Traffic through the Yagodyn-Dorogusk checkpoint on the Ukrainian-Polish border has resumed despite attempts by protesting carriers to block it: more than 350 trucks entered Ukraine and more than 200 left for Poland. This was reported by the Minister of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov in his report for the past day.
Ukrainian air defense shoots down a Russian Shahed drone in Khmelnytsky region on December 12, with no casualties or damage.
A six-year-old boy drowned in a Kharkiv swimming pool due to the negligence of the owner, who failed to provide a lifeguard around the water. The owner of the pool faces imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years.
333 people, including 71 children, suffered due to heavy ice in Rostov-on-Don, schools switched to remote work or postponed classes.
Ukraine has applied for associate observer status in the JPC with the aim of strengthening economic, social and cultural ties based on common UN values.
Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratyuk thanked Latvia for its assistance in the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers and asked to continue the program, emphasizing its success and the need for psychological assistance to children affected by the war. Latvia assured of continued medical support, including the transfer of ambulances to Ukraine.
Due to malfunctions of Kyivstar mobile operator, alternative communication is being established for 3,000 residents of ten villages in Kyiv region. The authorities are deploying network access points, Starlink terminals and Wi-Fi connections.
Ukraine and Latvia are discussing the creation of a drone coalition, and both countries are ready to cooperate on the development of drones for military advantage and soldier protection. Latvia also supports Ukraine's potential membership in NATO and the EU.
The United States has expanded sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 organizations and 30 individuals within the state, and more than a hundred others who help the Russian defense industry. In particular, the sanctions apply to third-country entities that assist Russia in its military efforts.
Ukrainian government officials have released a video with winter safety tips, including recommendations for the safe use of generators, emphasizing the need for outdoor use and proper fuel storage.
The IMF Executive Board approved the disbursement of a $900 million tranche to Ukraine after Ukraine met the necessary benchmarks, including legislative reforms. Prime Minister Shmyhal acknowledged that Ukraine had fulfilled the IMF's conditions in the face of war.
Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna has supported the appeal of Hungarian communities to EU leaders to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, emphasizing the importance of this issue for all national communities. The appeal, signed by several Hungarian leaders in Ukraine, calls on Hungary to support Ukraine's integration into the EU.
Olga Stefanishyna discussed reform steps and minority rights protection with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, agreeing to cooperate on sectoral legislation. This is of key importance for Ukraine's further accession to the EU without strategic changes.
Russian troops attacked the border of Sumy region, shelling eight settlements and causing more than 70 explosions; various weapons were used, including MLRS, mortars, small arms, and UAVs.
The russian Ministry of Education and Science has formed a working group to write its own history of the war in Ukraine, according to Yuri Petrov of the russian Academy of Sciences.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed his gratitude to the United Kingdom and Norway for leading the creation of the Maritime Forces Coalition aimed at protecting Ukraine's sea and coastline, including initiatives such as providing minesweepers and enhancing naval capabilities. The Coalition aims to ensure maritime security and prevent russian threats in the Black Sea.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, announced the achievements of the National Strategy for a Barrier-Free Environment until 2023, including new standards for digital services, compensation for employers for employees with disabilities, and updated building codes for accessibility.
Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin acknowledges progress in the investigation of Russia's war crimes, but emphasizes the need for further work, especially to bring Russia's top military leadership to justice.
Ruslan Volodin, a Ukrainian film industry worker known for the films The Rising Hawk and Cyborgs, was killed in the war. The Ukrainian State Film Agency expressed condolences to his family.
The Dorohusk-Yahodyn crossing point, key to delivering aid to Ukraine, has reopened after being blocked for more than a month due to protests by Polish carriers. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets welcomed the reopening of the crossing point.
Crimea is experiencing an acute shortage of fuel, with only 9-15 days' supply, mostly for military needs, causing anxiety among the civilian population.
Ukraine's President Zelenskiy will meet with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva in Washington, D. C., to discuss approval of a $900 million aid package. This comes alongside plans to address the US military at the National Defense University.
Norway and the United Kingdom have formed a coalition to help Ukraine modernize its naval defense and plan to cooperate in this format until 2035, with other countries joining the coalition.
The stations of the blue line of the Kyiv metro will be used as a shelter during Russian air raids, while the metro itself is out of service due to repair work. It is noted that repair work and safety measures are being carried out due to the threat of groundwater filtration and the removal of rock in the tunnel.
Russian forces shelled Kherson, injuring two people; one victim, a 58-year-old woman, was hospitalized with moderate injuries. Earlier, Beryslav was hit by a drone strike, killing one person.
The Ukrainian military used a Rubak drone to destroy a Russian truck stuck in a swamp near Kreminna, according to a video posted by the commander of the Ukrainian Army. Over the past 24 hours, Ukraine reported 95 combat engagements and defense successes, including the destruction of 6 enemy positions.
Yaroslav Yurchyshyn was appointed by the Verkhovna Rada as the new chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech, with 247 MPs supporting his candidacy. He replaced Nestor Shufrych, who was accused of treason and removed from office.
The Verkhovna Rada passed a law criminalizing smuggling, incorporating amendments proposed by businesses after the draft was finalized in light of their comments; the law was necessary to receive €1. 5 billion in EU aid.
Russian troops shelled Kherson, damaging buildings and businesses, and injuring one woman. There were 21 strikes on the region, affecting several districts.
The Verkhovna Rada appeals to the EU to support the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU, which requires a unanimous decision by EU member states.
