Newsletter 03/12/2024
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
TOP
U.S. preparing new sanctions against Russia – White House
This is according to his statement, Ukrinform reports citing the White House.
"In response to the entry of North Korean soldiers into this war, the President has decided to adjust permissions on Ukraine’s use of U.S.-provided long-range missiles. And to disrupt Russia’s war machine, the United States has implemented major sanctions against Russia’s financial sector, with more sanctions to follow," the statement reads.
Sybiha calls on NATO countries to urgently provide Ukraine with at least 20 air defense systems
On Tuesday, December 3, during a visit to Brussels, Sybiha will visit NATO headquarters and take part in a ministerial meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
During his media availability, the Foreign Minister said that the main topics of talks with NATO allies would include immediate military assistance, investments in the Ukrainian defense industry, support for Ukraine's energy system in the winter, and progress on Ukraine's path to NATO.
The Minister informed the journalists about the current situation on the battlefield and noted that it is difficult.
Mark Rutte refrains from commenting on possibility of inviting Ukraine to NATO
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte refrained from commenting on the possibility of inviting Ukraine to the Alliance, instead emphasizing that allies must enhance military assistance to Ukraine so that it can, if it chooses, negotiate with Russia from a position of strength.
He made these remarks today in Brussels at a press conference before the start of a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers. This is how the NATO leader responded to a question from Ukrinform about the conditions under which NATO troops might appear on Ukrainian territory.
"The meeting within next two days will very much concentrate on how to make sure that Ukraine, whenever it decides to enter into peace talks, will do so from the position of strength. And to get there, it is crucial that more military aid will be bumped into Ukraine. Therefore I am happy that all the countries that I’ve just listed have announced military aid going into Ukraine, including many European allies and, of course, also the United States. That is the most crucial thing we have to do now... That will be a step-by-step approach," said Rutte.
Zelensky: Ukrainian army lacks forces to retake Crimea
"We do not have enough forces to return Crimea. Our army does not have enough forces. We must seek diplomatic means, but [this will be possible] only after we know that we are so strong that the Russians will not return with aggression again. Then we can think about diplomatic steps," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
He noted that Crimea is "strategic" not only for Ukraine.
"It is strategic in principle for the world. Because whoever controls Crimea controls security in the Black Sea. Everyone understands this. All food security corridors. […] Here is an example: when Putin occupied Crimea, he blocked the Black Sea. Agricultural products from Ukraine did not reach Africa, Asia, or European countries," Zelensky said.
U.S. announces $725M in new military aid for Ukraine
The U.S. government has unveiled a $725 million security assistance package for Ukraine, which includes HIMARS ammunition, artillery shells, unmanned aerial systems, Stinger missiles, and other weaponry.
War
Tanks of the 12th Azov Brigade dismantle the occupiers in the Torets direction
In places where it is difficult to smoke out the enemy with artillery and drones, armored and maneuverable vehicles will neutralize targets in the shortest possible time. Tank crews are ready to work day and night to effectively stop the enemy offensive.
When the BK is completely exhausted, only craters and eliminated occupants remain on the site of the former enemy positions.
The video shows the work of the tank battalion of the 12th special forces brigade "Azov" on enemy positions in urban areas and landings.
Italy preparing new military aid package for Ukraine – Reuters
Zelensky receives briefing from CinC Syrskyi on frontline situation
Russians drop explosives on civilian from drone in Kherson suburb
Ukrainian forces expel Russians from bridgehead on right bank of Oskil River near Novomlynsk/Video
War update: 201 skirmishes on front lines, most attacks recorded in Kurakhove sector
Ukrainian paratroopers repel enemy assault on Kurakhove front
The enemy deployed a column of armored vehicles to assault the positions of the Ukrainian defenders from the Jaeger Brigade. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of drone operators and artillery units, the enemy's equipment was halted. The result: four enemy fighting vehicles were destroyed or damaged.
Politics
Rutte outlines three key areas of NATO support for Ukraine
"First of all, we have to make sure that we help you maintain the energy grid and the energy infrastructure as best as possible. We cannot have a weaponization of winter in Ukraine. This morning, we discussed this also with [U.S. Secretary of State] Tony Blinken, and this is a crucial element. Secondly, we have to make sure that when it comes to air defense, we are doing a lot, but more needs to be done to make sure that the country is as safe as possible when it comes to air defense. And thirdly, when it comes to making sure that the military aid gets into Ukraine, we really have to work on this," Rutte said.
He also praised Ukraine’s leadership and its people for their courageous resistance to Russia’s unprovoked and unacceptable aggression.
"I really want to assure you that Allies are with you. […] Today, not only the U.S., but also Germany, Norway, Estonia, Lithuania and the United Kingdom, have announced new defense packages to get military aid into Ukraine. But much more needs to be done to ensure that you can one day decide whether to move to some form of talks with Russians, that you can do this from a position of strength. That is what we will discuss tonight," Rutte added.
Blinken: We will not allow Putin to use winter as weapon against Ukraine
"We're determined to keep moving forward on the work we've been doing together over the last four years, work that has strengthened this Alliance in extraordinary ways – with new members, new resources and assets, and, I think, a new determination, both to continue to stand with Ukraine faced with the Russian aggression but also to deal with a myriad of other threats and challenges," Blinken said.
Society
Reservation of conscripts: Ministry of Economy updates status of critical enterprises
Enterprises that currently hold critical status but have not yet updated it can reserve employees until February 28, 2025. Once they update their status, reservations can be extended for up to 12 months.
To qualify as critical enterprise, private companies must meet two mandatory criteria:
a minimum average salary of 20,000 UAH;
no debts owed to government budgets.
Additionally, companies must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:
paid over EUR 1.5 million in taxes;
earned more than EUR 32 million in foreign currency revenue;
designated as a strategic enterprise;
registered as a Diia City resident;
provided telecommunications services with significant revenue or demonstrated significant importance to the economy or community needs.
Zelensky: Yale University researchers identified hundreds of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Yale University researchers have identified hundreds of Ukrainian children from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions who have been abducted by Russia since February 2022.
"Another solid piece of evidence of Russia's war crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians is the Yale HRL study. Yale researchers have identified hundreds of Ukrainian children from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions who have been abducted by Russia since February 2022, as well as their locations and the deportation routes used," Zelensky said.
He added that 148 children are already listed in Russian child placement databases, 42 of whom have already been adopted, placed under guardianship, or assigned Russian custodians.
In the Hutsulshchyna National Nature Park, therapeutic horseback riding sessions are held on Hutsul breed horses. For our defenders, this is part of a rehabilitation program
