**Ukraine to Stop Russian Gas Transit**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine will not extend the transit agreement for Russian gas through its territory. The current contract is set to expire on December 31.
This decision has raised concerns among some European countries, including Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, which rely heavily on Russian gas. However, Zelensky said that Ukraine would not allow Russia to “earn additional billions” while continuing its aggression against Ukraine.
“We will not engage in extending the transit of Russian gas,” Zelensky said. “We will not give them the opportunity to earn additional billions on our blood.”
**Russian Response**
Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the end of the contract, saying that Gazprom would survive without it. However, the European Union has made efforts to reduce its dependency on Russian fossil fuels following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
**Gas Transit for Non-Russian Sources**
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine is open to negotiating gas transit agreements for non-Russian sources. Zelensky also emphasized the need for unity among Western countries, saying, “Only together, the U.S. and Europe can truly stop (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and save Ukraine.”
**Other Developments**
At least 100 North Korean troops have been killed while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, according to a South Korean lawmaker.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 45 of the 85 Shahed-type drones launched overnight. A fire broke out at an oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov Oblast following a mass drone and missile attack.
**New Year’s Message**
Zelensky called for unity among Western countries, saying that they need to work together to stop Putin and save Ukraine. “As we approach the start of the new year,” he said, “we really need unity between the United States, the EU, and European countries.”
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