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.
Trump positively assessed the negotiations with European leaders in Berlin regarding the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that peace in Ukraine "is closer than ever before."
Negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine are about to begin in Berlin. Representatives from the US, Italy, France, and other countries are present at the meeting.
Ukraine may receive security guarantees similar to Article 5 of the NATO treaty under a peace agreement discussed in Berlin. These guarantees will not be permanent, as US President Donald Trump insists on ending the war started by Russia in 2014.
Russia has expressed readiness to include Ukraine's EU membership in a peace agreement, according to US officials. Consensus has been reached on 90% of the peace plan, with reduced differences on security guarantees and territorial issues in Donbas.
The European Union has imposed sanctions against Pakistani oil tycoon Murtaza Lakhani and Azerbaijani businessman Etibar Eyubov. This happened as part of a new package of measures against Russia over its war against Ukraine.
Canadian defense manufacturers will be able to access loans under the EU's SAFE program totaling 150 billion euros, with a limit of 80% of the value of purchased equipment. This is a significant increase compared to the usual 35% for manufacturers from third countries, with Canada also paying an entry fee.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki warned Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to take Poland's support for granted, calling for a reset of relations ahead of their meeting in Warsaw. Nawrocki stated that Poles "often do not feel like partners" in relations with Ukraine.
Spain has fined Airbnb 64 million euros for advertising unlicensed apartments. This is part of the country's fight against housing unaffordability caused by tourist demand.
The European Union has tightened sanctions against 12 individuals and 2 entities involved in Russian hybrid operations, including disinformation. Diana Panchenko was included in the list.
The EU approves its first-ever Affordable Housing Plan to combat rising prices. It will focus on freeing up public funds and regulating tourist apartments.
India is reducing Russian oil imports to 800,000 barrels per day this month. This is due to tighter controls to comply with Western sanctions and attempts to conclude a trade deal with the United States.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US negotiators in Berlin amid increased pressure from Donald Trump on Ukraine to reach an agreement. The meeting followed five hours of talks on Sunday aimed at ending the war with Russia.
