Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia continues to consider the full occupation of Ukraine, so it is necessary to increase pressure on the Russian Federation, particularly from the United States. He emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions so that Putin does not have funds for the war.
Tomorrow, December 21, hourly power outage schedules and capacity restrictions will be introduced in Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba stated that the evacuation of the population from some communities in Odesa Oblast after Russian attacks is not planned. He noted that the situation in the communities is normal, and issues regarding food and pensions have been resolved.
Ukraine has submitted its vision to the US on the most difficult issues, including territories, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and reconstruction funding. The results of discussions between the American and Russian sides are expected.
Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksiy Kuleba stated that he sees no preconditions for fuel price increases after the strikes on the Odesa region. He held talks with gas station operators and carriers, who confirmed the absence of a threat of price hikes.
Zelenskyy announced peace agreement talks conducted by Umerov. The US proposed a meeting format involving Ukraine and Russia, possibly with European representatives.
The bridge in Mayaky, Odesa region, suffered more than 5 enemy hits, making passage impossible; a pontoon crossing was deployed as an alternative. Employees of the Restoration Agency are working to restore the bridge, despite constant air raid alerts.
As a result of the enemy's KAB strike on Izium, one person was killed and another was injured. A private house and an apartment building were damaged.
As of 4 PM, 128 combat engagements have been recorded on the front line, which is twice as many as the day before. The most intense battles are taking place in the Pokrovsk direction, where 50 enemy attacks have been repelled.
Hungarian state energy company MVM Group and Romanian E. ON Group have mutually agreed to terminate the agreement for the acquisition of a 68% stake in E.ON Energie Romania and a 98% stake in E.ON Asist. The Romanian government did not support the deal due to concerns about MVM's ties with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated what is needed for a peace agreement to be effective. He emphasized that a just and lasting peace with strong security guarantees is important for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy announced the restoration of infrastructure in Odesa region and an investigation into those responsible for air defense in the area. This is happening after Russian strikes.
Ukraine discussed holding elections with the US, which may indicate that the American side understands how to ensure secure elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun to address the issue of the necessary infrastructure abroad for Ukrainians to vote.
President Zelenskyy commented on the EU's decision to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros for 2026-2027 without using frozen Russian assets. He noted that this decision would affect peace talks, as provisions regarding reconstruction and Russian assets were envisioned in peace agreements.
The 53-year-old actor and director Akhtem Seitablayev published photos with his daughter and granddaughter from Belgium, captioning them as "moments of happiness. " In January 2022, the actor showed photos from his daughter's wedding.
In the fall, the US presented a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal named five potential obstacles to peace between Russia and Ukraine.
EU taxpayers will pay €3 billion annually in interest on a loan to finance Ukraine's defense. The new plan will provide Ukraine with €45 billion next year, with the remaining funds to be paid in 2027.
Ukraine and Portugal have signed a statement on partnership for the production of naval drones. Portugal also supported a financial security guarantee for Ukraine worth 90 billion euros.
After Russia's deadly attack on the Odesa region, which damaged transport infrastructure, alternative routes across the Dniester have been created. They are already operational, allowing people to move with certain restrictions.
The Minister of Defense heard a report on the construction of fortifications in six regions. 2,130 platoon strongholds and over 3,000 km of anti-tank ditches have already been built.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who could not name the culprit of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Sybiha compared Hungary's position to the situation in 1939, when the country was an ally of Nazi Germany.
The song "Shchedryk" was written at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1936, its English version was released, which is known to the world as "Carol of the Bells".
On December 19, in the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation, the main gas pipeline "Central Asia - Center" failed due to "ground subsidence. " Gas transportation has been stopped indefinitely, and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine points to a trend in the development of geological processes near objects that finance the war.
The death toll in Odesa as a result of the Russian attack on December 19 has risen to 8 people, with about 30 injured. On the morning of December 20, the occupiers attacked the port in the city of Pivdennyi, Odesa region, hitting tanks.
The Defense Forces conducted a special operation near Pokrovsk, destroying tanks, Osa SAM systems, and armored fighting vehicles. The enemy planned to use this equipment for assault operations in the Pokrovsk direction.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi met with the British delegation led by Richard Knighton. The operational situation at the front, the measures of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to disrupt the autumn-winter campaign, and the needs for means of destruction were discussed.
Prosecutors have sent to court the case of an employee of the Territorial Recruitment Center and Social Support (TCC and SP) who beat a defender of Mariupol. The incident occurred in December 2025, and the victim sustained minor bodily injuries.
The United Kingdom will not unilaterally use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, as it had planned to do so jointly with partners. This comes after a similar EU plan failed due to legal and political obstacles.
SBU long-range drones hit two Russian Su-27 aircraft at the Belbek military airfield in Crimea, one of which was ready for a combat sortie. The control tower was also confirmed to have been hit, which will complicate the organization of flights.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that it is impossible to return current Russia to the civilized world. He noted that a democratic Russia is possible only after its collapse and regime change.
