The United Kingdom has cut funding for countering Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans from £40 million to £24 million for 2025-26. This funding is aimed at combating national security threats and strengthening democratic institutions.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin personally chose Steve Witkoff, a special representative of US President Donald Trump, as a key intermediary to promote his vision for settling the war against Ukraine. Witkoff suits the Kremlin due to his lack of political past and institutional ties, as well as his experience working with authoritarian regimes.
Residents of occupied Donetsk region complain about multi-hour queues at mobile operator service points due to mass blocking of numbers and forced re-registration of SIM cards. This is an element of total control over the communications of the population in the temporarily occupied territory.
President Zelenskyy stated that Viktor Orban is blocking Ukraine's EU accession due to an election campaign, realizing that membership is a guarantee of security. Kyiv and EU leaders consider membership in the bloc a strong security factor.
The number of citizens' appeals regarding violations of labor rights in Russia exceeded 70,000, which is 50% more than last year. Wage arrears reached 2.2 billion rubles, which is the highest level since August 2020.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused EU officials of wanting to harm Russia, comparing it to Hitler's Germany's invasion of the USSR. He stated that Europeans want to use the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia, seeing it as a threat.
Since the beginning of December 20, 220 combat engagements have been recorded on the front. Russian invaders launched 42 air strikes, dropping 101 guided bombs, and used 1684 kamikaze drones.
French President Emmanuel Macron believes that European countries should directly engage in dialogue with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of fighting for the United States of America as an ally.
Sweden will provide Ukraine with $200 million in direct budget support by 2026. This funding will meet people's daily needs during the war, including critical public services.
The death toll from the enemy strike on Izium, Kharkiv Oblast, has risen to two: a 47-year-old man and his 42-year-old wife, a police officer, were killed. On December 20, at about 3:40 PM, the armed forces of the Russian Federation launched a guided aerial bomb attack, damaging an enterprise, a cafe, a Palace of Culture, a residential building, and cars.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not be able to independently finance an 800,000-strong Armed Forces. Partial funding of the army by partners is being considered as a security guarantee.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official exchange rate of the dollar at 42. 27 hryvnias, which is 1 kopeck less than on Wednesday. The official exchange rate of the euro is 49.52 hryvnias, and the zloty is 11.71 hryvnias.
The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine records a disinformation campaign regarding power outages in Ukraine. Russian resources spread claims about alleged unfair distribution of electricity and its sale to the EU.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Europe should help Ukraine make "certain difficult choices" to prevent greater losses. Turkey continues to facilitate negotiations between the parties, recalling the progress made in Istanbul in the summer.
On December 11, Russian troops suffered significant losses, including 1,400 soldiers, 1 aircraft, and 253 UAVs. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 12.12.25 are estimated at 1,186,480 eliminated personnel.
On Friday, December 12, most of Ukraine is expected to have cloudy weather with clearings. Light rains are possible in the southeast, west, and north of the country, with air temperatures ranging from 0° to +12°.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov effectively rejected seven points of the 28-point peace plan proposed by the United States. This includes points regarding territorial exchange based on the line of contact and providing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he would not support the European Commission's proposal for a reparations loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets if the funds were to be used for military purposes. He sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, warning of a blockade of decisions regarding the financing of Ukraine's military needs for 2026-2027.
The US plans to intercept more vessels carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week. This increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
In temporarily occupied Dniprorudne, boiler house No. 1 is ceasing operations due to a voltage drop in the network to 160V, which leads to overheating of pump motors. This leaves residential buildings and social institutions without heating.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is preparing to become the country's president by amending the Constitution and endowing this position with new powers. This will allow him to maintain control over the country regardless of the results of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
On the night of December 12, Odesa was subjected to an enemy attack, as a result of which infrastructure was damaged. Part of the city was left without electricity and water supply, there is no information about casualties.
US President Donald Trump stated his readiness to help Ukraine with security guarantees for the implementation of a peace deal. He noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not like the peace deal, but his entourage was enthusiastic about the concept.
In 2026, utility tariffs in Russia are expected to increase by an average of 18%, and in some regions by more than 40%. The increase will take place in two stages: 1.7% from January 1 and the main jump from October 1.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is committed to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine that will not contain the seeds of future conflicts. During the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," the need for reliable security guarantees and funding for Ukraine for 2026-2027 was also discussed.
Germany's Federal Fiscal Court did not allow the confiscation of the oil tanker Eventin, which belongs to Russia's "shadow fleet," due to doubts about the legal grounds. The vessel, carrying 100,000 tons of oil, has been stranded near Rügen, Germany, for a year after an accident.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering holding a referendum on transferring Donbas to Russia. This comes amid growing pressure from the United States to agree to the terms of a new peace plan that would involve a 20% reduction in Ukraine's territory.
The Donald Trump administration is ready to send a representative to a meeting in Europe to sign a peace agreement if there is a "real chance" of reaching one. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the US is actively working to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Donetsk Shakhtar secured their advancement to the next stage of the UEFA Football Conference League. In the 5th round match, the Miners defeated Maltese Hamrun Spartans 2-0 away.
Ukrainian rescuers received the Bethlehem Peace Light from Plast scouts. This flame, which originated in Bethlehem, is brought to Ukraine by Plast scouts every year before Christmas to unite everyone and remind them of true values.
