Poland has expressed its readiness to provide Ukraine with legal and logistical support in preparing for future presidential or parliamentary elections. The Marshal of the Sejm of Poland, Włodzimierz Czarzasty, noted that a working group would be created to determine the scope of assistance, taking into account the large number of Ukrainians abroad.
On December 19, the United States imposed sanctions on seven individuals linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The restrictions target relatives of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, who is accused of corruption in the oil company.
During a meeting in Warsaw, Polish President Karol Nawrocki presented Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a two-volume set of "Documents of the Volyn Crime" in Ukrainian translation. This gesture was intended to emphasize the importance of the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy for Poland and the partnership relations between the countries.
Japan has decided to provide Ukraine with additional financial support for the next year, totaling approximately $6 billion. President Zelenskyy thanked Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for this decision, which will strengthen Ukraine's defense.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the situation at the front, calling it "difficult" due to the increasing number of Russian troops. He noted that Kupyansk, which he recently visited, remains under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, despite enemy pressure and problems with missile supplies.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he does not seek to remain in the presidential office. He emphasized that he supports holding elections provided that security is guaranteed and legislative changes are made.
The Ukrainian delegation concluded a series of negotiations in the US with American and European partners. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced an agreement on further steps and continued joint work.
The Ukrainian government is promptly eliminating the consequences of the Russian strike on the key bridge between Odesa and Izmail, establishing alternative communication routes. The region is provided with resources, transport operations are being adapted, and business operations are supported, the Cabinet of Ministers assures.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not allow Putin to influence possible elections in the country, as he wants to control not only Russian elections. The President noted that Putin is looking for justifications for the war, not its root causes, and does not intend to end the war only with Ukraine.
Czech Defense Minister Jaromír Zuna confirmed the continuation of the ammunition initiative for Ukraine until 2026. Funding has been secured for the purchase of 760,000 shells, and support for Ukraine is "a matter of course."
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he managed to prevent "a declaration of war on Russia" by allocating a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine. In response, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski ironically "awarded" Orban the Order of Lenin.
The head of the European People's Party, Manfred Weber, stated that frozen Russian assets will be used to repay loans that the EU provides to Ukraine. He rejected US proposals for asset sharing, emphasizing that Russia must pay for its actions.
In the Zaporizhzhia direction, 255 km of non-explosive barrier strips, 340 km of anti-tank ditches, and over 2. 1 km of the "Egoza" barrier line have been built. Major General Oleksandr Yakovets reported to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal on the high pace of fortification construction.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, at an away meeting in Zaporizhzhia, reallocated budget funds. Over UAH 700 million was directed to the restoration of medical facilities, energy autonomy of universities, safety of schoolchildren, and aid to affected regions.
The President of Ukraine met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, where they discussed diplomatic contacts, economic cooperation, and defense projects, including joint drone production. The meeting took place during the Ukrainian leader's visit to Poland.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced progress in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, but noted that the most difficult issues remain for last. He emphasized that wars end with surrender or a negotiated settlement, and in this case, only negotiations can end the conflict.
Hungarian Prime Minister and Putin's "friend" Orban in Brussels criticized the Western approach to supporting Kyiv, calling the hope for future reparations from Russia an illusion. He also stated that Hungary managed to avoid the risk of using frozen Russian assets.
After the attack on the bridge in the Mayaky area of Odesa region, the authorities focused on providing alternative routes for transport in southern Ukraine. This applies to passenger and freight transportation, as well as transit flows, taking into account the security situation and road capacity.
Political expert Mykhailo Shnaider stated that NAB top official Magamedrasulov is being made into a "savior of the nation," but he will face disappointment from Ukrainians. The expert recalled suspicions against Magamedrasulov regarding his involvement in a scheme to sell technical hemp and abuse of influence over the tax service.
The Government of Ukraine has approved negotiating positions for Clusters 4 and 5, which allows the country to start negotiations with the European Union on all six Clusters. This decision is based on the reports of the European Commission and reflects Ukraine's consistent fulfillment of its obligations on the path to EU membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Tusk stated that Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression protects Poland's independence, and Zelenskyy noted that the Kremlin will not defeat Ukraine and Poland if they stand together.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and Lieutenant General Andriy Hnatov will hold consultations with the American side in Miami. The negotiations are focused on finding long-term solutions for the defense of Ukraine.
EU leaders agreed on a plan to finance Ukraine through joint borrowing after 16 hours of negotiations. Politico named Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever as the main "winners" of the summit.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko met with U. S. Chargé d'Affaires Julie Davis and FBI attaché Jamie Volkert, discussing the results of international cooperation. Ukraine satisfied all 5 U.S. requests for extradition and fulfilled 46 American requests for legal assistance.
National security advisers from Germany, France, and Great Britain will meet in Miami with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov. The talks are expected today, as reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid.
The European Commission has published a report on the visa suspension mechanism, with a special focus on Georgia. Brussels will gradually begin to restrict privileges for Georgian citizens, starting with holders of diplomatic passports.
German Chancellor's advisor on Ukraine, Günther Sautter, is heading to Florida for talks between the US and Russia. The talks concern a peaceful settlement of the war, where the US's 20-point plan will be discussed.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated that the joint work of Ukraine and Poland on historical issues deprives Russia of the opportunity to use them for disinformation. He emphasized that all formal and administrative issues will be resolved by the Ukrainian side.
The head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, Vitalii Kim, emphasized the need to create conditions for investments in Ukraine's economy for its recovery.
The head of the NACP, Viktor Pavlushchyk, opposes changing the criteria for the external audit of the body's work before it is conducted, believing that this contradicts the principles of legal certainty and threatens independence. He also believes that attempts to bring the NACP audit criteria closer to those used to monitor the activities of NABU are an attempt to remove him from office.
