Ukraine Pushes for NATO Membership as Russia Gains Ground

Russian forces make largest territorial advances since 2022, while Ukraine secures new Western military aid and renews NATO membership calls.

Russian forces captured 725 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in November, marking their largest monthly gain since March 2022.
The bulk of Russia's recent advances occurred in the Donetsk region, with Ukrainian control in the area dropping to less than one-third.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a €650 million military aid package for Ukraine, including Leopard 1 tanks and armed drones, during a surprise visit to Kyiv.
The United States pledged $725 million in new military aid to Ukraine, including missiles, drones, and anti-tank weapons, ahead of the upcoming presidential transition in January.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated calls for NATO membership, framing it as critical to Ukraine's survival and security against Russia.