Russian propaganda
A Moscow court recognized the feminist punk band Pussy Riot as an "extremist organization" on December 15, banning its activities in Russia. This decision threatens criminal prosecution for anyone associated with the collective.
Putin signed a law ratifying an agreement with India regulating the access of military formations, ships, and aircraft of one country to the territory of the other. This agreement creates a legal basis for the mutual presence of military forces, which is applied for joint exercises and exchange of experience.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry warned African countries against Russian recruitment after two Botswana citizens allegedly became victims of recruitment. The ministry emphasized that Russia systematically recruits foreigners under the guise of employment or education, which is an organized state policy.
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 German prosecutor's office has filed charges against far-right MP Matthias Moosdorf of the AfD. He was allegedly caught performing a banned Nazi salute in the Bundestag in June 2023.
Massive Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure threaten a complete power outage, especially in the east of the country.
Ukraine and the US are holding a second day of talks in Berlin on a plan to end the war, with security guarantees for Ukraine taking center stage. President Zelenskyy is discussing abandoning NATO membership in exchange for bilateral security agreements.
EU diplomacy chief Kallas said that EU leaders will discuss financing Ukraine at Thursday's meeting, where a reparation loan is the most likely option. This loan will be based on frozen Russian assets, avoiding the use of taxpayer money.
The occupied part of Donetsk region has lost its reserve water supply. The occupation authorities are draining water from barrels before the frosts, thus concealing the absence of solutions for stable water supply.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
Stabilization measures continue in Odesa region after massive Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. All services are working 24/7, and almost 19,000 people have visited the invincibility points.
The water crisis has worsened in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region. Due to frosts, the "authorities" are draining the remaining water from reservoirs, and promise to resume delivery by tankers after the weather warms up.
The General Assembly of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has allowed Russian chess players to participate in international tournaments using their national flag and anthem. The decision was made on December 14, with 61 delegates voting in favor and 51 against.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has completed emergency rescue operations at the site of the Russian shelling in Zaporizhzhia. As a result of the attack, 14 people were injured, including a child, three SES employees, and a patrol police officer.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is convening a summit in Helsinki to develop concrete measures to strengthen EU defense. Leaders of eight countries will discuss cooperation and forming a common position to secure funding.
The Kremlin called NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statements about preparing for a large-scale war with Russia irresponsible. Rutte claimed that NATO is Russia's next target, and Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated that these words demonstrate a misunderstanding of World War II.
The CCD reports on the intensification of Russia's recruitment campaign in Iran to replenish its troops. Iranians are offered a $20,000 "signing bonus" and $2,000 monthly for joining the Russian army.
Russia continues a large-scale campaign to falsify historical memory, using pseudo-historical "research" for informational influence on neighboring states. In particular, in 2025, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations published a 400-page "History of Lithuania" with a preface by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Pope Leo stated that the Vatican has completed preparations for his visit to Ukraine, which was discussed with Zelenskyy. However, the implementation of the plan is complicated by security issues, which requires a realistic approach.
From August to November 2025, almost 186,000 messages with offensive and discriminatory statements about Ukraine were recorded in the Polish-language segment of social networks. This is almost twice as many as in the previous similar period, with 92% of such posts appearing on the X platform.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Chess Federation of Ukraine urged FIDE not to reinstate the activities of the chess federations of Russia and Belarus. They oppose the return of national teams and the use of state symbols in competitions.
In Simferopol, the occupation administration is intensifying surveillance of the civilian population. Under the guise of "drills," security forces are checking documents, phones, and contacts of residents, collecting data on their correspondence and connections with Ukraine to compile lists of "unreliable" individuals.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz compared the situation in Ukraine to 1938, and the Kremlin's actions to the policies of Adolf Hitler. He emphasized that territorial compromises would not stop the Russian dictator, referring to the Munich Agreement.
On December 13, 146 combat engagements were recorded on the Russian-Ukrainian front, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The most intense battles took place in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, Lyman, and Sloviansk directions.
In temporarily occupied Donetsk, people with large debts are forced to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, offering military service as a way to write off their debts. This applies not only to loans, but also to fines and other financial obligations.
The Defense Forces control the north of Pokrovsk, refuting Russian claims of capturing the city. Soldiers of the 425th separate assault regiment are conducting raids south of the railway.
Claims by Russian military commanders of full control over Siversk and Pokrovsk are likely inaccurate. Ukrainian forces continue to fight for the western parts of Siversk and maintain a limited ability to raid Pokrovsk.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is starting payments in case of death or injury of journalists while performing their professional duties. The first payment will be received by the father of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity. The program is provided for in the state budget for 2026.
Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine, using over 450 attack drones and 30 missiles, with the main strike targeting the energy infrastructure of the south and Odesa region. Thousands of families were left without electricity in 7 regions, and two people were injured in Odesa region.
European officials are concerned that a new US-initiated peace deal in Ukraine could allow Russia to use a demilitarized zone to re-invade Donbas. Moscow demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, while Kyiv refuses to cede territory.