The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council analyzed Putin's speech, noting that Russia is not interested in a real peaceful settlement of the war.
The criminal prosecution of Roman Mileshko's group of aviation companies has been ongoing for more than three years without any charges being filed. A number of law enforcement agencies have found no evidence of a crime, which indicates possible pressure from competitors.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was asked various questions during the "direct line" – from absurd and funny to quite serious ones.
During his annual "Direct Line" event, Vladimir Putin once again made false statements about the situation at the front, claiming that Ukraine is not ready for peace on Russia's terms. He also cynically mocked Zelenskyy's visit to Kupyansk and announced alleged successes of Russian troops near Kupyansk, Lyman, Myrnohrad, and Huliaipole.
The Kyiv City Council has decided to remove 15 objects associated with the Russian Empire and the USSR from the capital's public space. Among them are monuments to Mikhail Bulgakov, Anna Akhmatova, Mikhail Glinka, and Soviet inscriptions.
The number of patents in Russia has decreased by almost a quarter since the beginning of the war, reaching its lowest level in 20 years. Most state "innovative" projects are borrowed or adapted technologies, not genuine innovations.
Two FSB informants, exposed in Khmelnytskyi region in April 2024, have been sentenced to 12 and 10 years in prison. They installed hidden mini-cameras near operational airfields of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in western Ukraine to track combat aircraft.
US President Donald Trump will sign into law on December 18 the defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026, which regulates military pay raises and measures to respond to geopolitical threats, and also provides for the allocation of $800 million to Ukraine for the purchase of American weapons.
The Indian government has confirmed the recruitment of over 200 of its citizens by Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. At least 26 Indians have died, and seven more are missing.
Professor Vadym Popko highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in Ukrainian diplomacy, referring to student works. Young people propose to institutionalize counter-disinformation and implement ethical AI mechanisms.
Aliaksandr Lukashenka stated that the "Oreshnik" missile system has entered combat duty in Belarus. The National Security and Defense Council believes that this is propaganda of fear for Europe.
On December 19, hourly power outage schedules will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine due to the consequences of Russian attacks. Ukrenergo does not specify the number of queues and advises to inquire about information from regional power distribution companies.
Political expert Kyrylo Sazonov claims that Ihor Kolomoisky is working to destabilize Ukraine in order to avoid criminal liability. His statements are in line with Russia's interests, which seeks destabilization.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Brussels. The leaders discussed the coordination of positions regarding the negotiation process with Donald Trump's team and the importance of involving Europe to guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that before the full-scale war, he directly raised the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership with then-US President Joe Biden, but received a clear refusal. Zelenskyy emphasized that he does not consider it necessary to change the Constitution of Ukraine due to the position of other states.
In the first three quarters of 2025, tourism tax revenues increased by 35%, reaching 234. 3 million hryvnias. The largest revenues were provided by Kyiv, Lviv region, and Ivano-Frankivsk region.
The Center for Countering Disinformation (CPD) has recorded a new campaign in Ukrainian social networks. The enemy uses memes and songs to shift responsibility for the energy deficit from Russian shelling to the Ukrainian authorities.
Three Russian border guards illegally crossed the border of Estonia, an EU and NATO member. They crossed the control line on the Narva River on foot and then returned to Russian territory.
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.
Draft law No. 14093 provides for the de-Sovietization of the name of Ukraine's small coin. At the same time, the coins "kopiika" and "shah" will be in circulation simultaneously for some time, and the ratio will remain 1:1.
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.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stopped the payment of state scholarships to Serhiy Bubka and Yana Klochkova, according to decree No. 967 of December 17. Other Olympic champions and medalists have also been deprived of scholarships.
The Russian dictator confirmed his intention to seize territories that he considers "historical lands of Russia. " This primarily refers to the south and east of Ukraine.
On the night of December 18, the tanker "Valeriy Gorchakov", part of Russia's "shadow fleet", was hit in the port of Rostov-on-Don. This tanker was spotted in the waters of the ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk; there are dead and wounded.
Russian intelligence organized a campaign to intimidate Belgian politicians and Euroclear top managers to block the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. The attack targeted key Euroclear officials, where most of Russia's frozen assets are held.
The XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will take place from February 4 to 22, 2026, with 116 gold medals to be awarded across 16 sports. For the first time since 2014, NHL players will return to the ice, and ski mountaineering will make its debut.
The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council denied information about lowering the mobilization age and conscripting students. The CCD called this an enemy IPSO aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Moscow is preparing next year as a year of war, and these are signals not only for Ukraine. He emphasized the need for partners, particularly the US, to react to this rhetoric, which undermines diplomacy.
President Zelenskyy held talks with Czech President Petr Pavel. The situation on the front, particularly the operation in Kupyansk, and defense support for Ukraine were discussed.
Dictator Putin will appear in one of the episodes of the animated series "Prostokvashino". "Soyuzmultfilm" stated that this should become a tool of "soft power" to promote Russia and its culture.
