As of 4 PM, 128 combat engagements have been recorded on the front line, which is twice as many as the day before. The most intense battles are taking place in the Pokrovsk direction, where 50 enemy attacks have been repelled.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated what is needed for a peace agreement to be effective. He emphasized that a just and lasting peace with strong security guarantees is important for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy announced the restoration of infrastructure in the Odesa region and an investigation into those responsible for air defense in the area. This comes after Russian strikes that killed 8 people and injured about 30.
Ukraine discussed holding elections with the US, which may indicate that the American side understands how to ensure secure elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun to address the issue of the necessary infrastructure abroad for Ukrainians to vote.
President Zelenskyy commented on the EU's decision to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros for 2026-2027 without using frozen Russian assets. He noted that this decision would affect peace talks, as provisions regarding reconstruction and Russian assets were envisioned in peace agreements.
In the fall, the US presented a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal named five potential obstacles to peace between Russia and Ukraine.
EU taxpayers will pay €3 billion annually in interest on a loan to finance Ukraine's defense. The new plan will provide Ukraine with €45 billion next year, with the remaining funds to be paid in 2027.
Ukraine and Portugal have signed a statement on partnership for the production of naval drones. Portugal also supported a financial security guarantee for Ukraine worth 90 billion euros.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who could not name the culprit of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Sybiha compared Hungary's position to the situation in 1939, when the country was an ally of Nazi Germany.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi met with the British delegation led by Richard Knighton. The operational situation at the front, the measures of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to disrupt the autumn-winter campaign, and the needs for means of destruction were discussed.
The United Kingdom will not unilaterally use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, as it had planned to do so jointly with partners. This comes after a similar EU plan failed due to legal and political obstacles.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that it is impossible to return current Russia to the civilized world. He noted that a democratic Russia is possible only after its collapse and regime change.
Russia has decided to terminate military agreements with 11 European countries, concluded in 1992-2002. These agreements regulated bilateral military cooperation after the collapse of the USSR.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his interest in the joint production of drones and missiles with Poland. He noted that both countries have companies with great potential in these areas.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is not blocking and will not block the process of searches and exhumations in Volyn. He emphasized that all tragic moments must not be forgotten.
US President Donald Trump headed to Florida for scheduled meetings. This weekend in Miami, American and Russian officials will hold talks on ending the war in Ukraine.
Special envoy of the Kremlin chief Kirill Dmitriev went to Miami to meet with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
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.
