**US Ready to Train New Ukrainian Soldiers**
The United States is ready to train new Ukrainian soldiers and provide them with the necessary weapons, if Ukraine changes its mobilization policy. This was announced by US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller on December 9.
Miller said that the US had conversations with the Ukrainian government about the security situation in the East. “Ultimately, the decisions about the composition of its military force are those that the Ukrainians have to make for themselves,” he said.
However, if Ukraine decides to mobilize more forces, the US and its allies will be ready to train and equip them, Miller added. This comes as part of a broader wave of statements from senior US officials, amid reports that Western allies are urging Ukraine to reduce its minimum mobilization age from 25 to 18.
**Ukraine Faces “Hard Decisions”**
Earlier on December 4, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Ukraine faces “hard decisions” regarding further mobilization in its fight against Russia‘s full-scale invasion. Blinken emphasized that mobilization is critical for Ukraine, adding that while the country has the necessary funds and ammunition, it also requires more people to effectively repel Russian aggression.
Blinken reiterated that every soldier that Ukraine mobilizes would have “the training and the equipment they need to effectively defend the country.” However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has so far refuted Washington’s appeals.
**Ukraine Assembles Coalition**
Ukraine is assembling a coalition of partners to create a working group aimed at bolstering its defense and forming a united diplomatic stance on ending the war. This was announced by President Zelensky’s spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, on December 9.
**Other News**
In other news, Russian distributors allegedly integrated Texas Instruments’ online store into their trading platforms, enabling customers in Russia to access semiconductor inventories and prices. Russia’s spending on “national defense” reached an unprecedented $43 billion in the third quarter of 2024.
Russian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky signed a decree introducing a 30-day economic state of emergency due to the risk of Russian gas supply disruptions. The F-35s, deployed under NATO’s eastern airspace monitoring mission, intercepted a Russian An-72 transport aircraft and an SU-24 reconnaissance aircraft.
**Overnight Attack**
Overnight on December 9, the Russian military attacked Ukraine with two Kh-59/69 cruise missiles from the Black Sea. During the night attack, Russia also launched 37 Shaheds and other unidentified drones, Ukraine’s Air Force reported.