Zelenskyy's sanctions on Russians and joint arms production with the U.S. - Thursday brief

Russia's war against Ukraine: The latest news

• On the night of Thursday, December 7, Russian forces once again attacked Ukraine with kamikaze drones. The main focus of the Shahed attack was on the Odesa and Khmelnytskyi regions, with air defense systems successfully intercepting the majority of enemy targets, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. "A total of 18 strikes by the Shahed-136/131 drones were recorded. As a result of air-to-air combat by the Air Force, in collaboration with the air defense forces of Ukraine, 15 enemy kamikaze drones were destroyed," the statement said. In the Odesa region, Russian drones hit the port infrastructure, and local authorities reported that the driver of one of the trucks was killed.

• Ukrainian defenders have effectively destroyed a Russian heavy flamethrower system, Solntsepek, at the front. The soldiers showed a video of their combat work, according to the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• Due to the shelling of the Donetsk region on December 7, the mine was left without electricity. 35 miners are trapped underground, according to the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine. According to the Ministry, 35 workers in the mine are currently being brought to the surface.

U.S. announces technology transfer and joint arms production with Ukraine

The United States and Ukraine have agreed to jointly produce weapons. In particular, it concerns hybrid air defense systems, according to the White House, and the Pentagon.

The Pentagon, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine have signed a declaration of intent to jointly produce weapons and exchange technical data. The document was signed at the U.S.-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference in Washington, D.C.

The cooperation will focus on air defense systems, production of critical munitions, and repair of military equipment under the FrankenSAM program.

Ukraine to produce with two U.S. companies 155mm shells

Ukraine, along with two American companies, will produce 155mm artillery shells, according to a statement from the Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kamyshin, made during a television marathon.

The minister clarified that the production process for such projectiles takes at least two to three years.

U.S. plans 500% surge in 155mm ammo production: Bloomberg reveals details

The Pentagon hopes to increase the production of 155-millimeter artillery shells by 500% in the next two years. The estimated cost for this stands at $1.5 billion.

Bill on providing aid to Ukraine not to pass procedural voting in the U.S. Senate

The bill proposing a substantial financial aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan did not pass procedural voting in the U.S. Senate.

The bill that would have ensured the allocation of a significant aid package for Ukraine and Israel was blocked in the Senate as Republicans insisted on tougher immigration controls at the U.S.-Mexico border.

U.S. President Joe Biden sharply reacted to the Senate's failure to vote on aid to Ukraine. He blamed this on the Republicans.

The American President called the Senate vote "political blackmail." Biden accused the Republicans of playing political games.

Zelenskyy imposed new sanctions on Russians: Kadyrov's associates are among them

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree to enforce today's decision of the National Security and Defense Council regarding the imposition of sanctions on individuals and companies from Russia. Among them are associates of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, according to the relevant decree No. 813/2023 from the head of state, published on the President's website.

Japan intends to allocate 4.5 billion dollars in aid to Ukraine

Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida stated that Japan is prepared to provide additional funds to support Ukraine, amounting to $4.5 billion, according to Kyodo News .

'Downpayment on reparations': UK MFA backs confiscation of Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Britain, David Cameron, supports the idea of using Russian assets for the restoration of Ukraine. This will serve as an advance in the matter of reparations, according to the minister's statement.

Bypassing blockade: First trucks depart from Poland to Ukraine by rail

Ukrzaliznytsia has sent the first container train with trucks to Poland. The company worked on the project for two weeks. The train consists of 23 platforms loaded with 13 trucks and semi-trailers, according to the statement from Ukrzaliznytsia.

According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the train operates from Sknyliv (Ukraine) to Slawkow (Poland).

Necessary on path to EU: Zelenskyy announces adoption of crucial laws

This week, the Ukrainian Parliament is set to vote on critically important laws necessary for the country's accession to the EU, according to a statement from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President notes that it is concerned with what Ukraine is expected to do in its relations with creditors and what the country needs to accomplish in preparation for commencing negotiations with the EU.

Bulgarian Parliament Committee greenlights missile delivery and F-16 pilot training for Ukraine

The Defense Committee of the Bulgarian Parliament today, on December 7, approved providing Ukraine with faulty anti-aircraft missiles, as well as assistance in training pilots for the F-16, according to Bulgarian National Radio.

Australia hints at new Bushmaster armored vehicle delivery to Ukraine

Australia takes pride in acknowledging the Bushmaster armored vehicles as part of Ukraine's crucial military aid. Even more armored vehicles are already on the way, according to the Australian Ambassador to Ukraine Bruce Edwards.

The diplomat hinted at a new military shipment and called for "unpacking before December 25."