War in Ukraine
Umerov announced a constructive dialogue with the US, expecting an agreement by the end of the day. He thanked Trump and his team for their efforts aimed at a peace agreement.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the damage to the Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant on the night of December 15. Explosions and a powerful fire were recorded on the plant's territory, and the extent of the damage is being clarified.
The Ukrainian diplomat refutes conspiracy theories regarding negotiations with the United States, stating that the information is false. He emphasizes the importance of involving the American side in the peace process.
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.
EU ambassadors in Brussels today are discussing the European Commission's amendments to the reparations loan proposal for financing Ukraine. These amendments aim to address the concerns of Belgium, as well as Italy, Bulgaria, and Malta, who are calling for alternative options.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The parties discussed coordination with partners in the US and Europe to bring peace closer and develop a framework document on ending the war.
The meeting between Trump's advisers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday was productive, a US official said. This became known after the second round of talks in Berlin involving Zelenskyy and US representatives.
The enemy launched 71 attacks on the positions of the Defense Forces, 25 of them in the Pokrovsk direction, where 19 attacks were repelled. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, 55 shellings were recorded, including MLRS.
SBU long-range drones hit the oil platforms of Lukoil-Nizhnevolzhskneft in the Caspian Sea for the third time this week. Equipment at the Korchagin field was damaged, halting production processes.
India is reducing Russian oil imports to 800,000 barrels per day this month. This is due to tighter controls to comply with Western sanctions and attempts to conclude a trade deal with the United States.
American negotiators are pushing for Ukraine to cede control of Donetsk and Luhansk regions for peace talks with Russia. Kyiv refuses to withdraw troops from Donbas, despite US demands.
Ukraine is developing the production of motors for interceptor drones, capable of accelerating them up to 400 km/h. The company Motor-G produces over 100,000 motors per month, adapted to battlefield conditions.
The head of the communications department of the Joint Forces Group, Trehubov, stated that up to 200 Russian servicemen are blocked in Kupyansk. Ukrainian forces are carrying out de-occupation operations and gradually pushing back the enemy.
Weapon systems, which were removed during overhaul from two Mi-8MT combat helicopters, are being stored improperly. The investigation conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine is blocking the restoration of military equipment and effectively failing to ensure the safety of the seized property.
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.
On December 14, a drone hit a warship in occupied Feodosia, causing a fire. The consequences of the strike and the extent of the damage remain unknown.
US representatives have been invited to the evening talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Berlin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Rutte have confirmed their participation.
A fight between teenagers was recorded near the Alley of Memory of Heroes in Irpin. The Bucha district police are conducting an investigation and identifying those involved.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US negotiators in Berlin amid increased pressure from Donald Trump on Ukraine to reach an agreement. The meeting followed five hours of talks on Sunday aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Massive Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure threaten a complete power outage, especially in the east of the country.
About 430,000 consumers in the south remain without electricity, and extended blackout schedules are being applied in Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions.
In Ukraine, moderately warm weather without significant precipitation is expected in the coming days due to the Frieda anticyclone. In most regions, the temperature will be +4...+7 degrees, in the east from -1 to +2 degrees.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with released political prisoners from Belarus. He noted their principled position regarding Russian aggression and promised further assistance.
Ukraine has announced the winners of the educational grant program "Community Leaders School 2. 0", implemented by MHP and the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation in partnership with Mariupol State University. 11 projects from 13 regions received grant support totaling UAH 10 million for youth development, veteran policy, and energy efficiency.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against 9 individuals and entities supporting Russia's "shadow fleet" that transports oil. This decision aims to limit Russia's revenues and targets companies associated with "Rosneft" and "Lukoil" that use illegal shipping practices.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb in Berlin. The leaders discussed the results of diplomatic work and coordinated common positions before meetings with partners.
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.
The launch of the Russian Proton-M carrier rocket from Baikonur, scheduled for December 15, failed due to a "local discrepancy" in the upper stage. This incident points to systemic problems in Russia's space industry amid international sanctions.
Ukraine has introduced a new approach to air raid alerts with district-by-district notification, which will reduce the duration of alerts in communities without a real threat. This has already shortened the time of alerts in frontline and central regions, allowing businesses to operate more stably.
Law enforcement officers exposed a scheme to legalize over UAH 578 million obtained from defense contracts. Enterprise officials acted in collusion with a "conversion center," withdrawing budget funds through forged documents.