Following a report from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, President Zelenskyy announced that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Kursk Oblast. This estimate stems from preliminary data following a December 23rd staff meeting. The President highlighted the escalating risk of regional destabilization due to the growing Moscow-Pyongyang partnership. He further emphasized the global threat posed by the transfer of Russian military technology and expertise to North Korea.
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On December 21st, Russian forces launched a guided aerial bomb attack on a Kherson oncology center, a heinous act targeting a vital medical facility. Although no casualties were reported due to timely sheltering, the attack destroyed the city’s only radiotherapy linear accelerator. This incident follows a pattern of Russian attacks on Ukrainian medical infrastructure, including previous strikes on children’s and cancer hospitals. Zelensky condemned the attack and reiterated his plea for increased Western air defense systems to protect civilian targets.
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Ukraine will continue to target Russian military sites with domestically produced drones and missiles, focusing on bases and infrastructure used in attacks against Ukrainian civilians. This follows a recent Russian attack on a Kherson oncology clinic, a deliberate act of cruelty according to President Zelenskyy, highlighting the ongoing need for increased defense support for Ukraine. The rubble from a Kyiv missile attack on December 20th has been cleared, while efforts continue in Kherson. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for international support, particularly efforts to bolster European defense spending.
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During his annual press conference, Vladimir Putin boasted about Russia’s new nuclear-capable missile and suggested using it to strike Kyiv, calling it a “technological experiment.” Volodymyr Zelensky responded online, criticizing Putin’s callous disregard for the loss of human life. Putin also made light of the war in Ukraine, suggesting it added excitement to life, while expressing willingness to speak with the incoming US President. The conference served as a platform for Putin to showcase his authority and highlight Russia’s alleged gains in the ongoing conflict.
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Ukraine will cease all transit of Russian gas through its territory by the end of 2024, President Zelenskyy announced. This decision aims to prevent Russia from profiting from the war by disguising its gas as originating from other countries, such as Azerbaijan. While acknowledging potential financial losses for Ukraine and hardship for countries like Slovakia, which heavily relies on Russian gas, Zelenskyy emphasized the imperative of denying Russia further revenue for its war effort. He suggested a conditional exception: allowing transit only if European buyers refuse to pay Russia until the war ends, a scenario unlikely due to contractual obligations. This decision is likely to further strain relations between Ukraine and Slovakia, given the latter’s dependence on Russian gas and skepticism toward further supporting Ukraine.
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During a Brussels press conference, President Zelensky sharply criticized Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a missile duel over Kyiv, questioning Putin’s sanity. Zelensky dismissed Putin’s claims of a near-agreement in Istanbul, labeling them an ultimatum demanding Ukrainian territorial concessions. He further refuted Putin’s accusations of Zelensky being an illegitimate leader, mocking the Russian president’s assertions. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s need for security guarantees and additional air defense systems before any ceasefire negotiations could begin. He emphasized that a frozen conflict is unacceptable for Ukraine.
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In a stark escalation of rhetoric, Putin proposed a test of Russia’s Oreshnik weapons system against concentrated Ukrainian air defenses in Kyiv. Zelenskyy, addressing the European Council, responded by calling Putin “crazy” and a dangerous individual who is unconcerned with human life. The Ukrainian president described Putin’s actions as stemming from a love of killing. This exchange highlights the intense animosity and escalating conflict between the two leaders.
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President Zelensky firmly rejected a ceasefire proposal, emphasizing to Le Parisien that Ukraine will not surrender its independence despite pressure for a swift peace deal from President-elect Trump. While acknowledging the need for diplomatic solutions and recognizing the impossibility of reclaiming all lost territory, Zelensky underscored Ukraine’s constitutional obligation to defend its sovereignty. Trump, aiming for a rapid end to the conflict, is reportedly planning negotiations involving compromises from both Kyiv and Moscow. However, Zelensky maintains that any agreement cannot come at the cost of Ukrainian independence.
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President Zelenskyy unequivocally stated that only Ukraine can negotiate with Russia, rejecting any outside mediation. He emphasized the necessity of a pre-negotiation peace plan establishing a position of strength, ensuring fair terms, and guaranteeing Ukraine’s security against future Russian aggression. Zelenskyy highlighted the need for concrete international support, including security guarantees, before engaging in dialogue with Putin. He underscored Ukraine’s right to self-determination, rejecting any imposed settlement.
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In a recent statement, President Zelensky dismissed Hungarian Prime Minister Orban’s potential role in mediating peace talks with Russia, citing Ukraine’s military strength and direct US relations as sufficient. He highlighted Orban’s lack of leverage over Putin and rejected claims of a rejected ceasefire proposal. Zelensky emphasized that any peace negotiations would only commence when Russia lacks the resources to continue its aggression. Ukraine’s focus remains on achieving a just and lasting peace through military victory.
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John Q. Hosedrinker