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.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kupyansk direction of the front. He emphasized that successes on the front are key to achieving results in diplomacy.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law No. 4633-IX, which expands the powers of the Security Service of Ukraine. It allows the SBU to develop and submit draft regulatory acts to the President and the Cabinet of Ministers within its competence.
Ukraine is ready to agree to the creation of a demilitarized zone in Donbas as a concession to end the war. This concession has the support of European leaders and is included in the revised US peace plan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his readiness for elections provided there is a ceasefire. He emphasized that the US can help in negotiations with Russia on this matter.
US President Donald Trump stated his readiness to help Ukraine with security guarantees for the implementation of a peace deal. He noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not like the peace deal, but his entourage was enthusiastic about the concept.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering holding a referendum on transferring Donbas to Russia. This comes amid growing pressure from the United States to agree to the terms of a new peace plan that would involve a 20% reduction in Ukraine's territory.
Ukraine finds it difficult to cope with Donald Trump's peace initiatives, which demand territorial concessions to Russia without security guarantees. This leads to increased pressure on Kyiv and a worsening military situation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his readiness for presidential elections provided that international partners ensure safe conditions. He emphasized the need to resolve security issues, the participation of military personnel, and changes to electoral legislation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the possibility of putting the issue of territorial control of Donbas to a referendum. This is due to pressure on Kyiv regarding a peace plan that should end the war with Russia.
Senior officials from the United States, Ukraine, France, Germany, and Great Britain will meet on Saturday, December 13, in Paris. They will discuss US President Donald Trump's peace plan, which includes territorial losses for Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the largest scout organizations, who handed him the Bethlehem Peace Light. The children spoke about helping displaced persons, raising funds for the military, and promoting Ukrainian culture.
A draft resolution on the resignation of Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi was registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The document appeared on the website on December 9, but the text has not yet been published.
Deputy Head of the Central Election Commission Serhiy Dubovyk said that Ukraine needs six months to prepare for free and safe elections. This is due to the large number of refugees, damaged infrastructure, and military personnel at the front.
People's deputies Fedir Venislavskyi and Volodymyr Vatras confirmed work on draft laws regarding post-war elections, but Oleksandr Korniienko denies the existence of ready legislative initiatives. The main obstacles to holding elections are the constitutional ban during martial law and the inability to guarantee security.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a "constructive" conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they discussed Ukraine and a possible meeting in Berlin. Merz emphasized that Ukraine must decide on concessions, and also criticized Putin and supported the use of frozen Russian assets.
