War in Ukraine
Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with 69 Shahed-type, Gerbera, and other attack UAVs. Air defense forces shot down/suppressed 57 enemy UAVs; hits by 10 attack UAVs were recorded at 7 locations.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine have received reinforcements and continue active operations in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration area. The enemy has committed all its operational reserves, but Ukrainian troops are successfully resisting its attempts to break through the defense.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in the Netherlands for a series of meetings with European leaders, including the President of Moldova and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. A speech to parliament and an audience with King Willem-Alexander are also planned.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that there is no agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. He noted that the positions of Europe and the US on this issue differ significantly.
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.
Great Britain plans to strengthen citizen training for service, increase defense production, and develop necessary skills. This is a response to the growing threat from Russia, which seeks to challenge NATO.
Over the past day, December 15, Russian troops lost 1,150 servicemen, 9 tanks, and 1 submarine. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 16.12.25 amounted to about 1,190,620 personnel.
Germany will strengthen support for Ukraine's defense sector through joint ventures, market integration, and the possible provision of federal guarantees for investments within a 10-point plan. This includes joint procurement of Ukrainian military equipment and the establishment of a representative office of the Ukrainian defense industry in Berlin.
On the morning of December 16, Russian troops attacked Zaporizhzhia with a drone, which caused a fire in an apartment building. Two people were injured: a man sustained a shrapnel wound, and a woman suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the "coalition of the determined" has developed measures to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and, if necessary, to deploy troops. The plans include ground deployment, but the priority is to achieve peace.
The next round of negotiations between Kyiv and Washington on a peace plan is scheduled for this weekend in the US. The discussion will take place after US consultations with Russia, and then a meeting at the leaders' level is possible.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the US is ready to respond with military action to renewed Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is enshrined in the security guarantees under discussion. He emphasized that Poland will not pressure Ukraine into concessions and will ensure the security of the eastern flank.
President Zelenskyy is concerned about the possibility of Russia rejecting Trump's peace plan, which could cause turbulence in the diplomatic process. In case of Russia's refusal, the United States of America will strengthen sanctions and increase arms supplies to Ukraine.
The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia and confirms the freezing of Russian assets. The EU is ready to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs for the next two years, which amounts to about 90 billion euros.
Ukraine will not cede control over Donbas but is considering creating economic zones without recognizing it as part of Russia. President Zelenskyy emphasized that Donbas is Ukrainian territory, and Kyiv will not recognize it as Russian either de jure or de facto.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that frozen Russian assets totaling up to $210 billion are a financial security guarantee for Ukraine. He presented two scenarios for their use: for post-war reconstruction or for annual financial assistance of 40-45 billion euros for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of continued aggression.
Russian troops advanced in Huliaipole, Predtechyne, Shakhove, and Stepnohirsk. This is evidenced by data from the DeepState monitoring project.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the issue of a referendum on territories is not currently being considered. Ukraine is ready to hold elections provided a ceasefire is established and security infrastructure is ensured.
Ukraine and the United States supported German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for a Christmas truce. President Zelenskyy emphasized that the implementation of this idea depends on Russia's political will.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Netherlands on December 16. He will meet with Prime Minister Dick Schoof and King Willem-Alexander to discuss peace talks and support for Ukraine.
Ukraine expects five documents of the "peace plan" approved by the US Congress, after which Zelenskyy will meet with Trump. The documents provide for support in Ukraine's recovery and the creation of a fund to compensate Ukrainians for damages.
US President Donald Trump said at the White House on December 15 that he had spoken with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The details of the conversation and its date were not disclosed.
The next round of negotiations between Ukraine and the United States on ending the war may take place this weekend in Miami. Security guarantees for Ukraine and possible territorial concessions will be discussed.
The European Union does not plan to lift sanctions on Belarus, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. This decision was made despite the fact that on December 13, the US announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash, which had been in effect since 2021.
European leaders, in a joint statement, agreed with Trump's peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the inviolability of borders. They called on Russia for negotiations and readiness for a ceasefire.
Ukrainian troops have almost completely cleared Kupyansk of Russian occupiers. More than 30 Russian servicemen are blocked in the central city hospital, and several other groups are in the basements of residential buildings.
Trump positively assessed the negotiations with European leaders in Berlin regarding the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that peace in Ukraine "is closer than ever before."
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.
The Ukrainian government has approved a decision that will allow 18,000 Ukrainian families to obtain housing under the "eOselia" program. The Ministry of Finance will issue UAH 30 billion in government bonds to provide resources.
During the Berlin talks, EU leaders welcomed progress in Trump's peace efforts, agreeing to cooperate to achieve peace and preserve Ukraine's sovereignty. They supported the creation of multinational forces in Ukraine and its accession to the EU.