Ukraine rejects Hungary’s Christmas ceasefire proposal; denies Orbán’s claims. According to NV.UA, Ukraine’s government has clarified that it did not endorse Hungary’s recent proposal for a Christmas ceasefire and prisoner exchange with Russia. Mykhailo Lytvyn, an advisor to President Zelensky, rejected Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s assertions, explaining that Ukraine remains focused on coordinated efforts with international partners to secure the release of captives and achieve a just peace. Orbán had claimed that President Zelensky dismissed Hungary’s holiday truce proposal, a statement Ukraine firmly denies, stressing the importance of credible security guarantees.
Zelensky: Ukraine war could end with NATO membership, even without immediate land return. According to Sky News, President Zelensky has proposed that Ukraine might consider freezing the war if NATO extends membership to the non-occupied territories of the country. Zelensky emphasised that this arrangement would provide the critical security guarantees needed to deter further Russian aggression, while leaving room for reclaiming occupied territories through diplomatic means. He underlined that NATO’s invitation must include all of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, asserting that any ceasefire must be backed by assurances preventing Putin from resuming expansionist actions. Zelensky shared this stance during an interview with Sky News.
WP: Ukraine aids Syrian rebels. According to the Washington Post, Ukrainian intelligence has reportedly extended military support to Syrian rebels in a bid to undermine Russia’s influence in Syria and its wider geopolitical manoeuvres. Ukrainian operatives are said to have provided the rebels with drones and trained operators, targeting Russian-backed military bases in the region. The potential loss of these Syrian assets could weaken Moscow’s ability to project power across Africa, affecting its influence in Libya and other authoritarian regimes south of the Sahara. This strategic move underscores Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian aggression beyond its own borders.
Macron to discuss peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to discuss the potential establishment of a European peacekeeping mission for Ukraine, involving around 40,000 troops, during his visit to Poland on 12 December. The Polish outlet Rzeczpospolita, quoting former NATO Assistant Secretary General Camille Grand, reports that Poland’s increasing military capabilities and strategic geographic position make it a key player in this initiative. Macron’s visit to Warsaw is reportedly aimed at coordinating the details of the mission. Élie Tenenbaum, an expert at the French Institute of International Relations involved in crafting the mission’s concept, outlined that the peacekeeping forces could consist of five brigades, each comprising approximately 8,000 troops, with Poland potentially taking command of one of these units.
