Ukraine
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reports a possible slowdown of traffic at all checkpoints on the border with Poland. This is due to maintenance work in the database of the customs service of the Republic of Poland, which will last until 3:00 PM Kyiv time.
President Zelenskyy stated that the EU's refusal to use frozen Russian funds would weaken Ukraine, potentially affecting the course of the war and diplomacy. He emphasized that without these funds, Ukraine would be in a more vulnerable position, which would reduce Russia's interest in a diplomatic settlement.
The Ukrainian meat and sausage market is transforming: consumption volumes are decreasing, but monetary volume is growing due to inflation. Consumers prefer quality, convenience, trust, and local brands, which leads to the emergence of new products, such as the meat and sausage line under the "Nasha Ryaba" brand.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the US proposal to divide the Zaporizhzhia NPP unfair, noting that no agreements have been reached on this issue. He emphasized a number of unresolved problems related to the plant's operation, including its militarization and funding for its restoration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Brussels for the EU summit. The summit will address the issue of financing Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine should be strengthened by the US and Europe if Russia does not stop the war. This includes additional weapons, sanctions, and financial aid.
Ukraine has launched the official emergency assistance service 112, developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which functions even without mobile communication. The application allows you to call rescuers, police, medics, or gas service by authorizing through Diia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the United States had inquired about presidential elections in Ukraine, but elections to the Verkhovna Rada and local elections were not discussed. He also expressed support for online voting, particularly through "Diia."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must be in a strong position, and Russia must understand that Ukraine will not capitulate. He emphasized the need to reduce the Russian economy through sanctions to force the Russian Federation to move to diplomacy.
At night, Russia attacked 5 regions, blacking out over 180,000 consumers, most of whom have already been reconnected. In Odesa region, 12,000 subscribers remain without electricity, and the cancellation of outage schedules is impossible.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy named three fundamental things in security guarantees from the US, including legally binding guarantees, an analogue of NATO Article 5, and a response to Russian aggression. He also mentioned details regarding weapons and the size of the Ukrainian army, which are not yet being disclosed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the issue of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's needs depends on the political will of partners. The President noted that these funds could be directed to support the Ukrainian army and defense production.
Russia seeks the complete capture of Donbas and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, which Ukraine does not agree to. The US is looking for a compromise solution, and the Ukrainian delegation has departed for Washington to discuss a peace plan.
President Zelenskyy states that Putin's signals about unwillingness to end the war are not new. The possibility of continuing the war depends on pressure from partners, particularly the US, and sanctions.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stopped the payment of state scholarships to Serhiy Bubka and Yana Klochkova, according to decree No. 967 of December 17. Other Olympic champions and medalists have also been deprived of scholarships.
The Russian dictator confirmed his intention to seize territories that he considers "historical lands of Russia. " This primarily refers to the south and east of Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's plane was damaged at Brussels airport, rendering it unairworthy. Fico also expressed support for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who did not attend the summit, protesting against the EU's unfair treatment of Serbia.
In November, Ukraine's car fleet grew by 12. 4 thousand gasoline passenger cars, which is 43% more than last year. Among them, 2.3 thousand were new and 10.1 thousand were used cars.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine straightened the front line and improved their tactical position in the Lyman direction. As a result of joint assault operations by the Third Army Corps and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, a regiment of the Russian army was destroyed, and a significant number of occupiers were taken prisoner.
At Thursday's EU summit, leaders will try to persuade Belgium to agree to the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. This is the EU's last chance to greenlight a proposal to raise 210 billion euros from Russian assets.
Over the past day, 134 combat engagements took place on the front line, which is half as many as the day before. The greatest activity was observed in the Pokrovsk direction, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled 38 enemy attacks.
Russia launched 82 drones at Ukraine overnight, 63 of which were shot down or suppressed. 19 attack UAVs were recorded hitting 12 locations.
EU diplomats are trying to find a compromise on financial aid to Ukraine ahead of the bloc's leaders' summit. Options being considered include a loan based on frozen Russian assets or joint EU debt.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official exchange rate for the dollar at UAH 42. 3384, the euro at UAH 49.6291, and the zloty at UAH 11.7885 for December 18. In banks, the dollar is traded at UAH 42.10-42.50, the euro at UAH 49.40-49.97, and the zloty at UAH 11.55-12.10.
Over the past day, December 17, the Russian army lost 950 servicemen killed and wounded, as well as 484 units of equipment. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 18.12.25 amounted to approximately 1,193,300 personnel.
The UK Ministry of Defence is stepping up preparations for sending a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine to support a truce. Funding has been allocated for training and equipment procurement to be ready for rapid deployment after peace agreements are concluded.
On Thursday, December 18, an anticyclone will prevail in Ukraine, ensuring calm weather without significant precipitation. Air temperatures will remain high for this time of year, and fogs are possible in some regions.
US President Donald Trump, in an address to the nation, criticized his predecessor Joe Biden, stating that he inherited a "mess. " He did not touch upon the topic of Russia's war against Ukraine or events surrounding Venezuela.
Ukraine receives reinforcements for its air defense systems amid attacks, including automated turrets and missiles to destroy Russian drones, totaling £600 million. The supplies include modern air defense systems, as well as RAVEN and GRAVEHAWK systems for protection against low-flying targets and deep strikes.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine reallocated the 2025 budget, allocating over UAH 25 million for generators and equipment for cultural institutions. This decision will allow museums, theaters, libraries, and reserves to operate continuously during power outages.