MEPs supported a resolution on abolishing internal borders for the movement of troops and equipment within the EU, which will enhance military mobility. This decision was made against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine, with the aim of rapid cross-border movement of troops and equipment.
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would achieve its military goals in Ukraine by force or diplomatically, calling European leaders "piglets. " He accused the previous US administration of provoking the conflict and threatened to liberate "historical lands" on the battlefield.
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.
Information about 360,000 Russian troops in Belarus is not true. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation and Lithuanian intelligence, only a few thousand Russian servicemen are there.
Russian Defense Minister Belousov is spreading false information about the occupation forces' control over Kupyansk. Most of the city is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which continue to clear it of Russians.
Vladimir Putin claimed that the Russian army captured over 300 settlements in 2025 and accused the West of starting the war. Andrei Belousov stated that Russia allegedly captured Kupyansk, while Ukraine denied this.
In temporarily occupied Crimea, discontent is growing due to benefits for participants of the "SVO" and their families. Local residents are recording widespread irritation over special privileges against the backdrop of deteriorating social services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the decision of the San Francisco International Wine Competition to disqualify 15 Russian wineries from the 2025 competition. Their wines will be disposed of due to violations of US sanctions legislation imposed in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Putin also noted that politicians in Europe are raising the "degree of hysteria" and "instilling fears" about the inevitability of a clash with the Russian Federation.
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.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski ironically reacted to Maria Zakharova's statement about "Poland being created by Lenin", comparing it to Putin's "charity" towards Ukraine.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, stated that the Kremlin is trying to drag out time to force Ukraine to surrender.
The Foreign Intelligence Service reports that Russia is developing a new General Scheme for Population Resettlement. The document highlights deep demographic and spatial problems in the country, rather than offering realistic solutions.
The SBU detained the head of a medical unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who was transmitting data on military facilities to the FSB. He marked locations on Google Maps, which allowed the occupiers to launch missile strikes.
The European Commission is trying to persuade Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to support a proposed loan to Ukraine, financed by immobilized Russian assets. De Wever expresses concerns about the risks to the Belgian economy if Russia tries to reclaim the assets.
Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing occupation administrations to confiscate housing from Ukrainians who have left the occupied territories. Real estate can be transferred to residents who have lost their homes or used as official housing for officials.
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.
The Latvian government will allocate 2. 42 million euros to strengthen the protection of Riga Airport from unauthorized drone flights. The project envisages the introduction of modern technologies for detecting, identifying, tracking and neutralizing drones.
Keir Starmer has initiated an urgent assessment of external influence on British politics amid preparations for legislative changes. This decision came in response to the conviction of Nathan Gill, who received funds for pro-Russian statements.
The Swedish Navy and Coast Guard report the presence of Russian military personnel on vessels suspected of transporting Russian oil. An increase in Russian military activity is also being observed near key maritime routes, where 500 to 1,000 such vessels operate.
In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the situation with teachers' salaries is rapidly deteriorating: salaries are delayed, bonuses are cut, and accruals remain non-transparent. A significant part of payments is tied to loyalty, a refusal of which leads to deprivation of bonuses.
The Center for Countering Disinformation reported on the Kremlin's preparations for a complete YouTube blockade. This decision is part of a systemic digital isolation and an attempt to establish full control over information in Russia.
The occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP receives power through only one of two external power transmission lines. The disconnection of the backup line due to military actions creates a threat of a nuclear accident.
The Kyiv Court of Appeal upheld the verdict against ex-president Yanukovych, sentenced to 15 years for organizing illegal border crossing and inciting desertion. His accomplice, the former deputy head of the State Protection Department, received 10 years in prison.
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.
On December 16, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the German media company Deutsche Welle to the register of "undesirable organizations," criminalizing its activities in the country. DW Director General Barbara Massing stated that this would not stop the broadcaster's work, and the Russian audience's interest in independent content is growing.
A 54-year-old resident of Donetsk prepared texts of speeches for local gauleiters and organized mass propaganda events in support of the Russian occupiers.
The occupation administration of the Kherson region has admitted that gasification of the left bank reaches only 27%, leaving about 38,000 facilities without connection. This is happening despite promises of integration into Russian systems, and a significant part of the gas lines are not functioning or are in disrepair.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is systematically trying to distort the perception of events at the front, and Putin does not count losses. He emphasized that for the Russian leader, losses mean even less when he seeks to use every meter as an argument in negotiations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha named five reasons why this step must be taken now.
