Zelensky: Ukraine aims to liberate all its territory, but tactics may change

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the country's strategic goal of reclaiming all its territory remains unchanged, emphasizing that these territories are constitutionally recognized as part of Ukraine. He mentioned that while the strategy cannot be altered, tactical adjustments might be considered based on the results of operations in southern Ukraine in 2023. Zelensky also highlighted that Russia failed to achieve its goals over the past year. The president did not reveal specific details about Ukraine's military plans for the upcoming year but acknowledged that the counteroffensive faced challenges. Ukraine's commander-in-chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, mentioned the complexity due to the lack of air superiority, a crucial aspect in NATO's doctrine.

UN records 142 cases of Russia's summary executions of Ukrainian civilians

UN human rights chief Volker Turk stated that suspected violations by Russia in Ukraine include 142 summary executions of Ukrainian civilians in the occupied territories. Turk emphasized that the provided numbers represent cases that could be verified, and the actual figures are likely higher. He mentioned ongoing monitoring that continues to indicate gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, along with war crimes, primarily committed by Russian forces. The UN had reported in November that at least 10,000 civilians had been confirmed killed, with over 18,500 injured due to Russia's war against Ukraine. The death toll of civilians in occupied territories is challenging to establish with certainty, and evidence of 109,000 Russian war crimes has been collected by Ukraine as of November 18.

440 million energy support fund to help Ukraine in winter

The Ukraine Energy Support Fund, established in the spring of 2022, has accumulated 400 million euros ($438 million), according to European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. The fund, a joint initiative between Simson and Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, is managed by the Energy Community Secretariat. Key donors to the fund include the EU, Germany, the U.K., Switzerland, the U.S., Belgium, Denmark, Austria, and private companies. The financial aid will assist Ukraine in coping with challenges in its energy sector, especially during the winter and amid intensified Russian attacks targeting critical infrastructure.