December 11 saw increasing attention to the war in Ukraine and the search for ways to end it. Donald Trump called for a swift resolution to the conflict, urged President Zelensky to be realistic, and declared that most Ukrainians support a peace agreement. Trump also stressed the need for elections in Ukraine, citing corruption as a major challenge to democracy there.
Zelensky in response instructed the Verkhovna Rada to prepare legislative changes to enable elections during martial law. Polls confirm that most Ukrainians view negotiations as a realistic path to ending the war but insist on international security guarantees for any ceasefire.
Internationally, talks are ongoing about Ukraine's financing. The head of Belgium's Euroclear depository stated that using frozen Russian assets could be illegal, but pressure from allies to transfer them to Ukraine is intensifying. The EU warns Belgium it risks diplomatic isolation if it blocks aid for Ukraine. The US is discussing ways with European leaders to reintegrate Russia into the global economy and involve American investment in key Russian sectors should the conflict be resolved.
On the battlefield, drone attacks continue: Ukrainian UAVs hit the Russian "Dashan" tanker in the Black Sea and damaged energy and industrial sites in Russia. In return, Russia carried out heavy strikes on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure facilities.
Other events include the Miami mayoral election where a Democrat's victory is seen as a setback for Trump ahead of US election campaigns. Meanwhile, the US Congress approved a defense budget including aid for Ukraine.
The next key EU summit is set for December 18, when a decision on Ukraine's financing is expected. Discussions continue as support for Ukraine remains a top issue on the international agenda.
