Russia closes in on target in Donetsk

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on December 18 that it had taken control of two more villages in the Donetsk region, after General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, confirmed fierce fighting in the east and Kursk region (Russia).

Russia expands control in Donetsk

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had taken control of two more villages in Donetsk in the past 24 hours, Stari Terny and Trudove. Both villages are near the industrial city of Kurakhove, which is Russia's main target in eastern Ukraine.

Kurakhove is a strategic city on the shores of a reservoir that Moscow government troops are trying to besiege.

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The village of Stari Terny is located on the northwestern shore of the lake, while the village of Trudove is about 10 km south of Kurakhove.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, earlier confirmed that the "most critical situation" was developing around Kurakhove and the logistics centre of Pokrovsk further north in Donetsk.

Russian artillery in special operations zone

Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin said on December 18 that Russian strikes had damaged numerous high-rise buildings and residential areas in the surrounding area and in Kurakhove.

Russian troops also launched strong counter-offensives in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a cross-border raid and expanded their control in August.

On the same day, Russia accused Ukraine of repeatedly using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to drop white phosphorus shells in September, but Kyiv not only denied it but also counter-accused Moscow's military of using this chemical weapon on the battlefield, according to TASS and AFP.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also said that up to now, frontline forces have received more than 200,000 domestically produced UAVs, according to a Facebook announcement on December 18.

German units participate in NATO exercises in Lithuania in May

Germany could lead NATO in increasing troop numbers

At a press conference in Brussels (Belgium) on December 18, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the headquarters supporting Ukraine and providing training for its army in the city of Wiesbaden (Germany) has been put into operation.

The headquarters plays a role in coordinating military aid efforts for Ukraine after NATO takes over the leading role from the US, preparing for the period when Donald Trump takes office in the White House from early next year.

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On the same day, Germany is considering the possibility of increasing the number of its armed forces to 230,000 in the near future, according to Reuters quoting German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The German army currently has about 180,000 troops, 20,000 less than planned because of challenges in recruiting new soldiers.

Meanwhile, NATO is expected to set new targets this year to increase the military alliance's troop strength to respond to security concerns.

Reuters previously reported that NATO planners believe the alliance needs between 35 and 50 additional brigades to counter a future Russian attack. A brigade would consist of between 3,000 and 7,000 troops, meaning members would need to recruit between 105,000 and 350,000 additional soldiers.

Based on this scenario, Germany (which typically contributes about 10% of NATO's forces) would need an additional three to five brigades, equivalent to 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers.

In a related development, European countries are discussing the possibility of deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine when there is a ceasefire or Russia and Ukraine successfully negotiate peace. However, there is still no specific plan for that prospect despite receiving support from Ukraine.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov

Russia is ready to work with the Donald Trump administration

On the same day, TASS quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying that the country is ready to consider any proposal from the US to bring bilateral relations back to "normal" levels.

However, Moscow has yet to receive a response regarding its request for Washington to agree to accept Russia's new ambassador to the US.

Besides, the deputy minister affirmed that the Moscow government is completely capable of working with the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

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Mr Ryabkov once again warned that the West's "irresponsible" actions had increased the risk of nuclear war and described global security as weakening.

According to the diplomat, Russia wants to reduce the risk of conflict outbreak.

"Is it possible to work with the Trump administration? Absolutely possible," Reuters quoted Mr. Ryabkov when asked about the potential for future cooperation between Russia and the US.

Reuters also cited a source familiar with the matter as saying that General Keith Kellogg, Trump's nominee for special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, will travel to Kyiv to meet with senior officials and in other European capitals to seek a quick end to the fighting in Ukraine.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-su-ukraine-ngay-1029-nga-tien-gan-muc-tieu-o-donetsk-185241218213750351.htm