War in Ukraine
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.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation explained how to stay online using xPON technology, which provides internet for up to 72 hours without electricity. To connect, you need to find a provider that uses xPON and arrange for the installation of an optical cable to your home.
On December 17, hourly power outage schedules and power limitations will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
The "Ramstein-32" meeting brought Ukraine record financial commitments for 2026, including 11. 5 billion euros from Germany and 7 billion dollars from Norway. Partner countries also transferred new Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems, and allocated funds for drones, artillery, and ammunition.
Ukraine has returned 45 citizens who were held in temporary detention centers for foreigners in the Russian Federation. Also, 15 Ukrainians, most of whom are mobility-impaired, have returned from the Russian Federation and temporarily occupied territories as part of family reunification.
A scheme to embezzle budget funds by military officials and civilians has been uncovered in the Kyiv region, causing UAH 15. 5 million in damages to the state. The accountant of the military unit processed fictitious payments to civilians who were not on the personnel lists.
Germany has completed the transfer of two Patriot air defense systems and the ninth IRIS-T system to Ukraine, strengthening the protection of the Ukrainian sky. The total amount of German aid to Ukraine next year will reach 11.5 billion euros, which is a new record.
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in The Hague. They discussed continued defense assistance to Ukraine and joint efforts to achieve peace.
At the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs $120 billion for defense needs in 2026, half of which will be provided by the state. He named five priorities for maintaining the pace and stability of the front.
A man who drove a car into a crowd of football fans during a parade in Liverpool has been sentenced to 21. 5 years in prison. More than 130 people were injured in the incident, including a Ukrainian woman who required surgery.
The US President called the bloc's members 'weak', but joint action on funding for Ukraine would send a 'very strong signal', according to Kaja Kallas.
On December 16, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to restrain the massive onslaught of the occupiers. The highest intensity of assaults was recorded in the Pokrovsk, Kupyansk, and Lyman directions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees for Ukraine must be legally binding and supported by the US Congress. He emphasized that this should be a stronger agreement than the Budapest Memorandum or the Minsk agreements.
There is no certified organization in Ukraine that has the right to determine the originality of parts for Mi-8MT helicopters, which led to the seizure of weapons and the return of two helicopters to military units without combat capability. This creates a technical, legal, and security vacuum, jeopardizing the country's defense capabilities.
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.
The European Parliament will fast-track consideration of a proposal for a reparations loan for Ukraine, which will be secured by European Commission borrowings against frozen Russian assets. The vote will take place at the plenary session in January 2026.
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.
Since its launch on December 3, over 24,100 tickets have been issued. The program is actively used by volunteers, students, and children from frontline territories. The most popular routes are: Kyiv - Konotop, Kyiv - Mykolaiv, Kharkiv - Kyiv, Odesa - Dnipro, Dnipro - Lviv.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke cautiously about the role of European forces for Ukraine, noting that much would depend on Putin's actions. He supported the idea of a European military presence but pointed to unresolved issues regarding their deployment.
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 Russian Federation has been recognized as the least peaceful country on the planet, taking last place in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI) report. Ukraine and Sudan also made it into the top three most dangerous states.
Matthew Robar, a Canadian intelligence officer, has been arrested on suspicion of unauthorized transfer of classified data to a foreign state. The investigation found that he collaborated with foreign intelligence on a secret project of "unconventional activities," despite command refusals.
A new meeting between Ukraine and the US at the level of negotiating groups is expected in Miami in the coming days. It will discuss security guarantees, economic recovery, and 20 points of the framework agreement.
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 Verkhovna Rada adopted in principle draft law No. 14144, which allows cities and communities to use the national alert system. This will allow for a daily moment of silence at 9 AM.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading draft law No. 13347, which changes the approach to preparing citizens for national resistance. It provides for the integration of military training into the educational process and the introduction of a new academic discipline.
Russian oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since the start of the war, as sanctions deepen the discounts the country's oil industry is forced to offer. Exporters are receiving just over $40 a barrel, down 28% compared to the last three months, while global benchmark oil prices are also falling.
The Hague adopted a convention on the establishment of an international commission to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by Russia. Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Moldova were the first to sign the document, which is open to all states.