-
Ukraine seeks U.S. license for local Patriot missile production amidst ongoing defense challenges
Ukraine has repeatedly approached U.S. authorities, requesting a license for local production of Patriot missile defense systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that while no one has explicitly denied the license request, no progress has been made.
He explained that the initiative is driven by the necessity to bolster the defense of Ukrainian cities and rear lines against Russian missile attacks. Delays in air defense deliveries are forcing Ukraine to seek solutions independently. After …
-
Ukraine offers gas transit to Slovakia in 2025, excluding Russian supplies
Ukraine has reaffirmed its readiness to transit gas to Slovakia even in 2025, but with a stringent caveat: the gas must not be of Russian origin. In a development that follows Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's assertions about continued reliance on the Ukrainian pipeline in 2025, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has been clear that Kyiv is prepared to supply EU countries with any gas that is not Russian. He emphasized the conclusion of the current transit agreement, stating, "From …
-
Russian troops in Syria grapple with supply shortages amid strategic withdrawal
Russian forces stationed in Syria are reportedly experiencing shortages of water and provisions, prompting a continued withdrawal from remote areas of the country. The issue is notably present at Russia's naval facility in Tartus and the airbase in Khmeimim, according to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence.
Amidst these logistical struggles, Russian troops have been withdrawing from distant Syrian regions, often accompanied by rebels who have toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime. Ukrainian intelligence …
-
Hungary's 'Christmas Ceasefire' plan rejected by Ukraine amid tensions Over Orban's Kremlin ties
Ukraine has firmly rejected Hungary's proposal to organize a phone call between Prime Minister Viktor Orban and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Budapest initiative, put forward after Orban's conversations with Putin, aimed at achieving a "Christmas ceasefire" and "mass prisoner exchange," was met with skepticism in Kyiv.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Ukraine "in an unprecedented diplomatic gesture" firmly but politely declined the call. However, analysts note that …
-
Turkey seeks U.S. exemption from Gazprombank sanctions amid energy dependency concerns
Amid the fallout from U.S. sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank affecting Turkey, Ankara is urging Washington to lift the restrictions specifically for the Turkish side. According to the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, this topic was raised on December 13 during discussions in Ankara with an American delegation led by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The publication reminds us that the U.S. administration imposed sanctions on Gazprombank to hinder Russia's use of the international financial …