**Ukrainian Documentaries Shortlisted for Oscars**
Two Ukrainian documentaries, “The Porcelain War” and “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine”, have been shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards. The U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this on December 17.
“The Porcelain War”, directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, is one of 15 films selected for the Documentary Feature Film category. The film follows three artists who join the Ukrainian army during the war, while continuing to create porcelain figurines as an act of resistance.
In the Documentary Short Film category, “Once Upon a Time in Ukraine”, co-directed by Betsy West and Earl Mack, advanced to the shortlist. The documentary portrays war through the eyes of Ukrainian children and shows how they use creativity and imagination to cope with the hardships.
**Other News**
* German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received an order to supply Ukraine with 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles.
* NATO has assumed responsibility for coordinating Western military aid to Ukraine through the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine center.
* The United Kingdom sanctioned 20 vessels of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and pledged £35 million in aid to repair Ukraine’s energy grid.
**Conflict Update**
* Ukrainian troops in Makarivka south of Velyka Novosilka have been almost surrounded by Russian forces, analysts warn.
* A survey found that 55% of respondents prioritized ending the conflict over Ukraine’s territorial integrity, up from 39% in September and 26% in April.
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