**Ukrainian Military Instructors to Receive Training in Lithuania**
The Ukrainian military is set to receive training in Lithuania in 2025. This is part of a program called NATO’s Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP). The Ministry of Defense announced this on December 12.
Thirty Ukrainian instructors will be trained, focusing on non-commissioned officers with combat experience. A pilot project for combat shooting instructor training will also be launched in two Ukrainian military institutions.
The Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense, Serhiy Melnyk, said that improving military education and combat training is a key task for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
**NATO Membership**
Ukraine has been pushing for NATO membership. While full membership might not be possible during the ongoing war, Ukrainian officials are pressing for a formal invitation to show solidarity with NATO allies.
**Russia’s Military Activities**
Russian forces have launched a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine. The attack was reported on December 13 and saw missiles fired across multiple regions.
Ukrainian officials also reported that Russia has deployed several types of missiles, including air-launched missiles and cruise missiles.
**Other Developments**
A massive fire engulfed a warehouse in Russia’s Novosibirsk overnight on December 13. The warehouse was not specified to be related to the Ukrainian conflict.
Google Play will stop processing payments to app developers with bank accounts in Russia starting December 26.
The US State Department announced visa bans for approximately 20 Georgian individuals for undermining democracy in the country.
UNESCO added Ukraine’s Babyn Yar Memorial and the Odesa Literary Museum to its international list of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection.