Belarus
Prosecutors in Chernihiv region transferred over 100 tons of corrugated metal sheets from an enterprise controlled by residents of the Russian Federation and Belarus to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The management attempted to conceal and illegally export the products to avoid confiscation.
On the night of December 11, the Dorogobuzh TPP in the Smolensk region of the Russian Federation was attacked by drones. This thermal power plant is critically important for the defense industry, providing chemical production that manufactures components for explosives.
Next week's EU summit will feature "important discussions" where Ukraine and European security will be priority issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to participate, and the main priority of the meeting is to make decisions regarding financing Ukraine.
The occupation head of Kherson region, Volodymyr Saldo, announced his readiness to transfer part of the Azov-Black Sea coast to Belarus under the guise of "resort projects. " Negotiations have been ongoing since the summer of 2024 regarding plots between Henichesk and Arabat Spit for long-term use.
The Lithuanian government has declared a state of emergency throughout the country due to balloons from Belarus disrupting aviation. This will allow the military to receive special powers for more effective coordination of actions.
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."
Lithuania revoked residence permits for 145 Russian citizens due to frequent trips to Russia and Belarus, guided by the law "On restrictive measures in connection with military aggression. " Among those deprived of residence permits is former human rights activist Mikhail Benyash, who visited Minsk to meet with his son.
Vilnius Airport has suspended operations due to the launch of weather balloons from Belarus. Restrictions will be in effect from 18:06 to 21:05 local time; passengers are advised to contact their airlines.
The Lithuanian government plans to declare a state of emergency due to the threat to public safety caused by an influx of contraband balloons. This disrupts the operation of Vilnius Airport, which has repeatedly suspended operations.
The leaders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have stated the need for a joint decision on dismantling railway connections with Russia and Belarus. The presidents of the Baltic countries discussed this issue and handed it over to the ministers for further consideration.
The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under national flags and anthems starting from January 1, 2026. This decision applies to all age categories after the Executive Committee meetings in October and December 2025.
Kateryna Rashevska, a representative of the NGO "Regional Center for Human Rights," stated that there are 165 "re-education" camps for Ukrainian children in the occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as in Russia, Belarus, and North Korea.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that the Russian Federation immediately return all illegally deported Ukrainian children. The document was supported by 91 countries, 57 abstained, and 12 opposed it.
The Munich prosecutor's office is investigating a case involving businessmen who illegally sold 50 luxury cars to Russia for over 10 million euros. These cars, including an armored Mercedes, may have been intended for the Russian elite.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport allowed Russian and Belarusian skiers to compete at the 2026 Olympics in neutral status. This decision overturned the ban by the International Ski Federation.
Russian citizen Mykhailo Myrhorodskyi created a criminal group for espionage and sabotage, which planned to derail a train. The prosecutor's office has brought five charges against him, and an international search warrant has been issued.
Fighters of the Active Actions Department of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine used drones to attack Russian radars and air defense system launchers in Donbas. A 9A83 launcher from the S-300V air defense system and two 1L125 Niobium-SV radar stations were destroyed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of new EU sanctions against Belarus. This is a response to hybrid actions against Lithuania, including an increase in the number of incursions by contraband balloons.
Vilnius noted that this is not the first time the Belarusian regime has fabricated stories and leveled accusations against Lithuania.
On November 20 and 28, explosions occurred at critical facilities of the Russian railway, destroying fuel and lubricant depots and damaging the railway track. This made it impossible for freight trains to move, including for the logistical support of the Russian occupation army.
Belarusian self-proclaimed president Lukashenka visited Myanmar, strengthening the junta's legitimacy ahead of controversial elections. He became only the second world leader to visit the country since the establishment of military rule in 2021.
The IJF Executive Committee voted to restore full national representation for Russian athletes. They will be eligible to compete under their national flag, with anthem and symbols, starting from the Grand Slam tournament in Abu Dhabi in 2025.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is negotiating with Minsk on the possible release of over 100 political prisoners. The US is considering easing sanctions on Belarus' potash industry in exchange for a deal.
Poland will receive 44 billion euros from SAFE funds to strengthen its army, drone systems, and security infrastructure on the EU's eastern border. The funding will also go towards space initiatives, AI-powered defense technologies, and the SAFE Baltic program.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski predicts an increase in Russian sabotage activities after the explosion on the railway route to Ukraine.
The Kyiv Court of Appeal changed the pre-trial detention measure for doctor Maryna Bielotserkovska, a defendant in the case of the death of Odesa businessman Adnan Kivan, from round-the-clock to night-time house arrest. This decision caused public outrage. And new testimonies from victims of treatment at the clinic indicate systemic problems at "Odrex".
On November 23-24, Vilnius Airport twice imposed temporary airspace restrictions due to the appearance of navigation markers resembling balloon signals. This caused disruptions to airport operations and potential flight delays.
Ukraine returned 31 civilians from Belarus as a result of negotiations. Among them are women and men aged 18 to 58, some with serious illnesses.
On November 20, Vilnius Airport temporarily restricted its airspace due to a suspected balloon flyover, causing delays for over 1,100 passengers and about ten flights. The airport fully resumed operations around 7:55 PM local time.
Belarus acknowledges a deficit in foreign exchange reserves to cover debt payments in 2026, with only $5. 3 billion available for operational payments out of $13.7 billion on paper. The Ministry of Finance plans to attract additional resources from Russia to cover the deficit.