Russian propaganda
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.
The occupation authorities of Crimea announced the "nationalization" of the property of 84 Ukrainians, accusing them of "cooperation with Kyiv" and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The list includes world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, as well as politicians, entrepreneurs, and military personnel.
Despite economic problems, Russia continues to increase the production of tanks, drones, helicopters, and missiles. This indicates Putin's attempt to compensate the elites of the defense complex for sanctions losses and the Kremlin's unwavering course towards continuing the war.
The spokesman for the Russian dictator, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russia is not interested in a temporary cessation of hostilities. He noted that Moscow would not participate in short-term solutions.
The SBU found a Makarov pistol with a silencer, which was used to kill People's Deputy Andriy Parubiy. The weapon was in a cache set up by the killer and contains his DNA.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko reported on the discovery of the pistol used to kill Andriy Parubiy, and new evidence indicating the suspect's treason. His actions have been additionally qualified for cooperation with Russian special services and justifying Russian aggression.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 151 combat engagements over the past day, more than half of which occurred in the Pokrovsk, Oleksandrivka, and Kostiantynivka directions. The enemy launched 90 airstrikes and used 5,471 kamikaze drones.
The Pan-African Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature was founded in Cairo, coinciding with the intensification of Russian information operations in Africa. Russia is creating structures to promote the Russian language and ideology, using mercenary formations.
Over the past day, 140 combat engagements took place on the front, Russia launched 60 airstrikes and used 3,445 drones. The highest activity of the occupiers was recorded in the Pokrovsk direction with 36 attacks.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Lenin is the architect of the independent Polish state. She claims that without Lenin, Poland would not exist.