President Zelensky reveals final goal, Russia says Kiev wasted turning point opportunity

On December 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the effectiveness of Western-supplied air defense systems. In addition, Mr. Zelensky also revealed plans to increase domestic weapons production.

Nhân viên cứu hộ làm việc tại một bệnh viện ở Selydove, Ukraine, ngày 21/11, sau khi cơ sở này bị tấn công tên lửa trong xung đột với Nga. (Nguồn: Reuters)

Rescue workers work at a hospital in Selydove, Ukraine, November 21. (Source: Reuters)

"Our air defense forces have done a great job. In the past 24 hours, they have intercepted 30 enemy drones. In a week, we have caused the enemy to lose 104 UAVs, not counting other types of missiles that were also intercepted," Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Air defense systems such as Patriot, NASAMS and Gepard are showing excellent efficiency. I thank all parties that have helped Ukraine."

On the same day, President Zelensky held a meeting with senior Ukrainian military officials. The meeting lasted nearly 3 hours, focusing on plans to build defense fortifications and increase domestic weapons production.

"We are working hard with our partners to establish new production facilities in Ukraine. The ultimate goal is to improve defense capabilities month by month," the Ukrainian leader stressed.

* On the same day, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its air force shot down a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter in the Zaporizhzhia region.

The announcement stated: "In addition to the Mi-8 helicopters, the Russian military successfully intercepted 49 enemy UAVs in the Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. In addition, we also shot down 10 missiles launched from the HIMARS, Urgan and Olkha complexes."

* Also on December 16, Russian Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy commented that Kiev wasted the opportunity to have a favorable turning point. Any agreement that could be reached now would only reflect surrender.

Mr. Polyanskiy appeared to be referring to a preliminary agreement between Russia and Ukraine at a round of peace talks held in Türkiye in March 2022.

"Everyone knows that the agreement was made by Kiev's negotiators. Many people know that the US and UK played a direct role in persuading the Ukrainian government to abandon the agreement," he stressed.

Moscow has repeatedly accused the West, especially Britain, of urging Ukraine to scrap the deal and continue fighting against Russia.

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