The Ukrainian president said he told Trump about Putin's fear of him and China. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of American and European unity for a just end to the war.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he told US President-elect Donald Trump that the Russian ruler "is only afraid of him and possibly China." He said this on the social network X, UNN reports.
Details
Zelensky noted that America is capable of achieving extraordinary results – what others have not been able to achieve. To succeed in ending this war, Ukraine needs unity – the unity of America, Europe, and everyone in the world who values security – as well as strong positions and guarantees of peace.
I told President Trump that Putin is only afraid of him and possibly China. And it's true. Only determination can bring this war to a just end and ensure lasting peace. We must act now to restore proper international order,
– Zelensky said.
recall
The president of Ukraine spoke out against lowering the military age for sending to the front. He stressed the importance of providing existing brigades with equipment and training instead of attracting young soldiers.
Friedrich Merz, the leading contender to become Germany's next chancellor, criticized his country's arms policy during his visit to Kyiv on Dec. 9, likening it to forcing Ukraine to fight with one hand tied behind its back.
During his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz condemned the German government's hesitance to provide long-range weaponry like Taurus cruise missiles. Merz's CDU alliance, currently leading in polls by over 10% points, positions itself as a staunch supporter of Ukraine's military needs.
"We want your army to be capable of hitting military bases in Russia. Not the civilian population, not infrastructure, but the military targets from which your country is being attacked," Merz said.
His comments reflect growing frustration in Kyiv over Germany's cautious stance, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends as necessary to avoid escalating tensions with Russia.
Scholz, who recently visited Kyiv himself, portrays his approach as measured and aimed at avoiding actions that could be perceived as direct German involvement in the war. He has resisted calls to supply Taurus missiles, citing risks of escalation and nuclear retaliation.
Germany remains a major financial and military supporter of Ukraine and hosts over a million Ukrainian refugees. However, its flagging economy and public fatigue over the war have emboldened populist parties from both the left and right to challenge the prevailing pro-Ukraine consensus, according to Reuters.
Both Scholz and Merz are leveraging the Ukraine issue to solidify their voter bases, though with different narratives.
President Zelensky thanked both German leaders for their visits and continued support but echoed Merz's sentiment on the need for enhanced military aid. "Putin doesn't want to end this war. He must be forced to, and he can only be forced if Ukraine is strong," Zelenskiy said.
The President of Ukraine opposed lowering the conscription age for sending soldiers to the front. He emphasized the importance of providing existing brigades with equipment and training instead of recruiting young soldiers.
Ukraine should not compensate for the lack of equipment and training with younger soldiers. It should focus on providing the existing brigades. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the social network X, UNN reports.
There is a lot of talk in the media about lowering the conscription age for Ukrainians to be sent to the front. We should focus on providing existing brigades with equipment and training personnel to use this equipment. We should not compensate for the lack of equipment and training with younger soldiers,
– he noted.
The head of state also added that the priority should be to supply missiles and reduce Russia's military potential, not to lower the conscription age in Ukraine. He emphasized that the goal should be to save as many lives as possible, not to keep weapons in warehouses.
The most important thing is to work together to end this war. This is our top priority. This is what we focused on during our meeting in Paris, and it was a very productive conversation. I once again express my gratitude to President Macron for organizing it, as well as my deep appreciation to President Trump for his strong determination to end this war justly,
– Zelensky emphasized.
He added that this is the right approach, and it is important that all the details are carefully worked out to ensure a truly lasting peace.
Recall
American politicians call on Ukraine to mobilize from the age of 18, as it was during the Vietnam War. Zelenskiy refuses and continues to ask for weapons without changing the draft age.
Partners would like to: Zelensky says there are no plans to mobilize from the age of 18Oct 18 2024, 04:50 PM • 23912 views
The United States is ready to take over the training of new Ukrainian soldiers and provide them with the necessary weapons if Ukraine changes its mobilization policy, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a meeting with journalists on Dec. 9.
"We have had conversations with the government of Ukraine about the security situation it faces in the East," Miller said.
"Ultimately, the decisions about the composition of its military force are those are decisions that the Ukrainians have to make for themselves. What we have made clear is that if they produce additional forces to join the fight, we and our allies will be ready to acquit those forces and train those forces to enter battle."
His comments come as part of a broader wave of statements from senior U.S. officials, amid reports that Western allies are urging Ukraine to reduce its minimum mobilization age from 25 to 18 in order to replenish its military forces.
Earlier on Dec. 4, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Ukraine faces "hard decisions" regarding further mobilization in its fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
"These are necessary decisions," Blinken noted during a press conference in Brussels. He emphasized that mobilization is critical for Ukraine, adding that while the country has the necessary funds and ammunition, it also requires more people to effectively repel Russian aggression.
Blinken also reiterated that every soldier that Ukraine mobilizes would have "the training and the equipment they need to effectively defend the country."
President Volodymyr Zelensky has so far refuted Washington's appeals. According to the president, partners have only provided enough aid to fully equip 2.5 out of the 10 Ukrainian brigades that Ukraine had requested support for.
The Ministry of defense of Ukraine has allowed the Droid TW 12.7 robotic system with a Browning machine gun to operate. The combat system on the tracked platform has been successfully tested and codified.
The Ministry of defense of Ukraine has codified and allowed to operate in the units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine Droid tw 12.7 – a robotic combat complex on a tracked platform with a Browning 12.7 machine gun. this is reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense, writes UNN.
Кодифіковано і допущено до експлуатації український бойовий роботизований комплекс на гусеничній платформі з кулеметом Браунінг 12.7 – дроїд ТВТ 12.7,
– the message says.
The complex confirmed its reliability during combat tests.
Droid TW 12.7 features:
12.7 mm machine gun
crawler platform for the most difficult conditions
remote control via tablet
works on digital communication.
Codification and approval for operation of the Ukrainian Robotic Complex Droid TW 12.7 is a significant step towards introducing innovations in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We codify samples that become a reliable tool for our defenders, helping them complete tasks in the most difficult conditions. Our advantage is a high-tech army that can withstand modern challenges,
– – said Deputy Minister of defense of Ukraine Dmitry Klimenkov.
British intelligence has revealed details of the destruction of two Russian S-400sDec 9 2024, 01:00 PM • 16265 views
Ukraine is assembling a coalition of partners to create a working group aimed at bolstering its defense and forming a united diplomatic stance on ending the war, the president's spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov said on Dec. 9, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
"These are countries with long-range capabilities, significant investments in Ukrainian weapons production, and influence over Ukraine’s future NATO membership," Nykyforov said.
The group will include Ukraine’s strongest European allies alongside the United States.
A meeting of participating nations is planned for December to coordinate their positions and ensure Ukraine’s strength “both in negotiations and on the battlefield.”
The announcement coincided with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv.
At a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz proposed a contact group comprising Germany, France, the U.K., and Poland to coordinate Europe’s strategy for ending the war and aligning it with U.S. policies.
Zelensky endorsed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of unity among allies in crafting a clear vision for Ukraine’s security and the diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
At the meeting of the headquarters, the president instructed to check the training system of Ukrainian soldiers and make the necessary changes. Sirsky reported on the situation at the front and the Kursk operation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the Headquarters meeting instructed to conduct an audit in the training of military personnel, in particular issues related to immediate changes, what exactly should be corrected, what needs to be added and who else should be replaced. He stated this in the evening address, reports UNN.
I made a bet today. One of the issues is the quality of training of our soldiers. This is something that requires tangible changes. Personnel changes have taken place. It is in order to restart the training system of our soldiers. Oleg Apostol and Mikhail Drapaty will do this. Today was the beginning of the relevant discussion at our rate. I have instructed you to prepare a detailed report for the next bid. And now-to make an audit of what things need immediate changes, what exactly needs to be fixed, what needs to be added and who else needs to be replaced. Everything that is needed can be provided – both at the organizational level and at the financial level. It is the quality of training of soldiers that is largely the effectiveness of our soldiers in battles, and, of course, it is the preservation of the lives of our guys
Zelensky said.
He also said that today there was a report by the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky on the situation at the front, the protection of Ukrainian positions, the main directions, and the Kursk operation.
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky saidthat the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria explains why Ukraine needs unwavering support from partners , because there is a combat-ready Russian army on Ukrainian soil, and if Ukraine falls, then Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will return to Syria, Africa, and many other regions that interest him.
The Kyiv Independent’s upcoming documentary about Ukrainian military medics who save lives on the front line of Russia’s full-scale war will be screened in 10 European capitals.
“Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics” will premiere in Kyiv on Dec. 12, followed by screenings in Warsaw, Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius.
All screenings will be followed by discussions with the film’s authors, journalists Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko. They are organized in partnership with the Repower charitable organization that provides mental health retreats for Ukrainian medics.
The film’s authors followed a group of military medics as they journeyed from the heat of battle in war-torn Ukraine to the serene forests of Sweden for a short mental health retreat.
Witnessing an endless conveyor belt of severe injuries and deaths since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 has taken a heavy toll on the medics’ mental health. Although crucial to address, the issue of their psychological well-being is rarely talked about and often overlooked, leaving them alone in this invisible battle.
As they find themselves in a peaceful, quiet environment in Sweden for the first time since 2022, the medics have a chance to process the accumulated trauma, opening up about losing brothers-in-arms, surviving Russian captivity, and the inescapable feeling of guilt for not being able to save some of the soldiers they treated.
“Observing this war from afar in its third, it can be easy to get desensitized to the everyday horrors experienced by those out there defending all of Europe from tyranny. Our film isn’t pleasant to watch, we want to present the human cost of our freedom head on. But first and foremost, this is about people. Ordinary Ukrainians whose inner battles embody the struggle of the country as a whole: as hard as things get, there is no alternative to continuing, but to do so, we need help,” says Francis Farrell.
“Making a film where one of the themes is the mental state of soldiers is a challenge. In this case, so much depends on the people you are filming, and that makes it even more difficult. My immense gratitude goes to our heroes for letting us into their lives and sharing such intimate things. Without their authenticity, this film wouldn't have been possible,” says Olena Zashko.
“Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics” took more than nine months to produce, involving multiple trips to the front line in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, as well as a 10-day visit to Sweden.
The retreat was organized by the Ukrainian-Swedish charitable organization Repower. Given unprecedented permission from the Ukrainian high command, Repower takes hand-picked groups of medics for mental health retreats in Sweden, Denmark, and Spain. Since the organization’s founding in 2023, 755 military medics have participated in their program.
"Our mission is to prevent serious psychological trauma, support medics in restoring their sense of purpose, and help them replenish their internal resources to continue their service,” says Maryna Sadykova, head and co-founder of Repower. “Without proper psychological support, we risk losing those who save lives on the front lines.”
“This film is important because it highlights those who are often overlooked. We cannot allow their invisible wounds to go unnoticed. Supporting their mental health is not only a step toward victory, but also toward allowing them to continue their lives with renewed strength, motivation, and hope for a better future,” she adds.
The film will be screened in Ukrainian with English subtitles. WARNING: The film contains graphic scenes. They are intended to reflect the harsh realities of war, but they may be distressing to some viewers.
Register to attend for free by link:
Kyiv. Zhovten Cinema, Dec. 12, 18:00
Warsaw. Kino Wisła, Dec. 13, 18:00
Berlin. City Kino Wedding, Dec. 14, 19:30
Copenhagen. Nordisk Film Biografer Palads. Dec. 15, 16:00
Oslo. Vika Movie Theater, Dec. 16, 17:30
Stockholm. Maxim Stockholm, Dec. 17, 17:00
Helsinki. Annankatu 26, second floor. Dec. 18, 17:30
Tallinn. Kinosoprus. Dec. 19, 19:45
Riga. Cinema Splendid Palace. Dec. 20, 18:00
Vilnius. Pasaka Cinema. Dec. 21, 18:00
The film will also be released on the Kyiv Independent's YouTube channel on Dec. 12.
Ukraine will take part in the summit of the United expeditionary forces in an online format. The summit will discuss assistance in recruiting Ukrainian brigades, in particular a new brigade with the support of France.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the summit of the United Expeditionary Forces, where Ukraine is scheduled to participate online, will discuss the training and assistance in recruiting Ukrainian brigades, including France's assistance in recruiting a new brigade. Zelensky stated this during a meeting with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, reports UNN.
Details
During a meeting with Michal, Zelensky said that Ukraine is invited to take part in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit, because Ukraine wants to have a permanent status as a member of the association.
"We also addressed these signals to British Prime Minister Cyrus Starmer. As long as we do not have a permanent current status, we, as invited guests, will treat as in previous years. Last year I applied online, and therefore we will definitely have this opportunity. What is very important to discuss with our friends is the training and assistance in recruiting Ukrainian brigades. We received positive feedback from the French side, now we will talk to France about completing a new brigade, we received positive feedback from the German side, although I will be frank that the Americans are preparing our brigade on German soil, that is, this is their contribution, but this is not enough," Zelensky said.
The president also noted that Ukraine appealed to the Nordic countries regarding their participation in the training of Ukrainian brigades.
"These brigades are important for us, we are not going to surrender to Putin and the Russians, so this support is important for us," Zelensky added.
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky saidthat the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria explains why Ukraine needs unwavering support from partners , because there is a combat-ready Russian army on Ukrainian soil, and if Ukraine falls, then Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will return to Syria, Africa, and many other regions that interest him.
A Russian-controlled court in occupied Crimea sentenced a 33-year-old local resident to 15 years in a strict regime colony on charges of state treason, Russia's prosecutor's office reported on Dec. 9.
The man was accused of transmitting information about the movement of Russian military equipment and a military facility under construction to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense between December 2022 and March 2023.
The ruling was issued by the so-called “Supreme Court” established by the Russian occupation authorities.
Russian-installed courts in Crimea have escalated repressions since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Krym.Realii reported on Nov. 3 that 472 rulings for "discrediting" the Russian military have been issued in Crimea since February 2022.
Moscow's sweeping censorship laws, introduced in March 2022, effectively criminalize criticism of the war or narratives contradicting Russian propaganda.
The European Court of Human Rights condemned Russia on June 25 for systematic human rights violations in Crimea since its illegal annexation in 2014.
The court found that Russia carried out a "campaign of repression" targeting pro-Ukrainian individuals, which included disappearances, fabricated charges, suppression of Ukrainian media and education, and forced transfers to Russian prisons.
The Kyiv IndependentBoldizsar Gyori
