On November 21st, Russia launched a conventional intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Dnipro, along with other missiles, injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure. This unprecedented use of an ICBM in the Ukraine conflict, originating from Astrakhan Oblast, prompted President Zelensky to declare that Putin is utilizing Ukraine as a testing ground for weaponry. The attack followed recent US authorization of Ukrainian strikes within Russia using Western-supplied missiles and Russia’s updated nuclear policy. Zelensky emphasized Russia’s pursuit of additional missiles internationally, highlighting Putin’s desperation to maintain control over Ukraine.
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President Zelensky warned that a cessation of US military funding would result in a Ukrainian defeat, emphasizing the crucial nature of US-Ukraine unity for success. He expressed concern over potential shifts in US foreign policy, referencing President-elect Trump’s campaign promises to end US involvement in foreign conflicts. Zelensky, however, suggested Trump’s strength could be leveraged to negotiate an end to the conflict with Russia. Despite this hope, significant Republican opposition to continued US aid to Ukraine exists, fueled by concerns over domestic priorities and manufacturing capacity.
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In a recent Fox News interview, Ukrainian President Zelensky asserted that the war’s conclusion hinges more on the United States than Russia, citing President Putin’s relative weakness. He expressed hope that President-elect Trump’s potential influence, particularly regarding energy prices, could pressure Putin to end hostilities. However, Zelensky warned that reduced U.S. aid under a Trump administration risks Ukraine losing the war, despite its continued resistance. Trump’s campaign promises to negotiate a swift end to the conflict have introduced significant uncertainty into the situation.
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Addressing the European Parliament on the 1000th day of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a potential deployment of up to 100,000 North Korean troops to aid Russia. This alarming figure, corroborated by Ukraine’s ambassador to South Korea, suggests a significant escalation of the conflict. Reports also indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with additional long-range artillery systems. The deployment of North Korean troops, coupled with Russia’s recent nuclear doctrine changes, underscores growing international concern over the war’s expansion.
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In 2025, all Ukrainian schoolchildren will receive free meals daily, expanding upon the current program providing free meals to grades 1-4. This initiative, directed by President Zelenskyy, aims to ensure nutritional support for all students. The expansion follows the successful implementation of free meals for younger students, funded by a 2 billion hryvnia government allocation. Concurrently, a new education support program for children of veterans will launch in 2025.
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Marking the war’s 1,000th day, Ukrainian President Zelensky addressed the European Parliament, urging allies to increase pressure on Russia for a “just peace,” emphasizing that Putin will not stop without external pressure. Zelensky’s speech followed reports of a possible first use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles within Russia, and coincided with escalating tensions including the reported deployment of North Korean troops and Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine. The conflict continues to inflict devastating casualties, with recent drone attacks in Sumy resulting in civilian deaths. Zelensky warned that delaying action allows Russia to strengthen its position.
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In response to Chancellor Scholz’s recent phone call with Vladimir Putin, Polish President Andrzej Duda voiced strong disapproval, deeming the conversation a mistake and questioning its coordination with allies. Duda criticized the negotiation with the aggressor while Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine. The Polish president highlighted the problematic nature of a major European leader engaging in dialogue with Putin. Zelenskyy similarly expressed concern, referring to the call as a “Pandora’s box.”
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Ukrainian drone operations are significantly hindering Russian advances, slowing them to a crawl in some areas, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). These operations, highlighted by President Zelenskyy, are inflicting heavy daily casualties on Russian forces (estimated at 1,500-2,000 KIA/WIA) and forcing them to adapt tactics, such as smaller-scale assaults, which have proven insufficient to counter Ukrainian drone effectiveness. The ISW emphasizes that these drone strikes, particularly against armored vehicles, have been crucial throughout 2024, especially during artillery shortages. Continued improvements to Ukraine’s drone capabilities are vital for future success.
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Following reports that the US, UK, and France have authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles—ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP respectively—against Russian territory, President Zelenskyy confirmed the development. He stated that the efficacy of this authorization will be demonstrated through action rather than announcement. These strikes, potentially targeting Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk Oblast, are planned for the coming days, according to multiple news sources. Zelenskyy emphasized that this long-range capability is a crucial element of his “Victory Plan.”
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Despite the United States pledging $175 billion in security assistance, Ukraine has received less than half of this amount, according to President Zelensky. This shortfall specifically pertains to military aid, with other forms of assistance, such as humanitarian and financial aid, not included in this figure. Zelensky expressed gratitude for international support while emphasizing the critical need for the promised weaponry. The U.S. has benefited from Ukraine’s experience, using the conflict to improve its own military capabilities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker