The Swedish Navy and Coast Guard report the presence of Russian military personnel on vessels suspected of transporting Russian oil. An increase in Russian military activity is also being observed near key maritime routes, where 500 to 1,000 such vessels operate.
In Zhytomyr region, a Russian agent was sentenced to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property. He set fire to Ukrzaliznytsia facilities to disrupt logistics on the orders of Russian special services.
In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the situation with teachers' salaries is rapidly deteriorating: salaries are delayed, bonuses are cut, and accruals remain non-transparent. A significant part of payments is tied to loyalty, a refusal of which leads to deprivation of bonuses.
For December 16, the NBU set the official dollar exchange rate at UAH 42. 24, which is 5 kopecks more. The hryvnia slightly weakened its position against the American currency.
Great Britain plans to strengthen citizen training for service, increase defense production, and develop necessary skills. This is a response to the growing threat from Russia, which seeks to challenge NATO.
Over the past day, December 15, Russian troops lost 1,150 servicemen, 9 tanks, and 1 submarine. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 16.12.25 amounted to about 1,190,620 personnel.
In central Mexico, a plane crashed during an attempted emergency landing, with seven people found dead. The accident occurred in the industrial area of San Mateo Atenco, 5 km from Toluca Airport.
Germany will strengthen support for Ukraine's defense sector through joint ventures, market integration, and the possible provision of federal guarantees for investments within a 10-point plan. This includes joint procurement of Ukrainian military equipment and the establishment of a representative office of the Ukrainian defense industry in Berlin.
On the morning of December 16, Russian troops attacked Zaporizhzhia with a drone, which caused a fire in an apartment building. Two people were injured: a man sustained a shrapnel wound, and a woman suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.
On December 16, cloudy weather with clearings is expected in Ukraine, with no significant precipitation. Daytime temperatures will be 1-6°C, and up to 9°C in Zakarpattia, Odesa region, and Crimea.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the "coalition of the determined" has developed measures to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and, if necessary, to deploy troops. The plans include ground deployment, but the priority is to achieve peace.
Nick Reiner, son of director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, has been arrested for the murder of his parents. 32-year-old Nick is being held without bail.
The next round of negotiations between Kyiv and Washington on a peace plan is scheduled for this weekend in the US. The discussion will take place after US consultations with Russia, and then a meeting at the leaders' level is possible.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the US is ready to respond with military action to renewed Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is enshrined in the security guarantees under discussion. He emphasized that Poland will not pressure Ukraine into concessions and will ensure the security of the eastern flank.
Japan will be without giant pandas for the first time in half a century, as twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei return to China. This symbolically ends an era of "panda diplomacy" amid deteriorating Japan-China relations.
President Zelenskyy is concerned about the possibility of Russia rejecting Trump's peace plan, which could cause turbulence in the diplomatic process. In case of Russia's refusal, the United States of America will strengthen sanctions and increase arms supplies to Ukraine.
The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia and confirms the freezing of Russian assets. The EU is ready to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs for the next two years, which amounts to about 90 billion euros.
The Pan-African Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature was founded in Cairo, coinciding with the intensification of Russian information operations in Africa. Russia is creating structures to promote the Russian language and ideology, using mercenary formations.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that frozen Russian assets totaling up to $210 billion are a financial security guarantee for Ukraine. He presented two scenarios for their use: for post-war reconstruction or for annual financial assistance of 40-45 billion euros for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of continued aggression.
Russian troops advanced in Huliaipole, Predtechyne, Shakhove, and Stepnohirsk. This is evidenced by data from the DeepState monitoring project.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the issue of a referendum on territories is not currently being considered. Ukraine is ready to hold elections provided a ceasefire is established and security infrastructure is ensured.
Ukraine and the United States supported German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for a Christmas truce. President Zelenskyy emphasized that the implementation of this idea depends on Russia's political will.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects to meet with US President Donald Trump after the documents are finalized. The parties have come closer to discussing the most difficult points of the 20-point framework agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Netherlands on December 16. He will meet with Prime Minister Dick Schoof and King Willem-Alexander to discuss peace talks and support for Ukraine.
Ukraine expects five documents of the "peace plan" approved by the US Congress, after which Zelenskyy will meet with Trump. The documents provide for support in Ukraine's recovery and the creation of a fund to compensate Ukrainians for damages.
Glaciers in the European Alps will reach their fastest melting rate within the next eight years, with over 100 of them disappearing by 2033. This is one of the most obvious manifestations of the climate crisis caused by anthropogenic global warming.
In Germany, a 21-year-old man from Central Asia, suspected of preparing a terrorist attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, has been arrested. He planned to drive a car into a crowd of people; he will be deported.
US President Donald Trump said at the White House on December 15 that he had spoken with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The details of the conversation and its date were not disclosed.
The next round of negotiations between Ukraine and the United States on ending the war may take place this weekend in Miami. Security guarantees for Ukraine and possible territorial concessions will be discussed.
The European Union does not plan to lift sanctions on Belarus, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. This decision was made despite the fact that on December 13, the US announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash, which had been in effect since 2021.
