Vladimir Putin, speaking at the G20 meeting, expressed Russia's readiness for talks to end the "tragedy" of the war in Ukraine. While these comments marked a more conciliatory tone, he also placed blame on Kyiv for the absence of peace talks.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted the challenging defensive operations faced by Ukrainian troops on parts of the eastern front due to bitter winter cold. However, he highlighted that forces in the south were still actively engaged in offensive actions.
The Russian foreign ministry, through spokesperson Maria Zakharova, characterized relations with the US as extremely fragile, at risk of rupture at any moment. Zakharova warned that Washington's actions could lead to "unpredictable consequences."
Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, threatened to block Ukraine's EU membership candidacy, a matter to be discussed by European leaders on December 14 and 15.
European Council President Charles Michel anticipated a "difficult" meeting next month regarding Ukraine's EU accession and pledged to exert all efforts to reach a decision in December.
The EU approved an additional €1.5bn (£1.3bn) in macro financial assistance to Ukraine, marking the tenth payment in an €18bn program aimed at sustaining the Ukrainian economy.
Russia's defense ministry reported a drone attack on a group of Russian journalists by Ukrainian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region. While one reporter received medical treatment, no injuries were life-threatening.
Russia protested to Finland after a damaged Russian tank was displayed near the Finnish parliament. Finland, an EU and NATO member sharing a 1,340km border with Russia, drew attention from Moscow.
The Kremlin affirmed its policy of pardoning prisoners in exchange for fighting in Ukraine, responding to local media reports about the release of a Russian "satanist" killer.
The Ukrainian air force claimed to have shot down 14 Shahed drones launched by Russian forces overnight, with no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
The US expressed concern that Iran might supply Russia with ballistic missiles for use in the war against Ukraine, deeming such a development disastrous for the Ukrainian people, according to John Kirby, a spokesperson for the national security council.
The UN human rights office reported that over 10,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, with expectations that the actual toll is considerably higher.
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