US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Berlin for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Witkoff will meet with Zelenskyy and European leaders as Washington pushes for a coordinated plan to end the war.
Pope Leo stated that the Vatican has completed preparations for his visit to Ukraine, which was discussed with Zelenskyy. However, the implementation of the plan is complicated by security issues, which requires a realistic approach.
Russian troops launched over 1,500 drones, almost 900 guided aerial bombs, and 46 missiles at Ukraine in a week. This resulted in damage to energy infrastructure and left hundreds of thousands of families without electricity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has canceled a planned visit to the United States to participate in European discussions on the peace process in Ukraine. He will join talks in Berlin, where other European leaders and high-ranking officials will also be present.
Foreign policy advisers from the US, Ukraine, Germany and other countries will continue talks on a peace plan for Ukraine in Berlin. The talks will take place ahead of a summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
People's Deputy Yaroslav Zhelezniak reported that there will be no new head of the Presidential Office in the near future. Instead, a team of deputies and advisers will work.
People's Deputy Yaroslav Zhelezniak announced that Oleksandr Kornienko will once again head the "Servant of the People" party instead of Olena Shuliak on December 17. Kornienko already served as the party leader from 2019 to 2021.
Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine, using over 450 attack drones and 30 missiles, with the main strike targeting the energy infrastructure of the south and Odesa region. Thousands of families were left without electricity in 7 regions, and two people were injured in Odesa region.
European officials are concerned that a new US-initiated peace deal in Ukraine could allow Russia to use a demilitarized zone to re-invade Donbas. Moscow demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, while Kyiv refuses to cede territory.
Negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine from the US and Europe have made significant progress. The US is ready to provide guarantees based on NATO's Article 5, approved by Congress, with legal force.
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin. Witkoff will also hold meetings with counterparts from France, Great Britain, and Germany.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Berlin this weekend to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. He will also hold meetings with his counterparts from France, Great Britain, and Germany.
On the evening of December 12, the Russian army attacked the Odesa region, damaging a port infrastructure facility, which caused a fire. Rescuers promptly extinguished the fire; there is no information about deaths or injuries.
Rustem Umerov held closed-door meetings with FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino during a visit to Miami, raising concerns among Western officials. Ukraine's ambassador to Washington confirmed the meeting, noting that national security issues were discussed.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a defense group in Germany, which will work on the details of security guarantees for Ukraine. The group will be headed by Lieutenant General Hnatov and will include representatives of the Ukrainian army, intelligence, and security forces.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 15 for an exchange of views on peace talks and economic issues. European leaders and representatives of the EU and NATO will join the discussions.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard reports from NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov regarding preparations for negotiations. The head of state emphasized that Ukraine's goal is to bring closer the end of the war, define steps for a dignified peace, guaranteed security, and recovery.
The Russian army launched a missile strike on Odesa region, damaging a civilian vessel in the port of Chornomorsk. President Zelenskyy emphasized that this proves the Russians' unwillingness to engage in diplomacy and their goal to destroy normal life in Ukraine.
On December 12, 2025, the National Bank of Ukraine put into circulation a commemorative coin "Security Service of Ukraine. Protecting Ukraine Together!" with a face value of 5 hryvnias. It is dedicated to the activities of the SBU and the unique special operation "Spiderweb", which resulted in the destruction of 41 Russian military aircraft.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit Berlin on Monday. He will meet with the German Chancellor and representatives of Great Britain and France.
The latest draft peace agreement on Ukraine, discussed by US and Ukrainian officials with the support of Brussels, envisages Ukraine's accession to the EU by January 1, 2027. This could force Brussels to reconsider the accession process for new members due to the tight deadlines.
Personnel changes are expected in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Sergiy Kyslytsia will become the new head of the diplomatic department, and the current head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha, will take the post of ambassador to Poland.
