**Ukrainian Delegation Meets with Trump Aides in Washington**
A Ukrainian delegation, led by Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, met with top aides to President-elect Donald Trump in Washington on December 4. The meeting was reported by Reuters, citing a source familiar with the discussion.
The delegation included Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. They met with incoming US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Ukraine peace envoy Keith Kellogg.
No details were released on any specific outcomes of the discussions. Trump’s transition team did not comment on the meeting.
**Ukraine Seeks Strong Support from US**
Both Waltz and Kellogg will play a key role in shaping future negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow after Trump is inaugurated. Ukrainian officials have urged the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine and adopt a “peace through strength” approach in dealings with Russia.
Kellogg previously co-authored a peace plan that would freeze the front line in Ukraine, take NATO’s accession off the table for an extended period, and partially lift sanctions against Russia.
**Ukraine Set to Receive $50 Billion from Frozen Russian Assets**
Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on December 4 that Ukraine is set to receive $50 billion in frozen Russian assets held by the US and the European Union. The funds are expected to be transferred in the coming weeks.
**UK Dismantles Multibillion-Dollar Money Laundering Scheme**
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) announced on December 4 that it had dismantled a multibillion-dollar money laundering scheme used by Russian spies and oligarchs. The suspect carried out reconnaissance missions and planned to destroy targets with explosives or fire.
**Ukraine Seeks Support from West Amid Winter Crisis**
As Ukraine faces another winter with rolling blackouts and freezing temperatures, businesses are looking for alternative energy sources during power cuts. The country is seeking support from the West amid a growing crisis.
**Other News**
* A drone attack hit a special police regiment building in Grozny, Chechnya, on December 4.
* Russian troops are storming the Kherson direction to gain control of islands in the Dnipro River delta.
* Ukraine’s gas transit network may come under Russian attacks as a deal to transport Russian gas through Ukraine expires at the end of 2024.