After the attack on the bridge in the Mayaky area of Odesa region, the authorities focused on providing alternative routes for transport in southern Ukraine. This applies to passenger and freight transportation, as well as transit flows, taking into account the security situation and road capacity.
Citizens heading to Odesa are informed about restrictions and redirected to alternative routes due to complicated traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway. It is recommended to choose checkpoints in Vinnytsia and Chernivtsi regions.
Due to the enemy's attack on a critical infrastructure facility, traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been stopped. Passage through the checkpoints "Mayaky-Udobne-Palanka" and "Starokozache-Tudora" on the Ukrainian-Moldovan section is temporarily suspended.
On the evening of December 18, a Russian UAV struck the Kharkiv region. As a result of the attack, there is one fatality and several wounded.
In Odesa region, due to a Russian air attack, traffic has been restricted to certain border crossing points with Moldova. Traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been suspended due to an attack on a critical infrastructure facility.
The Danube Commission has decided to create a Register of Damages from Russian aggression on the Lower Danube. This will ensure systematic collection of data on the damages caused and their transfer to the Council of Europe and the EU for compensation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz estimates the EU's chances of reaching an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense as "50-50. " EU leaders are expected to agree on the issue of using frozen Russian assets for a "reparation loan" to Ukraine at the summit on December 18-19.
A meeting took place in The Hague between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset. The parties discussed the creation of an international compensation mechanism and an International Compensation Commission for Ukraine.
The Hague adopted a convention on the establishment of an international commission to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by Russia. Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Moldova were the first to sign the document, which is open to all states.
President Zelenskyy stated that negotiations with partners concern not only the cessation of hostilities, but also mechanisms for security guarantees for Ukraine. He emphasized that the goal is to prevent a new war.
The President of Ukraine stated that Russia loses about 30,000 soldiers' lives at the front every month. He emphasized that Moscow values power and money more than people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in the Netherlands for a series of meetings with European leaders, including the President of Moldova and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. A speech to parliament and an audience with King Willem-Alexander are also planned.
Moldovan police received a report about the alleged mining of trains heading to Kyiv, and passengers of a train traveling from Przemyśl to Kyiv were evacuated at the Medyka border crossing due to a mysterious package.
About 10,000 tons of butter have accumulated in Ukrainian warehouses, which is an alarming signal for the industry. Exports are shrinking, imports are growing, and butter prices have been falling for the third consecutive month, leading to a drop in raw milk purchase prices.
A resident of Zaporizhzhia, accused of spreading criminal influence and extorting money in a pre-trial detention center, was extradited from Moldova to Ukraine. He had been hiding abroad for several years after being notified of suspicion in July 2023.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
The Russian Federation is urgently intensifying its work in the Transnistrian region of Moldova, strengthening mobilization measures and UAV production. This is aimed at destabilizing the situation and creating tension on the border with Ukraine.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that Ukraine's EU membership is a prerequisite for European security. He emphasized the importance of clear EU signals regarding the integration of Ukraine and Moldova.
Moldova has appealed to Romania for emergency electricity assistance after massive Russian strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. The company Moldelectrica urges citizens to consume electricity rationally to prevent overloads.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Moldova approved a draft law on the denunciation of the Agreement with the Government of the Russian Federation on cultural centers. The Minister of Culture of Moldova stated that the Russian cultural center carried out activities that undermine the country's sovereignty.
In January-October 2025, Ukraine increased its imports of tomatoes to 81. 8 thousand tons and cucumbers to 109.6 thousand tons. Turkey traditionally remains the largest supplier of both crops.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that removes Russian and Moldovan languages from the list of languages protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. This prevents political manipulation and undermining the status of the Ukrainian language.
On December 1, a bust of Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazepa was unveiled in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the UINP and the National Reserve.
The European Union is investing 20 million euros in Moldova's air defense. This decision was made after Russian drones violated its airspace.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned another massive shelling of Ukraine, which took place on the night of November 29. She noted that Russian drones again violated Moldova's airspace.
On the night of November 29, two drones from Ukraine crossed Moldova's airspace, leading to a temporary suspension of air traffic. The authorities have strengthened security measures, are checking the territory, and are monitoring the situation.
The Parliament of Moldova has denounced the agreement with Russia on cultural centers, which will lead to the closure of the "Russian House" in Chisinau. The decision was supported by 57 deputies due to violations of Moldovan airspace by Russian drones.
Romanian head of state Dan stated that the Russian drone, which was in the country's airspace, did not pose a direct threat. He called it an accidental incident and part of Russia's disinformation campaign.
Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov was summoned to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry, where he was handed a note of protest over the illegal flight of six drones. The Russian ambassador stated that the incident "needs to be investigated," as "many operations take place under a false flag."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported significant progress in the negotiations of the Coalition of the Willing on sustainable peace in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
