22.12.2022, Moscow.
We publish a summary of events concerning the situation around Ukraine as of 7 p.m., December 22.
Russia
Russia and the International Atomic Energy Agency held talks regarding the Zaporozhye NPP in Moscow, Rosatom reported. The parties noted the “significant closeness of positions” on the draft declaration on creating the safety zone around the plant. They will continue consultations to reach the final text in the shortest possible time.
Russian Federation warns Greece against consequences if Athens decides to transfer Russian S-300 systems to Ukraine – Russian Foreign Ministry.
Putin’s message to Xi Jinping touched on Russia-China strategic partnership and international situation – Kremlin Press Secretary Peskov.
Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington and his meetings with the US authorities showed that neither Ukraine nor the USA is ready for peace with Russia, ambassador to the United States Anatoliy Antonov has said.
Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzia said Moscow calls on Washington to immediately return the funds stolen from the Afghan people. “We call for the immediate return of the stolen funds to the Afghan people, including those women and girls you are talking about today,” the diplomat said.
The situation with the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s assets is outrageous. Nebenzia earlier described as hypocritical the US attempts to shift responsibility for the situation in Afghanistan. The money of the Afghan people can no longer be returned. They are likely to have dissolved in Ukraine and partially in the pockets of the US establishment.
Western countries and their supporters
The US Congress may approve a new $45bn aid package for Ukraine in the next 48 hours. This was announced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
US President Joe Biden has ordered to allocate $1bn worth of military aid to Ukraine, the White House informed. It includes the Patriot air defense system.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed details of the new aid package to Ukraine, which will consist $1 billion drawdown to provide Ukraine with “expanded air defense and precision-strike capabilities” and $850 million in security assistance.
Biden said that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) allocates more than $375 million for Ukraine. He said this at a joint news conference with Zelenskyy.
Biden says that NATO and the EU are in such unity that there is no sign of any weakening of support for Ukraine.
Only 86 out of 213 Republican congressmen came to hear Zelensky’s speech in the US Congress – The Hill.
After meeting with Biden in Washington, Zelensky said that he was not ready for compromises in order to achieve a “just peace.” He also said that in order to achieve peace, he wants compensations for Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki believes that the EU would not have the current tough stance on Russia if the leading role in the community currently belonged to Germany.
“It is worth noting that if Germany now belonged to the leading role in Europe, there would not be such a tough stance on Russia. We are already paying a huge price for political mistakes, especially of German leadership, but if Berlin decided everything, that price would be even higher,” he told La Stampa.
Ukraine will receive 900 generators from the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
