soldiers killed in ukraine. kyiv says its forces launched the strike. the who hopes to end the pandemic despite a sharp rise in

infections. brazil says goodbye to pele. his body is lying in his hometown stadium. thousands of fans are paying respect. welcome. russia's defense ministry has confirmed 63 soldiers have been killed in one of the deadliest known attacks in the war and you rain. missiles struck a russian occupied area on new year's eve. this footage shows the aftermath of the strike. defense forces say they launched the strike. the common confirmed the deaths. russian media has criticized the

officers involved. our correspondent told us earlier when he knew about the attack. reporter: there are not details. the command mentioned that 10 russian vehicles have destroyed -- the number of casualties is unknown. ukrainian armed forces set up to 400 have been killed. the russians are saying only 63. there is huge gap. what is striking is the harsh criticism is commentators in social media.

ukrainian started a counteroffensive that was unexpected. the level of criticism of the russian military officials who decided to let the soldiers be acclimated in one place and be killed is striking. some here expect russian retaliation because there were similar incidents in the past and the situation is still very dynamic. >> you talk about that discrepancy. it is the biggest loss of life in a single event that the kremlin is admitting to. how is this being received? reporter: it could be or is

comparable to seeking a big ship. on the other hand, ukrainian officials appear to be downplaying it, maybe to prevent further escalation. it looks like a big thing. probably watch more dead than the russian officials are telling the public. on the other hand, ukrainian social networks are rejoicing. they are happy because russia was continuing to strike indian territory. russia is putting more pressure on you rain, so there was joy to show that russians are suffering and they are not just taking strikes and doing nothing, because in the couple of days,

russia was putting more and more pressure on infrastructure. >> among other parts of the country, kyiv has come under intense attack. reporter: at the moment it is relatively calm. it was a warm day, and there was a mixture of resilience in the situation as usual. people seemed partially relaxed, walking by, expecting orthodox christmas in a few days. during the evening, there is growing tension, and expectation over further attacks andkyiv is the most valuable target.

>> many thanks and stay safe. for months, russia has focused on the eastern donbass region. the city has seen some of the most intense fighting. these images show the result of the russian onslaught. much of the fighting is trench warfare. the frontline barely moved at all. soldiers are pinned down in locations. we joined an evacuation team on the eastern front. reporter: cheating death at high speed. taking the injured, every second counts.

>> tell me when you put your foot down. i am flying around. reporter: it means little one. she is not tall but few can match or experience. she's working on a soldier whose vehicle was involved in an explosion. the driver threw me to the left. i saw everything. he was thrown over the top. i hit my head and i got hit on the chest. the soldier will most likely fully recovered. his driver is dead. >> we have some other things to take care of. do you have children?

there must be three more. reporter: he might be in an ambulance, but his mind is still on the front. we will continue to stand. it makes everyone stronger. it's been a grim day. >> today is a very difficult day. the enemy will not calm down. he sees the advantages and fights harder and harder. however, i am desperate because today we had 20 but lost three. reporter: finding the strength

to face what is coming out of the area. for some, faith is part of the answer. she converted to islam after hostilities in 2014. she says she only fears god the job takes its toll. >> what i have seen includes deaths and severed limbs. i put a barrier in front of me. if i give up, how will that help? i hold on. if two nephews at home. when i'm exhausted and have a rotation, i go home and cities nephews and other children. i fix everything that can be fixed. reporter: she has to return to

the front, rain and low clouds have created poor conditions. in the distance, cannon fire. the weather has changed in the next evacuation may be moments away. >> 10 months into the war, ukraine is helping more high-tech weapons will help turn the tide. western allies have been holding back some sophisticated equipment that they say is urgently needed. reporter: as the war drags on, weapons are running down. they call for the west to help. >> ukraine needs more weapons and ammunition, because the best way to protect civilians is to defeat russia. reporter: can germany send more harbor?

>> we're tried to supply weapons that can be used. we've done that in the past and will continue to do that. the success of show we have supplied effective weapons. a lot of ammunition. so far, germany has delivered 2 billion euros worth of military women. 1/10 of the amounts committed by the united states. among the arms sent by berlin, long-range air defense systems whose value has increased given the concentration on airstrikes. germany has sent key battlefield weapons like rocket launchers. self-propelled howitzers. in both cases, a lack of spare

parts has caused delays, but they have been effective and more have been promised. what ukraine really wants is state-of-the-art heavy tanks. these, they say would help when the ground more. the german government has refused, pointing out other nato countries have not provided modern tanks, instead they have delivered to nato allies. evidence that germany is doing its part. >> together, we have supported ukraine. with money, aid and weapons. we will continue the support for as long as it's needed. reporter: the u.s. has agreed to

send advanced weapons. the german government is offered -- but cannot spare any for ukraine. they continued to ask the west for more of those powerful weapons. it seems unlikely to make the decisive difference in this war. >> pope benedict is lying in state in the vatican. mourners are expected to pay their final respects. it will be the first funeral in nearly two decades. reporter: for three days, mourners will have the chance to say goodbye. the italian prime minister is among the first to do so. the somber mood is disrupted only by the need to document. as crowds snaked around the

vatican, the faithful try to sum up the experience. it is a beautiful emotion to see the body. it is an indescribable emotion. i was in front of his body. i did not realize he was right there, that it was really him. on sunday, pope francis praised benedict. let us all join together with one heart and soul and thinking god. benedict made history when he

resigned, citing ill health. the first pontiff to do so since the middle ages. he led the church at the height of the child abuse scandal. offering an apology to victims during a visit to australia 2008. >> indeed, i'm deeply sorry for the pain-and-suffering the victims have endured. reporter: in his birthplace, a message from beyond the grave. a local priest read from the spiritual testimony. with this unwavering message. >> stand firm in your faith. do not be confused. reporter: pope benedict will be laid to rest on thursday and a funeral that is expected to draw thousands, a historic occasion that will mark the end of an era

that saw two popes living in the vatican. >> here's a look at some other stories. thousands gathered for the funerals of palestinians. a firefighter rubbed it when forces arrived to demolish the homes of a palestinian gunmen behind the shooting of an army commander in september. two helicopters have collided midair in the gold coast region. at least four people were killed and several others are in critical condition. authorities are investigating. france has started screening arrivals from china for covid-19. the third country to institute mandatory tests. officials say will help identify new variants. jeremy renner has been seriously

injured in a snowplow accident near his home. he is in critical but stable condition. he is known for his role in the mission impossible franchise and hawkeye in the marble franchise. brazil's new president is appointing his new cabinet one day after being sworn in. he narrowly defeated bolsonaro in the last runoff. he's promising to uphold the law and rebuild the economy. reporter: a new year and new leader for brazil. as he returns to the presidency for a third term. in his first speech to congress, pledged to combat deforestation and restore trust and the ecological credentials.

>> we are responsible for most of the amazon. we will address these issues with sovereignty and responsibility. we will share these achievements in a communal way. reporter: the farming leader released a presidential sash. an act normally conducted by the outgoing leader, but jibe bolsonaro refused to perform his last duty. a visibly emotional man made his inaugural address to the nation. speaking to the crowds, pledged to govern for all brazilians.

>> i want to address those who voted for other and its. i will be the president for 215 brazilian men and women and not just for those who voted for me. i will govern for everyone. looking to our bright future and not through the rearview mirror of past divisions and intolerance. reporter: following the formalities, he met leaders and dignitaries including alberto fernandez, the king of spain, and the german president. it was a day of ceremonial pop and celebration. now, he faces an injury every building credibility, gun violence, and reuniting a deeply

divided nation. >> mourners in brazil have formed a queue to pay respects to pele. thousands of fans are filing past his coffin in the center of the pitch. reporter: the brazilian city of santos's bidding goodbye to its hero. mourners lined up to see his body in an open casket. former teammates and officials were among the first to pay their respects. it died on thursday at the age of 82. >> would pay tribute by being here. we pay tribute by asking for a

moment of silence and tribute. we're also going to ask every country in the world to name ava pull stadium with the name of pele. reporter: thousands gathered to say a final goodbye. >> something else. i have been a fan since my father took me to a game. there is no way to separate. it is something i can't describe but it makes me very emotional. reporter: pele have been going treatment for cancer. on tuesday, a procession will pass before he is laid to rest in a private ceremony. >> our correspondent is in brazil in front of that very

stadium. so good to see you. what is the mode? what if people been telling you? reporter: the first thing that springs to the eye is this is a long queue. endless crowds of people. it's very tracheal. maybe it will shift because people are clapping and singing, they are bringing flowers. you could describe it as something they are grateful, they are said he is gone but overall they are grateful they had such a significant football player who made the country proud. people are wearing his shirt, number 10. a magic number and football. they're just wanting to say their last goodbyes before the coffin leaves the stadium.

>> what more do you know about the city, it's love for football and its biggest star? looks like we lost nicole. there she is. >> this is where it all started. this is where pele trained for his legendary career, this is his hometown. his mom lives here. this is a citizen of santos, this is where it started. this is where he trained and one lots of world cups, making the country but it is and football. one of the best football teams.

this is the connection we have here. you can feel it everywhere. >> what happens next? >> the coffin will leave the stadium and it will be carried through the streets so people can say goodbye. the coffin will be carried to the area where the house of his mom is, she is 100 years old and does not have the strength to come out to the street. afterwards, there will be a private funeral for family and friends because they want to say goodbye on their own terms. >> thank you so much.

the sporting world is another exciting year to look forward to. the woman's football world cup in july premises plenty of highlights. >> 2023 is a big year for sports. all eyes attempt the first team to win three tournaments in an -- in a row. real madrid know a thing or two about winning consecutive trophies. they have taken home five of the last nine titles but face tough competition to defend their title. in formula, it's probably too early speak of dominance.

max is on a mission to make it three titles in a row. under pressure to make a title challenge after a pure that core season. carlos alcaraz took the tennis world by storm 20 he won the u.s. open in september. it was a breakthrough year for the 19-year-old who defeated some of the game's best. if you keep that up, be the new young superstar the tennis world has been waiting for. >> here's a quick reminder of the top story we are following. the kremlin confirmed 63 soldiers were killed. missiles struck a building in an area that was being used to house troops. brazil is bidding farewell to

pele. he died of cancer. fans have begun filing into his hometown. they have one day to pay his respects before a private aerial service. your watching dw news. stay with us, after a short break i will be back to take you through the day. hope to see you there. ♪

k host: welcome to “global 3000”" landfill refigured -- we discover a very special natural park in new york. costly existence -- people in tunisia are mastering their country's crisis. and tough decisions -- how ukrainians are keeping their country running, despite the war. russia's war on ukraine continues unabated. infrastructure has become a key target, especially the country's power stations.