Ukraine

The agreement commits the UK to consult with Ukraine in the event of a Russian attack and provide swift and sustained assistance for their defense.

Sergey Aksenov, Crimea's head, provided updates stating that the port area had been secured, with emergency services actively engaged at the site, according to Xinhua news agency.

Shtupun, who serves as the spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria Defense Forces, stated, "Battles for Maryinka continue ... It is incorrect to talk about the complete capture of Maryinka," as reported by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

As Ukraine flounders, unable to make headway militarily, and running out of resources and funding as the US and the EU are embroiled in their own domestic squabbles, or the "fatigue" of a long, inconclusive, and expensive war sets in, the outlook seems bleak for it in its winter of discontent.

Despite initial criticisms of Biden's unwavering support for Israel, the White House now urges a humanitarian pause in the conflict. Discussions are underway to potentially separate aid for Israel from the broader package, a suggestion from Republicans who display more consensus on Israel than Ukraine.

Meanwhile, attention and resources diverted to the Gaza conflict weaken the West's stance. Russia's strategic advantage is acknowledged, increasing the likelihood of achieving its goals in Ukraine and reshaping European security by 2024.

While Republicans generally support aiding Ukraine, some have utilized the issue to address domestic concerns over the US southern border. In a 51 to 49 vote against advancing the bill, every Republican senator opposed it, falling short of the required 60 votes. This has introduced uncertainty regarding the future of aid for Ukraine, prompting renewed negotiations just days before the scheduled winter break.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, confirmed the deaths of three individuals, notably highlighting the demise of Sylvester Andrew Ranish Hewage, a former Sri Lankan military officer who had volunteered as a soldier in Ukraine.

Set by law for mid-March, these elections come after a constitutional amendment in 2020, allowing Putin to contest in 2024 and possibly 2030 despite term limits.

Announcing the development on Telegram, the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces revealed that Russia deployed 75 kamikaze drones, specifically Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 models, with the majority directed at the capital, Kiev.