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Friday, Jan 02, 2026
Outside the box.
Ukraine President Announces Artillery Support and Rejects Russian Truce Offer
Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlights substantial military aid from allies while escalating military actions amid ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Sunday that Ukraine anticipates receiving upwards of three million artillery shells from its allies by 2025, including 1.8 million shells through a Czech-led initiative.
Zelenskyy praised the initiative's effectiveness, asserting, 'The Czech artillery initiative is working brilliantly.' The program is largely financed by NATO allies and aims to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Following this announcement, Zelenskyy mentioned a meeting scheduled for Monday with Czech defense companies and revealed discussions regarding the establishment of a Ukrainian-Czech pilot training facility for F-16 fighter jets.
During the same press conference, Zelenskyy addressed remarks made by Czech Republic President Petr Pavel, who criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his inaction in ending the war.
Pavel stated, 'Putin can end the war with a single decision, but he has not shown any willingness so far.' Zelenskyy’s visit to Prague is part of a broader European effort to garner support for Ukraine amid the prolonged conflict.
In a separate development, Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted drone strikes targeting a factory in the Bryansk region of Russia, which is said to specialize in producing electronics for the Russian defense sector.
Local officials stated that the facility is now non-operational due to the attack, which has raised tensions further.
On the Russian side, officials reported that air defense systems successfully intercepted four Ukrainian drones that were approaching Moscow.
In light of escalating hostilities, President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding an offer from Putin for a temporary three-day truce to coincide with Russia's Victory Day celebrations, which is marked on May 9. Zelenskyy emphasized the lack of trust in Russian agreements, citing previous breaches.
He stated, 'We understand who we are dealing with; we do not believe them.' Furthermore, Zelenskyy remarked on the possibility of an actual ceasefire, urging allies to apply pressure on Moscow to facilitate a more permanent peace arrangement.
Simultaneously, the situation has escalated in Yemen, where Houthi forces claimed responsibility for missile strikes near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, wounding several individuals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retribution following the incident.
The Israeli defense minister echoed this sentiment, promising a forceful response to any attacks.
Amid these developments, international dynamics continue to fluctuate, with the United States confirming its withdrawal from formal peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, urging both nations to establish 'concrete ideas' to resolve the ongoing conflict.
This statement follows months of stalled negotiations, with U.S. officials indicating a shift in their approach to conflict resolution in the region.
Zelenskyy praised the initiative's effectiveness, asserting, 'The Czech artillery initiative is working brilliantly.' The program is largely financed by NATO allies and aims to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Following this announcement, Zelenskyy mentioned a meeting scheduled for Monday with Czech defense companies and revealed discussions regarding the establishment of a Ukrainian-Czech pilot training facility for F-16 fighter jets.
During the same press conference, Zelenskyy addressed remarks made by Czech Republic President Petr Pavel, who criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his inaction in ending the war.
Pavel stated, 'Putin can end the war with a single decision, but he has not shown any willingness so far.' Zelenskyy’s visit to Prague is part of a broader European effort to garner support for Ukraine amid the prolonged conflict.
In a separate development, Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted drone strikes targeting a factory in the Bryansk region of Russia, which is said to specialize in producing electronics for the Russian defense sector.
Local officials stated that the facility is now non-operational due to the attack, which has raised tensions further.
On the Russian side, officials reported that air defense systems successfully intercepted four Ukrainian drones that were approaching Moscow.
In light of escalating hostilities, President Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding an offer from Putin for a temporary three-day truce to coincide with Russia's Victory Day celebrations, which is marked on May 9. Zelenskyy emphasized the lack of trust in Russian agreements, citing previous breaches.
He stated, 'We understand who we are dealing with; we do not believe them.' Furthermore, Zelenskyy remarked on the possibility of an actual ceasefire, urging allies to apply pressure on Moscow to facilitate a more permanent peace arrangement.
Simultaneously, the situation has escalated in Yemen, where Houthi forces claimed responsibility for missile strikes near Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, wounding several individuals.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retribution following the incident.
The Israeli defense minister echoed this sentiment, promising a forceful response to any attacks.
Amid these developments, international dynamics continue to fluctuate, with the United States confirming its withdrawal from formal peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, urging both nations to establish 'concrete ideas' to resolve the ongoing conflict.
This statement follows months of stalled negotiations, with U.S. officials indicating a shift in their approach to conflict resolution in the region.
