Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,402

Russia’s Ongoing War with Ukraine Enters New Phase

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its 1,402nd day, several key developments have emerged on December 27. According to a report by Reuters, satellite imagery suggests that Moscow is likely to deploy new nuclear-capable hypersonic ballistic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus. This development could potentially enhance Russia’s ability to target European regions.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed interest in discussing territorial issues with US President Donald Trump during a meeting in Florida. Zelenskyy stated that a security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and the US is “almost ready” and that a draft of the 20-point peace framework is approximately 90% complete.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also spoke with Zelenskyy, emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on Russia to negotiate. Additionally, Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev participated in talks with members of the US administration, alongside Kremlin’s foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has sent New Year’s greetings to President Vladimir Putin, stating that his nation and Russia have shared “blood, life and death” in the Ukraine war. Pyongyang has also deployed thousands of troops to Russia to support the conflict.

In a separate development, a Moscow court has sentenced former Russian diplomat Arseniy Konovalov to 12 years in prison for selling secrets to US intelligence while serving as second secretary of the Russian Consulate General in Houston, Texas.

Source: Al Jazeera