**US House Speaker Blocks Ukraine Aid Request**
The US House Speaker, Mike Johnson, has refused to put a vote on a request for $24 billion in aid to Ukraine. This comes after President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve further assistance before he leaves office.
The requested funds would have been used to restock US arsenals and provide aid through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). However, Johnson said he will not add aid for Ukraine to a continuing resolution to fund the government.
Johnson believes that the election of Donald Trump as the new president will change the dynamics of Russia’s war against Ukraine. He thinks it is best to wait for Trump’s direction on this issue.
**Russia Continues Aggression in Ukraine**
A drone attack was reported at a police building in Grozny, Chechnya, on December 4. Russian troops are also storming the Kherson area, trying to gain control of some islands in the Dnipro River delta.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 29 out of 50 Russian drones overnight. Eighteen drones were lost, and one flew into occupied territory.
**International Support for Ukraine**
The US Secretary of State said that mobilization is critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Despite having funds and ammunition, people are needed to repel aggression.
NATO countries will do their best to provide Ukraine with air defenses necessary to protect its infrastructure, but there is a shortage of such systems.
**Other News**
Ukraine and the EU have signed an agreement to attract up to 35 billion euros in loans. The German Foreign Minister said that security guarantees, including Ukraine’s NATO membership, are possible for long-term peace.
A Chinese man was arrested for shipping weapons to North Korea from the US.
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