**Hungary Blocks EU Sanctions Extension**
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, has announced that he will not support the extension of EU sanctions against Russia. He made this decision at a summit in Brussels on December 19.
Orban is waiting for US President-elect Donald Trump to take office before making a final decision on the sanctions. The deadline for extending the sanctions is January 31.
The Hungarian Prime Minister has been an ally of Trump and has consistently opposed sanctions against Russia. He also supports Trump’s position that the US should get out of the war in Ukraine.
**Concerns Over Trump’s Position**
There are concerns among EU leaders that Trump may reduce support for Ukraine and allow Russia to gain more control over the country. This is especially worrying since Russia has been making steady advances on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.
In an interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he does not think a ceasefire is possible until Russia is willing to negotiate a lasting peace agreement. He also warned against allowing Russian gas to be transported through Ukraine, saying it would give Russia billions of dollars in profits at the expense of Ukrainian blood.
**Russia’s Advances**
Despite international pressure, Russia has continued to make advances on the battlefield in Ukraine. Just over the past day, 2,200 Russian casualties were reported, including dead and wounded soldiers.
A Russian missile also struck a residential building in the city of Kryvyi Rih, injuring six people, including a child.
**Human Rights Concerns**
The situation is not just about military conflicts. There are also reports of human rights abuses. Five people were killed and seven injured in a fire at a detention center for Russian soldiers who deserted their units during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Two Belarusians and one Ukrainian were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 11 to 25 years by Belarusian authorities for allegedly preparing terrorist acts.
**Kyiv Hit**
The city of Kyiv was hit with a bomb attack on December 17, killing General Igor Kirillov. A suspect in the killing has been placed in pre-trial detention.
These are just some of the latest developments in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The situation remains uncertain as the international community continues to call for peace negotiations.