The countries of the European Union have agreed to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros in aid for 2026-2027. This was stated by the President of the European Council, António Costa.
Two FSB informants, exposed in Khmelnytskyi region in April 2024, have been sentenced to 12 and 10 years in prison. They installed hidden mini-cameras near operational airfields of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in western Ukraine to track combat aircraft.
US President Donald Trump signed into law the defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026 with a record budget of $901 billion. The document allocates $800 million to Ukraine - $400 million for each of the next two years as part of the Security Assistance Initiative, which provides for the purchase of American weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution on human rights violations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol. 79 countries voted for the document, 16 were against, and 73 abstained.
The U. S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has fully launched the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will begin reviewing projects in 2026. The fund will focus on critical minerals, energy, transportation, logistics, and technology, attracting private capital.
US President Donald Trump will sign into law on December 18 the defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026, which regulates military pay raises and measures to respond to geopolitical threats, and also provides for the allocation of $800 million to Ukraine for the purchase of American weapons.
European Union leaders have not reached an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Discussions on providing a loan will continue on December 19 at the summit in Brussels.
A new batch of 6,995 hearing aids has arrived in Ukraine for children and adults. The equipment is being prepared for free distribution to the regions during December-January.
A 49-year-old Swiss national who fought as a sniper on the side of Ukraine has been sentenced to 18 months in prison with a four-year probationary period. Swiss citizens are prohibited from serving in foreign armies.
The General Staff released its evening report as of 10:00 PM on December 18, 2025, recording 183 combat engagements. The Russian army carried out 49 airstrikes, 2409 kamikaze drone attacks, and 3104 shellings.
Trump expressed hope that Ukraine would quickly conclude a peace agreement, as Russia is on the ground. He also noted that 82% of Ukrainians demand a peace agreement and called on Zelenskyy to be realistic about the elections.
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced that British citizen Aiden William Davies has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for "mercenary activities. " He fought in Ukraine against Russia, having signed a contract with the International Legion for the Territorial Defense of Ukraine.
In 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive 200 "Bohdana" self-propelled artillery systems based on German Mercedes-Benz Zetros chassis. 750 million euros have been allocated for the implementation of the program from Germany's support package of 1.2 billion euros.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde expressed confidence that EU leaders will agree on a way to support Ukraine. She expects a solution to be found, despite possible difficulties, as the issue is too important.
The Indian government has confirmed the recruitment of over 200 of its citizens by Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. At least 26 Indians have died, and seven more are missing.
Professor Vadym Popko highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in Ukrainian diplomacy, referring to student works. Young people propose to institutionalize counter-disinformation and implement ethical AI mechanisms.
Ukraine announced a successful restructuring of GDP warrants worth $2. 6 billion, which will avoid significant payments in the post-war period. This transaction will strengthen debt sustainability and increase the country's budget predictability.
The Russian army is attacking bridges in Odesa region, seeking to cut off the western part of the region from transport communications. Expert Serhiy Beskrestnov reported on strikes on bridges in Zatoka and Mayaky.
On December 19, hourly power outage schedules will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine due to the consequences of Russian attacks. Ukrenergo does not specify the number of queues and advises to inquire about information from regional power distribution companies.
Traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway has been temporarily stopped in both directions. The head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Oleh Kiper, urged people to refrain from using this section of the road.
Two suspects in the murder of a 21-year-old Ukrainian in Vienna, which occurred in November 2025, have been remanded in custody by the court. The man was forced to transfer 50,000 euros from a crypto wallet, and was later found dead in a burned-out car.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Hungary, the US, Slovakia, and possibly a few other allies oppose Ukraine's membership in the Alliance. He noted that at the 2024 Washington Summit, allies agreed on Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO, but in practice, some members are against it.
The European Commission and Belgium are negotiating the use of 210 billion euros of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Belgium seeks additional financial guarantees due to concerns about legal and financial risks.
Olena Ivanovska appealed to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine with a proposal to increase administrative fines for violating the language law. She believes that the current amounts of penalties do not provide a preventive effect and do not stimulate the elimination of offenses.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that partners have informed about the possible adoption of a final decision on financing Ukraine before the end of the current year. This decision will not be postponed until January or later.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a deficit of certain missiles for air defense systems. He noted that partners provide licenses, missiles, or financial assistance.
Political expert Kyrylo Sazonov claims that Ihor Kolomoisky is working to destabilize Ukraine in order to avoid criminal liability. His statements are in line with Russia's interests, which seeks destabilization.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels. The main topic of discussion was the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, as well as coordination with Europe and the United States on the peace process.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Brussels. The leaders discussed the coordination of positions regarding the negotiation process with Donald Trump's team and the importance of involving Europe to guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty.
The National Bank of Ukraine considers receiving a reparation loan as the baseline scenario, but in case of delays with external assistance, the government can rely on banks. NBU Deputy Governor Serhiy Nikolaychuk noted that banks have the potential to increase investments in government securities.
