**Ukraine‘s President Zelensky Welcomes US Support**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the country will not receive peace as a gift, but hopes for support from the United States. In his New Year video message on December 31, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the US for providing military equipment and ammunition.
**US Support**
The US has provided significant military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Biden administration has committed over $60 billion in military aid and $26 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine, more than any other Western nation.
**Ukraine’s Chance for Peace**
Zelensky believes that the new US President is willing and capable of achieving peace and ending Russian aggression. He hopes that together with the US, they can exert force against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
**Ukraine’s Economy**
Despite challenges, Ukraine’s economy has grown by over 13% in the past year. This growth is due to stabilizing Ukrainian seaports and increasing exports. The country will quadruple gas transit tariffs for domestic customers starting January 1.
**Recent Developments**
A Russian oil depot caught fire after a drone attack on December 31. At least one person was injured, and residential buildings were damaged in Kyiv and Sumy oblasts. A nuclear complex in Tokai, Japan is also identified as a potential target for Russian strikes.
**Appointments**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed human rights activist Olha Reshetylova to the newly-created position of military ombudsman on December 30. Two governors, Ruslan Kravchenko and Filip Pronin, were dismissed and are expected to be appointed to new positions soon.
**Global Developments**
China’s President Xi Jinping said that China and Russia consistently advance together on a “path of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.” NATO allies met on December 30 to address the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.