In an interview with the BBC, Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, expressed concerns over the potential consequences of reduced financial support from western countries. Zelenska issued the warning a day after Republican senators in the US blocked a crucial aid bill worth over $60 billion for Ukraine.

Zelenska emphasized that the slowdown in aid posed a "mortal danger" to her country. The White House has already cautioned that US funds for Ukraine could soon deplete, and Republicans have obstructed an agreement to authorize additional assistance. The United Kingdom has also been urging politicians in Washington DC to reach a consensus on a deal for Ukraine. UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, during his recent visit to Washington, stressed that the US was the "linchpin" of the western coalition supporting Ukraine's fight against Russia.

Amidst these developments, Ukraine's first lady highlighted the significance of ongoing financial assistance. Zelenska's concerns were echoed by reports indicating that Avdiivka, an eastern Ukrainian city experiencing intense warfare, is on the brink of an "imminent collapse" in the face of Russian forces. An article in The Times by its former Kyiv correspondent revealed that Ukrainian troops defending the frontlines are facing ammunition shortages, hampering their ability to repel the advancing enemy.

Moreover, Ukraine condemned Russian plans to hold presidential elections next spring on occupied territory, declaring them "null and void." The country vowed to prosecute any observers sent to monitor these elections. Russia's upper house set the date for its presidential election in March and announced that residents in four occupied Ukrainian regions would be able to vote for the first time.

The article also shed light on the ongoing dispute between protesting Polish truckers and the delivery of military equipment to Ukraine. The Polish government denied reports of any hindrance caused by these protests and stated that military convoys crossing the border are escorted by military police.

In a related development, Olympic chiefs received criticism for permitting Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals in upcoming events, excluding team events, provided they do not actively support the invasion.

The Finnish supreme court blocked the extradition of a Russian neo-Nazi group leader who fought in Ukraine due to concerns about potential inhuman treatment, which is prohibited under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed the expectation of a prolonged war in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, stating that Germany should be prepared to continue aiding Kyiv until 2025.

A group of European parliament members urged the European Commission and the Polish government to take decisive action and put an end to the blockade of border crossings between Poland and Ukraine caused by protesting truckers. They argued that such a situation only served the interests of the Kremlin and damaged the reputation of Poland and the European Union.

As part of ongoing efforts, Ukrainian authorities have been working to remove Soviet-era monuments, with the recent dismantling of a statue of a Red Army commander in the capital city of Kyiv.

The situation in Ukraine remains critical, with the need for continued financial support from western countries becoming increasingly apparent. The actions and decisions of international stakeholders will play a crucial role in determining the future course of events in the region.