Ukraine's national debt reached almost US$160 billion

Ukraine's state and state-guaranteed debt has reached UAH 6,644.68 billion, equivalent to USD 159.74 billion, as of November 30, 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine.

The debt includes UAH 4,770.12 billion (USD 114.68 billion) in external obligations, accounting for 71.79% of the total. Domestic debt comprises UAH 1,874.56 billion (USD 45.07 billion), making up the remaining 28.21%.

Public debt alone amounts to UAH 6,365.47 billion, or 95.80% of the total, translating to USD 153.03 billion. Within this category, external borrowings are the largest component, totaling UAH 4,557.48 billion (USD 109.57 billion). Internal debt stands at UAH 1,807.99 billion (USD 43.47 billion).

State-guaranteed debt, which includes both external and internal guarantees, totals UAH 279.21 billion (USD 6.71 billion). Of this, UAH 212.64 billion (USD 5.11 billion) is external, and UAH 66.57 billion (USD 1.60 billion) is domestic.

In November alone, the total debt rose by UAH 231.12 billion (USD 4.37 billion), reflecting significant fiscal pressures as Ukraine continues to finance its defense and recovery efforts amid ongoing challenges.

Slovakia offered Putin itself as venue for new Ukrainian Peace Summit

Slovakia has expressed its willingness to contribute to peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine by offering itself as a venue for negotiations. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár reportedly stated that Slovakia supports peaceful solutions and any initiatives that promote peace. He mentioned Slovakia’s participation in this year’s Peace Summit in Switzerland, where attendees agreed on the need for inclusive negotiations involving all parties, including Russia. Blanár emphasized that Slovakia’s government is prepared to actively facilitate discussions and is engaged in preparations for a second Peace Summit.

Blanár also commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that Slovakia could host part of the peace talks, describing it as a positive sign toward ending the conflict. He reportedly noted that such a proposal aligns with Slovakia’s consistent efforts to mediate peace and end the ongoing destruction. Blanár further shared that Slovakia had communicated its readiness to host talks to Ukrainian officials during a government meeting in Uzhhorod earlier this year.

Ukraine has finished building fortifications in Zaporizhzhia

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Dec. 27 that the construction of fortifications in Zaporizhzhia and surrounding settlements has been fully completed. According to Shmyhal, Ukraine has built 358 military strongpoints and hundreds of kilometers of defensive lines in the region, with an investment of 1.9 billion hryvnias ($45.5 million) from the state budget. The fortifications aim to bolster Ukraine’s defenses amid warnings from Kyiv about a possible Russian offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. President Volodymyr Zelensky previously noted on Nov. 25 that Ukrainian intelligence has identified potential threats from Russian troop movements in the region.

Despite the completed fortifications, tension remains high in Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian military spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn warned in November that a renewed Russian offensive could happen "any day." While the offensive has not yet materialized, reports indicate that the situation on the front line is becoming increasingly tense. Analysts have observed Russia's military advancing at its fastest rate since 2022, and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov has stated Moscow’s intention to capture all of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to target Zaporizhzhia and nearby settlements with aerial strikes, sustaining pressure on the region.