Zelenskyy visits Kupiansk, counters Russian claim
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Dec. 12 visited frontline Kupiansk in Kharkiv region and posted video from the city, weeks after Russia’s military claimed it had seized control. The visit comes ahead of Berlin talks Sunday with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on security guarantees and broader peace terms, as Germany’s chancellor and NATO’s secretary general warned that any cease-fire must include firm guarantees and that Russia could threaten NATO within five years.
📌 Key Facts
- Zelenskyy filmed in body armor at a 'Kupiansk' sign, stating Ukrainian troops are holding the sector.
- Russia’s TASS reported in November that Valery Gerasimov told Vladimir Putin Russian forces had 'liberated' Kupiansk.
- Berlin talks set for Sunday with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on security guarantees and peace framework.
📊 Relevant Data
In Kharkiv city, 78% of residents speak Russian at home, 16% speak Ukrainian, and 6% speak other languages, according to a 2023 survey.
Eighth Annual Ukrainian Municipal Survey — International Republican Institute
As of October 2025, 4.3 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine as a consequence of the war are under temporary protection in the EU.
Temporary protection for persons fleeing Ukraine - monthly statistics — Eurostat
In June 2024, 95% of respondents in Ukraine identified as ethnic Ukrainians, while 2% identified as ethnic Russians, a decrease from 2.6% in May 2023 and significantly lower than pre-war figures.
The identity of Ukraine’s citizens: trends of change (June, 2024) — Razumkov Centre
In 2024, 18 out of 32 NATO members spent at least 2.0 per cent of GDP on their militaries.