Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that the texts on frozen Russian assets for the EU summit are still being worked on. Belgium does not support the idea of a reparations loan, but is ready for it if the risks are shared and the country is protected.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Brussels for the EU summit. The summit will address the issue of financing Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets.
President Zelenskyy stated that his address from Kupyansk influenced conversations with Americans and Europeans. He noted that his personal presence in the city refuted Putin's statements about the occupation of new territories.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the United States had inquired about presidential elections in Ukraine, but elections to the Verkhovna Rada and local elections were not discussed. He also expressed support for online voting, particularly through "Diia."
At night, Russia attacked 5 regions, blacking out over 180,000 consumers, most of whom have already been reconnected. In Odesa region, 12,000 subscribers remain without electricity, and the cancellation of outage schedules is impossible.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy named three fundamental things in security guarantees from the US, including legally binding guarantees, an analogue of NATO Article 5, and a response to Russian aggression. He also mentioned details regarding weapons and the size of the Ukrainian army, which are not yet being disclosed.
President Zelenskyy states that Putin's signals about unwillingness to end the war are not new. The possibility of continuing the war depends on pressure from partners, particularly the US, and sanctions.
The White House said the US would be "lucky" if Donald Trump remained president "even longer. "
The US Senate has confirmed Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator. He will lead the 14,000-employee agency, which is investing billions of dollars in returning humans to the Moon and sending astronauts to Mars.
The United States has approved an $11. 1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the largest ever arms package for the island. The move comes amid increasing military pressure from China and includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, and Javelin anti-tank missiles.
At Thursday's EU summit, leaders will try to persuade Belgium to agree to the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. This is the EU's last chance to greenlight a proposal to raise 210 billion euros from Russian assets.
Over the past day, 134 combat engagements took place on the front line, which is half as many as the day before. The greatest activity was observed in the Pokrovsk direction, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled 38 enemy attacks.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for Venezuela, condemning unilateral pressure. This came after US President Donald Trump ordered the blocking of oil tankers to increase pressure on the South American country.
Russia launched 82 drones at Ukraine overnight, 63 of which were shot down or suppressed. 19 attack UAVs were recorded hitting 12 locations.
EU diplomats are trying to find a compromise on financial aid to Ukraine ahead of the bloc's leaders' summit. Options being considered include a loan based on frozen Russian assets or joint EU debt.
In Kryvyi Rih, four people were injured as a result of a UAV attack, two were hospitalized. Private and two-story houses, an administrative building, and a cultural institution were damaged. Nikopol region was shelled with MLRS and an FPV drone.
The first trailer for Steven Spielberg's film "Day of Disclosure" has been released. In it, a Kansas City TV presenter falls into a strange trance, and a mysterious man claims to know the truth.
Nearly a million Ukrainian children live in an "eternal lockdown," studying online due to the pandemic and war. This has led to a deterioration in psychological well-being but has also revealed a high level of resilience among young people.
The European Union has abandoned a complete ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. Car manufacturers will be able to sell a limited number of such vehicles provided that emissions are offset by carbon credits.
Ursula von der Leyen criticized Donald Trump's attacks on Europe, calling for the continent's independence. She emphasized changes in the global economy and the need for its own path.
Norway has announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth 3. 2 billion Norwegian kroner (about 267 million euros). The funds will be used to purchase ammunition for F-16s and air defense systems within the framework of the JUMPSTART initiative.
European Council President António Costa stated that the EU will not impose a reparation loan for Ukraine at the leaders' summit if Belgium opposes it. This is a departure from his previous position, where he noted that the scheme only required a qualified majority.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine is a “far from easy” task. She emphasized the need for a strong legal basis and avoiding open-ended commitments for countries.
The United Kingdom will officially issue an order to transfer £2. 5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that this is Roman Abramovich's last chance to fulfill his obligations, otherwise legal action will be taken.
The French museum, the Louvre, partially reopened on Wednesday, despite an ongoing staff strike over wages and working conditions. Visitors will be able to see key masterpieces, such as the "Mona Lisa," amidst recent robbery incidents and infrastructure problems.
The Kremlin expects the US to provide information on the results of its work with Ukrainians and Europeans following reports of an expected discussion of proposals for peace talks. On December 16, President Zelenskyy announced an anticipated meeting between Ukraine and the US in Miami to discuss documents.
Donald Trump estimated the new White House ballroom, which could also host inaugurations, at up to $400 million. The project, funded by private donations, includes 5-inch glass windows and the demolition of the East Wing.
The European Parliament has finally approved a phased rejection of Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. The ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas on the EU spot market will come into effect at the beginning of 2026, and pipeline gas imports will cease by September 30, 2027.
A state-level emergency has been declared in Odesa region due to enemy attacks on energy infrastructure. Over 50,000 residents of the region were left without electricity for a long time.
As a result of the enemy attack on Zaporizhzhia and the district, 26 people were injured. More than 130 apartments were damaged in one of the city's locations.
