Ukraine wants quick negotiations with the EU – the night update without photos Putin makes a clear announcement to the Russian media about the war in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for quick negotiations with the European Union on his country’s accession to the EU. The decision to admit Ukraine is one of the most important of this decade and crucial for Europe’s common security, Zelensky said Thursday in a speech at the summit of EU heads of state and government in Brussels.

Russia’s goal, on the other hand, is not only to prevent Ukraine from joining the EU and NATO, but also to decide on the membership of other countries. “This war is about deciding what Europe should look like. And the decision on this lies with you and me, not with the Kremlin,” Zelensky said.

There were air raid sirens again in parts of Ukraine on Friday evening because Russia flew combat drones against targets in the neighboring country. Ukraine has been defending a Russian invasion for more than twenty months. It is supported by many countries. Zelenskyj thanked Denmark and the US for new military aid.

Zelenskyj: Ukraine is doing its homework for the EU

Ukraine has been a candidate for EU membership since 2022. The intention is that an official decision on the start of accession negotiations will be made in Brussels before the end of the year. “Every country’s path to the EU is work based on merit and institutional development,” Zelenskyj said in the video link to the EU summit. “Ukraine is doing this work.” Despite the war, Kiev is not demanding aid, but is implementing the European Commission’s recommendations.

The president signed a law on Thursday that provides special control over the assets of high-ranking politicians and officials. Reducing corruption is seen as an important condition for rapprochement with the EU.

Thanks for the help from Denmark and the US

Zelenskyj thanked the US and Denmark for new military assistance. It is important that the enemies of freedom are not under the illusion that the defenders of freedom cannot tolerate an arms marathon.

The new US package worth 150 million dollars (approximately 142 million euros) includes AIM-9 missiles for air defense, Stinger missiles and ammunition for multiple rocket launchers of the Himars type. According to government information, Denmark provides Ukraine with artillery, modernized tanks and armored personnel carriers of Soviet design, as well as recovery vehicles and ammunition worth about 500 million euros.

Difficult situation for Ukrainians in the frontline city of Avdiivka

The situation for Ukrainian troops in the disputed city of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine has deteriorated. “A battle is taking place here in which the (Russian) enemy is deploying its main forces,” journalist Yuri Butussov, who is well connected in the military, wrote on Telegram. According to several sources, the supply corridor for Ukrainian troops has been reduced to six to eight kilometers.

Of the once more than 30,000 inhabitants, only about 1,000 remain in the heavily destroyed industrial city. Avdiivka is already more than half surrounded by Russian troops. The front line against Moscow-backed separatists in the regional capital Donetsk has run south of the city since 2014. The Ukrainian General Staff announced on Thursday evening that fourteen Russian attacks had been repulsed during the day. The Russian army suffers heavy losses near Avdiivka, but continues to surround the city.

Kiev denies reports of blocked shipping corridors

The Ukrainian government has denied reports of an alleged blockage of the Black Sea shipping corridor. “All existing routes established by the Ukrainian Navy are valid and used by civilian ships,” the Ministry of Infrastructure in Kyiv said. Currently, 23 ships are being loaded in the Black Sea ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyj.

With the shipping corridor, Ukraine defies a Russian naval blockade. Since the end of the grain agreement in July, Moscow has wanted to block shipping traffic to and from Ukraine via the Black Sea. In recent months, however, Ukraine has driven out Russian forces by shelling the occupied Crimean peninsula to the extent that their planes and ships can barely operate in the western Black Sea.

The Ukrainian economy is growing faster than expected

The Ukrainian central bank has increased its economic growth forecasts despite the war. The economy is expected to grow by 4.9 percent this year instead of the previously expected 2.9 percent, the central bank said. At the same time, inflation expectations drop from 10.6 to 5.8 percent. According to the report, the economy and the population are now better prepared for the war situation.

Higher crop estimates, new export routes and higher household spending are also improving the outlook. Last year the economy collapsed by 29.1 percent. More than 50 percent of the Ukrainian budget is financed from abroad.

This will be important on Friday

The EU summit continues in Brussels, where, in addition to the escalation in the Middle East, support for Ukraine will also be discussed. (sda/dpa)