Unpredictable Russia conflict

The Kyiv Independent reported that Ukraine attacked the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region of southern Russia on December 19th using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar confirmed the information via the Telegram messaging app, stating that Ukraine used more than 30 UAVs and 3 missiles. Slyusar added that rescue forces were on the scene trying to extinguish the large fire. The Ukrainian military has not commented on the report.

Points of conflict: Ukraine faces difficulties on multiple fronts; Türkiye clashes with Trump.

In other developments, Russia accused Ukraine of repeatedly dropping white phosphorus munitions from drones in September. "Russian authorities, together with the Ministry of Defense, have obtained irrefutable evidence that the Ukrainian armed forces repeatedly used white phosphorus munitions dropped from drones in September," Reuters quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying on December 18. Ukraine asserted that Zakharova's statement was false and counter-accused Russia of using banned chemical weapons on the battlefield.

Ukraine used searchlights to detect UAVs in the skies over Kyiv on December 19, 2024.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien on December 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed that his country does not want to make concessions, whether territorial or in terms of its ambitions to join NATO and the EU, in exchange for peace with Russia. Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv would only be ready to negotiate peace with Moscow when it has a "strong position," and to achieve that, Ukraine needs to become part of the EU and NATO. Commenting on US President-elect Donald Trump's statements about efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Zelensky said: "Mr. Trump sincerely wants to act quickly, but he is not yet in the White House and does not have access to all the information. He also knows about my firm desire not to rush in order to avoid disadvantaging Ukraine."

According to US media, Keith Kellogg, nominated by Trump as the US special peace envoy for Ukraine, will visit Ukraine in January 2025. Additionally, to strengthen its negotiating position with Russia, Ukraine is actively seeking support from partners both on the battlefield and diplomatically. Reuters reported on December 19th that the UK announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth £225 million, while also pledging to provide additional military training to Kyiv. Earlier, on December 18th, Germany proposed doubling its arms exports to Ukraine. President Zelensky and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron also met privately on December 18th to discuss the possibility of sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, according to The Kyiv Independent.

Russian minister warns of the possibility of conflict with NATO within the next 10 years.

Putin received over 2 million questions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference and Q&A session yesterday to answer questions from citizens and the press on a range of domestic and foreign issues. According to TASS, more than 2 million questions had been submitted to President Putin by citizens 11 days prior to the press conference, through various channels. At the press conference, Putin stated that the Russian economy is stable and growing, with a projected GDP growth of 4% this year. He also addressed the conflict with Ukraine and other issues, according to RT. (Bao Hoang)

North Korea praises its effective alliance with Russia.

On December 19, KCNA reported that North Korea's military alliance with Russia is proving "very effective" in deterring the United States and its allies. North Korea condemned recent statements by the US and its allies against the growing relationship between Russia and North Korea. Additionally, Pyongyang accused Washington and its allies of prolonging the war in Ukraine. The US has not commented on this information.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/kho-luong-voi-xung-dot-nga-ukraine-185241219223926619.htm