War in Ukraine
The SBU sentenced an FSB agent to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property for adjusting Russian airstrikes and artillery shelling in Donetsk region. The perpetrator was detained in Kirovohrad region, where she arrived under the guise of a displaced person to flee to the Russian Federation.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for active European participation in developing a peace plan to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine. He noted that the initial US plan was modified thanks to European input, and stressed the importance of Italy's role in this process.
In the temporarily occupied Donetsk region, military-technical classes are being held for teenagers, teaching them how to use weapons, drones, and tactical actions. These activities are a systemic militarization that forms a controlled mobilization reserve for Russia's long-term goals.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin is not currently being considered due to a lack of progress in negotiations. Putin conveyed a "friendly greeting" and a series of "political signals" to Trump, the content of which was not specified.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian defenders improved their tactical position in Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast. Positions within the city have been strengthened and possible routes for enemy sabotage and reconnaissance groups to penetrate have been blocked.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented awards in Dublin to the families of Irish volunteers who gave their lives for Ukraine. He presented the Order "For Courage" of the III degree to the relatives of Graham Dale, Robert Deegan, and Oleksandr Ryzhuk.
At a meeting in the Kremlin on Tuesday, December 2, several options for a plan to resolve the war in Ukraine were discussed. Some of the US proposals are acceptable to Russia, others are not, and there is no compromise yet.
The Netherlands plans to close centers for Ukrainian refugees in 2027, when the EU's temporary protection status expires. Around 135,000 Ukrainians will have to provide for their own housing and medical care.
During his visit to Ireland, Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of local businesses, urging them to invest in Ukraine to strengthen its resilience and reconstruction. The President noted the great interest of Irish companies in cooperation and expressed hope for further strengthening of interaction.
On December 2, 191 combat engagements took place at the front, with the greatest activity in the Pokrovsk direction, where the Defense Forces repelled 48 attempts to break through. In this direction, Ukrainian soldiers neutralized 130 occupiers and destroyed a tank, an armored combat vehicle, and 19 drones.
Russia will not compromise on territories, limiting the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the recognition of occupied territory by the US and Europe, a Russian official states. Moscow is ready to be flexible on secondary issues, such as frozen assets.
The defense ministers of the European Union countries discussed further support for Ukraine and European defense, emphasizing the critical importance of making a decision on multi-year funding for Kyiv.
5,000 subscribers were left without electricity due to a Russian strike on the Zaporizhzhia district. Energy workers will begin restoration work after the security situation improves.
A high-ranking NATO diplomat stated that the Russian army is incapable of attacking EU countries. This was a response to Vladimir Putin's threats about Russia's readiness for war with Europe.
The administration of US President Donald Trump did not warn Germany about the suspension of certain arms supplies to Ukraine. This led to a breakdown in direct contacts with German generals who were coordinating aid to Kyiv.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to meet with Donald Trump. Further steps depend on the results of the American delegation's negotiations in Russia.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been making statements for two days in a row that indicate his unwillingness to end the war, threatening seaports and freedom of navigation, especially Odesa. Sybiha emphasized that Russia must stop the bloodshed, otherwise it will have consequences.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke in the Irish parliament, calling for continued pressure on Russia. After the speech, the Irish parliament gave the President of Ukraine a standing ovation.
Donald Trump announced that the US is no longer funding the conflict in Ukraine, and that this support is being provided by NATO countries. American representatives are actively working in Russia to resolve the war.
Starting December 3, the "Ukrzaliznytsia" application allows users to book up to four trips totaling 3000 kilometers as part of the "3000 km across Ukraine" program, which is available to frontline communities. Free tickets are offered on 24 designated routes in open-plan carriages, compartments, regional trains, and Intercity 2nd class.
Media reported that Vladimir Putin began a meeting with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The US peace plan for the war in Ukraine is on the agenda.
Vladimir Putin stated Russia's readiness for war with Europe, emphasizing that if it starts, there will quickly be no one left to negotiate with. He noted that actions against Ukraine are a "surgical method," unlike a potential conflict with Europe.
For the first time in NATO, Denmark has allowed the Ukrainian company Fire Point to establish rocket fuel production on its territory. The plant in Vojens, near Skrydstrup Air Base, is expected to start operations in 2026.
President Zelenskyy stated that there would be no easy solutions regarding a peace agreement with Russia, emphasizing the need for fair solutions and security guarantees. He stressed that there should be no agreements about Ukraine without its participation, and also expressed doubt about Russia's change of goals.
On December 3, electricity outage schedules will be in effect for all regions of Ukraine, with 0. 5 to 3 queues without power. The restrictions are due to the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified territories, frozen assets, and security guarantees as the most sensitive topics of the peace plan. He emphasized that he cannot unilaterally decide on the issue of frozen funds in the EU.
Over 10,000 IDPs from temporarily occupied territories have applied for housing vouchers. The highest demand was recorded in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia, with most applicants coming from Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that in response to attacks on tankers, Russia would expand strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels entering these ports.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin announced the country's readiness to participate in monitoring the ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized Ireland's experience in peacekeeping activities.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that European proposals for a peace plan are unacceptable to Russia. He also added that Russia has no intention of fighting European countries, but is ready for war if Europe starts it.