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.
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.
