 of these missiles got through. There were explosions and fires across Ukraine. One utility worker and engineer was killed.

In his statement on social media, Zelensky condemned this attack. He said it was clearly time for the holiday, called it inhumane and evil, but said this latest violence, and I'm quoting here, will not break Ukraine and will not spoil Christmas. President Biden also called the attack outrageous.

In his statement on social media, Zelensky condemned this attack. He said it was clearly time for the holiday, called it inhumane and evil, but said this latest violence, and I'm quoting here, will not break Ukraine and will not spoil Christmas. President Biden also called the attack outrageous.

In his statement on social media, Zelensky condemned this attack. He said it was clearly time for the holiday, called it inhumane and evil, but said this latest violence, and I'm quoting here, will not break Ukraine and will not spoil Christmas. President Biden also called the attack outrageous.

And President-elect Donald Trump's incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia condemned Moscow's decision to attack yesterday. He said the U.S. is more resolved than ever to bring peace to the region.

And President-elect Donald Trump's incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia condemned Moscow's decision to attack yesterday. He said the U.S. is more resolved than ever to bring peace to the region.

And President-elect Donald Trump's incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia condemned Moscow's decision to attack yesterday. He said the U.S. is more resolved than ever to bring peace to the region.

Well, this is clearly rattling the system. The biggest utility in the country said yesterday, Sarah, that this strike was the 13th large attack on the energy grid this year alone. Even before yesterday's missile launch, there were already rolling blackouts across the country. These explosions and fires caused more power outages. A lot of homes lost heat.

Well, this is clearly rattling the system. The biggest utility in the country said yesterday, Sarah, that this strike was the 13th large attack on the energy grid this year alone. Even before yesterday's missile launch, there were already rolling blackouts across the country. These explosions and fires caused more power outages. A lot of homes lost heat.

Well, this is clearly rattling the system. The biggest utility in the country said yesterday, Sarah, that this strike was the 13th large attack on the energy grid this year alone. Even before yesterday's missile launch, there were already rolling blackouts across the country. These explosions and fires caused more power outages. A lot of homes lost heat.