Stepan Haftko
The European Parliament awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut and Georgian media worker Mzia Amaglobeli. Both laureates are behind bars, so their representatives received the awards.
The occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP receives power through only one of two external power transmission lines. The disconnection of the backup line due to military actions creates a threat of a nuclear accident.
Meta has unveiled the first Instagram TV app for viewing Reels, which will appear on Amazon Fire TV. The app is in test mode and is planned to be expanded to other TV platforms.
The French forward of Spanish "Real" Kylian Mbappé sued his former team - Parisian "PSG" for more than 60 million euros in compensation.
The M23 military group has announced the withdrawal of its forces from the strategic city of Uvira in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The capture of the city caused a humanitarian catastrophe and jeopardized a US-brokered peace agreement.
The "Ramstein-32" meeting brought Ukraine record financial commitments for 2026, including 11. 5 billion euros from Germany and 7 billion dollars from Norway. Partner countries also transferred new Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems, and allocated funds for drones, artillery, and ammunition.
Susie Wiles, in an interview with Vanity Fair, called Elon Musk a "ketamine user" and J. D. Vance a "conspiracy theorist." The White House called the publication a "dishonestly framed article," but Trump's press secretary expressed support for Wiles.
Germany has completed the transfer of two Patriot air defense systems and the ninth IRIS-T system to Ukraine, strengthening the protection of the Ukrainian sky. The total amount of German aid to Ukraine next year will reach 11.5 billion euros, which is a new record.
At the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs $120 billion for defense needs in 2026, half of which will be provided by the state. He named five priorities for maintaining the pace and stability of the front.
On December 16, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to restrain the massive onslaught of the occupiers. The highest intensity of assaults was recorded in the Pokrovsk, Kupyansk, and Lyman directions.
On December 16, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the German media company Deutsche Welle to the register of "undesirable organizations," criminalizing its activities in the country. DW Director General Barbara Massing stated that this would not stop the broadcaster's work, and the Russian audience's interest in independent content is growing.
The Russian Federation has been recognized as the least peaceful country on the planet, taking last place in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI) report. Ukraine and Sudan also made it into the top three most dangerous states.
Matthew Robar, a Canadian intelligence officer, has been arrested on suspicion of unauthorized transfer of classified data to a foreign state. The investigation found that he collaborated with foreign intelligence on a secret project of "unconventional activities," despite command refusals.
The Kharkiv prosecutor's office has sent to court the case of a 20-year-old man and his underage accomplice who systematically tortured and raped a 14-year-old orphan. The perpetrators filmed the crimes and distributed them online.
Ford is changing its strategy, abandoning large electric cars in favor of hybrids and gasoline models. This decision is driven by low demand, changes in regulatory norms by the Donald Trump administration, and will lead to financial losses for the company amounting to $19.5 billion.
The FDA has approved Enhertu from AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo for the first-line treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The combination with Perjeta extended progression-free survival and reduced tumors in 87% of patients.
Ukrainian troops have almost completely cleared Kupyansk of Russian occupiers. More than 30 Russian servicemen are blocked in the central city hospital, and several other groups are in the basements of residential buildings.
The UN has halved food rations in Gaza due to Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. This has resulted in families receiving only half of their minimum caloric needs.
Trump positively assessed the negotiations with European leaders in Berlin regarding the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that peace in Ukraine "is closer than ever before."
Over the past day, 140 combat engagements took place on the front, Russia launched 60 airstrikes and used 3,445 drones. The highest activity of the occupiers was recorded in the Pokrovsk direction with 36 attacks.
The US has partially lifted sanctions on three Belarusian legal entities linked to the potash sector. This happened after the Belarusian authorities released a number of political prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski.
The Ukrainian government has approved a decision that will allow 18,000 Ukrainian families to obtain housing under the "eOselia" program. The Ministry of Finance will issue UAH 30 billion in government bonds to provide resources.
Musk became the first person in history whose fortune exceeded $600 billion, thanks to the increase in SpaceX's valuation to $800 billion. His stake in SpaceX is $336 billion, and in Tesla – $197 billion.
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group claimed to have captured hundreds of Burundian soldiers during an offensive in eastern DR Congo. This happened after a meeting between the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda in Washington, where they reaffirmed their commitment to a peace agreement.
During the Berlin talks, EU leaders welcomed progress in Trump's peace efforts, agreeing to cooperate to achieve peace and preserve Ukraine's sovereignty. They supported the creation of multinational forces in Ukraine and its accession to the EU.
Several countries held talks in Iran, agreeing to deepen coordination and calling for the lifting of sanctions against Kabul. Afghanistan, led by the Taliban movement, refused to participate despite an invitation.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Lenin is the architect of the independent Polish state. She claims that without Lenin, Poland would not exist.
A Moscow court recognized the feminist punk band Pussy Riot as an "extremist organization" on December 15, banning its activities in Russia. This decision threatens criminal prosecution for anyone associated with the collective.
In Bolivia, floods caused by the overflowing Piraí River have killed 20 people, and at least two dozen are considered missing. Approximately 2,100 families have been affected, and 300 people have been rescued by helicopter.
Trump invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit the United States in mid-2026. The visit is related to the signing of an intergovernmental agreement that could pave the way for the American company Westinghouse to participate in a nuclear power plant project worth 13-15 billion euros.