Russian war against Ukraine: Present situation (Ukrainian Embassy in Tunisia)

SITUATION AT THE FRONT

• On the night of December 11, Russia attacked Ukraine with 18 drones and 8 ballistic missiles. Ukrainian air defence neutralized all targets.
• Russia has returned to last year’s tactics of winter war to destroy Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. The 100% efficiency of the air defence operation proves that the Armed Forces of Ukraine use the capabilities of Western weapons by 100%.
• The resilience of Ukraine is a matter of security and stability of Europe because the humanitarian crisis that Russia is trying to cause is fraught with negative consequences for the entire continent.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE   

• The President of Ukraine paid a working visit to the United States. The meeting of the presidents of Ukraine and the United States testified to the unity of the democratic world in countering the Russian threat. Russian hopes of splitting and weakening the coalition are futile.
• The U.S. President signed a decree on the provision of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine in the amount of USD 200 mln, in particular, missiles for air defence, artillery shells, anti-tank weapons, etc. The U.S. Senate approved a defence budget for a record USD 886 bln. American authority to provide or lease weapons to Ukraine has been extended to 2024.

ACCESSION OF UKRAINE TO THE EUROPEAN UNION 

• On December 14, the European Council agreed to open negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
• The positive decision of the European Council is a significant victory for Ukraine, for which government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, and the civil society have worked hard. 
• This is a victory not only for Ukraine, but for the whole Europe. Accession negotiations are the penultimate step towards EU membership. Ukraine’s further European integration path is moving from the political to the technical sphere.
• This decision motivates, inspires Ukraine, gives it strength and faith in the future, which it especially needs today to continue the fight against the Russian invasion.