Newsletter 18/12/2024
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
Resonance
In the village of Smolyary in Volyn, the fallen hero Vasyl Solodukha was buried under the gates of a church from the UOC-MP, because the local priest did not allow a priest from the OCU and chaplains to hold a funeral service in the church.
TOP
Europe considers deploying up to 100,000 troops to Ukraine โ Reuters
European leaders are discussing the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace agreement, with estimates suggesting up to 100,000 military personnel may be needed.
Orban responds to Zelensky's statement about mediators in relations with Trump
As reported by Ukrinform, the Hungarian Prime Minister posted the corresponding statement on the social network X. "We will not respond to any provocation. There is a ceasefire proposal on the table. Take it or leave it. Itโs your responsibility," Orban wrote.
Russia launches massive disinfo effort to undermine support for Ukraine
โThe operation is coordinated at the highest level in the Kremlin and is aimed at discrediting the Ukrainian leadership and sowing distrust (in Ukraine โ ed.) across the international media,โ reads the report, referring to an article by the Polish outlet Nowiny Polskie.
Rheinmetall secures EUR 9M contract with Ukraine to supply 155mm artillery propellant charges
The order, booked in Q4 2024, is worth around EUR 9 million. It envisages the delivery of several tens of thousands of 155mm propellant charge modules of various types.
U.S. aid deliveries to Ukraine scheduled throughout 2025
The volume of military aid to Ukraine, which the Joe Biden administration continues to provide, should cover the needs for weapons, equipment, and materials until the end of next year.
Gazprom shares drop to 16-year low
Shares of Russian gas giant Gazprom on Tuesday plunged to their lowest since January 2009, to 106.1 rubles apiece.
War
Fighting continues in Kurakhove, enemy fire destroys fortifications of some Ukrainian positions
โCurrently, the situation in the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia OSG remains tense, but is controlled by the Defense Forces. Combat actions with the enemy are ongoing in almost all areas of the frontline, the situation is, of course, changing dynamically. The enemy continues to try to conduct offensive actions of varying intensity along virtually the entire frontline. He is concentrating his main efforts and complicating the situation in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, and the occupants have significantly increased pressure in the Kramatorsk, Toretsk and Vremivsk directions,โ said Voloshyn.
Parliament endorses law on state register of military personnel
Government has not yet submitted bill on demobilization to parliament - MP
Ukraine's Ombudsman opposes mobilizing 18-year-olds: "We have enough men aged 30 to 45"
AFU show how marines repelled Russian assault in Kurakhove direction
Ukrainian marines repelled an attempt by the Russian army to break through the defense in the Kurakhiv sector, neutralizing heavy equipment and manpower of the invaders. The video of the repulsion of the enemy assault was posted on Telegram by the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops/
Intercepts confirm significant North Korean casualties in Kursk region
In one call between a Russian soldier and his wife, a nurse in a hospital in Moscow region, the latter says: โYesterday there was a train that brought a hundred people. Today it was another 120, that's already over 200. And how many more are there? God knows,โ the woman complains.
Defense
Zelensky says he has repeatedly asked US for license to produce Patriot
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had repeatedly asked the United States to transfer licenses for the production of Patriot systems to Ukraine, but had not received a positive response.
Politics
MFA welcomes resolution on rights violations in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the updated resolution "Situation of human rights in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine" by 81 votes in favor.
The Ministry expressed gratitude to the international community for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
โThe clear position of the UN General Assembly and member states in the Organization is an important step towards restoring respect for international law and holding Russia accountable for all crimes committed,โ the commentary emphasized.
UK Defense Minister: We are not intimidated by Putin's nuclear rhetoric
"First, we cannot be intimidated by Putin's rhetoric or his escalation, and we're not."
He added that the purpose of his visit to Kyiv was to discuss with Ukraineโs Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, the shared plan to strengthen Ukraine.
Economy
Ukraine receives EUR 4.1B under Ukraine Facility
Today, the Commission has disbursed nearly โฌ4.1 billion to Ukraine under the first Pillar of the Ukraine Facility. This brings to โฌ16.1 billion the total EU funding disbursed to the Ukrainian government under the Facility so far.
Australia provides additional support to Ukraine for reconstruction and energy
Australia has committed new aid packages to support Ukraineโs reconstruction and energy needs. The country will provide 50 million euros to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to help Ukraine access a loan for rebuilding efforts. Additionally, Australia will contribute 6.39 million USD to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine.
Ukraine to start production of Japanese pickup trucks
The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko during a business forum, which was organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
โTogether with Ukrainian partners, the Japanese company is planning to start the production of pickup trucks using the semi-knock-down (SKD) method. In the future, they are planning to move to complete knock-down (CKD) production. This is a good signal to other Japanese investors that the localization of their products in Ukraine is a mutually beneficial cooperation,โ Svyrydenko noted.
Society
Chief of gambling regulator detained over supporting - source
The State Bureau of Investigation on December 18 apprehended the head of the Ukrainian Gambling and Lottery Regulation Commission, Ivan Rudyi, over allegedly backing the operations of a Russian online casino.
Two films about Ukraine war make it to Oscars shortlist
"Porcelain War" is one of the 15 films in the "Documentary Feature Film" category. Shot by directors Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontiev, the film tells the story of three porcelain figurine artists from Ukraine. Slava Leontiev himself also starred in the documentary. The production team included professionals from the U.S., Ukraine, and Australia.
Zelensky visits Superhumans Center
