Orban announced that Moscow was preparing a "harsh response" to the EU's decision on the use of frozen Russian assets. He stated that he had personal communication with Vladimir Putin.
KNDS, the manufacturer of Leopard 2 tanks, has confirmed its intention to conduct an initial public offering in 2026. A dual listing on the Paris and Frankfurt stock exchanges is planned to expand access to capital amid record demand for defense products.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine is a “far from easy” task. She emphasized the need for a strong legal basis and avoiding open-ended commitments for countries.
The European Parliament has finally approved a phased rejection of Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. The ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas on the EU spot market will come into effect at the beginning of 2026, and pipeline gas imports will cease by September 30, 2027.
ICU, a company that served the circles of Yanukovych and Poroshenko, avoids investigations despite working with sanctioned individuals and Russian state banks. Serhiy Lyamets, former editor of "Ekonomichna Pravda," believes that only the US and EU can investigate ICU's financial operations.
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.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of financial support for Ukraine through the issuance of joint EU debt, as an alternative to using frozen Russian sovereign assets. This comes ahead of a meeting of EU leaders where ways to finance Ukraine will be discussed amid its expected deficit of 135 billion euros by 2027.
Hungary has blocked the European Union's enlargement statement, preventing Ukraine from starting EU accession negotiations. 26 EU member states support Ukraine, but Hungary did not support a positive assessment of its efforts.
The US and European allies have prepared two draft documents on supporting Ukraine after a potential "peace agreement," which were discussed with President Zelenskyy in Berlin. The documents outline general principles and detailed provisions for force interaction, and also envisage increasing the number of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to 800,000 servicemen.
A Care Space for veterans has opened in Bila Tserkva, providing medical, psychological, social, and legal support. The project was implemented by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Health with the support of IOM and the EU, as part of a national network.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz estimates the EU's chances of reaching an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense as "50-50. " EU leaders are expected to agree on the issue of using frozen Russian assets for a "reparation loan" to Ukraine at the summit on December 18-19.
The FCAS fifth-generation fighter jet program between France, Germany, and Spain has fallen into a deep crisis due to strategic disagreements. The project's implementation is now "very unlikely," and a decision on it will likely be postponed until 2026.
Lithuanian authorities have arrested 21 individuals allegedly linked to a criminal network that smuggled cigarettes from Belarus using weather balloons. The operation involved over 80 searches and the seizure of contraband goods, luxury cars, and weapons.
At the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs $120 billion for defense needs in 2026, half of which will be provided by the state. He named five priorities for maintaining the pace and stability of the front.
In Volyn, border guards discovered a balloon with 1,500 packs of Belarusian cigarettes, likely destined for Poland. The value of the contraband is about 90 thousand hryvnias.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees for Ukraine must be legally binding and supported by the US Congress. He emphasized that this should be a stronger agreement than the Budapest Memorandum or the Minsk agreements.
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.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 12285-d, which brings national regulation in the field of veterinary medicine and animal welfare in line with EU legal acts. The document eliminates inconsistencies between Ukrainian legislation and the EU acquis, creating legal grounds for the implementation of European requirements.
The Hague adopted a convention on the establishment of an international commission to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by Russia. Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Moldova were the first to sign the document, which is open to all states.
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.
A transnational network of fraudulent call centers operating in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Ivano-Frankivsk has been liquidated in Ukraine. The perpetrators defrauded EU citizens of over 50 million hryvnias using "vishing" and other schemes.
Leaders of eight EU countries bordering Russia will demand targeted defense funding in the next long-term budget of the bloc at a summit in Helsinki. This is due to growing concerns about Russia's aggressive actions, which are testing their borders.
The German Chancellor called on EU member states to find a way to share the risks associated with the use of these assets.
The US is offering Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5, but with an implicit ultimatum to accept them now. This offer is an attempt to accelerate a peace agreement and allay fears of a future Russian attack.
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.
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.
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.
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.
European leaders, in a joint statement, agreed with Trump's peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the inviolability of borders. They called on Russia for negotiations and readiness for a ceasefire.
