Ukraine-UK century-long deal and strike on Russian oil depot near Voronezh - Thursday brief

Ukraine and United Kingdom sign agreement on 100-year partnership

The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a 100-year partnership agreement. It is intended to build strong ties between the two countries across the entire spectrum of relations: from trade, security, and defense to science and technology, education, culture, etc.

Read more about the signing of the agreement and what the 100-year partnership between Ukraine and the UK envisages in the RBC-Ukraine article.

Ukrainian military strikes Rosneft oil depot near Russia's Voronezh

Ukrainian forces attacked the Liski oil depot near Russia's Voronezh, which is part of the Rosneft structure.

The General Staff said that at least three strike drones hit the target, causing a large-scale fire at the site. The oil depot stored fuel, which was also supplied to the Russian military group fighting against Ukraine.

Slovak PM announces upcoming meeting with Zelenskyy

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced plans for a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It may take place in the coming days.

"We are looking for another date, which should be in the next few days," Fico told a journalist during his visit to eastern Slovakia, without providing further details.

Earlier, Fico had suggested holding a meeting in Slovakia to discuss the restoration of gas transit through Ukraine, and then Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Fico to come to Kyiv.

UK to provide Ukraine with additional artillery and new air defense system

The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with more artillery in the next few weeks. It is also preparing to deliver a new air defense system.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that in 2025, the UK will provide more military assistance to Ukraine than ever before.

The Prime Minister said that Britain is providing 150 pieces of artillery, which for the first time in 20 years will be manufactured in the United Kingdom and will be delivered to Ukraine in a few weeks.

Starmer said that the UK would provide Ukraine with a new mobile air defense system Grateful, the production of which was financed jointly with Denmark.

According to him, the UK will also continue to train the Ukrainian military in addition to the 50,000 soldiers who have already completed their training in the UK.

Italy strengthens support, modern weapons already on the way to Ukraine - MoD

Italy is strengthening its military support for Ukraine. Another package of weapons, which will help deliver powerful strikes, is already on the way.

Additionally, Ukraine and Italy have planned the launch of joint enterprises and other initiatives in the defense sector.

Trump's Treasury Secretary nominee does not rule out new harsh sanctions against Russia

The administration of US President-elect Donald Trump plans to strengthen sanctions against Russia. These measures could become part of the strategy to end the war in Ukraine.

"If any officials in the Russian Federation are watching this confirmation hearing, they should know that if I’m confirmed, and if President Trump requests as part of his strategy to end the Ukraine war, that I will be 100% on board from taking sanctions up," said Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent.

This especially applies to Russian oil companies, to a level that would force Russia to come to the negotiating table.