Largest chemical enterprises in Russia under attack, tranche of €4.1 bln for Ukraine - Wednesday brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
In the Rostov region, the Kamensky Combine was under attack. Meanwhile, the EU has provided Ukraine with a tranche of more than €4 billion.
Read more about what happened on Wednesday, December 18.
Ukraine receives tranche of €4.1 billion from European Union
Ukraine received a tranche of EUR 4.1 billion from the European Commission under the Ukraine Facility program. The total amount of assistance in 2024 reached 16.1 billion euros, according to Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
“This support reflects Ukraine’s significant progress on key reforms outlined in the Ukraine Plan, from anti-corruption to energy and environmental protection,” he wrote.
One of Russia's largest chemical plants attacked in Rostov region
In the Rostov region, the Kamensky Combine was under attack. This is one of the largest chemical enterprises in Russia that produces missile fuel, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation.
He specified that the plant specializes in the manufacture of solid fuel components for rocket engines, in particular for multiple-launch rocket systems and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
No one has right to negotiate with Putin without Ukraine - Zelenskyy
No leader has the right to negotiate with Vladimir Putin without Kyiv, as it is Ukraine that is a victim in this war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says.
“I insist that no leader in the world has the right to negotiate with Putin without Ukraine. We have never delegated this mandate to anyone. We are the victims. It would be unfair if everyone started saying how Ukraine should live. The French in France, Italians in Italy, and Americans in the United States know what they want for themselves. So do Ukrainians,” the President said.
EU in early talks on sending peacekeepers to Ukraine: Mission could involve up to 100,000 troops
European countries are discussing sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. The initiative was taken by French President Emmanuel Macron, and the discussion is at an early stage, reports Reuters.
Still, some European officials are discussing the possibility of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy explains effect of strikes on Russian territory
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reducing strikes on Ukraine at the moment when Kyiv begins to target Russian Federation territory. He fears that such a "response" will not be liked by his society, according to an interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Le Parisien French media outlet.
"Undoubtedly, Russia is striking and will continue to strike distribution stations, as well as gas storage facilities, etc. Well, we will defend as best we can," said the president.
