War in Ukraine
On the night of December 9, Russia attacked Ukraine with 110 attack UAVs of various types. Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 84 enemy drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
Ukraine has returned 1,892 children abducted by Russia, intensifying diplomatic and legal pressure. The Ministry of Justice is processing over 20,000 reports of deportation, of which 9,221 have been verified.
The European Union may announce a decision on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets within two weeks. These funds, up to 100 billion pounds sterling, or over 130 billion US dollars, include 8 billion pounds sterling (over 10 billion dollars) in the United Kingdom and are intended to provide funding for aid to Ukraine.
Emergency power outages have been introduced in Ukraine due to the consequences of missile and drone attacks. Energy workers are working to restore stable electricity supply, and consumers are urged to save electricity.
Japan rejected the EU's proposal to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Tokyo refused to use $30 billion in frozen assets held on its territory to issue a loan to Ukraine.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 139 combat engagements per day, almost a third of which occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched missile and air strikes and used kamikaze drones.
Oil prices fell on Tuesday after a 2% drop the previous day. Brent futures fell to $62.41 a barrel, and WTI to $58.75.
Russian dictator Putin is trying to portray the Russian economy as capable of sustaining the war in Ukraine, likely to support cognitive warfare. He claimed GDP growth and low inflation, ignoring the connection between economic problems and the war.
On December 8, Russian troops lost 930 soldiers and 432 UAVs. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 09.12.25 are estimated at 1,182,610 personnel.
The number of injured due to enemy attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Vilniansk on December 8 increased to 16 people. The occupiers launched 642 strikes on 26 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including 13 air strikes and 407 UAV attacks.
The Institute for the Study of War predicts that the Kremlin may use claims of President Zelenskyy's alleged illegitimacy to violate future peace agreements. At the same time, Russian special services are planning destabilization in Ukraine through "peaceful protests."
More than 200 refugees from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including families with children and people with disabilities, are being forcibly evicted from a sanatorium near Lipetsk. They have been ordered to "return from where they came," despite their homes being destroyed.
Units of the "Hart" border brigade delivered effective strikes against the invaders' positions in the South-Slobozhansky direction. Drones hit a truck, SUVs, communication antennas, shelters, and enemy personnel.
Russian occupiers are trying to advance in the Siversk area of Donetsk Oblast, pulling infantry into the city. According to DeepState, half of Siversk is under enemy control, and the Bakhmutka River serves as a containment line.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed the planned delivery of F-16 fighter jets and military aid to Ukraine with Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken. The conversation also touched upon Belgium's contribution to multinational NATO initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.
G7 countries are ready to consider confiscating all frozen Russian assets to achieve a just peace in Ukraine. The Group of Seven will work on financial support for Ukraine, including the use of sovereign Russian assets.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after meeting with Zelenskyy, declared the unwavering support of the European Union for Ukraine. She confirmed that proposals for financing Kyiv are already being considered.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing increasing pressure from the United States to agree to significant territorial losses and other concessions as part of Donald Trump's peace plan. Ukrainian officials believe that aspects of the current US plan favor Moscow, with negotiations focusing on Russia's demand for Donbas and Ukraine's request for security guarantees.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President of the European Council António Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The diplomatic track, security guarantees, the PURL initiative, and a reparations loan were discussed.
In the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russia launched the propaganda project "Primary Source" for children. Its goal is to impose Russian identity on Ukrainian children through pseudo-historical lectures and master classes.
Ukraine's Defense Forces carried out an organized maneuver in the area of Lysivka and Sukhyi Yar near Myrnohrad, moving to more advantageous positions. Over the past day, 17 occupiers were eliminated and one infantryman was taken prisoner.
On December 8, Kramatorsk was hit by a KAB-250 guided aerial bomb with UMPK, striking a residential building. Four people, including two children, were injured, and at least five multi-story buildings were damaged.
Two more victims, previously considered missing, have been found in Ternopil, bringing the death toll from the enemy attack to 38, including 8 children. Three more adults are still considered missing after the missile strike.
Donald Trump criticized financial aid to Ukraine from Biden, comparing it to his administration, which provided only "Javelins. " He also made a harsh personal statement to the reporter, calling her "disgusting."
Putin signed a decree on the conscription of Russians in the reserve for military training in 2026. The conscription applies to the armed forces, the National Guard, rescue units, state security agencies, and the FSB.
President Zelenskyy reported 24/7 communication with partners, which confirms Europe's maximum involvement in resolving the Ukrainian issue. He discussed support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and energy assistance with representatives of many countries and international organizations.
Over the past day, 131 combat engagements took place at the front. Most battles were recorded in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy suffered significant losses.
President Zelenskyy stated that China does not benefit from a weak or losing Russia. He believes this is the reason for Beijing's reluctance to facilitate a quick end to the war, even though China has influence over Russia.
Kremlin "mouthpiece" Peskov stated that a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump before the end of the current year is "not yet on the table. " Its holding requires thorough preparation and effectiveness, which is currently being carried out at the expert level.
Most of Sumy is without power due to a massive attack by Russian kamikaze drones on the city's energy system. The city's water utility is switching to backup power, and healthcare facilities are operating on generators.