Stepan Haftko
Google has introduced Gemini 3 Flash, a more accessible and faster version of its flagship AI model, which will replace Flash 2. 5 and become the basic system for AI functions in Google Search. This will allow users to instantly process complex multi-component queries.
Zelenskyy appointed Vadym Boichenko as head of the Mariupol City Military Administration. The new status of the body allows for prompt decision-making in the interests of the community, removing restrictions caused by the incapacity of the deputy corps.
The President of Mexico is ready to mediate negotiations between the US and Venezuela to prevent a regional conflict. This happened after Donald Trump imposed a blockade on oil tankers and increased military presence in the region.
The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council denied information about lowering the mobilization age and conscripting students. The CCD called this an enemy IPSO aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appealed to UEFA and European governments with a demand for a complete ban on the participation of Belarusian national teams and clubs in international tournaments. It is also proposed to restrict the entry of Belarusian athletes until the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty.
FIFA has announced the launch of a new competition for players under 15, open to all 211 member associations. This decision effectively lays the groundwork for the return of Russian teams to world football after their suspension in 2022 due to aggression against Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy held talks with Czech President Petr Pavel. The situation on the front, particularly the operation in Kupyansk, and defense support for Ukraine were discussed.
A photograph by Anastasia Taylor-Lind, taken in Poltava region, has been recognized as one of the best in the world by National Geographic. The shot, titled "In the Embrace of Family," is part of the "5K From the Frontline" project.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced the start of the winter season on children's railways in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Rivne. For the first time in 75 years, winter routes will depart in Lviv and Rivne.
Belgium has appealed to the EU with a proposal to activate an emergency provision for issuing joint debt to finance Ukraine's war efforts.
Trump ordered a full blockade of all sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. Caracas condemned the move as an open act of aggression, while Trump accused the government of Nicolas Maduro of drug trafficking and human trafficking.
The Special Operations Forces of Ukraine successfully attacked the field artillery depot of the 101st Logistics Brigade of the 51st Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation in Luhansk region. The operation was carried out on the night of December 17, 2025, using FP-2 attack UAVs.
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would achieve its military goals in Ukraine by force or diplomatically, calling European leaders "piglets. " He accused the previous US administration of provoking the conflict and threatened to liberate "historical lands" on the battlefield.
The Marshall Islands has launched a universal basic income program, where every resident will receive $200 USD quarterly. This is the world's first national scheme, funded by a trust fund of over $1.3 billion.
On December 17, 2025, German lawmakers plan to approve a record package of arms contracts worth over 50 billion euros. This funding is aimed at creating the strongest army in Europe and covers basic equipment, high-tech weapons, and air defense systems.
Orban announced that Moscow was preparing a "harsh response" to the EU's decision on the use of frozen Russian assets. He stated that he had personal communication with Vladimir Putin.
France is investigating an incident involving the discovery of malicious software on the passenger ferry Fantastic in the port of Sète. A Latvian citizen has been arrested on suspicion of a cyberattack.
KNDS, the manufacturer of Leopard 2 tanks, has confirmed its intention to conduct an initial public offering in 2026. A dual listing on the Paris and Frankfurt stock exchanges is planned to expand access to capital amid record demand for defense products.
Russian Defense Minister Belousov is spreading false information about the occupation forces' control over Kupyansk. Most of the city is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which continue to clear it of Russians.
The Center for Countering Disinformation reported on the Kremlin's preparations for a complete YouTube blockade. This decision is part of a systemic digital isolation and an attempt to establish full control over information in Russia.
Russia's military spending for the first 9 months of 2025 reached 11. 8 trillion rubles, four times more than in 2021. The war costs 43.4 billion rubles a day, absorbing 44% of federal taxes.
During the day, 255 combat engagements were recorded on the front line, with Russian troops concentrating their efforts on the Pokrovsk and Kupyansk directions. The enemy carried out 55 airstrikes and used almost 2,000 kamikaze drones.
The FCAS fifth-generation fighter jet program between France, Germany, and Spain has fallen into a deep crisis due to strategic disagreements. The project's implementation is now "very unlikely," and a decision on it will likely be postponed until 2026.
US President Donald Trump announced a special address to the American people from the White House. The speech is scheduled for Thursday at 04:00 Kyiv time.
OpenAI has updated ChatGPT Images, speeding up the creation and editing of visual content fourfold. This was a response to competition from Google and their Gemini 3 model.
Prosecutors in France are demanding that Nicolas Sarkozy be held accountable on suspicion of witness tampering. This is related to the case of illegal financing of his election campaign by Muammar Gaddafi's regime.
The United States has suspended the implementation of the "Technology Prosperity Agreement" due to disagreements with London on digital regulation and food standards. The document provided for cooperation in the fields of AI, quantum computing, and nuclear energy.
Thousands of 210-million-year-old prosauropod footprints, some up to 40 cm in diameter, have been discovered in an Italian national park. The find is located near the venues for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The Polish government is preparing a bill to revoke the "Special Law" on assistance to Ukrainians from March 4, 2026. Refugees will transition to general rules for the stay of foreigners, which will lead to a reduction in social benefits.
Russian soldiers of the 1441st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Russian Federation have begun to massively self-harm due to inadequate orders from the command on the Pokrovsk front. This is the only way to avoid being sent to the front line to perform suicidal tasks.