Europe's fresh talks on Ukraine, Zelenskyy's pick for presidential office chief - Tuesday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
After another round of consultations on the war in Ukraine, European leaders announced signs of progress in the peace process. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had decided on a candidate for the new head of the president's office.
For more details on what happened on Tuesday, December 30, see the report on RBC-Ukraine.
Zelenskyy decides on new head of presidential office
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he has chosen a candidate for the new head of the Presidential Office while answering journalists' questions.
"I have made my decision. The information will be released a little later. As for the heads of the regional military administrations, changes will take place at the beginning of the year, right at the start of the year,” Zelenskyy said.
European leaders hold fresh talks on Ukraine
After another round of consultations on the war in Ukraine, European leaders announced signs of progress in the peace process and cautious grounds for optimism.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also spoke of positive signals after the talks. According to him, there are reasons to believe that the war may end sooner than expected.
Baltic states prepare to destroy bridges on borders with Russia and Belarus
The Baltic states are strengthening preparations for potential military threats from Russia and Belarus. Structures designed to blow up bridges in the event of an armed conflict have already appeared along Lithuania's borders with Belarus and Russia.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces said that several dozen sites for storing anti-tank and engineering obstacles have already been set up near the border. In addition, the military is planting trees to cover key roads and deepening irrigation ditches, which, if necessary, will serve as trenches and additional anti-tank barriers.
Ukraine takes steps to build system for national referendum
Ukraine’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has adopted a resolution to establish the All-Ukraine Referendum automated information and communications system (AICS) to function as a separate component of the unified information and analytical system (UIAS) Elections.
US official blasts Trump's comments on Russia's claim of strike on Putin's residence
House Representative Don Bacon criticized US President Donald Trump for his reaction to Russia's report of an alleged attack by Ukrainian drones on the residence of Vladimir Putin.
"President Trump and his team should get the facts first before assuming blame. Putin is a well known boldface liar," Bacon emphasized.
Ukraine's building layered system to intercept Shahed drones - Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi
Within the layered air defense system, intercept lines are already being established at a distance from major cities. The applications of intercepting drones and their efficacy are gradually increasing.
The Commander-in-Chief reported on the formation of unmanned air defense divisions and the creation of regular units of interceptor drones within training centers. The army's resources and small aircraft, along with support from international partners, are also involved in countering the Shaheds.
US casts doubt on Russia's claims of drone attack on Putin's residence
The US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, said he doubts Russia’s claims that Ukraine attacked the residence of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Whitaker stressed the need to review intelligence assessments by US agencies regarding the incident.
"It’s unclear whether it actually happened," Whitaker said, commenting on Moscow's claims, which Ukraine has denied.
