Victory Chronicles-DAY 1014

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned US President-elect Donald Trump about the potential dire threat posed by China, Iran, and North Korea if Ukraine signs a peace deal that favors Russia.

Rutte emphasized the importance of the US staying in the NATO alliance and continuing to support Ukraine. He also highlighted the risks associated with Russia’s supply of missile technology to North Korea and financial support for Iran. Rutte suggested that Russia’s funding of Iran could be used to support Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as to inflame conflicts outside of the region. 

Additionally, he mentioned that Chinese leader Xi Jinping may consider taking action against Taiwan if a good deal for Ukraine is not reached. Rutte’s warnings underline the potential consequences of a peace deal that compromises Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.

Ukraine is requesting the North Atlantic Alliance, commonly known as NATO, to assist in transferring at least twenty air defense systems. This request aims to enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend against potential air attacks from Russia. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, mentioned that he would address this matter with his counterparts from Western countries during the NATO ministerial meeting. The discussion will also cover the recent missile attack by Russia and the potential reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The requested systems include Hawk, NASAMS, and IRIS-T, which will significantly aid Ukraine in preventing a blackout by protecting its energy sector. The urgency of this request stems from the belief that Russia aims to hinder Ukraine’s electricity production.

An enemy attack caused a fire to break out at an infrastructure facility in the Rivne region. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene and extinguished the fire with the help of 12 pieces of equipment. Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries. 

The video showcases the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade tank battalion using armored and maneuverable vehicles to neutralize enemy positions in urban areas and plantations. When the enemy is difficult to target with artillery and drones, the tank crews are prepared to work continuously to counter the enemy’s offensive effectively. Through full training and practice, the tank battalion successfully eliminates enemy occupants and leaves behind only craters in place of the former enemy positions. The armored vehicles serve as crucial tools in quickly and efficiently removing targets, ensuring the safety and control of the area. The video shared on the official channel of the 12th Special Forces Brigade “Azov” of the NGU, demonstrates the skill and effectiveness of the tank battalion in carrying out their missions.

Prominent voices within the Russian information space continue to emphasize that Russian President Vladimir Putin is uninterested in a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine that results in anything less than total Ukrainian capitulation. Kremlin-affiliated Russian oligarch and Orthodox nationalist and founder of the ultranationalist Tsargrad outlet Konstantin Malofeev told the Financial Times (FT) in an interview published on December 2 that Putin will likely reject any plan for peace negotiations that US President-elect Donald Trump puts forth unless the plan accounts for Russia’s “security concerns.”

Malofeev claimed that the Kremlin will only consider peace negotiations with the Trump administration if Trump reverses the US policy allowing Ukraine to use Western-provided long-range weapons to strike into Russia; “removes” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from office; and agrees to meet with Putin to discuss the situation in Ukraine, the future European security, the conflict in the Middle East, and Russia’s growing alliance with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Putin may intend to use such a meeting to extract future US policy concessions on these issues from Trump. Malofeev also claimed that the war in Ukraine has helped strengthen Russia’s relationships with the PRC, Iran, and North Korea and has revitalized Russia’s economy and defense industry. However, ISW continues to observe macroeconomic indications that Russia’s economy is struggling to bear the weight of inflation, ongoing international sanctions, and labor shortages and will face significant challenges in 2025 assuming Russia’s war in Ukraine continues at the current tempo.

Putin and other senior Russian officials have recently issued similar statements. Malofeev’s interview further indicates that the Kremlin is not interested in good faith negotiations, no matter who mediates such talks. Malofeev does not currently hold an official position within the Russian government, but his rhetoric is important given his relationships with high-level Kremlin officials and the influence of Tsargrad among Russian ultranationalists. Malofeev has previously used Tsargrad to promote Kremlin narratives justifying Russia’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine and continues to be an outspoken supporter of Putin. Zelensky recently acknowledged that Ukraine must find diplomatic solutions to end the war and secure the return of some parts of occupied Ukraine (including Crimea) in the future, but Malofeev’s comments indicate that Putin remains averse to good faith negotiations and is committed to destroying the Ukrainian state through military means.

Senior fighter Artem “Tyma” Kuchuk fought his last battle on 28 May 2024 near the village of Stelmakhivka in the Luhansk region. While performing a combat mission, he was fatally wounded as a result of an artillery attack by the occupiers. The warrior is now 35 years old forever.

Artem was born in Berdychiv, Zhytomyr region. He received a secondary education. After graduating from school, he served in the army. In 2008, he got married and moved to Kharkiv. There he worked as a foreman at the Electrotyazhmash plant.

On 26 February 2022, the man voluntarily joined the 139th Battalion of the 115th Territorial Defence Brigade. Later, he became a senior rifleman of the airmobile unit of the 77th separate airborne brigade of the Airborne Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

‘My Artem was extremely kind, brave, courageous, fair, always acted according to his conscience, and most importantly, he was a loving husband, the best dad, an attentive son, a true friend and a reliable comrade-in-arms. He has forever left a mark on the hearts of the people who knew him,’ said his wife Tetiana.

The paratrooper was buried in the village of Sadky, Zhytomyr region, near his grandfather, as Artem had requested. His wife fulfilled his will. Artem is survived by his parents, sister, wife and two sons, 14 and 9 years old. 

*Artem’s story on the Heroes Memorial – a platform for stories about the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

• NATO’s chief avoids talk of Ukraine’s membership. He says the priority is helping Kyiv defend itself
• 67 Ukrainian children have already become Russian citizens
• The US has allocated a $725 million military aid package to Ukraine
• Norway to provide F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defence system to protect Ukraine assistance hub in Poland
• Latvia’s AirBaltic has developed a plan to resume flights to Ukraine
• Biden surges arms to Ukraine, fearing Trump will halt U.S. aid