Ukraine

Over the past day, the Ukrainian Armed Forces eliminated 1580 Russian occupants and destroyed 4 tanks. Also, 21 armored vehicles and other enemy military equipment were destroyed.

On December 18, it will be mostly cloudy in Ukraine with clearings, in some places light rain and sleet. Temperatures at night will be from +6 to -2°, during the day up to +9°, with some icy conditions on the roads.

Russia is trying to conceal the presence of North Korean troops in the battles in the Kursk region. The Kremlin is hiding this fact in order not to recognize the lack of personnel in its own army.

The Scottish Secretary of State's Office has chosen a drawing by 12-year-old Amelia Marchenko from Ukraine for its official Christmas cards. The girl from Donetsk region, who now lives in Edinburgh, drew a golden-haired cherub near a Christmas tree.

“The Porcelain War and Once Upon a Time in Ukraine have been shortlisted for the Academy Awards in the documentary category. Both films were co-produced by Ukraine and the United States.

The British and Estonian prime ministers met in Tallinn before the Joint Expeditionary Force summit. The parties discussed strengthening military and economic support for Ukraine, as well as expanding defense cooperation.

The Ukrainian government is studying European models of electoral law for holding elections after the war. Options for electronic, postal, and proxy voting for 6.5 million displaced people are being considered.

On the Estonian border, Russia organizes weekly provocations, including the appearance of a blimp with a Z sign and smuggling attempts. Over the year, the number of border incidents increased from 18 to 96.

In the village of Udachne, Russian troops shelled a bus with passengers with artillery. Four people, aged 26 to 46, received injuries of varying severity and were hospitalized.

Zelenskyy said that Trump is aware of Ukraine's reluctance to freeze the war, although he wants a quick resolution to the conflict. Ukrainian teams are already working with Trump's teams to build relationships with the new administration.

The DPRK has earned up to $5. 5 billion from arms sales to Russia and can receive $572 million annually for sending troops. In exchange, North Korea receives oil, food, and modern weapons.

Donald Trump received 304 electoral votes, which exceeds the required 270 for victory. The decisive votes were 40 from the state of Texas, and the official approval of the results by Congress will take place on January 6, 2025.

Ukraine evacuated five children from the occupied territories, including two siblings and two teenagers who were threatened with service in the Russian army. The children were isolated without education and under pressure from Russian propaganda.

During their meeting in Lviv, Zelenskyy and Tusk discussed the common historical past of Ukraine and Poland. Tusk emphasized the importance of resolving historical issues without emotion and mutual respect between the two nations.

Over the last day, 183 combat engagements took place in various frontline areas. The occupants launched one missile attack, 40 air strikes and used 632 kamikaze drones on the territory of Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says the country is not considering sending its troops anywhere. He plans to discuss with Zelenskyy ways to unite the West to support Ukraine.

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on human rights in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The document was supported by 81 countries, for the first time officially recognizing Russia's actions as a “war of aggression.

Keith Kellogg, Trump's new special envoy for Ukraine, will visit Kiev and European capitals in January. The visit is aimed at gathering information to quickly end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on the Western world to strengthen support for Ukraine and stop speculation about its possible defeat. He emphasized that a just peace is possible only if the entire Western world joins forces.

There are constant incidents and daily shootings on the Polish-Belarusian border. Poland has already recorded 17 full-scale sabotage attacks and continues to invest in security.

Washington denies that it was informed of the operation in Moscow that killed General Kirillov and his aide.

Donald Tusk announced maximum support for Ukraine during Poland's EU presidency from January 2024. According to him, if it were up to Poland, the accession process would take one day.

On December 18, household consumers will have unlimited electricity supply. Industry and business will be subject to power limitation schedules from 07:00 to 20:00.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that the country is increasingly becoming a target of sabotage. During his meeting with Zelenskyy, he reaffirmed his continued support for Ukraine.

Germany's defense minister has announced the country's possible participation in securing a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Specific details of the peacekeeping mission have not yet been discussed due to the absence of cease-fire talks.

The President of Ukraine met with the Polish Prime Minister in Lviv. The parties discussed the situation at the frontline and announced the 46th package of military aid worth EUR 100 million.

Donald Tusk announced the 46th package of military aid to Ukraine worth €100 million in January. Zelenskyy and Tusk discussed the situation at the front and coordination with partners during their meeting in Lviv.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed his readiness to help with the project to equip more Ukrainian brigades. He plans to discuss this issue with European partners.

Ukraine's defense forces are actively engaged in combat operations on the frontline, which is over 1170 kilometers long. The situation is most difficult at the Pokrovske and Kurakhove directions, and Russia is engaging DPR army units in Kursk region.

NATO has officially accepted the coordination of Western military assistance to Ukraine from the United States through the new NSATU mission in Wiesbaden. The mission will include 700 personnel with bases in Belgium, Poland and Romania.