War in Ukraine
On the night of December 15, the Russian capital was attacked by drones; according to city authorities, Russian air defense shot down more than a dozen unmanned aerial vehicles. Residents of the Istra district and the Moscow region towns of Kashira and Kolomna heard explosions, and Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports temporarily suspended operations.
Stabilization measures continue in Odesa region after massive Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. All services are working 24/7, and almost 19,000 people have visited the invincibility points.
The water crisis has worsened in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region. Due to frosts, the "authorities" are draining the remaining water from reservoirs, and promise to resume delivery by tankers after the weather warms up.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that a peace agreement for Ukraine is closer than at any time in the last four years. The US, Ukraine, and European countries are working on three key documents, including a 20-point peace plan, security guarantees, and a post-war reconstruction program.
Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported a missile strike on the city on December 14, which damaged engineering facilities and shattered windows of buildings. Local residents report a strike on a thermal power plant, which led to power outages.
The General Assembly of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has allowed Russian chess players to participate in international tournaments using their national flag and anthem. The decision was made on December 14, with 61 delegates voting in favor and 51 against.
On December 15, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. They will discuss economic issues and the progress of the peace process, after which EU and NATO leaders will join the discussions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Jewish communities in Ukraine and all Jews on Hanukkah, wishing them peace, tranquility, and well-being. He emphasized the special significance of the holiday during wartime, symbolizing an unextinguishable light.
On December 14, 148 combat engagements took place on the Russian-Ukrainian front, with 42 airstrikes and 103 guided bombs. The most intense battles took place in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, Oleksandrivka, and Huliaipole directions.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced significant progress in negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation in Berlin. The next meeting will take place on December 15.
Drone wreckage was found near the border with Ukraine in Poland's Lublin Voivodeship. Police confirmed that the drone is not related to smuggling, and relevant services are investigating the circumstances of its appearance.
Russian servicemen who returned from the war against Ukraine have become a serious threat to Russia, causing the death or injury of over a thousand civilians. Russian courts consider participation in the war as a mitigating circumstance in 90% of cases.
Talks on a possible ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, which began in Berlin with the participation of Zelenskyy and representatives of the Trump administration, will continue on Monday. Specific proposals are not yet known, and Russia views the negotiations with suspicion.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has completed emergency rescue operations at the site of the Russian shelling in Zaporizhzhia. As a result of the attack, 14 people were injured, including a child, three SES employees, and a patrol police officer.
The Russian army began using a double warhead in its drones, the total mass of which reached 100 kilograms.
In most regions of Ukraine, hourly power outage schedules will be applied on December 15 due to damage to energy facilities. Power limitation schedules for enterprises will also be in effect.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is convening a summit in Helsinki to develop concrete measures to strengthen EU defense. Leaders of eight countries will discuss cooperation and forming a common position to secure funding.
Latvia has allocated 5 million euros for the purchase of drones for Ukraine, redirecting funds intended for the European Peace Facility. This decision was made due to Hungary's blocking of military support for Ukraine through the EPF.
Giorgia Meloni called Donald Trump's new national security strategy an "alarm signal" for Europe. She emphasized that Europe must organize itself and strengthen its own defense, rather than relying on the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting in Berlin with US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The talks are taking place against the backdrop of an international peace summit.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner left the office of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. They are heading to a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.
The Kremlin called NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statements about preparing for a large-scale war with Russia irresponsible. Rutte claimed that NATO is Russia's next target, and Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated that these words demonstrate a misunderstanding of World War II.
Zelenskyy reported signals regarding the presidential elections in Ukraine from the United States and personally from the American president. He instructed people's deputies to prepare options for holding elections in case of developments in this direction.
As of 4:00 PM on December 14, 95 Russian attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces were recorded. The largest number of combat engagements took place in the Pokrovsk (33 attacks) and Kostiantynivka (17 attacks) directions.
Zelenskyy stated that the Berlin summit is discussing a 20-point plan that includes a ceasefire and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine. Kyiv seeks to avoid a repeat of the war, insisting on the support of the US Congress for the guarantees.
The CCD reports on the intensification of Russia's recruitment campaign in Iran to replenish its troops. Iranians are offered a $20,000 "signing bonus" and $2,000 monthly for joining the Russian army.
The special unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine conducted a successful operation in temporarily occupied Crimea and managed to neutralize important Russian radar systems.
From December 14, 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia introduced a new schedule for passenger trains, increasing the number of international routes from 11 to 17. This allows travel to Munich, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg with one transfer, covering Eastern and Central Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin to participate in a peace summit, where the highest security level "0" has been introduced. This means an expectation of attacks or assassination attempts, which has led to increased security measures throughout the city.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he has not yet decided on the candidacy of the new head of the Presidential Office. He held consultations with potential candidates, all of whom are ready to lead the institution.