**Ukraine Assembles Coalition to End War**
Ukraine is forming a group of partners to strengthen its defense and find a united diplomatic solution to the war. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky’s spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov.
The group will include Ukraine’s strongest European allies and the United States. A meeting with participating nations is planned for December to coordinate their positions and ensure Ukraine’s strength “both in negotiations and on the battlefield.”
**Germany Offers Help**
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv and proposed a contact group with Germany, France, the UK, and Poland to coordinate Europe’s strategy for ending the war. President Zelensky endorsed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of unity among allies.
**Russia Spends Billions on Defense**
Russia has spent an unprecedented $43 billion on “national defense” in the third quarter of 2024, according to The Moscow Times. This comes as Ukraine is assembling its coalition and preparing for a united diplomatic stance.
**Other Developments**
Overnight on December 9, Russia launched two cruise missiles and 37 drones at Ukraine’s air space. A Russian-controlled court sentenced a local resident to 15 years in prison for allegedly transmitting information about the movement of Russian military equipment to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
Ukraine may consider deploying European peacekeepers on its territory if it gets a clear understanding of the NATO membership timeline, President Zelensky said.
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