Unpredictable with Russia conflict

The Kyiv Independent reported that Ukraine launched a drone attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region of southern Russia on December 19. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar confirmed the information via the Telegram messaging app, saying that Ukraine used more than 30 UAVs and three missiles. Slyusar added that rescue forces were at the scene trying to extinguish the large fire. The Ukrainian military has not commented on the information.

Flashpoints: Ukraine struggles on multiple fronts; Türkiye disputes Trump

In another development, Russia accused Ukraine of repeatedly dropping white phosphorus shells from UAVs in September. "Russian authorities, together with the Ministry of Defense, have obtained irrefutable evidence that the Ukrainian armed forces repeatedly used white phosphorus shells dropped from UAVs in September," Reuters quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying on December 18. Ukraine confirmed that Ms. Zakharova's statement was false, and accused Russia of using banned chemicals on the battlefield.

Ukraine uses floodlights to detect UAVs in Kyiv skies 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 on territory or ambitions to join NATO and the EU in exchange for peace with Russia. Mr. Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv will 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 statement on efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mr. Zelensky said: "Mr. Trump sincerely wants to act quickly, but he has not yet entered the White House and does not have access to all the information. He also knows about my firm desire not to rush to avoid being disadvantageous to Ukraine."

According to US media, Mr. Keith Kellogg, who was nominated by Mr. Trump as the US peace envoy for Ukraine, will visit Ukraine in January 2025. In addition, to strengthen its position at the negotiating table with Russia, Ukraine is trying to mobilize partners to support both on the battlefield and diplomatically. Reuters reported that on December 19, the UK announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 225 million pounds, and pledged to provide more military training to Kyiv. Previously, on December 18, Germany proposed to double arms exports to Ukraine. President Zelensky and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron had a private meeting on December 18 to discuss the possibility of sending peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, according to The Kyiv Independent.

Russian minister warns of possibility of war with NATO in next 10 years

Mr. Putin received more than 2 million questions

Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday held his annual press conference and Q&A session to answer questions from the public and the press on many domestic and foreign issues. According to TASS, before the press conference, more than 2 million questions were sent to President Putin from the public, after 11 days of opening to receive questions in many forms. At the press conference, Mr. Putin said that the Russian economy is stable and growing, with GDP growth forecast to reach 4% this year. He also mentioned the war situation with Ukraine and many other issues, according to RT. Bao Hoang

North Korea praises effective alliance with Russia

On December 19, KCNA reported that the DPRK's military alliance with Russia is proving to be "very effective" in deterring the US and its allies. North Korea condemned recent statements by the US and its allies against the growing Russia-DPRK relationship. In addition, Pyongyang also 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