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.
Natalia Didenko reported that from December 15, a warming trend is expected in Ukraine, with temperatures rising to +1…+5°C, and in the West to +3…+6°C. In Kyiv, the temperature will rise to +2…+4°C, with possible drizzle and wet snow in the East.
In most regions of Ukraine, hourly power outage schedules will be applied on December 15 due to damage to energy facilities. Power limitation schedules for enterprises will also be in effect.
An NBC News poll showed a decline in Donald Trump's approval rating to 42% and weakening support among MAGA followers. Most Americans believe the country is moving in the 'wrong direction,' and the economy remains the main problem.
The Chancellery of the President of Poland confirmed the invitation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Warsaw on December 19. The presidents will discuss issues of security, economy, and history.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is convening a summit in Helsinki to develop concrete measures to strengthen EU defense. Leaders of eight countries will discuss cooperation and forming a common position to secure funding.
Latvia has allocated 5 million euros for the purchase of drones for Ukraine, redirecting funds intended for the European Peace Facility. This decision was made due to Hungary's blocking of military support for Ukraine through the EPF.
A Hanukkah menorah was lit in the Government House of Ukraine. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko expressed condolences to the people of Australia after the terrorist attack in Sydney, where at least 10 people died.
Giorgia Meloni called Donald Trump's new national security strategy an "alarm signal" for Europe. She emphasized that Europe must organize itself and strengthen its own defense, rather than relying on the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting in Berlin with US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks are taking place against the backdrop of an international peace summit.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner left the office of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. They are heading to a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.
A Hamas negotiator stated that Israel's killing of senior commander Raed Said and three of his associates jeopardizes the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas leader called on US President Trump to demand that Israel adhere to the terms of the truce.
The Kremlin called NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statements about preparing for a large-scale war with Russia irresponsible. Rutte claimed that NATO is Russia's next target, and Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated that these words demonstrate a misunderstanding of World War II.
As of 4:00 PM on December 14, 95 Russian attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces were recorded. The largest number of combat engagements took place in the Pokrovsk (33 attacks) and Kostiantynivka (17 attacks) directions.
