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French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks at the British prime minister's country residence, with Ukraine as the primary focus of their discussion, according to an official communiqué.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed. They emphasized the importance of continued military aid to help defend Ukrainian territory and pledged to ensure long-term financial assistance for Ukraine beyond 2025.

Additionally, Macron and Starmer underscored the necessity of providing Ukraine with security guarantees to prevent future aggression, as highlighted in a statement from the Élysée Palace.

⚡️Ukraine has received an initial €3 billion tranche from the EU as part of a joint G7 loan program. This loan is set to be repaid using frozen Russian assets.

The total financial support under this program amounts to approximately €18 billion.

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov announced that Vladimir Putin is ready to meet with Donald Trump without preconditions, emphasizing that the meeting requires political will from both sides.

According to Peskov, the process to organize such negotiations will begin after Trump assumes office as U.S. President. He noted:
“What is required is a mutual desire and political will to conduct a dialogue and resolve existing problems through dialogue.”

Peskov reiterated Russia’s stance, describing it as “well-known, consistent, and understandable given the realities on the ground.”

Trump previously claimed that Putin expressed interest in meeting him and that preliminary preparations for the meeting had begun. However, the U.S. President-elect has not specified a potential date for the talks.

The Polish presidential candidate from the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, Karol Nawrocki, has sparked controversy by opposing Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO, citing unresolved historical disputes with Warsaw over the Volyn tragedy.

Nawrocki, currently head of the Polish Institute of National Remembrance, stated in an interview with Polsat News:
“Today, I do not see Ukraine in any structure. Neither in the European Union nor in NATO. A state that cannot answer for a very cruel crime against 120,000 of its neighbors cannot be part of international alliances. As president, I will tell them that I would like the Ukrainian side to treat our efforts as partners.”

He further referred to Galicia as “eastern Lesser Poland.”

Ukraine’s Response

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry strongly rejected Nawrocki’s remarks, describing them as “tendentious and manipulative.” It accused Nawrocki of prioritizing “opportunistic considerations over the strategic security interests of his own country and good-neighborly relations.”

The ministry emphasized the ongoing constructive dialogue between Ukraine and Poland on historical issues and warned against using such topics in domestic political struggles. It highlighted that Nawrocki’s statements were celebrated in the Kremlin, pointing out Russia’s longstanding efforts to undermine both Ukrainian and Polish sovereignty.

Polish Reaction

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Nawrocki’s remarks, directly addressing PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who supports Nawrocki.
“Your candidate Karol Nawrocki said that he sees no place for Ukraine in NATO. Do you still remember which president supported Ukraine the most on this issue? And who opposed it the most? Aren’t you ashamed?” Tusk posted on X, alluding to current President Andrzej Duda, also affiliated with PiS.

Russia has delivered six Su-30SME multi-role fighter jets to Myanmar’s military junta, according to the Army Recognition Group.

The final two aircraft from the 2018 $400 million contract were officially inducted into service during a December ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of Myanmar’s air force at Meiktila Air Base.

Funded by a Russian loan, the first two jets were received in December 2022, followed by two more in December 2023. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing stated these fighters would bolster the regime’s air superiority.

All six Su-30SMEs are stationed at Naypyidaw Air Base. The Russian Defense Ministry noted that these jets would serve as the backbone of Myanmar’s air force for territorial defense and counterterrorism.

Additionally, other military aircraft and helicopters were reportedly commissioned during the event, though their models were not specified. Min Aung Hlaing emphasized enhancing air force effectiveness through rigorous training.

When Israel Strikes Iranian Targets, Russia 'Turned Off Radars', Facilitating Attacks, — Top Iranian General

He also claims that Russia, instead of bombing Assad's opponents, was simply "bombing the desert."

Germany intends to train 10 thousand Ukrainian servicemen in 2025, — Defense Minister Pistorius

Next Ramstein Meeting on Ukraine Defense Set for February

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the next meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues of Ukraine, held in the Ramstein format, has been scheduled for February.

Defense Forces Repel Russian Mechanized Assault in Torets Direction

A Russian assault group attempted an offensive against Ukrainian positions in the Torets area, deploying multiple armored vehicles, including BMPs and MT-LBs.

Operators from the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” used strike drones to target and eliminate advancing enemies. The Azov tank battalion joined the effort, clearing out Russian forces hiding in destroyed buildings, effectively repelling the attack.

The 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade is actively operating.

The latest American night vision device ENVG-B is used by the "UA_REG TEAM" group of the 8th Special Forces Regiment.

All that remains of the Russian field mortar ammunition depot is somewhere in the temporarily occupied part of the Kherson region.

UK Invites Partners to Develop COOKSON Maritime Drone for Ukraine — UK Defence Journal

The UK is inviting partners to collaborate on the COOKSON universal maritime drone, a small, fast assault vessel designed for modular payloads and multi-mission use in challenging conditions.

The system will operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, delivering payloads, completing missions, and returning for rearmament and maintenance. Key requirements include:

Speed: Over 40 knots (74 km/h)
Range: 1,500 km with a minimum endurance of 72 hours
Payload: Multiple high-explosive warheads (range: 30–100 km)
Defense: Capability to mount air defense modules
Design: Low-profile silhouette
The UK Ministry of Defense plans to procure the first 10 COOKSON systems and hundreds of effectors in early 2025. The competitive selection will fund 2–5 proposals for demonstrations by late 2025 or early 2026.

This project is part of the UK's leadership in the Maritime Forces and Capabilities Coalition with Norway, aiming to enhance Ukraine's operational capabilities. Industry representatives must register by January 16, 2025, to join the development session.

❗️$2 billion in additional packages to support Ukraine—these are the results of today's "Ramstein", — President Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy Thanks Italy for Supporting Ukraine’s Air Defense

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Italy for its support in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense following his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“We discussed protecting our people and cities from Russian strikes, like those on Zaporizhzhia,” Zelenskyy stated.

The talks also covered further cooperation in building Ukraine’s air shield, working with partners to bring peace closer, and joint reconstruction efforts to benefit both nations—boosting economies, creating jobs, and advancing social development.

⚡️Canada Pledges Over $305 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine

At the Ramstein meeting, Canada announced more than $305 million in military support for Ukraine.

The funds will go toward the Czech initiative to procure ammunition, the purchase of Ukrainian-made drones following the "Danish model," and winter equipment for Ukrainian troops.

Zelenskyy Meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this evening in Rome.

On Friday, he is set to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Discussions will focus on defense support for Ukraine, coordination of global peace efforts, Euro-Atlantic integration, sanctions against Russia, and preparations for an international conference on Ukraine’s restoration, planned in Italy this summer.

EU Ready to Lead Support for Ukraine if US Steps Back — Politico

EU top diplomat Kaia Kallas stated the European Union is prepared to take the lead in supporting Ukraine if the United States withdraws its backing.

“I believe all EU members, and hopefully the US, are ready to continue supporting Ukraine,” Kallas said at a meeting of Ukraine’s allies in Ramstein, Germany. She emphasized that “it’s not in America’s interest for Russia to become the most powerful in the world.”

Her comments contrast with those of former EU diplomat Josep Borrell, who last year said Europe could not fill the gap if US support waned.

Ukraine and its allies are closely watching Donald Trump, set to be inaugurated as US president on January 20, to gauge future American support.

While Trump recently expressed understanding of Russia’s concerns about NATO, his incoming envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, offered reassurance. Kellogg stated Trump aims to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and resolve the nearly three-year-old conflict within his first 100 days in office.

🇩🇪 German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Ukraine will soon receive interceptor missiles for its IRIS-T air defense systems.

Zelenskyy Meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

“Our main focus is strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and involving NATO countries in purchasing Ukrainian weapons under the Danish model,” Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that the partners’ shared goal is to secure Ukraine’s strong position for achieving a just and lasting peace. The discussion also covered how NATO's platform could be utilized to reach this objective.

❗️In the early days of the war, Lukashenko sought forgiveness and claimed he was not responsible for missiles being launched from Belarusian territory, Zelenskyy said.

President Zelenskyy: A conversation with Lex Fridman.

“For the first time, an in-depth, almost three-hour interview for a renowned American podcast. Meaningful answers to tough questions and a Ukrainian perspective on a just peace that all partner countries should understand.

I spoke about the strength of our people, the roots of Russia’s criminal aggression, and Ukraine’s readiness to collaborate with President Trump and all partners to secure a reliable and lasting peace.”

You can watch the interview here (English subtitles available).

The podcaster expressed hope that Ukraine’s airspace would soon reopen, making it “easier to fly in.” Zelenskyy replied that this would depend on how quickly the Russian-Ukrainian war ended.

U.S. President Donald Trump could become the first world leader to fly to Ukraine by plane, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with Lex Fridman.

On the verge of life and death.

Ukrainian MiG pilot dodges Russian missile.

There have been 42 military clashes in the Kursk region so far, with 12 still ongoing, according to the General Staff.

⚡️ The Center for Countering Disinformation has confirmed an offensive by Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.

“The Russians in the Kursk region are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, which caught them by surprise. The defense forces are working,” said Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation.

Preliminary reports indicate fighting near the village of Berdyn, northeast of Sudzha.

Finland continues to detect attempts to export sanctioned goods to Russia despite closing the border a year ago due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Over half of the violations are minor and resolved with fines, often involving individuals crossing the border with small amounts of luxury items.

The more serious cases typically involve planned efforts to smuggle goods that could support the Russian military.

In Nikopol, enemy shelling claimed the life of a 43-year-old man, according to Serhii Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.

A 40-year-old woman was injured but received all necessary medical care.

The attack also caused damage to five-story buildings, garages, and cars in the city.

Russia is planning new illegal elections in Ukraine’s occupied territories, the Center of National Resistance reports.

To ensure the “efficiency” of the vote, the Kremlin is launching a special chatbot to guide “voters” in selecting specific candidates or filing complaints.

The occupation authorities intend to establish nine single-mandate electoral districts across the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Air defense forces shot down 61 enemy UAVs overnight, the Air Force reported.

On the night of January 5, 2025, the enemy launched 103 Shahed attack drones and simulator UAVs of various types. By 9:00 AM, 61 UAVs had been confirmed shot down over Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, and Khmelnytsky regions, with no direct hits recorded.

Additionally, 42 enemy simulator drones were neutralized without causing damage.

In the Kharkiv region, the crash of a hit UAV damaged several private houses. Assistance is being provided to those affected.

“Russia is getting weaker, not stronger. President Trump will have much more leverage over Putin than he did eight years ago. I hope he uses it to help Ukraine,” said General Ben Hodges, former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe.

Russia seriously considered using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, but China persuaded it not to, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Blinken expressed concern that Putin appeared to be contemplating the nuclear option. “Even if the probability went from 5 to 15 percent, when it comes to nuclear weapons, there’s nothing more serious,” he said.

Blinken stated that the U.S. believes China intervened, warning Russia against such actions. He also suggested that a similar exchange may have occurred after the U.S. informed China of Russia’s plans to test nuclear weapons in space.

He emphasized that Putin has suffered a strategic defeat, noting that NATO is now larger and better resourced. Addressing criticism of the Biden administration’s pace in providing weapons to Ukraine, Blinken explained that decisions were made while considering Ukraine’s capacity to operate and maintain the systems effectively.

🌪🌊 Russia has lost nearly half of the barge barriers at the Crimean Bridge due to autumn-winter storms.

The monitoring group Crimean Wind reports that a satellite image from December 8, 2024, shows only 18 barges remaining. On November 8, there were 34 barges in two rows on both sides of the Kerch Strait shipping channel.

The Russian Federation is not attempting to replace or increase the number of barriers.

A Russian soldier filmed a column of destroyed Russian equipment, including T-62 and T-72B3 tanks, an MT-LB, a BREM-1, and other vehicles.

A Russian T-80BVM tank carrying infantry on its armor fell into a crater left by an aerial bomb while attempting an assault in the Donetsk region.

⚡️A rare celestial event over Kyiv for the second day: the convergence of Venus and the Moon. This phenomenon has been observed in the USA, Europe, and Ukraine’s capital.