War in Ukraine
British banks oppose using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. They fear lawsuits from Russia and potential financial losses without state guarantees.
On the evening of December 12, the Russian army attacked the Odesa region, damaging a port infrastructure facility, which caused a fire. Rescuers promptly extinguished the fire; there is no information about deaths or injuries.
The international meeting on Ukraine, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, in Paris, has been canceled. It was supposed to discuss the peace plan of US President Donald Trump.
The European Union has decided to indefinitely freeze Russian assets worth up to €210 billion. The funds will remain in the EU until Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine for the damage caused.
Rustem Umerov held closed-door meetings with FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino during a visit to Miami, raising concerns among Western officials. Ukraine's ambassador to Washington confirmed the meeting, noting that national security issues were discussed.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, aimed at energy facilities and ports, would be beneficial. He voiced this proposal during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan.
The main city Christmas trees, including the one on Sofia Square in Kyiv, are lit at the expense of sponsors and patrons, not the city budget. This allows avoiding additional load on the energy system in conditions of power outages.
The Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 1. 8 billion from the reserve fund for the maintenance of important roads in frontline regions. Additionally, UAH 665.4 million was directed to purchase fuel for 9 frontline regions, which will ensure the operation of backup power sources.
The EU has fulfilled its commitment to keep Russian assets blocked, as confirmed by European Council President António Costa. The next step is to ensure Ukraine's financial needs for 2026–2027.
According to The Atlantic, Trump did not object to strikes on Russia's oil logistics in international waters and, in several cases, approved the transfer of intelligence to Kyiv, which was used to target Russia's oil infrastructure.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the damage to a Turkish company's vessel in the port of Chornomorsk, emphasizing the importance of ending the war. The ship's crew has been evacuated, and no Turkish citizens were harmed.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a defense group in Germany, which will work on the details of security guarantees for Ukraine. The group will be headed by Lieutenant General Hnatov and will include representatives of the Ukrainian army, intelligence, and security forces.
According to preliminary information, SBU drones damaged critical equipment on both ice-resistant platforms, leading to the suspension of production processes.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 15 for an exchange of views on peace talks and economic issues. European leaders and representatives of the EU and NATO will join the discussions.
The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe. This removed a significant obstacle to using these funds to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, announced planned meetings in New York with the government's working group on recovery, development, and investment. A video conference of national security advisors also took place to discuss the peace plan.
Units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Russia's Yaroslavl region. The plant is one of the largest refineries of the occupiers, capable of processing 15 million tons of oil per year.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard reports from NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov regarding preparations for negotiations. The head of state emphasized that Ukraine's goal is to bring closer the end of the war, define steps for a dignified peace, guaranteed security, and recovery.
Russia attacked Odesa region's civilian port infrastructure with Shaheds and ballistic missiles. A worker was wounded and a container handler was damaged in Odesa port, and a Turkish ferry was damaged in Chornomorsk port.
On December 13, hourly power outage schedules will be in effect throughout Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met with US representatives, the head of the World Bank, and the CEO of BlackRock regarding the economic track of peace for Ukraine. A joint working group has been established to develop an action plan, emphasizing the importance of security guarantees.
The Russian army launched a missile strike on Odesa region, damaging a civilian vessel in the port of Chornomorsk. President Zelenskyy emphasized that this proves the Russians' unwillingness to engage in diplomacy and their goal to destroy normal life in Ukraine.
On December 12, 2025, the National Bank of Ukraine put into circulation a commemorative coin "Security Service of Ukraine. Protecting Ukraine Together!" with a face value of 5 hryvnias. It is dedicated to the activities of the SBU and the unique special operation "Spiderweb", which resulted in the destruction of 41 Russian military aircraft.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has removed US Army commander Dan Driscoll from participating in peace talks on Ukraine. This happened amid rumors of Driscoll's possible appointment as Secretary of Defense and his exceeding of authority.
The Belgian central securities depository Euroclear may compensate for the seizure of its assets in Russia at the expense of frozen Russian funds in the EU. This was a response to a lawsuit filed by the Russian Central Bank regarding alleged damages.
As a result of shelling of Donetsk region by Russian occupiers, 2 people were killed and 7 were wounded. The strikes hit Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka.
The European Commission is ready to include the guarantees that Belgium is demanding for the use of immobilized assets of the Russian central bank. This will allow Ukraine to be provided with a "reparation loan" to compensate for war damages.
In Odesa, two players of the futsal club "Liubart", Dmytro Romaniuk and Nazar Senyk, who were on their way to a match, were mobilized. They are subject to mobilization by age and are preparing for service in the National Guard of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit Berlin on Monday. He will meet with the German Chancellor and representatives of Great Britain and France.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. They discussed the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken to Russia, and the release of prisoners of war and civilians.