Newsletter 27/12/2024
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
This year, there are no Christmas trees decorated on the front line. There are no holidays in hell. Christmas Eve at the stabilization point on the Kupiansk direction was not much different from any other day: the enemy attacks, there's no time for garlands and carols. Kupiansk itself is turning into another ruin. It’s painful to watch.
TOP
Ukraine finalizes Peace Summit preparations – MFA
Ukraine has finalized all necessary preparations for the second Peace Summit, but ongoing efforts remain to ensure the event is productive.
"You can see for yourself that historical and tectonic processes are underway, including the arrival of new administrations (in the U.S. - ed.) and in European countries. The Peace Formula remains the foundation for a just resolution of the war, and this remains unchanged," Tykhyi stated.
The diplomat noted that Ukraine has prepared everything necessary for holding the second Peace Summit, including organizing thematic conferences that aligned joint positions on the points of the Peace Formula. According to Tykhyi, this puts Ukraine in a strong diplomatic position at present.
"However, preparation is necessary for the summit to take place and be effective. The timelines mentioned earlier were indicative, and Ukraine is always trying to implement everything as soon as possible. This is our general policy. However, it is clear that an event for the sake of an event is not what we need — we need something productive. Work continues," the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson added.
Three Russian officers eliminated in Zaporizhzhia region – Ukraine intel
The successful operation involved the HUR's Active Operations Department, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the Tavria Group of Forces.
Ukrainian intelligence obtained details of a planned meeting involving officers from the command of Russia's 4th Guards Military Base, which is engaged in the war against Ukraine. After verifying the information, military intelligence devised a coordinated plan, engaging multiple units, including the Tavria Group of Forces, the 190th Training Center, the Unmanned Systems Forces, and the SBU's Typhoon tactical group.
The operation began with a precision HIMARS strike on the location of the Russian officers and their vehicles at the start of the field meeting. Following this, Ukrainian strike drones targeted the evacuation group that responded to the attack.
The operation resulted in the elimination of:
Captain Dmitry Nagorny, Commander of the 1st Battalion of the 135th Motor Rifle Regiment of the Russian Armed Forces,
Captain Grigory Krokhmalyov, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Chief of Intelligence of the 135th Motor Rifle Regiment,
Captain Yury Fomin, Commander of an Anti-Aircraft Battery of the 4th Guards Military Base.
Additionally, five Russian vehicles were destroyed in the strikes.
Eight International Coalitions provide military assistance to Ukraine – MoD
The Ministry noted that in September 2023, the format for delivering international aid to Ukraine transitioned to the so-called Ramstein 2.0.
This approach signifies that Ukraine's allies are shifting from providing bilateral military assistance to operating through coalitions that coordinate, systematize, and thereby enhance the scale of international military support.
Each coalition is led by a nation that coordinates its activities. Some allies have taken on leading roles in multiple coalitions simultaneously.
For instance, the United States leads the Air Capability Coalition and the Artillery Coalition; France heads the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition and the Artillery Coalition; Germany leads the Armored Vehicles and Maneuverability Coalition as well as the Integrated Air Defense Coalition; the United Kingdom leads the Maritime Capability Coalition and the Drone Coalition.
Azerbaijan Airlines plane downed by Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system
The Embraer 190 passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines that crashed near Aktau, western Kazakhstan, on December 25 was reportedly shot down by a Russian Pantsir-S1 short-range air defense system.
Putin rejects Trump team's 'peace plan' idea – ISW
"Russian President Vladimir Putin explicitly rejected a suggestion reportedly considered by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team in early November 2024 that would delay Ukraine's membership in NATO for at least a decade as a condition for ending the war in Ukraine," ISW analysts said.
Putin responded on December 26 to a journalist's request to comment on the Trump team’s reported early November suggestion to delay Ukraine's membership in NATO for 10 to 20 years. Putin stated that it does not matter if Ukraine joins NATO "today, tomorrow, or in 10 years."
Zelensky: U.S. increasing military aid to Ukraine
"Today, there was a report from Commander-in-Chief [Oleksandr] Syrskyi and Defense Minister [Rustem] Umerov. The front. Supplies. It is very important that the United States is now increasing deliveries. This is necessary to stabilize the situation. I am grateful to our partners," Zelensky said.
He added that the pace of deliveries "must be such that it disrupts the pace of Russian assaults."
"We need greater strength of weapons. And strong positions for diplomacy. And every unit, every brigade contributing to this brings us closer to the possibility of a normal peace," Zelensky said.
He also stated that Ukraine already has the necessary results in destroying the enemy's military infrastructure.
"I would also like to highlight all our warriors who are carrying out long-range strikes on Russian territory. We are seeing the right and necessary results in destroying the military infrastructure of the enemy – and only military targets. Ukraine is defending itself from aggression, and our strikes are exclusively directed at military targets," Zelensky said.
War
South Korea's intelligence confirms capture of North Korean soldier by AFU/Photo
"Through real-time information sharing with a friendly nation's intelligence organization, (we) confirmed the capture of a wounded North Korean soldier and plans to thoroughly examine the subsequent development," the National Intelligence Service said in a brief release.
Details of how the capture occurred are not yet disclosed.
Casualties reported as Russian forces hit apartment building in Chasiv Yar with FPV drone
Russians intensify shelling of northern border areas, no offensive grouping formation spotted – military
Bomb disposal experts neutralize unexploded Russian Kh-59 missile in Kharkiv/Photos
War update: 100 clashes on frontline since day-start, one-third of attacks in Pokrovsk sector
Bodies of civilians still under rubble in occupied settlements of Luhansk region – regional chief
Russians conduct 169 shelling attacks on Sumy region over past day, civilian killed
In Sumy region, body of deceased man was recovered from rubble of house destroyed by shelling
Russians shell border community in Chernihiv region with artillery
War claims lives of 143 Ukrainian artists, 94 media workers
Russians significantly lack tanks - SDF
Schoolchildren in TOT offered contracts with Russian army
“During career orientation events organized for students of the former Luhansk district, meetings are being held with military enlistment office representatives. These officials present what they consider an attractive offer to the youth — signing a contract with the Russian army. They only talk about the benefits of the "profession," the regional authorities stress.
Defense
National Guard deploys Zuzana, DITA SPGs on frontline – Commander
“Understanding the need and analyzing our experience, I initiated the creation of a dedicated artillery brigade armed with Ukrainian 155 mm Bogdana SPGs (NATO-standard caliber). Additionally, we have received 155 mm Zuzana and DITA SPGs in recent months, and they are already being used on the front lines,” stated National Guard Commander Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko.
MoD authorizes “Snail” all-terrain vehicle for use in AFU
Politics
Russians preparing propaganda campaign to mark Yalta Conference anniversary – NRC
In February next year, Russian invaders plan to hold an international teleconference to mark the anniversary of the 1945 Yalta Conference, using it to propagate messages about alleged "Nazism" in Ukraine.
The teleconference is reportedly planned to connect studios in Simferopol with locations in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.
“In honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Kremlin plans to once again play up the theme of the “fighter against Nazism,” speculating on historical issues to justify its aggression,” emphasizes National Resistance Center.
Russia plans to use its agents of influence worldwide to participate in the event, attempting to bolster its image as a leading "fighter against Nazism." The narrative positions Russia as an arbiter of who qualifies as "Nazis" globally, supposedly legitimizing its invasions of sovereign states.
Weapons and air defense: White House preparing new military aid package for Ukraine
White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby noted that the package is expected to be approved by President Joe Biden and revealed within the next day or shortly afterward.
He also specified that the aid would include air defense systems and weapons for combat operations.
Economy
U.S., World Bank provide Ukraine with USD 485M in budget support
“Ukraine has received USD 485 million from the United States and the World Bank under the PEACE in Ukraine project. Of this amount, USD 465 million was provided by the U.S. through USAID. Additional USD 20 million came from the World Bank,” reported Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal's.
According to him, the funds will be directed to cover social and humanitarian expenditures in the state budget.