Day: December 26, 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump is attempting to shift the responsibility of providing military aid to Ukraine onto European countries. At the same time, he plans to reduce US support, reports The Washington Post.

The WP reminded readers that this holiday season marks the third in a row since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It also suggested that Trump’s promise to negotiate a ceasefire leaves “many questioning if there will be a fourth.”

“Trump is already pressuring European nations to increase aid to Ukraine while signaling that security assistance from the United States — Ukraine’s biggest backer — will decline,” the WP stated.

The WP also reminded readers that Trump has yet to reveal details on how he plans to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiation table. The Ukrainian and Russian delegations have not met since the early months of the war in 2022.

Trump’s position on Russia-Ukraine war

During his election campaign and after being elected president in early November, Donald Trump repeatedly expressed his readiness to end Russia’s war against Ukraine as quickly as possible.

In particular, the politician has promised to hold peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Additionally, Trump has repeatedly stated that once in office, Ukraine will not receive as much aid from the US as it did during the administration of Joe Biden.

According to the Financial Times, the newly elected White House chief plans to continue supplying arms to Ukraine in order to ensure “peace through strength.”

Political expert Taras Zahorodnii said in a comment to RBC-Ukraine that Trump’s plan to end the war is still taking shape, and the Kremlin is already not pleased with it.

An explosion was reported in Zaporizhzhia this evening, December 26. Earlier, an enemy missile was detected moving toward the city, reports Ivan Fedorov, head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration.

The official reported the explosion in Zaporizhzhia around 11:00 PM Kyiv time.

A few minutes earlier, Ukraine’s Air Force had issued a warning about the threat of Russian ballistic weapons being launched from the southern direction.

Military officials later confirmed tracking a missile moving toward Zaporizhzhia.

Following the explosion, Fedorov stated that a Russian missile attack was ongoing.

“Do not ignore safety rules,” he urged in an official statement.

Later, Ivan Fedorov, head of the Regional Military Administration, reported that Russian forces had struck the city of Zaporizhzhia. He noted that “the enemy is deliberately targeting the region’s industrial infrastructure.”

“At this time, there are no reports of casualties. The extent of the damage is being assessed,” he added.

Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia

Zaporizhzhia, like other Ukrainian cities near the frontline, frequently faces Russian attacks. Enemy forces have used guided bombs, various types of missiles, and drones to target the city.

On December 20, Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia with drones. The strike injured four people, and a fire broke out in the city following the attack.

On December 10, Russian forces launched a missile strike on central Zaporizhzhia, hitting a private hospital. The medical facility was destroyed, and nearby buildings were also damaged.

Rescue operations continued in the city. According to the latest reports, the missile strike killed seven people and injured 22 others.

Earlier, on the evening of December 6, Russian forces carried out an airstrike on Zaporizhzhia. The attack caused a fire at a vehicle repair facility, resulting in casualties. Ten people were killed in the strike. The Regional Military Administration later released photos and videos showing the aftermath of the airstrike.