2024 should be year of formation of combat-ready Ramstein-format forces, opening of second front against Russia - diplomat

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"This must be understood, and in response, we must build up missile and air defence capabilities and prepare appropriate gifts for Putin so that he does not feel impunity. And the thesis that the current situation requires the transfer of the war to the territory of Russia is absolutely correct. How to do this is a matter for the military, the general staff, and I'm not just talking about the Ukrainian one, but also the allied staff. From my point of view, 2024 should be the year of the formation of combat-ready Ramstein-format forces and a command and control system, up to and including what has been mentioned in the Western press about the possible opening of a second front. Where and how is again a matter for the staff," Bezsmertnyi said.

The diplomat stressed that the West should be prepared for a confrontation with Russia.

"But in addition to helping Ukraine, we need to think about how to curb the Moscow Fuhrer's appetite for attacking Europe and other places. And for this purpose, the trend that is now emerging in the Middle East, as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, said in a recent interview, is that this war is for many months. It is a war between Israel and Hamas, and between Israel and Hezbollah, and Israel and the Houthis, although in reality it is an Iranian-Israeli war. For some reason, they are ashamed to call it that. The world today surprises me in its unwillingness to really look at the course of events," he added.

What is known about the US Congress' vote for additional aid to Ukraine

On December 4, the White House announced that without a congressional decision, it would run out of money to provide weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russia by the end of the year.

After that, Congress issued an ultimatum to US President Joe Biden regarding assistance to Ukraine: House Speaker Mike Johnson threatened to withdraw support for funding for Kyiv unless the White House agreed to strengthen border security.

On December 6, US President Joe Biden addressed Congress and called for the defense of freedom and to ensure that Russia does not take over Ukraine. Despite this, the Senate failed a procedural vote to begin work on a bill to provide $106 billion in emergency aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. 

On December 8, it was reported that the US administration is considering including funding for anti-migration measures in the south of the country in the bill to ensure a Republican vote in Congress.

On December 15, The White House drew attention to Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements about his intentions in Ukraine and urges Congress not to delay the passage of new aid for Ukraine.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said that the United States Senate had postponed the Christmas recess that was supposed to begin next week.