Russian-Ukrainian war (news of the last 24 hours - dec 15)

Geopolitical Developments:

The NATO Secretary-General suggested postponing peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and instead providing Ukraine with more weapons to continue resisting. This proposal has elicited various responses among Western politicians and analysts, highlighting the tension in international relations and support for Ukraine.

Military Losses and Actions:

Russia continues to suffer high casualties, with reports of 1500 deaths per day, setting new records for the conflict's casualties. Russian forces have also used a new weapon called "Oreshnik" to strike Ukraine, leading to evacuations in some Russian areas, like near the Kapustin Yar range, due to the threat of retaliatory drone attacks.

Tactics and Operations on the Front Line:

The situation on the battlefield remains extremely tense. Ukrainian units are almost completely encircled south of Kurakhovo, indicating active and fierce fighting in that area. While Russian forces attempt to advance, capturing some territories like Olgokva, Ukrainian military continues to successfully defend significant parts of the occupied territory.

International Comments and Diplomacy:

In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Sergey Lavrov claimed that Russia did not start the war but intervened to stop a civil war in Ukraine, and that the "Oreshnik" strikes were in response to the US allowing the use of ATACMS on Russian soil. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a joint briefing with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, expressed determination to end the war in 2025, emphasizing that Russia must make concessions.

Prospects for Peace Process:

The Russian side, through Putin's press secretary Peskov, stated readiness to ceasefire and start negotiations if Ukraine renounces the four regions, Crimea, and the idea of joining NATO, which was perceived as an unrealistic offer from Ukraine's perspective.