At the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs $120 billion for defense needs in 2026, half of which will be provided by the state. He named five priorities for maintaining the pace and stability of the front.
A man who drove a car into a crowd of football fans during a parade in Liverpool has been sentenced to 21. 5 years in prison. More than 130 people were injured in the incident, including a Ukrainian woman who required surgery.
The US President called the bloc's members 'weak', but joint action on funding for Ukraine would send a 'very strong signal', according to Kaja Kallas.
On December 16, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to restrain the massive onslaught of the occupiers. The highest intensity of assaults was recorded in the Pokrovsk, Kupyansk, and Lyman directions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees for Ukraine must be legally binding and supported by the US Congress. He emphasized that this should be a stronger agreement than the Budapest Memorandum or the Minsk agreements.
There is no certified organization in Ukraine that has the right to determine the originality of parts for Mi-8MT helicopters, which led to the seizure of weapons and the return of two helicopters to military units without combat capability. This creates a technical, legal, and security vacuum, jeopardizing the country's defense capabilities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha signed the Convention on the Establishment of an International Commission for Claims Settlement for Ukraine. The document was also signed by 34 states and the EU.
The European Parliament will fast-track consideration of a proposal for a reparations loan for Ukraine, which will be secured by European Commission borrowings against frozen Russian assets. The vote will take place at the plenary session in January 2026.
On December 16, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the German media company Deutsche Welle to the register of "undesirable organizations," criminalizing its activities in the country. DW Director General Barbara Massing stated that this would not stop the broadcaster's work, and the Russian audience's interest in independent content is growing.
Since its launch on December 3, over 24,100 tickets have been issued. The program is actively used by volunteers, students, and children from frontline territories. The most popular routes are: Kyiv - Konotop, Kyiv - Mykolaiv, Kharkiv - Kyiv, Odesa - Dnipro, Dnipro - Lviv.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke cautiously about the role of European forces for Ukraine, noting that much would depend on Putin's actions. He supported the idea of a European military presence but pointed to unresolved issues regarding their deployment.
A 54-year-old resident of Donetsk prepared texts of speeches for local gauleiters and organized mass propaganda events in support of the Russian occupiers.
The Russian Federation has been recognized as the least peaceful country on the planet, taking last place in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI) report. Ukraine and Sudan also made it into the top three most dangerous states.
Matthew Robar, a Canadian intelligence officer, has been arrested on suspicion of unauthorized transfer of classified data to a foreign state. The investigation found that he collaborated with foreign intelligence on a secret project of "unconventional activities," despite command refusals.
A new meeting between Ukraine and the US at the level of negotiating groups is expected in Miami in the coming days. It will discuss security guarantees, economic recovery, and 20 points of the framework agreement.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is systematically trying to distort the perception of events at the front, and Putin does not count losses. He emphasized that for the Russian leader, losses mean even less when he seeks to use every meter as an argument in negotiations.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha named five reasons why this step must be taken now.
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.
3D printing has become an integral part of education and local production in Ukraine, opening up new opportunities for STEM education and small businesses. LBL Corp supports this development by offering high-quality Ukrainian filament for 3D printing.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 12285-d, which brings national regulation in the field of veterinary medicine and animal welfare in line with EU legal acts. The document eliminates inconsistencies between Ukrainian legislation and the EU acquis, creating legal grounds for the implementation of European requirements.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading draft law No. 13347, which changes the approach to preparing citizens for national resistance. It provides for the integration of military training into the educational process and the introduction of a new academic discipline.
Russian oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since the start of the war, as sanctions deepen the discounts the country's oil industry is forced to offer. Exporters are receiving just over $40 a barrel, down 28% compared to the last three months, while global benchmark oil prices are also falling.
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.
Modern parents are increasingly choosing vyshyvankas for school events and everyday wear, which leads to a growing demand for children's models. The Ukrainian brand SVARGA offers high-quality vyshyvankas made from natural materials that combine comfort, tradition, and modern design.
In August 2025, the State Enterprise "Diia" held a tender for the purchase of a complex of software and hardware tools "Sovereign Artificial Intelligence Factory" worth UAH 227. 5 million. The winner was LAN TEK LLC with an offer of UAH 225.891 million.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Russia will not make concessions regarding the occupied territories of Ukraine, considering them part of its constitution. Moscow will also not agree to the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine in any format.
Despite economic problems, Russia continues to increase the production of tanks, drones, helicopters, and missiles. This indicates Putin's attempt to compensate the elites of the defense complex for sanctions losses and the Kremlin's unwavering course towards continuing the war.
The spokesman for the Russian dictator, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Russia is not interested in a temporary cessation of hostilities. He noted that Moscow would not participate in short-term solutions.
In Ternopil, a third-grader suddenly died, as reported by the educational institution. The police have launched a criminal investigation under the article concerning improper performance of professional duties by medical personnel.
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.
