Ukraine
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin. Witkoff will also hold meetings with counterparts from France, Great Britain, and Germany.
Over the past day, December 12, 178 combat engagements took place at the front, 42 of which were assault actions stopped in the Pokrovsk direction. Russian invaders lost 1,300 personnel, three tanks, and 283 UAVs.
The G7+ Coordination Group on Energy for Ukraine is ready to strengthen the protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure from air and missile attacks. Member countries will also supply necessary energy equipment and ensure sufficient volumes of gas and electricity for the winter.
On Saturday, December 13, Ukraine is expected to experience temperatures ranging from 6°C below zero at night to 6°C above zero during the day, with light rain and snow in some areas. In Zakarpattia and the Carpathians, there will be fog in the morning, and the wind will be north-westerly at 7-12 m/s.
Switzerland has decided to purchase fewer F-35 fighter jets from the US than planned to keep costs within the approved limit. The country faced additional costs of up to 1.3 billion Swiss francs due to rising energy and raw material prices.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Berlin this weekend to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. He will also hold meetings with his counterparts from France, Great Britain, and Germany.
US President Donald Trump believes that the peace agreement for Ukraine, promoted by the US, can be successful. He emphasized that many people support this initiative and noted that the main goal is to stop the monthly deaths of thousands of people.
Poland has officially joined the Ukraine2EU program, providing Ukraine with a financial contribution of 1 million euros and sharing experience in implementing European integration reforms. This support will strengthen the capacity of the Verkhovna Rada and accelerate the approximation of Ukrainian legislation to EU standards.
Several railway sections on the approaches to Pivdennyi port have been de-energized due to Russian strikes. The enemy is trying to limit exports through Ukrainian seaports by attacking railway infrastructure.
British banks oppose using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. They fear lawsuits from Russia and potential financial losses without state guarantees.
On the evening of December 12, the Russian army attacked the Odesa region, damaging a port infrastructure facility, which caused a fire. Rescuers promptly extinguished the fire; there is no information about deaths or injuries.
The international meeting on Ukraine, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, in Paris, has been canceled. It was supposed to discuss the peace plan of US President Donald Trump.
The European Union has decided to indefinitely freeze Russian assets worth up to €210 billion. The funds will remain in the EU until Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine for the damage caused.
Rustem Umerov held closed-door meetings with FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino during a visit to Miami, raising concerns among Western officials. Ukraine's ambassador to Washington confirmed the meeting, noting that national security issues were discussed.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, aimed at energy facilities and ports, would be beneficial. He voiced this proposal during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan.
The EU has fulfilled its commitment to keep Russian assets blocked, as confirmed by European Council President António Costa. The next step is to ensure Ukraine's financial needs for 2026–2027.
According to The Atlantic, Trump did not object to strikes on Russia's oil logistics in international waters and, in several cases, approved the transfer of intelligence to Kyiv, which was used to target Russia's oil infrastructure.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the damage to a Turkish company's vessel in the port of Chornomorsk, emphasizing the importance of ending the war. The ship's crew has been evacuated, and no Turkish citizens were harmed.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a defense group in Germany, which will work on the details of security guarantees for Ukraine. The group will be headed by Lieutenant General Hnatov and will include representatives of the Ukrainian army, intelligence, and security forces.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on December 15 for an exchange of views on peace talks and economic issues. European leaders and representatives of the EU and NATO will join the discussions.
The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe. This removed a significant obstacle to using these funds to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, announced planned meetings in New York with the government's working group on recovery, development, and investment. A video conference of national security advisors also took place to discuss the peace plan.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard reports from NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov regarding preparations for negotiations. The head of state emphasized that Ukraine's goal is to bring closer the end of the war, define steps for a dignified peace, guaranteed security, and recovery.
Ukrainians consume the most drinking milk, and less than 5 kg of cheese per year, which is the lowest figure in Europe.
On December 13, hourly power outage schedules will be in effect throughout Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met with US representatives, the head of the World Bank, and the CEO of BlackRock regarding the economic track of peace for Ukraine. A joint working group has been established to develop an action plan, emphasizing the importance of security guarantees.
The Russian army launched a missile strike on Odesa region, damaging a civilian vessel in the port of Chornomorsk. President Zelenskyy emphasized that this proves the Russians' unwillingness to engage in diplomacy and their goal to destroy normal life in Ukraine.
The norm on mandatory registration of residential lease agreements has been removed from draft law No. 12377. The Verkhovna Rada plans to adopt it next week and is also considering lowering tax rates for landlords.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has removed US Army commander Dan Driscoll from participating in peace talks on Ukraine. This happened amid rumors of Driscoll's possible appointment as Secretary of Defense and his exceeding of authority.
The Belgian central securities depository Euroclear may compensate for the seizure of its assets in Russia at the expense of frozen Russian funds in the EU. This was a response to a lawsuit filed by the Russian Central Bank regarding alleged damages.