War in Ukraine
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.
The President of Ukraine arrived in Brussels for meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as with the Presidents of the European Council António Costa and the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with partners for common security.
The President of Ukraine announced that the draft peace plan had been reduced from 28 to 20 points. It still contains provisions that do not suit Ukraine, and the questions are more for the Russians than for the Americans.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa in Brussels. The issue of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction or armament will be discussed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has no right to cede its own territories to Russia. The US is looking for a compromise on this issue, as Ukraine does not want to give up anything.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine could receive the strongest security guarantees from the United States if they are voted on in Congress. The main question remains the readiness of partners in case of repeated Russian aggression.
A military court sentenced three Russian soldiers to long prison terms for torturing and murdering 63-year-old US citizen Russell Bentley. Two soldiers were sentenced to 12 years in prison, and the third to 11 years.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in occupied Enerhodar will not operate normally without Ukrainian specialists. He also noted that Russia does not understand this.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering Denys Shmyhal and Mykhailo Fedorov as the main candidates for the position of Head of the Presidential Office. However, according to him, the Verkhovna Rada may have difficulties finding replacements for these ministers.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized that "Europe's defense is our responsibility," summarizing plans to increase defense spending and production.
South African state broadcaster presenter Nonkululeko Mantula, accused of recruiting citizens to fight for Russia, has been released on bail along with four co-accused. The court rejected her request for the return of her passport, as she had repeatedly visited Russia.
The President of Ukraine summarized his meetings in London with European leaders. The unity of allies, security guarantees, reconstruction, and further defense support for Ukraine were discussed.
A blogger from Chernivtsi was sentenced to 5 years in prison for disseminating information about the deployment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She voiced the coordinates and published a video, despite warnings from the military.
The President of Ukraine has concluded his visit to London, leaving Downing Street after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Great Britain. He is now heading to Brussels for talks with NATO and EU leaders.
Negotiations between the US and Ukraine on a peaceful settlement have reached a dead end due to disagreements over Donbas. Washington is looking for a way to force Kyiv to abandon the territories, while Ukraine insists on maintaining the current demarcation line.
More than 7,000 digital officers will appear in Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces, who will work in all commands and branches of service, starting from the battalion level. This will accelerate the digitalization of the army and more effectively implement digital products in the military.
In Ukraine, power outage schedules will be applied on December 9. The restrictions will affect all regions and will last for the entire day.
Ukraine's Universal Bank, part of Serhiy Tihipko's TAS group, held a meeting with international fixed-income investors. The meeting, organized by Morgan Stanley, could potentially allow the bank to quickly issue new bonds to the market.
NielsenIQ's Russian subsidiary is actively recruiting staff for high-risk markets, including occupied Ukrainian territories and Iran, as revealed by job postings on HH. ru. The company's internal research previously labeled occupied Ukrainian lands as "new Russian regions."
A meeting of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place. After a group photo, Macron and Merz left Downing Street, while Starmer and Zelenskyy continued face-to-face negotiations.
Expert Alexander Gabuev predicts the exhaustion of the Kremlin's economic resources in 12-18 months if sanctions are strengthened. He notes that time is working against Putin, and further sanctions could shorten this period.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces are holding back the Russian occupiers' offensive, repelling 22 out of 25 attacks in the Pokrovsk direction. In total, 87 combat engagements have taken place on the front since the beginning of the day.
On December 8, during a combat mission in the eastern direction, Lieutenant Colonel Yevhen Ivanov, senior navigator of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, was killed. The circumstances of the loss are being investigated.
Macron stated that his talks with Zelenskyy in London aim to bring the positions of the US, Europe, and Ukraine closer regarding a potential peace agreement. He emphasized the need for a unified strategy among partners to end the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published photos from a meeting with the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany. He thanked them for their support, emphasizing that ensuring security is a joint effort.