**Russia Claims Control Over Ukrainian Village**
On December 7, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Russia has taken control of the village of Beretsky in Donetsk Oblast. However, this claim could not be verified by independent sources.
Berestky is located near Kurakhove, a town that has been under heavy attack from Russia in recent months. The Russian advance continues to gain momentum despite heavy personnel losses.
**Ukraine’s Military Situation**
The situation on the ground for Ukraine is becoming increasingly difficult. Ukrainian officials have not commented on Russia’s claims, and Ukraine’s military struggles to replenish its ranks after heavy losses.
Additionally, Ukraine faces a new challenge: decreased U.S. military aid under incoming President Donald Trump. Outgoing President Joe Biden had pledged to speed up materiel deliveries before Trump takes office.
**New Aid Package for Ukraine**
The Pentagon announced a new $1 billion weapons package for Ukraine on December 7. This aid will be pulled from the remaining $2 billion in funding from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
**Syrian Conflict**
In other news, Syria is experiencing significant turmoil. Syrian rebels claim to have reached the suburbs of Damascus, and U.S. officials predict that Assad’s regime may fall within days.
**Meeting Between World Leaders**
President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a trilateral meeting on December 7.
**Canada Unveils Arctic Strategy**
In response to growing threats from Russia, Canada has unveiled a renewed Arctic strategy to bolster regional security.