Ukraine
According to a Razumkov Center poll, 92% of Ukrainians trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while 76% distrust the Verkhovna Rada. 32.5% of respondents believe that events in Ukraine are developing in the right direction.
Since the beginning of the day, 87 combat engagements have taken place. The enemy is actively operating in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions, having carried out 60 shellings and airstrikes.
Ursula von der Leyen criticized Donald Trump's attacks on Europe, calling for the continent's independence. She emphasized changes in the global economy and the need for its own path.
The High Anti-Corruption Court extended the term of procedural duties for former Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov. This decision will be valid for two months, but not longer than the pre-trial investigation period.
Norway has announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth 3. 2 billion Norwegian kroner (about 267 million euros). The funds will be used to purchase ammunition for F-16s and air defense systems within the framework of the JUMPSTART initiative.
Orban announced that Moscow was preparing a "harsh response" to the EU's decision on the use of frozen Russian assets. He stated that he had personal communication with Vladimir Putin.
The State Logistics Operator of the Ministry of Defense will for the first time purchase 150,000 DNA systems for servicemen for UAH 37. 8 million. This will allow for the identification of the deceased and missing, and the data will be stored in accordance with the law.
European Council President António Costa stated that the EU will not impose a reparation loan for Ukraine at the leaders' summit if Belgium opposes it. This is a departure from his previous position, where he noted that the scheme only required a qualified majority.
KNDS, the manufacturer of Leopard 2 tanks, has confirmed its intention to conduct an initial public offering in 2026. A dual listing on the Paris and Frankfurt stock exchanges is planned to expand access to capital amid record demand for defense products.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine is a “far from easy” task. She emphasized the need for a strong legal basis and avoiding open-ended commitments for countries.
Russian Defense Minister Belousov is spreading false information about the occupation forces' control over Kupyansk. Most of the city is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which continue to clear it of Russians.
Vladimir Putin claimed that the Russian army captured over 300 settlements in 2025 and accused the West of starting the war. Andrei Belousov stated that Russia allegedly captured Kupyansk, while Ukraine denied this.
The United Kingdom will officially issue an order to transfer £2. 5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that this is Roman Abramovich's last chance to fulfill his obligations, otherwise legal action will be taken.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the decision of the San Francisco International Wine Competition to disqualify 15 Russian wineries from the 2025 competition. Their wines will be disposed of due to violations of US sanctions legislation imposed in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced that the completion of work on the "Mostytska" metro station in its main structures is expected in 2026. The contractor is working around the clock at 6 construction sites, and the right tunnel from "Mostytska" to "Syrets" and part of the ventilation units have already been built.
The Kremlin expects the US to provide information on the results of its work with Ukrainians and Europeans following reports of an expected discussion of proposals for peace talks. On December 16, President Zelenskyy announced an anticipated meeting between Ukraine and the US in Miami to discuss documents.
A state-level emergency has been declared in Odesa region due to enemy attacks on energy infrastructure. Over 50,000 residents of the region were left without electricity for a long time.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a Law extending special rules for the operation of the state enterprise "Pivdenny Machine-Building Plant named after Makarov" in Dnipro. This decision suspends forced enforcement actions and seizures of the enterprise's funds until January 1, 2027.
Bohdan Kukura has been appointed chairman of the board of Ukrnafta following an open selection process. Naftogaz expects the new head to fulfill all strategic tasks.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law on the legal status and medical care of foreign military personnel. The document provides for the issuance of temporary residence permits for the entire duration of their contract and after its termination, and also extends certain social guarantees to them.
Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin would not agree to the presence of military personnel from EU countries on the territory of Ukraine, arguing that this could lead to the presence of NATO military personnel. He emphasized that Moscow's position on this issue is consistent and clear.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski ironically reacted to Maria Zakharova's statement about "Poland being created by Lenin", comparing it to Putin's "charity" towards Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of financial support for Ukraine through the issuance of joint EU debt, as an alternative to using frozen Russian sovereign assets. This comes ahead of a meeting of EU leaders where ways to finance Ukraine will be discussed amid its expected deficit of 135 billion euros by 2027.
Since November 24, Kyivstar has launched Starlink Direct to Cell satellite technology, which allows users to stay connected without terrestrial coverage. It is currently available for iPhone 13 and newer models with iOS from 26.2, as well as for Android.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, stated that the Kremlin is trying to drag out time to force Ukraine to surrender.
The US is considering new sanctions against Russia's energy sector, including its "shadow fleet" of tankers, if Putin rejects a peace deal with Ukraine. These measures could be announced as early as this week, as discussed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with European ambassadors.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia has increased its troops to 710,000 personnel for a strategic offensive in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces are successfully repelling attacks, regaining control over territories, and striking the aggressor's infrastructure.
Commander of the Third Army Corps Andriy Biletskyi proposes to remove barriers for the growth of young officers to replace "paper generals".
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov called for not putting pressure on entrepreneurs during the war, speaking out against the introduction of VAT for individual entrepreneurs with an annual income of more than UAH 1 million. He emphasized that small businesses are the foundation of the economy, and the Kharkiv City Council canceled local taxes to support more than 127,000 individual entrepreneurs operating in the city.
The SBU detained the head of a medical unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who was transmitting data on military facilities to the FSB. He marked locations on Google Maps, which allowed the occupiers to launch missile strikes.