War in Ukraine
The head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko, reported that Russia intends to increase the serial production of the Oreshnik ballistic missile and modernize its warhead. More than 50 enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex are involved in the production of the missile, and funding is provided by the Russian National Welfare Fund.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Chess Federation of Ukraine urged FIDE not to reinstate the activities of the chess federations of Russia and Belarus. They oppose the return of national teams and the use of state symbols in competitions.
Ukrainian defenders eliminated a pipeline that Russian troops used to infiltrate the northern outskirts of Kupyansk. The Achilles Regiment used three tons of explosives to destroy this route, which allowed the enemy to accumulate forces.
On the night of December 14, drones struck an oil depot in Uryupinsk, oil refineries in Yaroslavl and Krasnodar Krai, as well as a thermal power plant in the Smolensk region. In Uryupinsk, a fire broke out at an oil depot due to falling UAV debris, and residents of nearby houses were evacuated.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed a peace plan for Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets. The parties agreed that Europe would support Ukraine in achieving a just peace.
In Simferopol, the occupation administration is intensifying surveillance of the civilian population. Under the guise of "drills," security forces are checking documents, phones, and contacts of residents, collecting data on their correspondence and connections with Ukraine to compile lists of "unreliable" individuals.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz compared the situation in Ukraine to 1938, and the Kremlin's actions to the policies of Adolf Hitler. He emphasized that territorial compromises would not stop the Russian dictator, referring to the Munich Agreement.
On December 13, 146 combat engagements were recorded on the Russian-Ukrainian front, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The most intense battles took place in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, Lyman, and Sloviansk directions.
In temporarily occupied Donetsk, people with large debts are forced to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, offering military service as a way to write off their debts. This applies not only to loans, but also to fines and other financial obligations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Russia's attack on the civilian Turkish vessel VIVA in the Black Sea, which was transporting food to Egypt. This incident is regarded as a threat to food security and a challenge to the global community.
President Zelenskyy announced the release of five Ukrainians and Belarusian political prisoners, including Maria Kalesnikava, thanks to agreements with America. He emphasized the importance of intensifying prisoner exchanges with Russia.
Explosions were heard in Feodosia and the area of Cape Fiolent in occupied Crimea. The occupation authorities have not yet commented on this information.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced upcoming meetings in Berlin with representatives of US President Donald Trump and European partners. The negotiations will concern a political agreement on ending the war and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukraine has presented an updated peace plan that excludes the abandonment of Donbas and retains the right to join NATO. This proposal is a response to Donald Trump's 28-point plan, which caused shock in Europe.
The Defense Forces control the north of Pokrovsk, refuting Russian claims of capturing the city. Soldiers of the 425th separate assault regiment are conducting raids south of the railway.
The National Bank of Ukraine has issued a new commemorative coin "Ukrainian Cotton. Magura Unmanned Surface Vehicle" with a face value of 5 hryvnias. The coin is dedicated to the engineering prowess of Ukrainian weapons developers and the combat valor of soldiers who have turned naval drones into one of the most effective types of weapons.
Ukrenergo announced the implementation of hourly power outage schedules on December 14 in most regions of Ukraine. The reason cited was the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the return of 16 square kilometers in the northern part of Pokrovsk. No territorial losses were allowed in the Kupyansk, Kostiantynivka, and Prydniprovsky directions.
The Ukrainian Navy reported that Russia attacked the Turkish vessel VIVA, carrying sunflower oil and en route to Egypt. The drone strike occurred in the open sea, and the crew was unharmed.
The new Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, stated that the country would not guarantee financing for Ukraine. He noted that the Czech Republic needs funds for its citizens and is lobbying for the restoration of access to preferential loans under the SAFE program.
The Russian army attacked Kharkiv with a drone, hitting the roof of an administrative building. In the Chuhuiv district, a drone hit a car, injuring a 10-year-old girl and a 65-year-old woman.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions against 656 maritime vessels that are part of Russia's shadow fleet. This is the largest sanctions package aimed at blocking Russian oil and energy exports.
Since the beginning of the day, 53 combat engagements have been recorded at the front. Russian troops are actively attacking in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions, where 19 and 12 attacks took place, respectively.
Ukraine received 114 civilians, including 5 Ukrainians and Belarusian political figures such as Maria Alexandrova and Viktor Babariko. The exchange took place with the assistance of American partners and the Coordination Headquarters.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated the need to complete the formation of the Cyber Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the end of the year. He also discussed issues of fortifications, restoring the combat capability of brigades, and stabilizing the situation in threatened areas.
Odesa utility workers have eliminated the consequences of the enemy attack; damaged facilities are being inspected to determine the terms for restoring heat, water, and electricity. 428 invincibility points have been deployed in the city, 16 pump rooms and 16 water distribution points are operating, and another 32 are planned to be deployed by evening.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the GUR and other services to intensify efforts to free Ukrainian prisoners of war before the New Year. This instruction concerns the Russian direction.
The Zaporizhzhia NPP switched to diesel generators for over an hour due to damage to power lines during the Russian attack on December 13. Vitaliy Zaichenko, Chairman of the Board of Ukrenergo, emphasized the danger of such incidents for all of Europe.
Five Ukrainians who were in Belarus are returning to freedom thanks to a special operation by the GUR with the participation of the United States. President Zelenskyy instructed to intensify work on the release of prisoners of war from Russia before the new year.
The US is lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash, as announced by special envoy John Cole after a meeting with Alexander Lukashenka. This decision is part of the normalization of relations between the countries, which could lead to further lifting of restrictive measures.