Martial law
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that British citizen Aiden William Davies has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for "mercenary activities. " He fought in Ukraine against Russia, having signed a contract with the International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine.
In 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive 200 "Bohdana" self-propelled artillery systems based on German Mercedes-Benz Zetros chassis. 750 million euros have been allocated for the implementation of the program from Germany's support package of 1.2 billion euros.
Ukraine announced a successful restructuring of GDP warrants worth $2. 6 billion, which will avoid significant payments in the post-war period. This transaction will strengthen debt sustainability and increase the country's budget predictability.
Traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been temporarily stopped in both directions. The head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, urged people to refrain from using this section of the road.
The Lviv City Council has approved a new award, the "Iron Lion," to honor people for their courage and service during wartime. The award will be presented to military personnel, medics, and civilians.
The Ministerial Council of the Energy Community has allowed Ukraine to operate large combustion plants without complying with strict environmental emission standards until the end of 2028. This decision will support the energy system during the war and ensure supply stability.
The 12th separate army aviation brigade reported the death of the Mi-24 helicopter crew. Fundraising has been opened to help the four families of the deceased pilots.
In the north and south of Pokrovsk, small arms battles continue, the occupiers are active in the western outskirts, particularly in the village of Hryshyne. The defense forces are destroying the enemy and its logistics with heavy bombers, FPV drones, and other means of destruction.
Since the beginning of the day, 98 combat engagements have been recorded, the enemy is actively operating in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions. The defense forces are repelling attacks in several directions, and battles are ongoing in many locations.
In Zakarpattia, a stepfather has been sentenced to life imprisonment, and the mother to 15 years in prison for the systematic rape of a minor child. The prosecution will seek life imprisonment for the mother on appeal.
As of the end of November 2025, the Russian armed forces had about 50 9M729 cruise missiles, which are produced at a rate of up to 250 units per year. These missiles, due to which the US withdrew from the INF Treaty, are launched from Iskander-M1 OTRK launchers.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of a number of enemy targets in the temporarily occupied territories, including the 55Zh6 "Nebo-U" radar in Crimea and a fuel and lubricants depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A UAV depot in Makiivka was also hit, and two S-400 air defense system launchers in Belgorod Oblast were destroyed.
Police are investigating the beating of a district officer by three servicemen of the Odesa RTCC and SP. One of the attackers was intoxicated, all suspects have been notified of suspicion.
On December 18, Russian drones attacked Dnipro, causing explosions. The head of the Dnipropetrovsk OVA confirmed the enemy UAV attack.
On the night of December 18, SBU drones attacked the Belbek military airfield in Crimea. Two "Nebo-SVU" complexes, a 92N6 radar, a "Pantsir-S2" air defense system, and a MiG-31 aircraft were hit.
The court re-extended the arrest of a 52-year-old Lviv resident, suspected of murdering People's Deputy Andriy Parubiy. He is accused of treason, attempted assassination of a people's deputy, and illegal handling of weapons.
President of the European Council António Costa stated that a decision on supporting Ukraine would be made by the end of the EU summit. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed that leaders would not leave the summit without an agreement on financing Ukraine for the next two years.
President Zelenskyy stated that the EU's refusal to use frozen Russian funds would weaken Ukraine, potentially affecting the course of the war and diplomacy. He emphasized that without these funds, Ukraine would be in a more vulnerable position, which would reduce Russia's interest in a diplomatic settlement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the US proposal to divide the Zaporizhzhia NPP unfair, noting that no agreements have been reached on this issue. He emphasized a number of unresolved problems related to the plant's operation, including its militarization and funding for its restoration.
President Zelenskyy stated that his address from Kupyansk influenced conversations with Americans and Europeans. He noted that his personal presence in the city refuted Putin's statements about the occupation of new territories.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine straightened the front line and improved their tactical position in the Lyman direction. As a result of joint assault operations by the Third Army Corps and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, a regiment of the Russian army was destroyed, and a significant number of occupiers were taken prisoner.
In Kryvyi Rih, four people were injured as a result of a UAV attack, two were hospitalized. Private and two-story houses, an administrative building, and a cultural institution were damaged. Nikopol region was shelled with MLRS and an FPV drone.
Over the past day, December 17, the Russian army lost 950 servicemen killed and wounded, as well as 484 units of equipment. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 18.12.25 amounted to approximately 1,193,300 personnel.
On the night of December 18, Russian military attacked the energy infrastructure of Voznesensk. Due to the damage, water supply has been temporarily suspended in one of the city's microdistricts.
Estonia has begun the construction of the first five of 600 defensive bunkers on the border with the Russian Federation, which are to be built by the end of 2027. These structures are designed to protect soldiers from artillery shells and are part of the Baltic defense line against potential attacks.
On December 17, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the creation of a number of new military administrations in the Dnipropetrovsk region. This decision was made in pursuance of the law "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law."
As of the evening of December 17, the Defense Forces are holding back a massive onslaught by the occupiers, with 125 combat engagements recorded during the day. The enemy used over 3100 kamikaze drones and 82 guided aerial bombs to strike at the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Ukraine will increase the accessibility of prostheses and orthoses for civilians affected by Russian aggression by increasing compensation and, for the first time, providing children with bionic prostheses. The government has adopted a corresponding decision, while maintaining the algorithm for receiving assistance.
Zelenskyy appointed Vadym Boichenko as head of the Mariupol City Military Administration. The new status of the body allows for prompt decision-making in the interests of the community, removing restrictions caused by the incapacity of the deputy corps.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appealed to UEFA and European governments with a demand for a complete ban on the participation of Belarusian national teams and clubs in international tournaments. It is also proposed to restrict the entry of Belarusian athletes until the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty.