Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States is increasing the military aid supply to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Ukrainian defenders attacked a fuel plant in Rostov region. 

Read more about what happened on Thursday, December 26.

Ukrainian Air Force targets Russian ballistic missile fuel pant

The Ukrainian Air Force recently attacked an enterprise in the Rostov region. The factory produces fuel for ballistic missiles, the Strategic Communications Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.

Russia used this enterprise to produce solid fuel for ballistic missiles. The occupiers use these missiles to attack civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including hospitals, residential buildings, and power plants.

Azerbaijan confirms Russian missile shot down plane in Kazakhstan – Euronews

A passenger plane of Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau because it was attacked by Russian air defense, Euronews reports.

Euronews’ interlocutors clarify that the missile was fired at the plane while it was flying over Grozny, where drone activity was recorded. It exploded near the plane, and its fragments hit passengers and crew members.

Zelenskyy announces increase in arms supplies from US

The United States is increasing the supply of military aid to Ukraine. This helps to level the playing field in the war with Russia, according to the evening address of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Front. Supply. It is very important that the United States is now increasing supplies. This is necessary to level the playing field. I am grateful to our partners. And the pace of supply should be such that it slows down the pace of Russian assaults,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

China allegedly launches next-generation fighter jet first-ever

While the United States is deliberating on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) concept, China has likely taken to the skies with a sixth-generation fighter jet.

In the published footage, the jet is flying alongside the Chengdu J-20 – a Chinese fifth-generation fighter jet, officially considered one of Beijing’s most advanced military aircraft.

North Korean troops suffer heavy losses in Kursk region – Ukrainian intelligence

Russia continues to use North Korean soldiers in its military operations against Ukraine. DPRK troops in the Kursk region suffer losses, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.

“On December 20, 2024, a North Korean assault unit in the Kursk region suffered sanitary losses of at least 5 servicemen in one of the areas. However, Russian officers ordered the soldiers to continue holding the position,” the intelligence report said.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the parliament in response to a request from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He set the date of the Bundestag elections for February 23, according to DW.

“In difficult times like now, a capable government and a reliable majority in parliament are needed to ensure stability,” he said.

Scholz asked for a vote of confidence in the Bundestag on December 16 after the so-called traffic light coalition consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) collapsed after about three years in November 2024.

Scholz did not receive a vote in parliament as he had planned. In the vote of confidence, 207 MPs voted in favor of Scholz, 394 voted against, and 116 abstained. As expected, the chancellor lacked the required majority of at least 367 votes.

Scholz then asked Steinmeier to dissolve the Bundestag following Article 68 of the Basic Law. According to this article, the federal president can dissolve the Bundestag within 21 days if the latter loses a vote of confidence on the chancellor’s proposal. Then, early federal elections must be held within 60 days.

Germany is partially politically paralyzed

After the collapse of the traffic light coalition, Germany found itself largely politically blocked on important issues. The departure of the FDP has led to Scholz heading a government supported by the FDP and the Greens, who no longer have a majority in the Bundestag. Without the support of the opposition, it will not be able to achieve anything. At the same time, there is an urgent need to take action. For example, in support of Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. That is why Scholz is seeking new elections.

Steinmeier has already clarified his intention to dissolve the parliament immediately after the coalition collapses. “Our country needs a stable majority and a government that can act,” he said then.

Federal elections are usually held every four years. But in special political crises – especially if the chancellor’s support in parliament is shaken – the vote can be held earlier.

New elections in Germany are extremely rare. They can be an important democratic means of restoring the legitimacy and capacity of a government but require the approval of several constitutional bodies, including the president.

New elections are possible only in two cases

According to the basic law, the members of the Bundestag do not have the right to decide on early elections. Even the chancellor cannot decide on this. Instead, the basic law allows for the early dissolution of the Bundestag in only two cases.

Suppose an absolute parliamentary majority is not achieved after the chancellor’s election, i.e.. In that case, the federal president can dissolve the Bundestag if the candidate does not receive at least one vote from more than half of all deputies. This has never happened before in German history.

In the second case, the chancellor asks the Bundestag for a vote of confidence. This allows him to check whether he still has the necessary support from the deputies. If the majority withdraws its confidence in the chancellor, the federal president can dissolve the Bundestag on the chancellor’s proposal. Another option is for the chancellor to resign or continue as a minority government.

The organization of new elections follows the same principles as regular federal elections. The Federal Returning Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior are responsible for its implementation. Voters have two votes: one for a direct candidate and one for the state party list.

There have been three early federal elections in German history, namely in 1972, 1983, and 2005.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the parliament in response to a request from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He set the date of the Bundestag elections for February 23, according to DW.

“In difficult times like now, a capable government and a reliable majority in parliament are needed to ensure stability,” he said.

Scholz asked for a vote of confidence in the Bundestag on December 16 after the so-called traffic light coalition consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) collapsed after about three years in November 2024.

Scholz did not receive a vote in parliament as he had planned. In the vote of confidence, 207 MPs voted in favor of Scholz, 394 voted against, and 116 abstained. As expected, the chancellor lacked the required majority of at least 367 votes.

Scholz then asked Steinmeier to dissolve the Bundestag following Article 68 of the Basic Law. According to this article, the federal president can dissolve the Bundestag within 21 days if the latter loses a vote of confidence on the chancellor’s proposal. Then, early federal elections must be held within 60 days.

Germany is partially politically paralyzed

After the collapse of the traffic light coalition, Germany found itself largely politically blocked on important issues. The departure of the FDP has led to Scholz heading a government supported by the FDP and the Greens, who no longer have a majority in the Bundestag. Without the support of the opposition, it will not be able to achieve anything. At the same time, there is an urgent need to take action. For example, in support of Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. That is why Scholz is seeking new elections.

Steinmeier has already clarified his intention to dissolve the parliament immediately after the coalition collapses. “Our country needs a stable majority and a government that can act,” he said then.

Federal elections are usually held every four years. But in special political crises – especially if the chancellor’s support in parliament is shaken – the vote can be held earlier.

New elections in Germany are extremely rare. They can be an important democratic means of restoring the legitimacy and capacity of a government but require the approval of several constitutional bodies, including the president.

New elections are possible only in two cases

According to the basic law, the members of the Bundestag do not have the right to decide on early elections. Even the chancellor cannot decide on this. Instead, the basic law allows for the early dissolution of the Bundestag in only two cases.

Suppose an absolute parliamentary majority is not achieved after the chancellor’s election, i.e.. In that case, the federal president can dissolve the Bundestag if the candidate does not receive at least one vote from more than half of all deputies. This has never happened before in German history.

In the second case, the chancellor asks the Bundestag for a vote of confidence. This allows him to check whether he still has the necessary support from the deputies. If the majority withdraws its confidence in the chancellor, the federal president can dissolve the Bundestag on the chancellor’s proposal. Another option is for the chancellor to resign or continue as a minority government.

The organization of new elections follows the same principles as regular federal elections. The Federal Returning Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior are responsible for its implementation. Voters have two votes: one for a direct candidate and one for the state party list.

There have been three early federal elections in German history, namely in 1972, 1983, and 2005.

Ukraine supports Syria in its time of need. 500 tons of wheat flour are already on their way to the country as part of a humanitarian program, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reports.

According to the president, the wheat flour will be distributed to 33,250 families, or 167,000 people, in the coming weeks.

“Each package weighs 15 kilograms and can feed a family of five for one month. We wish Syria and its people safety, stability, and recovery. We know the true value of these things,” Zelenskyy said.

Situation in Syria

On December 8, the regime of Bashar al-Assad, which had ruled the country for decades, was overthrown in Syria. On that day, Syrian rebels entered Damascus and seized buildings of state media and government institutions. As for Assad, he fled to Moscow, which was later officially confirmed.

Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine could assist the Syrians by providing grain, flour, and oil.

The RBC-Ukraine article provides further details on what will happen to Syria after the regime’s overthrow.

Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has announced Slovalia’s readiness to host the second Ukrainian peace summit on its territory. Bratislava proposed this initiative to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, STVR reports.

“Slovakia consistently promotes peaceful solutions, and we support any peace initiatives. That is why I also participated in the Peace Summit in Switzerland this year. All participants agreed with what our government is advocating: that further peace talks must involve all parties, including Russia,” the minister said.

According to him, preparations for the second peace summit will occur at various levels, and Slovakia has repeatedly offered to host the event.

“In this context, we perceive the statement of the Russian president, who acknowledged that part of the peace negotiations could be held in Slovakia, as a positive signal for the swiftest possible end to this war, bloodshed, and destruction,” the Foreign Minister declared.

Blanár also noted that the Slovak government had offered the Ukrainian side to hold the peace summit in Slovakia during a joint intergovernmental meeting in early October in Uzhhorod.

Fico’s visit to Putin

On December 22, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico traveled to Moscow, where he met with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

It was reported that Fico’s visit was the gas issue. Since Ukraine has refused to continue the transit of Russian gas, Slovakia depends on it.

Ukraine criticized Fico’s visit to Putin, reminding that Russia has long used gas as a weapon. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Slovak prime minister’s actions jeopardize Europe’s security.

On Thursday, December 26, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova voted to adopt the National Defense Strategy for 2024-2034. The strategy outlines the key steps the country will take in response to the growing threat from Russia and other geopolitical challenges, the news agency Radio Europa Liberă Moldova reports.

Moldova recognizes the actions of Russia, including its military aggression against Ukraine and hybrid attacks, as the primary threat to its security.

According to the strategy, the greatest risk is the possible expansion of Russia’s military actions to the Odesa region, establishing a corridor to Transnistria.

In addition, the country’s security is undermined by:

• Russia’s hybrid operations, which include information attacks and interference in elections;
• The illegal presence of Russian troops in Transnistria;
• Mass bribery schemes during elections, as occurred in October 2024, when about 140,000 Moldovans received money through Russian platforms.

The strategy envisions further deepening cooperation with NATO, which is defined as a “stabilizing anchor” for the region, as well as developing a partnership with the European Union.

The Republic of Moldova aims to strengthen its relationship with Romania as a strategic ally and maintain a “vital” dialogue with Ukraine.

By 2030, Moldova plans to increase defense spending to 1% of GDP, nearly double the current 0.55%. Although this is significantly lower than the average defense spending of NATO countries, the country is taking its first steps to strengthen its defense capabilities.

After the strategy’s final approval, government institutions have six months to adapt their policies to the adopted document.

Earlier, a Russian missile once again crossed Moldova’s airspace, which the country’s president, Maia Sandu, acknowledged.

However, Russia poses a threat not only to Moldova. Estonia is also at risk, as was previously reported.