**EU Ready to Lead in Ukraine Support if US Steps Back**
The European Union is prepared to take a leading role in supporting Ukraine if the United States steps back, EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas said. This comes as President-elect Donald Trump‘s team has expressed skepticism about ongoing U.S. financial support for Ukraine.
Kallas emphasized that the EU will not change its stance on Russia, saying that “the European Union is ready to take the lead” if the US is not willing to continue supporting Ukraine. She also stated that the US has no interest in Russia becoming the strongest power in the world.
**Ukraine and NATO**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pushing for Ukraine’s membership in NATO, but the process may be delayed by 20 years if Trump’s team gets its way. In exchange, Western arms supplies and European peacekeepers could be provided to oversee a ceasefire with Russia.
Zelensky is also proposing that NATO members purchase Ukrainian weapons directly from the country’s defense industry, following a model pioneered by Denmark. The Danish government has already reserved 135 million euros for further purchases under this initiative.
**Humanitarian Aid**
Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger has suggested using veto power over EU decisions to pressure Ukraine into making concessions. He also proposed halting humanitarian aid, cutting social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, and ceasing emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.
**Russia’s Aggression**
Zelensky accused Russia of “doubled-down” aggression, citing reports of Russian intelligence officers hiring soldiers from North Korea. The Ukrainian president also expressed concerns about a shortage of professionals in the country.
The joint media investigation revealed fresh details on Russia-sponsored killings of US soldiers, including names of Russian intelligence officers and their local collaborators involved.
**Ukraine’s Defense**
Denmark has reserved 135 million euros for further purchases under the “Danish model,” buying arms for Ukraine directly from Ukrainian arms manufacturers. Norway is expected to contribute another 43 million euros to this initiative.
**Recent Developments**
Russian forces dropped guided aerial bombs on the city of Kherson, injuring at least six people. President Zelensky will travel to Italy following the Ramstein summit in Germany.
The situation in the town of Kupiansk is “very difficult,” according to Andrii Besedin, head of the military administration.
A package of U.S. defense aid worth over $1 billion is expected to be the final tranche provided by the Biden administration before Trump takes office on January 20.
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