Antonina Tumanova
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the decision of the San Francisco International Wine Competition to disqualify 15 Russian wineries from the 2025 competition. Their wines will be disposed of due to violations of US sanctions legislation imposed in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced that the completion of work on the "Mostytska" metro station in its main structures is expected in 2026. The contractor is working around the clock at 6 construction sites, and the right tunnel from "Mostytska" to "Syrets" and part of the ventilation units have already been built.
The situation near Siversk is tense, the enemy is trying to bypass the city. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are blocking the advance and destroying assault groups that have penetrated the city.
Before the holidays, passenger traffic through the checkpoints of Lviv Oblast increases as Ukrainians travel abroad. The heaviest load is observed at "Shehyni" and "Krakovets", and the least at "Smilnytsia" and "Nyzhankovychi".
Bohdan Kukura has been appointed chairman of the board of Ukrnafta following an open selection process. Naftogaz expects the new head to fulfill all strategic tasks.
Putin also noted that politicians in Europe are raising the "degree of hysteria" and "instilling fears" about the inevitability of a clash with the Russian Federation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian servicemen undergoing rehabilitation in the Netherlands and presented them with state awards. He thanked the Netherlands for its support and assistance in the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers.
Today, the enemy again attacked the south of Odesa region with attack drones. Civilian and transport infrastructure facilities were damaged, there were no casualties.
Alex Kleitman, a Holocaust survivor, died during a terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, protecting his wife. The couple had been together for over 60 years; Larisa Kleitman survived.
Lithuanian authorities have arrested 21 individuals allegedly linked to a criminal network that smuggled cigarettes from Belarus using weather balloons. The operation involved over 80 searches and the seizure of contraband goods, luxury cars, and weapons.
The boxing gloves of world champion Oleksandr Usyk were raffled off in Lviv. The 300,000 hryvnias raised will be used to rebuild the Roman Shukhevych museum, destroyed by a Russian Shahed drone on January 1, 2024.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation explained how to stay online using xPON technology, which provides internet for up to 72 hours without electricity. To connect, you need to find a provider that uses xPON and arrange for the installation of an optical cable to your home.
On December 17, hourly power outage schedules and power limitations will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Ukraine has returned 45 citizens who were held in temporary detention centers for foreigners in the Russian Federation. Also, 15 Ukrainians, most of whom are mobility-impaired, have returned from the Russian Federation and temporarily occupied territories as part of family reunification.
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in The Hague. They discussed continued defense assistance to Ukraine and joint efforts to achieve peace.
Ukraine has freed up at least 800 MW of electricity capacity after reviewing the lists of critical infrastructure facilities. This will allow for a reduction in the duration of power outage schedules for the population and industry.
In Kyiv, in Novobilychi, the police detained an offender who resisted and used gas. A law enforcement officer fired a warning shot into the air.
Since its launch on December 3, over 24,100 tickets have been issued. The program is actively used by volunteers, students, and children from frontline territories. The most popular routes are: Kyiv - Konotop, Kyiv - Mykolaiv, Kharkiv - Kyiv, Odesa - Dnipro, Dnipro - Lviv.
Over 17 million Ukrainians have applied for the "winter thousand", of which 13 million have already received payments. The funds can be used until the end of June next year for utility services, medicines, groceries, books, charity, or postal services.
A meeting took place in The Hague between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset. The parties discussed the creation of an international compensation mechanism and an International Compensation Commission for Ukraine.
3D printing has become an integral part of education and local production in Ukraine, opening up new opportunities for STEM education and small businesses. LBL Corp supports this development by offering high-quality Ukrainian filament for 3D printing.
The spokesman for the Russian dictator, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russia is not interested in a temporary cessation of hostilities. He noted that Moscow would not participate in short-term solutions.
In Ternopil, a third-grader suddenly died, as reported by the educational institution. The police have launched a criminal investigation under the article concerning improper performance of professional duties by medical personnel.
Negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine are about to begin in Berlin. Representatives from the US, Italy, France, and other countries are present at the meeting.
Ukraine may receive security guarantees similar to Article 5 of the NATO treaty under a peace agreement discussed in Berlin. These guarantees will not be permanent, as US President Donald Trump insists on ending the war started by Russia in 2014.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the downing of an out-of-control drone over the Black Sea. The target was detected and brought under control by an F-16 fighter jet.
Today, European leaders, including Macron and Rutte, will meet with Zelenskyy to get an update on the negotiations between Ukraine and the United States. Donald Trump is also expected to join the conversation via a phone call.
US President Donald Trump will join the conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders regarding a peace plan. This was reported by an American official, and Zelenskyy did not give a clear answer regarding the possible conversation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated there is a chance for peace in Ukraine, noting diplomatic efforts, particularly by US President Donald Trump. He hopes for further progress during dinner with European leaders, where territorial concessions remain a key issue.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Russia to arrange a truce for Christmas, hoping for a display of humanity. He stated this at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.