RUSSIANS in unmarked uniforms seize control of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 (Wikipedia).

Seven of the world’s leading democracies have issued a warning that if Russia invades Ukraine, it would face “massive consequences.”

United Press International is reporting that representatives of G7 – which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain and the United States – called on the Russian Federation to de-escalate its conflict with Ukraine, a part of the former Soviet Union, which was dominated by Russia until its dissolution in 1991.

According to reports, the Russian military has built up a force of 95,000 troops on the border with Ukraine, and diplomats are divided on whether Russian president Vladimir Putin plans to invade or is seeking to extract promises from the Western allies.

Russia seized the Crimean peninsula in 2014 from Ukraine, and has a much larger military.  Ukraine is a partner in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but not part of its collective defense agreement, which would obligate NATO to defend that nation if attacked.

Despite that, Western nations could have a role by supplying Ukraine with advanced weaponry and by closing access to international finance avenues which the potential to damage the Russian economy.

Tornado death count may reach 100

As many as 100 people are feared dead in the aftermath of the tornadoes that rampaged across Kentucky and nearby states on Saturday.

Rescue workers and others are searching the wreckage of buildings in five states, including a candle factory and an Amazon warehouse flattened by the twisters.

“We’re praying that maybe original estimates of those we have lost were wrong,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, according to the Associated Press. “If so, it’s going to be pretty wonderful.”

Also in the news …

• Chris Wallace, who spent 18 years at Fox News, announced on Sunday he would be leaving that network for a new streaming news service called CNN+. He had previously worked at ABC and NBC.
• Ann Rice, a novelist best known for her books depicting vampires as anti-heroes, has died at 80.

Sports: Chargers defeat the Giants

The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the New York Giants 37-21 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday. Justin Herbert threw for three

touchdowns 275 yards and Austin Ekeler has rushed for one score and 67yards. The Bolts, now 8-5, built a 37-7 lead before giving up two late and meaningless scores in the closing minutes.

Next up for the Chargers is a home game on Thursday, Dec. 16 hosting the Kansas City Chiefs. KC is 9-5 and in first in the AFC West race, one ahead of the Bolts. They defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 48-9.

Weather: Rain is on the way

A strong winter storm is forecast to be in store for the West Orange County area. Monday’s daytime high should be 60 with and overnight low of 56. There is a 17 percent chance of rain, turning to 100 percent on Tuesday, which is expected to hit 60 during the day and 41 overnight. Partly cloudy skies are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday with daytime temps in the high 50s and the chance of rain going from 5 percent to 24 percent.