Antonina Tumanova
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Hungary, the US, Slovakia, and possibly a few other allies oppose Ukraine's membership in the Alliance. He noted that at the 2024 Washington Summit, allies agreed on Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO, but in practice, some members are against it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels. The main topic of discussion was the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, as well as coordination with Europe and the United States on the peace process.
Since the beginning of the day, 98 combat engagements have been recorded, the enemy is actively operating in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions. The defense forces are repelling attacks in several directions, and battles are ongoing in many locations.
The Kyiv City Council approved the capital's budget for next year, which amounts to over 106 billion hryvnias. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the budget is balanced and ensures the city's vital functions, assistance to the military, and socially vulnerable Kyiv residents.
A man from Kharkiv, who violated traffic rules 86 times, was sentenced to 2 years in prison. He ignored court decisions to deprive him of the right to drive vehicles.
In a capital school, a student threw an airsoft grenade, which detonated under the stairs. There are no casualties, law enforcement officers are working at the scene.
European officials say every act of sabotage – from vandalism of monuments to cyberattacks and warehouse fires – consumes valuable security resources.
On December 18, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law granting military personnel released from captivity an additional leave of 90 calendar days with the preservation of monetary allowance. This leave is granted without additional conditions and without division into parts.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appealed to the heads of states, parliaments, and governments of democratic countries of the world, as well as the International Paralympic Committee. This appeal concerns the ban on the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international sports competitions.
Melania Trump has released a trailer for the documentary "Melania," which chronicles the 20 days leading up to the US presidential inauguration for a second term. The film will be released in cinemas worldwide on January 30, 2026.
In Nigeria, armed men attacked a church in Kogi State, abducting at least 13 parishioners. The attack provoked a shootout with local hunters.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency proposes inspecting Airbus SE A320 aircraft and requires repairs to panels found on fuselages that do not meet specifications due to a quality issue in manufacturing. A total of 628 aircraft contain panels that may be too thick or too thin, with about 170 of them already in service.
Ukraine will increase the accessibility of prostheses and orthoses for civilians affected by Russian aggression by increasing compensation and, for the first time, providing children with bionic prostheses. The government has adopted a corresponding decision, while maintaining the algorithm for receiving assistance.
The Ukrainian government has approved a decision to compensate for the costs of retrofitting cars for people with disabilities. The payment amount will be up to UAH 50,000, and applications can be submitted in person or online.
The Danube Commission has decided to create a Register of Damages from Russian aggression on the Lower Danube. This will ensure systematic collection of data on the damages caused and their transfer to the Council of Europe and the EU for compensation.
The Ukrainian government has approved a package of Ministry of Defense decisions to launch the Defence City space from January 5, 2026. This will provide comprehensive state support to Ukrainian arms manufacturers for scaling up, modernizing production, and generating innovations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects that the meeting of European leaders in Brussels will convince Russia of the futility of continuing the war next year. He also counts on continuing negotiations with the American team on peace and security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Moscow is preparing next year as a year of war, and these are signals not only for Ukraine. He emphasized the need for partners, particularly the US, to react to this rhetoric, which undermines diplomacy.
Lioness Vasylina, rescued from Kharkiv region, died in a rehabilitation center in South Africa. She did not wake up, showing no signs of illness, after being evacuated and living with lion Nikola.
On December 18, hourly shutdown schedules and power limitations for industrial consumers will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense. This will increase pressure on Putin and accelerate the end of the war, despite some countries' fears of possible reprisals.
US President Donald Trump said he expects "incredible things" from Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, particularly regarding the deal for American F-35 fighter jets. Babiš promised to review this deal, which the previous Czech government approved in 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will participate in the EU leaders' summit in Brussels to discuss a loan secured by Russian assets. Belgium is resisting, fearing financial liabilities in case of retaliatory measures from Moscow.
Oleksandr Kornienko, the first vice-speaker of the parliament, headed the “Servant of the People” party. Davyd Arakhamia announced this, thanking his predecessor Olena Shuliak.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that his country will not participate in the meeting of EU leaders with their counterparts from the Western Balkans. This is Vučić's personal decision, who claims to be protecting the interests of Serbia, which has made little progress in its bid to join the EU.
As a result of the Russian air strike on Zaporizhzhia, 30 people were injured, including 5 children. Emergency rescue operations have been completed, and State Emergency Service psychologists have provided assistance to 27 citizens.
The European Parliament has voted for a scheme that would allow women from countries with restrictive abortion laws to have free abortions in another EU member state. The European Commission is expected to decide on this proposal in March.
Artificial intelligence in Diia processed a million dialogues without an operator, consulting on over 165 services. It helps with 90% of user requests, providing quick answers 24/7.
Since the beginning of the day, 87 combat engagements have taken place. The enemy is actively operating in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions, having carried out 60 shellings and airstrikes.
The chief state inspector of the Main Directorate of the State Tax Service in Cherkasy region has been notified of suspicion. She failed to declare five of her husband's cars worth over UAH 7 million.