Ukraine

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces has put aviation and air defense on full alert due to Russia's massive missile strike on Ukraine. All available forces and means are being used to protect the airspace.

Over the past day, 210 combat engagements took place, with the largest number of attacks in the Kurakhove sector - 51. The enemy carried out 35 air strikes and fired 4,170 times at Ukrainian positions.

Russian forces shelled more than 20 settlements in Kherson region, damaging infrastructure and residential buildings. The attacks left one person dead and four wounded, including two from a drone attack in Kherson.

Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov reports an explosion in the city. An air alert has been declared throughout Ukraine, and people are heading for shelter.

A sharp cold snap is expected in Ukraine with frosts down to -8° and strong wind gusts of up to 20 m/s. Forecasters have issued a storm warning of the first level of danger, with ice on the roads.

NPC Ukrenergo is introducing special schedules of power outages with different phases during the day. For industrial enterprises, the restrictions will be in effect from 6:00 to 22:00.

The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announces an air alert throughout Ukraine. A missile threat has been detected in all regions, and people are being asked to take shelter.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released new data on the losses of the Russian occupiers as of December 13. During the day, 1390 soldiers were killed, 5 tanks and 31 infantry fighting vehicles were destroyed.

In the village of Kosenivka, the ruins of a house with the remains of seven representatives of the Trypillian culture were discovered. Traces of burns and injuries were found on the bones, which may indicate a violent death in a fire.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the creation of a prosthetic and rehabilitation center on the basis of its medical facility. The Protez Foundation will take care of the construction, equipment and staff training.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa met with the UNHCR representative in Ukraine. The parties discussed support for educational centers abroad and assistance to war-affected people in the frontline regions.

Fake volunteer centers have been opened in the temporarily occupied Donetsk to prepare for the 80th anniversary of the “victory”. The centers spread propaganda and distorted history about russia's role in World War II.

Kaja Kallas stated that frozen russian assets should be used to help Ukraine. She also emphasized the importance of the EU's continued support for Ukraine even if the US cuts aid.

The Chinese leader met with russian Security Council Deputy Chairman medvedev to discuss the war in Ukraine. Xi Jinping stated that three principles should be observed to prevent the escalation of the conflict.

The United States will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth $500 million. The package will include ammunition for HIMARS, anti-tank weapons, and anti-drone equipment.

30 Ukrainian basic military training instructors will study in Lithuania in 2025. After the training, they will implement NATO standards and a new live-fire project in Ukraine.

Donetsk collaborators were tasked by the russian federation to “improve the demographic situation” by increasing the number of russians in the region. By December 20, they have to submit 10 proposals for the implementation of this plan.

The Berlin Declaration is signed in Germany, confirming that peace talks are impossible without Ukraine and its European partners. The document provides for increased military and financial support for Ukraine and its Euro-Atlantic integration.

The BES uncovered a tax evasion scheme by two ferroalloy plants worth UAH 1. 2 billion. The companies exported their products at reduced prices to Europe without returning the foreign currency earnings to Ukraine.

The fourth round of negotiations between Ukraine and the UK on a new partnership agreement took place. The parties noted significant progress in agreeing on key sections of the document.

In the village of Ruzhyn, Berdychiv district, two women and a man were poisoned by carbon monoxide in a private house. All the victims were taken to the intensive care unit of the local hospital.

There were 190 combat engagements registered in the frontline, with the most intense fighting in the Pokrovske and Kurakhove sectors - 46 engagements each. The enemy is actively attacking in all directions, but without success.

Ukrainian entrepreneurs can now make changes to their sole proprietorship through the Diia mobile app. The process takes up to 10 minutes and allows you to update your personal data, address, and activities online.

The IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution on the protection of the energy infrastructure of nuclear power plants. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry welcomed the document, which recognizes attacks on power substations as a threat to nuclear safety.

On December 16, a new postage stamp “Usyk. The world loves the strong”. All proceeds from the sale will go to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the Usyk Foundation.

About a thousand Ukrainians have returned to the temporarily occupied territories. Out of 4.9 million IDPs, 29,000 people have returned to their previous places of residence, most of them to conditionally safe areas.

President Biden approved another package of military aid to Ukraine, which will include air defense, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles. The White House confirmed that it will continue to provide assistance until the end of the administration's term.

The head of the OP, Andriy Yermak, announced consultations with the team of US President-elect Trump before the inauguration. The main topic of discussion is ending the war on the terms of a just peace and international law.

BBC Ukraine has announced the winners of the 20th BBC Book of the Year 2024 literary award in three categories. Each winner will receive a prize of £1000, and publishers will be able to use the award logo.

The head of the OP, Andriy Yermak, said that there is currently no peace plan from the Trump team, and the Ukrainian side has not seen it. Yermak also expressed hope for fruitful cooperation with the newly appointed special representative Keith Kellogg.