Russian dictator Vladimir Putin personally chose Steve Witkoff, a special representative of US President Donald Trump, as a key intermediary to promote his vision for settling the war against Ukraine. Witkoff suits the Kremlin due to his lack of political past and institutional ties, as well as his experience working with authoritarian regimes.
President Zelenskyy stated that Viktor Orban is blocking Ukraine's EU accession due to an election campaign, realizing that membership is a guarantee of security. Kyiv and EU leaders consider membership in the bloc a strong security factor.
The number of citizens' appeals regarding violations of labor rights in Russia exceeded 70,000, which is 50% more than last year. Wage arrears reached 2.2 billion rubles, which is the highest level since August 2020.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accused EU officials of wanting to harm Russia, comparing it to Hitler's Germany's invasion of the USSR. He stated that Europeans want to use the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia, seeing it as a threat.
French President Emmanuel Macron believes that European countries should directly engage in dialogue with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of fighting for the United States of America as an ally.
Sweden will provide Ukraine with $200 million in direct budget support by 2026. This funding will meet people's daily needs during the war, including critical public services.
The Delaware Supreme Court overturned a lower court's decision, allowing Elon Musk to reclaim his 2018 Tesla compensation package. This stock-based compensation plan is valued at nearly $140 billion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States proposed a trilateral meeting of national security advisors from Ukraine, the US, and Russia. He noted that Ukraine supports this proposal if it unblocks exchanges or leads to a meeting of leaders.
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen married Joaquim Valente in a small ceremony at her home in Surfside, Florida. The couple obtained their marriage license on December 1 and married on December 3.
Special envoy of the Kremlin head Kirill Dmitriev arrived in Miami. He met with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner.
The US Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded L3Harris Technologies an $843 million contract for 18 satellites to enhance missile tracking. This is in addition to previous orders for 34 systems, which are a key element of Trump's 'Golden Dome' defense shield.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia continues to consider the full occupation of Ukraine, so it is necessary to increase pressure on the Russian Federation, particularly from the United States. He emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions so that Putin does not have funds for the war.
Ukraine has submitted its vision to the US on the most difficult issues, including territories, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and reconstruction funding. The results of discussions between the American and Russian sides are expected.
Zelenskyy announced peace agreement talks conducted by Umerov. The US proposed a meeting format involving Ukraine and Russia, possibly with European representatives.
Tesla demonstrated its humanoid robot Optimus at a Christmas market in Berlin, where it handed out popcorn. Although Tesla did not comment on whether the robot was operating autonomously, Elon Musk predicts that the company's future lies in self-driving "robotaxis" and humanoid robots.
Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, was diagnosed with schizophrenia several years ago. His medication was changed or adjusted before he killed his parents, NBC News reported, citing three sources.
Hungarian state energy company MVM Group and Romanian E. ON Group have mutually agreed to terminate the agreement for the acquisition of a 68% stake in E.ON Energie Romania and a 98% stake in E.ON Asist. The Romanian government did not support the deal due to concerns about MVM's ties with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated what is needed for a peace agreement to be effective. He emphasized that a just and lasting peace with strong security guarantees is important for Ukraine.
The US Justice Department has released thousands of new documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case, but CBS News found that at least 550 pages are completely redacted. These documents include photos of prominent people, images from his homes, and investigation reports detailing allegations against the late sex offender.
In the fall, the US presented a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The Wall Street Journal named five potential obstacles to peace between Russia and Ukraine.
EU taxpayers will pay €3 billion annually in interest on a loan to finance Ukraine's defense. The new plan will provide Ukraine with €45 billion next year, with the remaining funds to be paid in 2027.
Ukraine and Portugal have signed a statement on partnership for the production of naval drones. Portugal also supported a financial security guarantee for Ukraine worth 90 billion euros.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who could not name the culprit of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Sybiha compared Hungary's position to the situation in 1939, when the country was an ally of Nazi Germany.
US forces have launched a large-scale strike against ISIS infrastructure and weapons facilities in Syria. This is in response to the attack on US and allied forces on December 13.
On December 19, in the Volgograd region of the Russian Federation, the main gas pipeline "Central Asia - Center" failed due to "ground subsidence. " Gas transportation has been stopped indefinitely, and the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine points to a trend in the development of geological processes near objects that finance the war.
Russian figure skater Ivan Desyatov, who represents the USA, has been banned from competition for life since December 19 over allegations of sexual misconduct. Estonian figure skater Solene Masing accused him of sexual harassment in 2023.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi met with the British delegation led by Richard Knighton. The operational situation at the front, the measures of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to disrupt the autumn-winter campaign, and the needs for means of destruction were discussed.
The United Kingdom will not unilaterally use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, as it had planned to do so jointly with partners. This comes after a similar EU plan failed due to legal and political obstacles.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that it is impossible to return current Russia to the civilized world. He noted that a democratic Russia is possible only after its collapse and regime change.
Russia has decided to terminate military agreements with 11 European countries, concluded in 1992-2002. These agreements regulated bilateral military cooperation after the collapse of the USSR.
