Ukraine
Over the past day, December 15, Russian troops lost 1,150 servicemen, 9 tanks, and 1 submarine. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 16.12.25 amounted to about 1,190,620 personnel.
Germany will strengthen support for Ukraine's defense sector through joint ventures, market integration, and the possible provision of federal guarantees for investments within a 10-point plan. This includes joint procurement of Ukrainian military equipment and the establishment of a representative office of the Ukrainian defense industry in Berlin.
On December 16, cloudy weather with clearings is expected in Ukraine, with no significant precipitation. Daytime temperatures will be 1-6°C, and up to 9°C in Zakarpattia, Odesa region, and Crimea.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the "coalition of the determined" has developed measures to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and, if necessary, to deploy troops. The plans include ground deployment, but the priority is to achieve peace.
The next round of negotiations between Kyiv and Washington on a peace plan is scheduled for this weekend in the US. The discussion will take place after US consultations with Russia, and then a meeting at the leaders' level is possible.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the US is ready to respond with military action to renewed Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is enshrined in the security guarantees under discussion. He emphasized that Poland will not pressure Ukraine into concessions and will ensure the security of the eastern flank.
President Zelenskyy is concerned about the possibility of Russia rejecting Trump's peace plan, which could cause turbulence in the diplomatic process. In case of Russia's refusal, the United States of America will strengthen sanctions and increase arms supplies to Ukraine.
The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia and confirms the freezing of Russian assets. The EU is ready to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs for the next two years, which amounts to about 90 billion euros.
Ukraine will not cede control over Donbas but is considering creating economic zones without recognizing it as part of Russia. President Zelenskyy emphasized that Donbas is Ukrainian territory, and Kyiv will not recognize it as Russian either de jure or de facto.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that frozen Russian assets totaling up to $210 billion are a financial security guarantee for Ukraine. He presented two scenarios for their use: for post-war reconstruction or for annual financial assistance of 40-45 billion euros for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of continued aggression.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the issue of a referendum on territories is not currently being considered. Ukraine is ready to hold elections provided a ceasefire is established and security infrastructure is ensured.
Ukraine and the United States supported German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for a Christmas truce. President Zelenskyy emphasized that the implementation of this idea depends on Russia's political will.
Ukraine expects five documents of the "peace plan" approved by the US Congress, after which Zelenskyy will meet with Trump. The documents provide for support in Ukraine's recovery and the creation of a fund to compensate Ukrainians for damages.
US President Donald Trump said at the White House on December 15 that he had spoken with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. The details of the conversation and its date were not disclosed.
The next round of negotiations between Ukraine and the United States on ending the war may take place this weekend in Miami. Security guarantees for Ukraine and possible territorial concessions will be discussed.
European leaders, in a joint statement, agreed with Trump's peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the inviolability of borders. They called on Russia for negotiations and readiness for a ceasefire.
Trump positively assessed the negotiations with European leaders in Berlin regarding the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. He stated that peace in Ukraine "is closer than ever before."
Over the past day, 140 combat engagements took place on the front, Russia launched 60 airstrikes and used 3,445 drones. The highest activity of the occupiers was recorded in the Pokrovsk direction with 36 attacks.
The Ukrainian government has approved a decision that will allow 18,000 Ukrainian families to obtain housing under the "eOselia" program. The Ministry of Finance will issue UAH 30 billion in government bonds to provide resources.
During the Berlin talks, EU leaders welcomed progress in Trump's peace efforts, agreeing to cooperate to achieve peace and preserve Ukraine's sovereignty. They supported the creation of multinational forces in Ukraine and its accession to the EU.
Negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine are about to begin in Berlin. Representatives from the US, Italy, France, and other countries are present at the meeting.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Lenin is the architect of the independent Polish state. She claims that without Lenin, Poland would not exist.
Ukraine may receive security guarantees similar to Article 5 of the NATO treaty under a peace agreement discussed in Berlin. These guarantees will not be permanent, as US President Donald Trump insists on ending the war started by Russia in 2014.
A Moscow court recognized the feminist punk band Pussy Riot as an "extremist organization" on December 15, banning its activities in Russia. This decision threatens criminal prosecution for anyone associated with the collective.
Trump invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit the United States in mid-2026. The visit is related to the signing of an intergovernmental agreement that could pave the way for the American company Westinghouse to participate in a nuclear power plant project worth 13-15 billion euros.
Today, European leaders, including Macron and Rutte, will meet with Zelenskyy to get an update on the negotiations between Ukraine and the United States. Donald Trump is also expected to join the conversation via a phone call.
US President Donald Trump will join the conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders regarding a peace plan. This was reported by an American official, and Zelenskyy did not give a clear answer regarding the possible conversation.
Ukrainian partisans within the Russian forces report a tense situation between Russian army commanders and the high command due to the failure to implement combat plans, specifically regarding Kupyansk.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated there is a chance for peace in Ukraine, noting diplomatic efforts, particularly by US President Donald Trump. He hopes for further progress during dinner with European leaders, where territorial concessions remain a key issue.
The Ministry of Defense plans to allocate 12 billion hryvnias for the purchase of drones and other military equipment through the electronic marketplace DOT-Chain Defence in the first quarter of 2026. Currently, 186 combat brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Azov and Khartia corps brigades, have access to the system.