Victorious news of 645th day of war: Ukrainian forces advance in Kherson region, SBU operation in Buryatia

Czech Republic allocates EUR 2.5 million to Ukraine through NATO fund

The Czech Republic will donate up to EUR 2.5 million (about CZK 60 million) to the North Atlantic Alliance's trust fund for non-military assistance to Ukraine.

This was reported by České noviny.

It noted that this decision was approved by the government. According to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this proposal reflects the need in the current foreign policy context to project the growing complexity of the international security situation into intensified efforts to maintain support for Ukraine.

Ukrainian Armed Forces advance on the left bank of Kherson region

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported the information.

Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces had advanced southwest of Krynky (30 km northeast of the city of Kherson and 2 km from the Dnipro River) and gained a foothold in a nearby forest.

Russian military bloggers claimed that fighting was ongoing near Krynky, with Russian aircraft and artillery striking the area.

Ukraine's General Staff reported that Ukrainian troops were holding positions on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River.

Russian military bloggers claimed that Ukrainian troops continued to move new assault groups to the left bank and that 300 to 400 Ukrainian soldiers were operating near Krynky.

Russia's constant statements about the arrival of Ukrainian reinforcements on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River suggest that Russian troops are trying to thwart Ukraine's attempts to supply and strengthen its positions on the eastern bank of the Kherson region.

In addition, military analysts have stated that Russia is clearly unable to create a cohesive command structure among the forces defending the eastern (left) bank of the Kherson region. Russia's morale and combat capabilities continue to deteriorate there. On November 29, the General Staff of Ukraine reported that units of the 810th Separate Marine Brigade (Black Sea Fleet) operating near Krynky refuse to assault Ukrainian positions due to the lack of weapons, artillery coordination, intelligence, and information on the location of Russian minefields.

Drone attacks on Russia’s Belgorod region and a UAV strike on depot in Bryansk

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported an alleged drone attack on the Belgorod region. Meanwhile, a UAV attack on a warehouse was reported in Bryansk.

"Around 6:12 p.m., a Geranium-2 drone strike took place in Bryansk," the statement said.

Locals reportedly heard explosions near the TV center. The warehouse was previously attacked by drones.

"Last night, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack by aircraft-type UAVs on targets in the Russian Federation was stopped," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on the attack on the Belgorod region.

France to increase ammunition supplies to Ukraine next year

The press service of Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, reported the information.

During the meeting of the Ukrainian and French delegations in Kyiv, they discussed the possibility of strengthening cooperation in the defense sector and establishing logistics between the countries.

The parties discussed urgent military needs and the types of weapons that France can provide to the Ukrainian army. 

"This week we have already received funds and will make payments for the additional purchase of Caesar. I am grateful to the French side for the continuous supply of ammunition for these systems. Of course, if possible, we would like to increase the number of guns," emphasized Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, who participated in the meeting as a member of the Ukrainian delegation.

In his turn, Jean-François Doc, Weapons Engineer General and Head of the Ukraine Support Fund, assured that France is making every effort to help Ukraine.

Olena Zelenska is included in the list of the most influential women of 2023

This is stated in the Financial Times article.

"What I admire most about Olena Zelenska is her honesty. A screenwriter by profession, she knows how not to mince her words while remaining disarmingly human," Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said of Olena Zelenska.

According to Kallas, Zelenska, like the President of Ukraine, has become a global symbol of resilience. Her leadership in addressing the mental health of Ukrainians during the war is vital.

"Estonia has partnered with Zelenska’s foundation to build family homes for children whom Russian bombs have turned into orphans. She is remarkable in her attention to detail and her ability to listen. The world should now listen to Zelenska and give Ukraine what it needs to defeat Russia and end the suffering," the Estonian prime minister added.

The list of the most influential women also includes Margot Robbie, Beyoncé, Ursula von der Leyen, Mary Barra, Elizabeth Maruma, Katalin Karikó and others.