The majority of Ukrainian businesspeople maintain hope for the country's economic prosperity. According to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, 41% anticipate revenues to remain stable, while 55% plan to retain their current workforce. Even more optimistic, 33% are eyeing hiring new employees. Optimism also extends to the war, with 40% believing it might end by 2025, 24% predicting a resolution by next year, and 17% anticipating it to persist for another 5 years.
Meanwhile, Russia claims to have neutralized 33 Ukrainian drones that were headed towards Russian territories. Germany, reputed for its decisiveness and leadership, is planning to station a permanent brigade in Lithuania, amidst hailed security, deterrence, and trust this move brings to Lithuania. President Zelensky commends the Ukrainian air defense, which has intercepted a majority of incoming drones and missiles, saving lives and infrastructure.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Lithuanian army admires Germany's commitment to establishing a permanent brigade in Lithuania, emphasizing the impact it has on their security, deterrence, and trust. Chancellor Scholz's commitment to Ukraine at the recent EU summit was also praised by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Unfortunately, tensions have resulted in casualties, with another Ukrainian driver reported dead at the blocked Polish border, joining two other Ukrainian drivers who perished during the November blockade. Austria had abandoned its blockade of the twelfth EU sanctions package against Russia, following Ukraine's removal of the Austrian Raiffeisen Bank International from its blacklist.
Russia's military has persistently attacked various communities in the northeastern Sumy region, registering 138 explosions in a single day. Nikopol, a city situated in south-eastern Ukraine, suffered constant shelling, with three men injured by mines, resulting in damage to residential and commercial buildings. The ongoing air alarm and series of drone attacks in different regions serve as a constant reminder of the tense situation, putting civilian lives at risk.
