Ukraine is ready to agree to the creation of a demilitarized zone in Donbas as a concession to end the war. This concession has the support of European leaders and is included in the revised US peace plan.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose by 0. 70%-0.75% due to fears of supply disruptions from Venezuela. This happened after the US seized a tanker with Venezuelan oil and amid cautious market sentiment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his readiness for elections provided there is a ceasefire. He emphasized that the US can help in negotiations with Russia on this matter.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov effectively rejected seven points of the 28-point peace plan proposed by the United States. This includes points regarding territorial exchange based on the line of contact and providing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.
The US plans to intercept more vessels carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week. This increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering holding a referendum on transferring Donbas to Russia. This comes amid growing pressure from the United States to agree to the terms of a new peace plan that would involve a 20% reduction in Ukraine's territory.
A U. S. appeals court sided with Epic Games Inc. in its dispute with Apple Inc., upholding a lower court's ruling. Apple violated an injunction by charging a 27% commission on transactions outside the App Store.
Football fans have accused FIFA of "monumental betrayal" after 2026 World Cup ticket prices emerged, reaching over $8,000. The lowest price for the final is $4,185, and the highest is $8,680, which differs from FIFA's statements about $60 tickets.
Leading US automakers have urged Washington to prevent state-backed Chinese automakers and battery manufacturers from opening factories. They warn that China poses a direct threat to the US auto industry due to subsidies and oversupply.
Leavitt said talks are ongoing and the US could send its representative to those talks this weekend "if there's a real chance of a peace deal being signed. "
US President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks on the progress of bilateral relations. The leaders discussed trade negotiations and cooperation in technology, defense, and security.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his readiness for presidential elections provided that international partners ensure safe conditions. He emphasized the need to resolve security issues, the participation of military personnel, and changes to electoral legislation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the possibility of putting the issue of territorial control of Donbas to a referendum. This is due to pressure on Kyiv regarding a peace plan that should end the war with Russia.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte denied reports that the US plans to shift most of the burden of defending Europe to European countries by 2027. He noted that Europe must step up its defense, but the Reuters report was incorrect.
The European Commission refused to comment on media reports about the alleged expanded US National Security Strategy. According to the press, the document names Italy, Austria, and Poland as targets for weakening ties with the EU.
Senior officials from the United States, Ukraine, France, Germany, and Great Britain will meet on Saturday, December 13, in Paris. They will discuss US President Donald Trump's peace plan, which includes territorial losses for Ukraine.
By the end of 2025, gold reached $4. 2 thousand per ounce, a 57% increase over the year. KIT Group analysts attribute this to the US Federal Reserve's policy, the geopolitical situation, and demand from central banks.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that it is difficult to name the timeline for a peace agreement regarding the war in Ukraine. He noted that there are complex issues regarding reconstruction, security guarantees, and territory.
In Quedlinburg, Germany, a truck carrying chickens overturned on the A36 autobahn, causing about 5,000 birds to escape. Traffic was blocked, and veterinary services were engaged in catching the chickens.
Residents of the US Pacific Northwest and Canada are preparing for evacuation due to catastrophic floods caused by a powerful atmospheric front. A state of emergency has been declared in the US, and major highways in Canada have already been closed due to floods and landslides.
People's deputies Fedir Venislavskyi and Volodymyr Vatras confirmed work on draft laws regarding post-war elections, but Oleksandr Korniienko denies the existence of ready legislative initiatives. The main obstacles to holding elections are the constitutional ban during martial law and the inability to guarantee security.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban fully supported the US criticism of the EU, calling it the most important document of recent years. He noted that Americans see Europe's economic dead end and civilizational crisis.
As a result of the Russian strike on Fastiv on the night of December 6, 27 suburban train cars were destroyed, with damages estimated at UAH 300 million. The depot and station were destroyed, and UAH 100 million is needed for reconstruction.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a "constructive" conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they discussed Ukraine and a possible meeting in Berlin. Merz emphasized that Ukraine must decide on concessions, and also criticized Putin and supported the use of frozen Russian assets.
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Kornienko stated the impossibility of parliamentary elections during martial law, citing the Constitution and the security situation. He emphasized the lack of a legal framework and difficulties with security, military participation, and voting abroad.
The Georgian Parliament has fast-tracked a bill that tightens the rules for holding protest actions. The new law requires notifying the Ministry of Internal Affairs five days in advance of holding a rally in crowded places.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia submitted additional proposals to the US on collective security guarantees. He emphasized that the guarantees cannot be limited to Ukraine alone.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated the need for security guarantees for all parties in the war in Ukraine. He also noted that Donald Trump sincerely seeks to resolve the conflict through political and diplomatic methods.
Donald Trump has unveiled an online platform for obtaining a US "Golden Card," which allows wealthy foreigners to gain legal residency for a contribution of $1 million. The program includes a biographical check, a $15,000 fee, and a government contribution, and a "platinum" card for $5 million has also been announced.
The Trump administration has handed European counterparts documents outlining its vision for Ukraine's reconstruction and Russia's return to the global economy. The proposals have sparked a fierce struggle between America and its allies in Europe.
