For the third time in a day, an air alert has been declared across Ukraine due to a missile threat: a Russian MiG-31K has taken off.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called on the EU to take decisive measures in support of Ukraine, including military aid, a large EU budget to help Ukraine, and clarity on EU enlargement. He spoke out against any blackmail, in particular, regarding Hungary's position on Ukraine.
The National Bank of Ukraine cut its key policy rate from 16% to 15%, citing slowing inflation and stable currency conditions, but also recognizing risks such as war and volatile international aid.
Ukraine's Air Force reported a missile threat across the country.
Before the EU summit, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas warned of a "bad signal" not to start accession talks with Ukraine.
The EU summit has begun, focusing on Ukraine, EU enlargement, the IMF, the Middle East, security, and the fight against anti-Semitism. The Hungarian Prime Minister showed no signs of compromise on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that there is no connection between the €10. 2 billion allocation to Hungary from the EU and funding for Ukraine or EU membership negotiations. He suggested looking for funding for Ukraine outside the EU budget.
Lithuanian President Nausėda emphasizes the importance of unanimity in EU decision-making, warning against abuse of the principle, and emphasizes the historic chance to start EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocks Ukraine's EU accession talks, proposing to postpone them.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who returned to Brussels for the EU summit, prioritizes European unity and support for Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban remains opposed to the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, insisting that three of the seven preconditions are not met.
European Council President Charles Michel will meet with the leaders of several EU member states, Macron, Scholz and Orban, to make progress on Ukraine, ahead of the EU summit in Brussels.
Finland reopened two border crossing points with Russia, with lines of more than 50 cars at Niirala and calm traffic at Vaalimaa. There were no reports of asylum seekers, as most of the people crossing the border were dual nationals or locals.
Ukraine received about $900 million from the IMF for priority budget expenditures after the second program review was approved.
European Commission unblocks more than €10 billion in EU funds for Hungary.
Bad weather in Ukraine has left 225 settlements in five regions without power; restoration work continues and main roads remain passable.
Five Shahed drones were destroyed by air defense in Mykolaiv region; Russian troops shelled Ochakiv, the outskirts of Snihurivka and the Kutsurubska community, with no casualties reported.
Russian troops shelled Kupyansk, damaging several private houses and outbuildings.
Russian attacks on Odesa and Kherson regions result in casualties and damages.
An air alert was declared in Kyiv, Kyiv and Chernihiv regions due to a missile threat, and residents were urged to take shelter.
Truck traffic from Ukraine to Slovakia has partially resumed at the Uzhhorod checkpoint. The traffic was previously blocked by Slovak carriers on December 11.
During the day, Russian troops attacked Kherson region 114 times, killing one person and wounding one; critical infrastructure and residential areas were targeted.
According to the General Staff of Ukraine, since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops have suffered about 342,800 personnel losses and lost 5,692 tanks and other military equipment.
European Council President Charles Michel calls on the EU to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros and open accession talks, emphasizing the need for collective strength and determination.
MEPs called on EU leaders to start EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's statements against Ukraine's accession, emphasizing the strategic importance of EU enlargement. They insisted that the Copenhagen criteria should be met without accelerating the process.
Ukraine is working with international partners to create a comprehensive reform matrix covering areas ranging from the economy to education, reaffirming its commitment to reform despite Russian aggression.
Kyivstar's mobile network has been subjected to a cyberattack, which has led to interruptions in service. To prevent overloading of other networks, national roaming for Kyivstar subscribers has been temporarily blocked.
Russian troops attack Kherson.
Ukraine and Turkey will soon ratify the free trade agreement, which will enter into force in early 2024.
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine reports no shortage of electricity and no blackout schedules.
