Stepan Haftko
Ukrainian partisans within the Russian forces report a tense situation between Russian army commanders and the high command due to the failure to implement combat plans, specifically regarding Kupyansk.
China's economic growth slowed in November. Industrial production fell to a 15-month low, and retail sales showed their worst performance since late 2022.
The Ministry of Defense plans to allocate 12 billion hryvnias for the purchase of drones and other military equipment through the electronic marketplace DOT-Chain Defence in the first quarter of 2026. Currently, 186 combat brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Azov and Khartia corps brigades, have access to the system.
Ukrenergo announced the application of hourly power outage schedules for household consumers and power limitations for industrial enterprises on December 16. The reason cited was the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Russia has expressed readiness to include Ukraine's EU membership in a peace agreement, according to US officials. Consensus has been reached on 90% of the peace plan, with reduced differences on security guarantees and territorial issues in Donbas.
The FBI thwarted a planned bombing campaign in Southern California on New Year's Eve. Five suspects linked to the 'Turtle Island Liberation Front' group have been arrested.
Putin signed a law ratifying an agreement with India regulating the access of military formations, ships, and aircraft of one country to the territory of the other. This agreement creates a legal basis for the mutual presence of military forces, which is applied for joint exercises and exchange of experience.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry warned African countries against Russian recruitment after two Botswana citizens allegedly became victims of recruitment. The ministry emphasized that Russia systematically recruits foreigners under the guise of employment or education, which is an organized state policy.
Germany plans to integrate Ukrainian weapons and receive combat data. The government presented a 10-point plan to accelerate the integration of the Ukrainian industry into the European defense market.
China's National Health Commission announced that starting in 2026, it will cover all childbirth-related expenses, including prenatal check-ups. This decision is part of Beijing's efforts to stimulate the birth rate and address the demographic crisis.
Umerov announced a constructive dialogue with the US, expecting an agreement by the end of the day. He thanked Trump and his team for their efforts aimed at a peace agreement.
Spain has fined Airbnb 64 million euros for advertising unlicensed apartments. This is part of the country's fight against housing unaffordability caused by tourist demand.
The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) is tracking the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which will approach Earth within 270 million kilometers on December 19. This observation is part of a campaign to improve the measurement of comet and asteroid trajectories.
A member of a criminal organization suspected of human trafficking under the guise of surrogacy has been extradited from Germany. The suspect, an administrator of a medical clinic, recruited women for the illegal export of newborns abroad.
The EU approves its first-ever Affordable Housing Plan to combat rising prices. It will focus on freeing up public funds and regulating tourist apartments.
India is reducing Russian oil imports to 800,000 barrels per day this month. This is due to tighter controls to comply with Western sanctions and attempts to conclude a trade deal with the United States.
The head of the communications department of the Joint Forces Group, Trehubov, stated that up to 200 Russian servicemen are blocked in Kupyansk. Ukrainian forces are carrying out de-occupation operations and gradually pushing back the enemy.
The German prosecutor's office has filed charges against far-right MP Matthias Moosdorf of the AfD. He was allegedly caught performing a banned Nazi salute in the Bundestag in June 2023.
The Noom brand with its "Gropius" chair won in the "Residential Seating" category and received the special "Best of the Best" award at Interior Design's Best of Year awards. The chair, designed by Kateryna Sokolova, is recognized for its design and ergonomics, and is used in Lacoste and Fendi boutiques, as well as at Sotheby's gallery.
Russian servicemen who returned from the war against Ukraine have become a serious threat to Russia, causing the death or injury of over a thousand civilians. Russian courts consider participation in the war as a mitigating circumstance in 90% of cases.
In the Chilean presidential elections, ultra-conservative candidate José Antonio Kast is likely to win. His popularity has grown due to promises of mass deportations and strict security measures.
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service reports that control over Russia's near-Arctic reserves of rare earth elements, oil, and gas is now concentrated in the hands of three key figures. These are Sergey Kiriyenko, Igor Sechin, and Kirill Dmitriev, who control the Northern Sea Route and key deposits.
Talks on a possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, which began in Berlin with the participation of Zelenskyy and representatives of the Trump administration, will continue on Monday. Specific proposals are not yet known, and Russia views the negotiations with suspicion.
Walt Disney Co. 's sequel "Zootopia 2" topped the box office for the third time, gross grossing $26.3 million in its third weekend. The film's total worldwide gross reached $1.14 billion, making it the second film of 2025 to surpass the $1 billion mark at the global box office.
A shooting occurred on Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Jewish Hanukkah holiday event. At least 11 people were killed and dozens were injured, prompting shock and condolences from world leaders.
Wrestler John Cena had his final match in Washington, ending a 23-year career in the ring. The 48-year-old athlete lost the fight to Austrian Walter Hahn, but will continue to work for WWE as an ambassador.
"Dynamo" and "Shakhtar" secured confident victories in the last matches of the Ukrainian Football Championship in 2025. "Dynamo" defeated "Veres" 3:0, and "Shakhtar" scored 5 "clean" goals against "Epicenter".
Kyiv residents were warned about fog during the night and morning hours of December 15. Visibility is expected to be 200–500 meters, which corresponds to Level I danger (yellow).
The State Emergency Service (SES) has completed emergency rescue operations at the site of the Russian shelling in Zaporizhzhia. As a result of the attack, 14 people were injured, including a child, three SES employees, and a patrol police officer.
The Russian army began using a double warhead in its drones, the total mass of which reached 100 kilograms.