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.
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.
