**White House Announces New Aid Package for Ukraine**
The White House is planning a last-minute effort to aid Ukraine, including more weapons and sweeping sanctions against Russia. This was announced by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on December 5.
According to Sullivan, the US will provide hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles to Ukraine by mid-January. The US will also train soldiers at sites outside Ukrainian territory.
This support package is worth $20 billion and includes loans backed by frozen Russian assets. It aims to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position ahead of peace talks with Russia.
**Russia’s Artillery Advantage Declines**
Russia’s artillery advantage against Ukraine has decreased significantly, from five to one to 1.5 to one, officials said. This is due to the increased supply of weapons to Ukraine.
**Other Developments**
* The EU Ambassador to Ukraine announced $26.5 million in funding for Ukrainian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations.
* A Finnish court began trial on December 5 for a Russian neo-Nazi mercenary accused of war crimes.
* The beneficial owners and top managers of a popular online casino in Ukraine are suspected of collaborating with Russia.
**Russia’s Invasion Continues**
The price of coffins in Russia has soared by 74% since the beginning of the invasion. Nearly 5,500 residents of Russian-occupied Crimea were mobilized into the Russian army in 2024.