War in Ukraine
Representatives of the Trump administration held five-hour talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, which were described as "difficult. " The US is increasing pressure on Ukraine to conclude a peace agreement with Russia by the end of the year, but the parties have significant disagreements.
Over the past day, 158 combat engagements took place on the front line. The enemy launched 66 air strikes and carried out 4286 shellings, losing 980 servicemen and a significant amount of equipment.
On the night of December 15, Russia attacked Ukraine with 153 attack UAVs, including about 90 "Shaheds". 133 were neutralized, but hits were recorded in 10 locations.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region, due to enemy shelling, the contact network was de-energized, which led to train delays. Delays affect both long-distance and suburban routes, reaching up to 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate oil futures rose amid supply disruptions linked to US-Venezuela tensions, which outweighed oversupply concerns.
On the night of December 15, drones attacked seven regions of Russia. As a result of the attack, a gas processing plant in Astrakhan was damaged, which produces a significant part of sulfur for the manufacture of explosives.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
During December 14, the Russian army lost at least 980 servicemen, two tanks, and two air defense systems. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 15.12.25 amounted to about 1,189,470 personnel.
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.