Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin refuses a unilateral withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region. This comes against the backdrop of a 28-point US plan that envisages Ukraine's renunciation of NATO and new elections.
A KMIS poll showed a significant drop in Ukrainians' trust in NATO and the US, while trust in the European Union and President Zelenskyy remains stable. Only 9% of citizens support elections during the war.
President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian negotiators will continue talks with the US delegation at 11:00 Berlin time. The main focus will be on security guarantees that the US can provide to Kyiv.
More than 57% of Ukrainians consider Russian strikes to be the cause of power outages, while 29% blame the Ukrainian authorities. The KIIS poll was conducted from November 26 to December 13, 2025.
Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for real troops and capabilities for Ukraine's security guarantees if the issue of NATO is not discussed. She stressed that these cannot be paper promises, but only tangible military capabilities.
EU diplomacy chief Kallas said that EU leaders will discuss financing Ukraine at Thursday's meeting, where a reparation loan is the most likely option. This loan will be based on frozen Russian assets, avoiding the use of taxpayer money.
More than 430,000 consumers in Odesa region remain without electricity after a massive Russian attack. Due to new Russian strikes, there are power outages in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, where an energy worker was injured.
A KIIS poll showed that 72% of Ukrainians are ready for peace with a frozen front and security guarantees. Most Ukrainians reject the Russian peace plan and are ready to endure the war for as long as necessary.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced the expansion of sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", adding about 40 vessels to the list. This decision is aimed at depriving Russia of funds to finance the war.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb unexpectedly arrived at the Ukraine summit in Berlin. He met with American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Adlon Hotel.
In 2025, Ukrainian farmers for the first time increased their cattle population and boosted raw milk production by almost 7%. However, up to 25% of dairy farms may close due to price pressure and a lack of funds for modernization in accordance with European requirements.
The occupied part of Donetsk region has lost its reserve water supply. The occupation authorities are draining water from barrels before the frosts, thus concealing the absence of solutions for stable water supply.
In 11 months, over 11,000 companies ceased operations in Ukraine, mostly in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Lviv regions. Public organizations turned out to be the most vulnerable, while joint-stock companies lasted the longest.
Over the past day, 158 combat engagements took place on the front line. The enemy launched 66 air strikes and carried out 4286 shellings, losing 980 servicemen and a significant amount of equipment.
On the night of December 15, Russia attacked Ukraine with 153 attack UAVs, including about 90 "Shaheds". 133 were neutralized, but hits were recorded in 10 locations.
Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate oil futures rose amid supply disruptions linked to US-Venezuela tensions, which outweighed oversupply concerns.
Over 11,000 electric vehicles (BEV) were added to the Ukrainian car fleet in November 2025. The highest number of registrations was recorded in Lviv Oblast and Kyiv.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the launch of candidate selection for the supervisory boards of several strategically important energy enterprises. The formation of the new composition is expected in January, including NJSC Naftogaz.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
On Monday, December 15, a warming trend is expected in Ukraine, with temperatures reaching up to +6°C, and precipitation in the form of rain and wet snow in the central, eastern, northern regions, and Crimea. In Kyiv, the temperature will rise to +2…4°C with possible light precipitation.
Ukraine has for the first time purchased the innovative drug pembrolizumab for the free treatment of melanoma. Deliveries are expected from June 2026 under a managed access mechanism.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that a peace agreement for Ukraine is closer than at any time in the last four years. The US, Ukraine, and European countries are working on three key documents, including a 20-point peace plan, security guarantees, and a post-war reconstruction program.
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.
On December 15, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. They will discuss economic issues and the progress of the peace process, after which EU and NATO leaders will join the discussions.
A Ukrainian emigrant who tried to shield his wife was killed in a terror attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14. The couple had come to celebrate Hanukkah and are survived by two children and 11 grandchildren.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Jewish communities in Ukraine and all Jews on Hanukkah, wishing them peace, tranquility, and well-being. He emphasized the special significance of the holiday during wartime, symbolizing an unextinguishable light.
On December 14, 148 combat engagements took place on the Russian-Ukrainian front, with 42 airstrikes and 103 guided bombs. The most intense battles took place in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, Oleksandrivka, and Huliaipole directions.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced significant progress in negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation in Berlin. The next meeting will take place on December 15.
Drone wreckage was found near the border with Ukraine in Poland's Lublin Voivodeship. Police confirmed that the drone is not related to smuggling, and relevant services are investigating the circumstances of its appearance.
Russian servicemen who returned from the war against Ukraine have become a serious threat to Russia, causing the death or injury of over a thousand civilians. Russian courts consider participation in the war as a mitigating circumstance in 90% of cases.
