War in Ukraine
Israel's Ministry of Defense announced an expansion of its contract with Germany for the supply of Arrow-3 missile defense components, increasing its value to $3. 1 billion.
In Odesa region, due to a Russian air attack, traffic has been restricted to certain border crossing points with Moldova. Traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been suspended due to an attack on a critical infrastructure facility.
An enemy attack drone hit a civilian car moving on a bridge in the Odesa district. A woman in the car was killed, and her three children were taken to the hospital with injuries and an acute stress reaction.
On December 19, hourly power outage schedules will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine due to the consequences of Russian attacks. Ukrenergo does not specify the number of queues and advises to inquire about information from regional power distribution companies.
Traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been temporarily stopped in both directions. The head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, urged people to refrain from using this section of the road.
The Lviv City Council has approved a new award, the "Iron Lion," to honor people for their courage and service during wartime. The award will be presented to military personnel, medics, and civilians.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Hungary, the US, Slovakia, and possibly a few other allies oppose Ukraine's membership in the Alliance. He noted that at the 2024 Washington Summit, allies agreed on Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO, but in practice, some members are against it.
The European Commission and Belgium are negotiating the use of 210 billion euros of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Belgium seeks additional financial guarantees due to concerns about legal and financial risks.
Nearly 7,300 demonstrators and 1,000 tractors are present in Brussels' European Quarter to protest against the EU-Mercosur agreement. The demonstration marched through the streets of Brussels earlier in the day but was eventually dispersed.
The Ministerial Council of the Energy Community has allowed Ukraine to operate large combustion plants without complying with strict environmental emission standards until the end of 2028. This decision will support the energy system during the war and ensure supply stability.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that partners have informed about the possible adoption of a final decision on financing Ukraine before the end of the current year. This decision will not be postponed until January or later.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a deficit of certain missiles for air defense systems. He noted that partners provide licenses, missiles, or financial assistance.
Political expert Kyrylo Sazonov claims that Ihor Kolomoisky is working to destabilize Ukraine in order to avoid criminal liability. His statements are in line with Russia's interests, which seeks destabilization.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels. The main topic of discussion was the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, as well as coordination with Europe and the United States on the peace process.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Brussels. The leaders discussed the coordination of positions regarding the negotiation process with Donald Trump's team and the importance of involving Europe to guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty.
The National Bank of Ukraine considers receiving a reparation loan as the baseline scenario, but in case of delays with external assistance, the government can rely on banks. NBU Deputy Governor Serhiy Nikolaychuk noted that banks have the potential to increase investments in government securities.
The 12th separate army aviation brigade reported the death of the Mi-24 helicopter crew. Fundraising has been opened to help the four families of the deceased pilots.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that before the full-scale war, he directly raised the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership with then-US President Joe Biden, but received a clear refusal. Zelenskyy emphasized that he does not consider it necessary to change the Constitution of Ukraine due to the position of other states.
In the north and south of Pokrovsk, small arms battles continue, the occupiers are active in the western outskirts, particularly in the village of Hryshyne. The defense forces are destroying the enemy and its logistics with heavy bombers, FPV drones, and other means of destruction.
The State Emergency Service warns of deteriorating weather conditions on December 19. Dense fog is expected on the Left Bank, in the west, and in Zhytomyr region, limiting visibility to 200-500 meters.
Since the beginning of the day, 98 combat engagements have been recorded, the enemy is actively operating in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions. The defense forces are repelling attacks in several directions, and battles are ongoing in many locations.
Great Britain imposed sanctions against three Russian oil companies: PJSC Tatneft, PJSC Russneft, and PJSC NNK. This expansion of sanctions pressure is aimed at reducing Russia's revenue from energy exports, covering almost 60% of Russian oil exports to key markets.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that using frozen Russian assets is the only realistic way for Europe to finance support for Ukraine. He noted that technical discussions are currently underway regarding a mechanism based on Russian assets, instead of discussing alternatives.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the United States have different views on Donbas, and the issues of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and a reparations loan remain open. He emphasized the need for a positive decision on the reparations loan to avoid a budget deficit of 45-50 billion dollars next year.
The Kyiv City Council approved the capital's budget for next year, which amounts to over 106 billion hryvnias. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the budget is balanced and ensures the city's vital functions, assistance to the military, and socially vulnerable Kyiv residents.
In the first three quarters of 2025, tourism tax revenues increased by 35%, reaching 234. 3 million hryvnias. The largest revenues were provided by Kyiv, Lviv region, and Ivano-Frankivsk region.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will be forced to significantly reduce drone production if it does not receive funding in the spring, including a reparations loan. These funds are planned to be used for the country's recovery or for drone production if the war continues.
The absence of a reparations loan could lead to a budget deficit of 45-50 billion dollars next year, the President of Ukraine said.
In Zakarpattia, a stepfather has been sentenced to life imprisonment, and the mother to 15 years in prison for the systematic rape of a minor child. The prosecution will seek life imprisonment for the mother on appeal.
The Center for Countering Disinformation (CPD) has recorded a new campaign in Ukrainian social networks. The enemy uses memes and songs to shift responsibility for the energy deficit from Russian shelling to the Ukrainian authorities.