Vladimir Putin claimed that the Russian army captured over 300 settlements in 2025 and accused the West of starting the war. Andrei Belousov stated that Russia allegedly captured Kupyansk, while Ukraine denied this.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a Law extending special rules for the operation of the state enterprise "Pivdenny Machine-Building Plant named after Makarov" in Dnipro. This decision suspends forced enforcement actions and seizures of the enterprise's funds until January 1, 2027.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law on the legal status and medical care of foreign military personnel. The document provides for the issuance of temporary residence permits for the entire duration of their contract and after its termination, and also extends certain social guarantees to them.
Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin would not agree to the presence of military personnel from EU countries on the territory of Ukraine, arguing that this could lead to the presence of NATO military personnel. He emphasized that Moscow's position on this issue is consistent and clear.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, stated that the Kremlin is trying to drag out time to force Ukraine to surrender.
In the Odesa region, over 4 days, energy workers restored the technical capability to supply power to 583. 7 thousand households. Despite this, 32.3 thousand consumers temporarily remain without power due to extensive damage to the energy system.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov called for not putting pressure on entrepreneurs during the war, speaking out against the introduction of VAT for individual entrepreneurs with an annual income of more than UAH 1 million. He emphasized that small businesses are the foundation of the economy, and the Kharkiv City Council canceled local taxes to support more than 127,000 individual entrepreneurs operating in the city.
As a result of the attack by Ukrainian drones, the Russian submarine sustained significant damage, and a major overhaul could take a long time.
In Poland, the number of Ukrainians living in state-subsidized housing has sharply decreased. From November 1, the rules for resettling refugees from Ukraine changed, and the state stopped co-financing accommodation for those who have been living in Poland for a year or longer.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Putin will sooner or later agree to the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine. He also spoke about what, in his opinion, should be the West's reaction in the event of new Russian attacks.
European leaders support Ukraine, seeking to uphold international law and counter Russian aggression. They fear that a deal in Russia's favor could lead to a wider war on the continent.
On December 17, fog is expected on the roads of Kyiv region, Level I danger (yellow) has been announced. The patrol police urge drivers and pedestrians to observe traffic rules.
In Odesa, a man wanted for violating military registration rules attempted to inflict stab wounds on himself in the premises of the Kyiv District TCC and SP. He also aggressively threatened doctors and servicemen, preventing them from providing assistance.
Fog with visibility of 200-500 meters is expected during the night and morning of December 17 in the northern, central, and eastern regions of Ukraine, as well as in Kyiv. The State Emergency Service urges drivers to be careful due to complicated traffic conditions.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha signed the Convention on the Establishment of an International Commission for Claims Settlement for Ukraine. The document was also signed by 34 states and the EU.
Google is shutting down its reporting program that scanned the dark web for confidential information leaks. From January 15 next year, Google will no longer scan the dark web, and from February 16, 2026, the reports will be completely closed.
A 54-year-old resident of Donetsk prepared texts of speeches for local gauleiters and organized mass propaganda events in support of the Russian occupiers.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha named five reasons why this step must be taken now.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office will appeal the decision of the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) dated December 15, 2025, which overturns the verdict against two former investigators and an operative for bribery. The proceedings were closed due to the expiration of the pre-trial investigation period in accordance with the "Lozovyi amendments."
The Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading draft law No. 13347, which changes the approach to preparing citizens for national resistance. It provides for the integration of military training into the educational process and the introduction of a new academic discipline.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia will not make concessions regarding the occupied territories of Ukraine, considering them part of its constitution. Moscow will also not agree to the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine in any format.
The attacker was a 15-year-old student of the same school, who turned out to be a supporter of neo-Nazi ideology. According to preliminary data, Putin's residence "Gorki-2" is located nearby.
European countries are preparing for a potential war with Russia, fearing that Donald Trump will push Ukraine into an unfavorable peace deal. France is reinstating military service, Germany is conducting exercises, and Britain is focusing on defense against Russia.
People's Deputy Mariana Bezuhla used obscene language towards MP Mykola Tyshchenko in the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada. Presiding officer Ruslan Stefanchuk announced a break and demanded that Bezuhla take her seat.
A dam breach in the US state of Washington due to heavy rain has led to an evacuation order. A flood warning will remain in effect until at least 9:00 PM as torrential rains sweep across the Pacific Northwest coast.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to the attack on a Ukrainian couple in Poznań, Poland, for speaking Ukrainian. Polish police detained the attackers, and the case has been handed over to the prosecutor's office.
The German Chancellor called on EU member states to find a way to share the risks associated with the use of these assets.
In Odesa region, energy workers restored electricity supply for about 330,000 families after a massive shelling. However, 288,000 families still remain without electricity, although critical infrastructure is powered.
The US Pentagon reported an attack on three boats in the Pacific Ocean, whose crew is suspected of drug smuggling. As a result, 8 people died, and President Donald Trump justified these attacks as a necessary escalation to stop the flow of drugs into the US.
Martial law does not automatically exempt the state from paying penalties for overdue VAT refunds. The controlling body must prove force majeure circumstances that made the refund impossible.
