Ukraine
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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that before the full-scale war, he directly raised the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership with then-US President Joe Biden, but received a clear refusal. Zelenskyy emphasized that he does not consider it necessary to change the Constitution of Ukraine due to the position of other states.
Since the beginning of the day, 98 combat engagements have been recorded, the enemy is actively operating in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions. The defense forces are repelling attacks in several directions, and battles are ongoing in many locations.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that using frozen Russian assets is the only realistic way for Europe to finance support for Ukraine. He noted that technical discussions are currently underway regarding a mechanism based on Russian assets, instead of discussing alternatives.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a Resolution defining the list of anniversaries of the most important events and jubilees of prominent personalities to be celebrated at the national level in 2026-2027. The Cabinet of Ministers is recommended to create an organizing committee and develop action plans, and Ukrposhta and the National Bank are recommended to issue stamps, envelopes, and commemorative coins.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the United States have different views on Donbas, and the issues of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and a reparations loan remain open. He emphasized the need for a positive decision on the reparations loan to avoid a budget deficit of 45-50 billion dollars next year.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will be forced to significantly reduce drone production if it does not receive funding in the spring, including a reparations loan. These funds are planned to be used for the country's recovery or for drone production if the war continues.
As of the end of November 2025, the Russian armed forces had about 50 9M729 cruise missiles, which are produced at a rate of up to 250 units per year. These missiles, due to which the US withdrew from the INF Treaty, are launched from Iskander-M1 OTRK launchers.
Technical groups at the EU summit are working to find ways to finance Ukraine, which could take hours. Discussions on a loan for Ukraine are moving in the right direction, a German official assessed.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of a number of enemy targets in the temporarily occupied territories, including the 55Zh6 "Nebo-U" radar in Crimea and a fuel and lubricants depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A UAV depot in Makiivka was also hit, and two S-400 air defense system launchers in Belgorod Oblast were destroyed.