Xi Jinping reiterated China's stance on Ukraine war settlement

During a meeting with Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, on Dec. 12, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing’s stance on resolving the war in Ukraine, emphasizing three principles: preventing the conflict from expanding beyond its current theater, avoiding escalation, and deterring any party from exacerbating the situation. Xi called for international cooperation to foster “favorable conditions” for a political settlement while underscoring Beijing’s claim of neutrality. However, China’s position has come under scrutiny amid reports that it has supplied dual-use goods bolstering Russia’s defense industry. In November, evidence emerged that China may have provided Moscow with lethal aid, including attack drones, further fueling international criticism of Beijing’s ties with Russia.

Despite maintaining that it has not provided military assistance to any side, Beijing declined Ukraine’s invitation to a peace summit earlier this year, citing unmet conditions. China continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution, but its actions—such as indirect support for Russia—have raised doubts about its neutrality. As Beijing balances its strategic alignment with Moscow and its global reputation, the international community remains skeptical of its role in the Ukraine conflict.

Polish PM has denied plans of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk dismissed speculation regarding Poland’s potential deployment of troops to Ukraine, firmly stating that no plans exist for a European peacekeeping force. Speaking during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Tusk sought to end rumors surrounding Poland’s military intentions, emphasizing that "Polish actions will be decided exclusively in Warsaw" and affirming there are no such initiatives under consideration at present.

In response, Macron underscored the principle of Ukrainian sovereignty in determining its future, highlighting the broader implications of security in the region. "Strong security in Ukraine is strong security in Europe," he remarked, stressing the importance of equipping Kyiv with robust security guarantees. The leaders' remarks reflect a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine diplomatically and militarily while avoiding direct military intervention by European nations.

The situation near Pokrovsk remains critical as Russians are just within six kilometers of proximity

Ukrainian defense forces are contending with relentless Russian offensives south of Pokrovsk, where Moscow's troops are leveraging significant advantages in manpower and artillery. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that the situation on the Pokrovsk front has reached a critical juncture, with Russian forces concentrating their efforts around the settlements of Novyi Trud and Dachenske. These maneuvers have brought Russian units to within six kilometers of Pokrovsk, raising concerns of a potential encirclement of Ukrainian troops between Novyi Trud and Dachenske as a prelude to a larger offensive on Shevchenko.

Lieutenant Colonel Nazar Voloshyn of the Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Group confirmed the destruction of two Ukrainian positions and the loss of another during prolonged clashes, though efforts are underway to reclaim these areas. The commander of a Ukrainian battalion described the situation as dire, citing up to 30 daily attacks by Russian forces and their substantial advantage in artillery and personnel. Despite suffering nearly 3,000 casualties in the region over the past two weeks, Russian command appears determined to seize Pokrovsk, signaling the high strategic value it places on advancing in this sector.