► European soldiers in Ukraine, possible guarantee for peace
The deployment of a European military contingent in Ukraine can be “one of the guarantees” for future peace with Russia, a senior Ukrainian official said Thursday, December 12, as debates to this effect emerge in Europe.
“We assume that a ceasefire will not be enough to resolve the problem (…). This is why we need guarantees, and the presence of military contingents can be one of them”said this source on condition of anonymity.
► Six countries support Ukraine's membership in NATO
The heads of diplomacy of six European countries and the EU reaffirmed their support for Ukraine on its path “irreversible” towards NATO membership, also considering that “peace in Ukraine and security in Europe are inseparable”.
“We will continue to support Ukraine on the irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership”declared, after a meeting in Berlin, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as the representative of the Union's foreign policy European.
► The Russian threat is getting closer, warns Mark Rutte
The Russian threat is getting closer to us “at high speed”warned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, for whom Europe must spend “much more” for his defense.
“Danger is approaching us at great speed”he declared in a speech in Brussels, referring to the Russian threat on the European continent, facing which NATO countries must spend “much more” to increase their defense capabilities.
► Tusk and Macron discuss the possibility of sending troops
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he “discussed” with French President Emmanuel Macron of the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine, in the event of a truce or peace established in this country.
“I would like (…) to put an end to speculation about the potential presence of troops from one country or another in Ukraine once the ceasefire or peace is established. The president (Macron) is aware of it, we discussed it”declared Donald Tusk during a joint press briefing in Warsaw, while indicating that “for now” Warsaw “does not plan such actions”.
Emmanuel Macron left Poland at the end of the afternoon.
► Zelensky visits near the front line
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had visited his troops near the front line in the southern region of Zaporizhia, where Ukraine suspects Russia is preparing to launch an offensive.
“Zaporizhia. Our soldiers of the 27th artillery brigade (…). They are working to defend our Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions against the occupier”declared Volodymyr Zelensky, publishing a video in which he addresses his troops.
► The Russian threat is approaching “at high speed”, warns the head of NATO
The Russian threat is getting closer to us “at high speed”warned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, for whom Europe must spend “much more” for his defense.
“Danger is approaching us at great speed”he declared in a speech in Brussels, referring to the Russian threat on the European continent, facing which NATO countries must spend “much more” to increase their defense capabilities.
► Kremlin says Orban offered Putin a truce
The Kremlin claimed that Hungarian leader Viktor Orban had offered Vladimir Putin the day before a Christmas truce in Ukraine and an exchange of prisoners with kyiv, which for its part denied having discussed this offer with Budapest.
“Viktor Orban, during his call with Vladimir Putin, proposed a major prisoner exchange on Christmas Eve and the announcement of a ceasefire in Ukraine on Christmas Day”declared the spokesperson for the Russian presidency, Dmitri Peskov.
► Moscow will “obligatory” respond to the ATACMS missile attack
The Kremlin said the Russian army would respond “obligatory” to the Ukrainian attack the day before, carried out according to Moscow against a Russian military airfield using American ATACMS missiles.
“A response will follow: it will come at the time and in the manner that is considered appropriate. She will necessarily follow »insisted the spokesperson for the Russian presidency, Dmitri Peskov, during his daily briefing.
► Chechnya denounces a Ukrainian strike
Four police officers were injured in a barracks in Grozny targeted overnight by a Ukrainian drone, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said.
“The drone exploded in the air, damaged the roof and destroyed the windows. The falling fragments caused a small fire which was quickly extinguished.he wrote on his Telegram account.
The Chechen leader threatened to “kill 400 Ukrainians, NATO accomplices, in retaliation”. This is the third Ukrainian drone attack against Chechnya since the start of the Russian offensive against kyiv in February 2022.
► Macron expected in Warsaw to strengthen support for Ukraine
Emmanuel Macron goes to Warsaw to discuss strengthening support for Ukraine with a view to peace negotiations. The President of the Republic is due to meet Prime Minister Donald Tusk for a bilateral meeting followed by a working lunch, before a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Emmanuel Macron intends to capitalize on his meeting on Saturday at the Élysée with US President-elect Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to impose France and the Europeans in future negotiations.
