Leaders of eight EU countries bordering Russia will demand targeted defense funding in the next long-term budget of the bloc at a summit in Helsinki. This is due to growing concerns about Russia's aggressive actions, which are testing their borders.
The European Union does not plan to lift sanctions on Belarus, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. This decision was made despite the fact that on December 13, the US announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash, which had been in effect since 2021.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with released political prisoners from Belarus. He noted their principled position regarding Russian aggression and promised further assistance.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against Belarus to include hybrid hostile actions against neighboring countries. The new criterion allows for restrictions to be imposed on companies and individuals involved in actions that threaten the EU's democracy, rule of law, stability, or security.
The General Assembly of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has allowed Russian chess players to participate in international tournaments using their national flag and anthem. The decision was made on December 14, with 61 delegates voting in favor and 51 against.
Germany will offer asylum to Belarusian opposition figures Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, who have been released from imprisonment. Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt stated that Berlin is ready to welcome these political figures, who have become symbols of resistance to the Lukashenka regime.
Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenka released 123 prisoners, including Ales Bialiatski and Maria Kalesnikava, in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on Belarusian potash. Nine of those released were taken to Lithuania, and 114 to Ukraine.
From August to November 2025, almost 186,000 messages with offensive and discriminatory statements about Ukraine were recorded in the Polish-language segment of social networks. This is almost twice as many as in the previous similar period, with 92% of such posts appearing on the X platform.
Germany will send troops to reinforce Poland's eastern border with Belarus and Russia as part of Operation "Eastern Shield. " The mission, which will begin in April 2026, will last until the end of 2027 and will focus on engineering work.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Chess Federation of Ukraine urged FIDE not to reinstate the activities of the chess federations of Russia and Belarus. They oppose the return of national teams and the use of state symbols in competitions.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy John Cole announced that Alexander Lukashenka promised to stop balloon flights over Lithuania after negotiations with the US. Earlier, Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to these flights.
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.
Ukraine received 114 civilians, including 5 Ukrainians and Belarusian political figures such as Maria Alexandrova and Viktor Babariko. The exchange took place with the assistance of American partners and the Coordination Headquarters.
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenka has released opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava and Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski from prison. In total, Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including Viktar Babaryka and Maksim Znak.
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.
The US is lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash, as announced by special envoy John Cole after a meeting with Alexander Lukashenka. This decision is part of the normalization of relations between the countries, which could lead to further lifting of restrictive measures.
In November, Lithuania experienced 325 hostile information influences, almost double the norm, with 47% of attacks related to military topics. At the same time, physical hybrid threats are being recorded, including the launch of weather balloons from Belarus that violate Lithuanian airspace.
Russia's return to international competitions under the auspices of UEFA, even at the youth level, is impossible until a peaceful settlement of the war. UEFA refused to admit Russia to the U-17 competitions in 2023.
Polish border guards discovered a tunnel under the border with Belarus, through which 180 illegal migrants entered Poland. Over 130 people, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been detained.
The IOC recommends allowing junior athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in international competitions without restrictions. This includes the use of flags, anthems, and uniforms, extending to individual and team sports.
The Russian Federation and Belarus have intensified contacts with Nicolas Maduro, while the United States is increasing pressure on Venezuela. Putin confirmed his support for Maduro, and Lukashenka met twice with the Venezuelan ambassador, hinting at possible asylum.
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.
