EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced the expansion of sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", adding about 40 vessels to the list. This decision is aimed at depriving Russia of funds to finance the war.
Six communities in the Lviv region have completed an audit of the architectural accessibility of social and communal facilities. Each community received a report with recommendations for creating a barrier-free space.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
Estonian President Alar Karis believes that Hungary should be helped to pay fines for terminating energy agreements with Russia. These agreements, some of which are valid until the 2040s, were concluded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to ensure further supplies of cheap energy.
The Chancellery of the President of Poland confirmed the invitation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Warsaw on December 19. The presidents will discuss issues of security, economy, and history.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is convening a summit in Helsinki to develop concrete measures to strengthen EU defense. Leaders of eight countries will discuss cooperation and forming a common position to secure funding.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine continues to work on opening all negotiation clusters within the framework of accession to the European Union. European partners are reacting positively to these steps.
From December 14, 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia introduced a new schedule for passenger trains, increasing the number of international routes from 11 to 17. This allows travel to Munich, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg with one transfer, covering Eastern and Central Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the EU's initiative to use frozen Russian assets, calling it dangerous and equating it to a declaration of war, and also accused European leaders of a misguided financial approach to supporting Ukraine.
Hundreds of people in Tbilisi are protesting, demanding an international investigation into the special means used during the dispersal of rallies in late 2024. The Georgian authorities deny the use of chemical agents, and an internal investigation has raised new questions.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions against 656 maritime vessels that are part of Russia's shadow fleet. This is the largest sanctions package aimed at blocking Russian oil and energy exports.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has canceled a planned visit to the United States to participate in European discussions on the peace process in Ukraine. He will join talks in Berlin, where other European leaders and high-ranking officials will also be present.
Foreign policy advisers from the US, Ukraine, Germany and other countries will continue talks on a peace plan for Ukraine in Berlin. The talks will take place ahead of a summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
Poland has officially joined the Ukraine2EU program, providing Ukraine with a financial contribution of 1 million euros and sharing experience in implementing European integration reforms. This support will strengthen the capacity of the Verkhovna Rada and accelerate the approximation of Ukrainian legislation to EU standards.
In November, Lithuania experienced 325 hostile information influences, almost double the norm, with 47% of attacks related to military topics. At the same time, physical hybrid threats are being recorded, including the launch of weather balloons from Belarus that violate Lithuanian airspace.
British banks oppose using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. They fear lawsuits from Russia and potential financial losses without state guarantees.
On December 12, the Bulgarian Parliament approved the resignation of the cabinet led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. This decision was made amid a wave of anti-government protests in the country.
The European Union has decided to indefinitely freeze Russian assets worth up to €210 billion. The funds will remain in the EU until Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine for the damage caused.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, aimed at energy facilities and ports, would be beneficial. He voiced this proposal during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan.
The EU has fulfilled its commitment to keep Russian assets blocked, as confirmed by European Council President António Costa. The next step is to ensure Ukraine's financial needs for 2026–2027.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 15 for an exchange of views on peace talks and economic issues. European leaders and representatives of the EU and NATO will join the discussions.
The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe. This removed a significant obstacle to using these funds to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
The Belgian central securities depository Euroclear may compensate for the seizure of its assets in Russia at the expense of frozen Russian funds in the EU. This was a response to a lawsuit filed by the Russian Central Bank regarding alleged damages.
The latest draft peace agreement on Ukraine, discussed by US and Ukrainian officials with the support of Brussels, envisages Ukraine's accession to the EU by January 1, 2027. This could force Brussels to reconsider the accession process for new members due to the tight deadlines.
According to the Kremlin, Putin and Erdogan exchanged views on the Ukrainian issue and discussed Europeans' attempts to seize Russian assets.
About 10,000 tons of butter have accumulated in Ukrainian warehouses, which is an alarming signal for the industry. Exports are shrinking, imports are growing, and butter prices have been falling for the third consecutive month, leading to a drop in raw milk purchase prices.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is forming a coalition to counter China's dominant control over critical minerals and technology sectors. On Friday, the Pax Silica declaration will be signed with the participation of Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel.
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has filed a lawsuit against the Belgian depositary Euroclear regarding frozen Russian assets. The lawsuit will be heard in the Moscow arbitration court, where the central bank accuses Euroclear of causing damage due to the inability to dispose of funds and securities.
Alexander Stubb stated that Americans and Europeans are looking for an еndspiel that will prove that Russia failed to achieve its strategic goals in the war in Ukraine. He named three key issues for a peace treaty: territory, security guarantees, and Ukraine's recovery.
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.
