Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval ratings have significantly declined, with a recent poll indicating that only 52% of Ukrainians express confidence in his leadership as of late 2024, down from 77% at the end of 2023. Conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS),the survey involved 2,000 respondents from areas under Ukrainian control and highlights a growing discontent among citizens after nearly three years of intense conflict with Russia. Support for Zelensky remains strongest in the West and Central regions, where the war’s impact has been less severe, while only 42% of those in the East and 46% in the south continue to back him, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the Ukrainian government amid the protracted war.Ukrainian forces are fiercely defending the industrial city of Kourakhové in eastern Ukraine, despite claims from russia that they have captured the area. With a pre-war population of around 18,000, Kourakhové has been a strategic stronghold for Ukrainian troops in the Donbass region. As fighting intensifies, the Ukrainian military has reported ongoing resistance against Russian attempts to leverage their numerical superiority. The khortytsia troop group stated that operations are underway to locate and neutralize enemy assault units that have infiltrated their positions, highlighting the critical nature of the conflict in this vital industrial zone.Keith Kellogg, the special envoy from the Trump management for peace in Ukraine, has postponed his visit to Kyiv until after Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, according to Reuters. This decision comes despite earlier statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had indicated that kellogg would visit before the inauguration. The reasons for the delay remain unclear, and no new date for the trip has been announced. Meanwhile, concerns are rising regarding the Ukrainian brigade “Anne de Kiev,” which has faced controversy over reports of notable desertions among it’s ranks after training in France.Ukrainian military leadership has acknowledged ongoing challenges within the “Anne de kiev” brigade,especially regarding command and training processes. commander Mikhaïlo Drapaty confirmed that while issues have arisen, efforts are underway to resolve them, emphasizing that desertions among soldiers trained in France remain minimal. This admission comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ukraine’s military readiness as the conflict continues. Simultaneously occurring, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has advocated for a return to internationally recognized borders in Ukraine, suggesting that any further solutions should originate from Ukraine itself, while also calling for an accelerated expansion of the European Union to the east and southeast to counter Russian aggression.
Ukrainian Forces Claim Gains in Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainian military commander Mikhaïlo Drapaty reported on Sunday that Ukrainian forces are inflicting continuous losses on Russian troops in the Kursk region, a strategic area near the Russian border. This announcement comes as Russia claims to have repelled a surprise offensive from Ukraine, which has already seen Ukrainian forces gain control over several hundred square kilometers as an unexpected assault began in August 2024. Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s renewed military actions may aim to regain battlefield initiative ahead of significant political shifts, including the potential return of donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. Some experts speculate that this offensive could be a tactical maneuver to stretch Russian defenses, potentially weakening their positions elsewhere on the front lines in Ukraine.
On January 5th, thousands of Orthodox Ukrainians gathered along the Dnieper River in Kyiv to partake in a traditional festivity that commemorates the baptism of Christ. Despite the ongoing conflict between russia and Ukraine, this annual event saw participants immersing themselves in the icy waters three times, a ritual performed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy spirit. This poignant moment not only highlights the resilience of Ukrainian culture but also serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive amidst adversity.un sabotage présumé qui a touché plusieurs câbles sous-marins, ont été réparés, annonce ce lundi l’opérateur Elisa.
«Les réparations ont eu lieu aujourd’hui», dit à l’AFP le responsable de la sécurité d’Elisa Jaakko Wallenius, alors que les autorités finlandaises enquêtent sur le sabotage qu’il soupçonne avoir été causé par un pétrolier, l’Eagle S, suspecté de faire partie d’une «flotte fantôme» russe.
➤ A ce sujet: Cette tentaculaire et inquiétante «flotte fantôme» russe
