Poland will begin producing anti-personnel mines for the first time since the Cold War. They will be deployed along the eastern border and exported to Ukraine.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that his country will not participate in the meeting of EU leaders with their counterparts from the Western Balkans. This is Vučić's personal decision, who claims to be protecting the interests of Serbia, which has made little progress in its bid to join the EU.
Belgium has appealed to the EU with a proposal to activate an emergency provision for issuing joint debt to finance Ukraine's war efforts.
Nearly a million Ukrainian children live in an "eternal lockdown," studying online due to the pandemic and war. This has led to a deterioration in psychological well-being but has also revealed a high level of resilience among young people.
As a result of the Russian air strike on Zaporizhzhia, 30 people were injured, including 5 children. Emergency rescue operations have been completed, and State Emergency Service psychologists have provided assistance to 27 citizens.
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.
In Ukraine, December accounts for 30% of the annual import of mandarins, the demand for which was growing before the war. The main suppliers are Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt.
The Special Operations Forces of Ukraine successfully attacked the field artillery depot of the 101st Logistics Brigade of the 51st Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation in Luhansk region. The operation was carried out on the night of December 17, 2025, using FP-2 attack UAVs.
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.
According to a Razumkov Center poll, 92% of Ukrainians trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while 76% distrust the Verkhovna Rada. 32.5% of respondents believe that events in Ukraine are developing in the right direction.
Since the beginning of the day, 87 combat engagements have taken place. The enemy is actively operating in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions, having carried out 60 shellings and airstrikes.
Ursula von der Leyen criticized Donald Trump's attacks on Europe, calling for the continent's independence. She emphasized changes in the global economy and the need for its own path.
Norway has announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth 3. 2 billion Norwegian kroner (about 267 million euros). The funds will be used to purchase ammunition for F-16s and air defense systems within the framework of the JUMPSTART initiative.
Orban announced that Moscow was preparing a "harsh response" to the EU's decision on the use of frozen Russian assets. He stated that he had personal communication with Vladimir Putin.
The State Logistics Operator of the Ministry of Defense will for the first time purchase 150,000 DNA systems for servicemen for UAH 37. 8 million. This will allow for the identification of the deceased and missing, and the data will be stored in accordance with the law.
European Council President António Costa stated that the EU will not impose a reparation loan for Ukraine at the leaders' summit if Belgium opposes it. This is a departure from his previous position, where he noted that the scheme only required a qualified majority.
KNDS, the manufacturer of Leopard 2 tanks, has confirmed its intention to conduct an initial public offering in 2026. A dual listing on the Paris and Frankfurt stock exchanges is planned to expand access to capital amid record demand for defense products.
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.
The United Kingdom will officially issue an order to transfer £2. 5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that this is Roman Abramovich's last chance to fulfill his obligations, otherwise legal action will be taken.
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.
The situation near Siversk is tense, the enemy is trying to bypass the city. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are blocking the advance and destroying assault groups that have penetrated the city.
The Kremlin expects the US to provide information on the results of its work with Ukrainians and Europeans following reports of an expected discussion of proposals for peace talks. On December 16, President Zelenskyy announced an anticipated meeting between Ukraine and the US in Miami to discuss documents.
A state-level emergency has been declared in Odesa region due to enemy attacks on energy infrastructure. Over 50,000 residents of the region were left without electricity for a long time.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a Law extending special rules for the operation of the state enterprise "Pivdenny Machine-Building Plant named after Makarov" in Dnipro. This decision suspends forced enforcement actions and seizures of the enterprise's funds until January 1, 2027.
ICU, a company that served the circles of Yanukovych and Poroshenko, avoids investigations despite working with sanctioned individuals and Russian state banks. Serhiy Lyamets, former editor of "Ekonomichna Pravda," believes that only the US and EU can investigate ICU's financial operations.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law on the legal status and medical care of foreign military personnel. The document provides for the issuance of temporary residence permits for the entire duration of their contract and after its termination, and also extends certain social guarantees to them.
