European Council conclusions on Ukraine: funding, strengthening defense, sanctions against Russia
Solution found, frozen Russian assets will remain frozen
Politics
Dutch government plans to ban face coverings during demonstrations
The Dutch government has prepared a bill on a nationwide ban on wearing clothing that covers the face during demonstrations.
Rubio believes US can cooperate with Japan, China despite tensions between them
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States can maintain close ties with Japan and continue productive cooperation with China, even amid growing tensions between Asia's two largest economies.
U.S. intelligence says Putin’s war aims in Ukraine remain unchanged – Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not changed his war aims in Ukraine over four years of full-scale war, according to U.S. intelligence assessments.
20 December 2025
Zelensky: Ukraine cannot maintain 800,000-strong Armed Forces on its own
Ukraine does not have sufficient financial resources to independently maintain Armed Forces of 800,000 personnel, which is why Kyiv views partner funding as part of its security guarantees.
Stefanchuk, Portuguese PM discuss energy security, trade, Ukraine’s EU accession
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro discussed energy security and expanding economic cooperation, including opening both countries’ markets to mutual trade, during a meeting.
Zelensky: partners have begun to “hold back” missiles
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that partners have begun to “hold back” missiles intended for Ukrainian air defense systems due to Russia's intimidation of Europe with drones.
Zelensky: US proposes trilateral meeting of security advisors from Ukraine, US, and Russia
The American side proposed holding a trilateral meeting at the level of security advisors between Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
Zelensky: Ukraine conveys its vision on territories, ZNPP, and reconstruction to US
Ukraine has conveyed its vision on the issues of territories, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), and financing for reconstruction to the US side and is awaiting the results of discussions between the US and Russia.
NATO notes positive signs regarding continuation of Czech aid to Ukraine
A senior NATO official expressed cautious optimism that the Czech Republic may continue its initiative to supply large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine from global manufacturers, despite the recent change of government in Prague.
Russia wants to drain Europe's resources with its sabotage actions – AP
Recently, Russia has carried out at least 145 incidents that, according to Western officials, are part of a campaign of destabilization in Europe orchestrated by Russia.
Japan to provide Ukraine with USD 6B in financial support – Zelensky
Japan will provide additional $6 billion in financial aid to Ukraine in 2026.
Prime Minister of Portugal arrives in Ukraine
Prime Minister of Portugal Luís Montenegro has arrived in Ukraine on an official visit.
Zelensky invited to address Polish parliament
Marshal of the Polish Sejm Wlodzimierz Czarzasty has invited President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to deliver a speech in the Polish parliament.
Melnyk predicts consequences for countries that do not vote to support Ukraine at UN General Assembly
Three Ukrainian resolutions adopted by the General Assembly in December were a success for Ukraine, but the diplomatic situation at the UN platform is becoming more complicated and requires non-standard solutions, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Аndrii Melnyk believes.
19 December 2025
Czech Republic to continue ammunition initiative for Ukraine - Czech DM
The new Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic, Jaromír Zuna, considers it necessary to support Ukraine and continue the ammunition initiative. He plans to visit Ukraine in the near future.
Sikorski “awards” Orbán with Order of Lenin after statement on Russian assets
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski “honored” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's post about blocking a loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets with the Order of Lenin.
Ukraine completes preparations to open all negotiation clusters on EU accession
This week, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved two negotiating positions for Ukraine on its path to European Union membership under Cluster 4, “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity,” and Cluster 5, “Resources, Agriculture, and Cohesion Policy.”
Zelensky, Tusk discuss strengthening Ukrainian combat aviation, joint drone production
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk the strengthening of Ukraine’s combat aviation and defense projects under the SAFE program, including joint drone production.
US sees progress in Ukraine peace talks, but Rubio warns hardest issues remain
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States has “made good progress” in Ukraine talks but warned that they have “ways to go” with “hardest issues”.
Zelensky discusses diplomatic efforts for peace with Polish Senate Marshal
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve peace with Marshal of the Polish Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska during a meeting.
Ukrainian delegation to hold security consultations in U.S., with European partners involved
The Ukrainian delegation led by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov will hold another round of talks in the United States on December 19.
Zelensky holds talks with Polish Sejm Marshal on defense and economy
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Marshal of the Polish Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty during which the sides discussed strengthening defense cooperation, economic partnership, and support for Ukrainians who have found temporary refuge in Poland.
Zelensky: Russia sought to disrupt EU decision on financing Ukraine
Russia did everything it could to disrupt the adoption of a decision by EU leaders on Ukraine’s financial needs, but it failed. Poland played a major role in the positive outcome, and the Ukrainian people are grateful to the Polish state.
Ukraine needs more funds than EU has allocated – Lithuanian president
The EU will revisit the issue of financing Ukraine if a newly agreed 90-billion-euro loan proves insufficient.
Zelensky thanks Polish people for help and sheltering Ukrainians
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking in Warsaw, expressed gratitude to the Polish people for their assistance during Russia's full-scale aggression and for providing shelter to many Ukrainians.
Ukrainian, British defense officials discuss bolstering Ukraine's air defense
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and the UK Chief of the Defense Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, discussed Ukraine's needs for repelling enemy air attacks and a joint project to produce the Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drone.
Putin claims Ukraine started war with support from Western countries
During his annual end-of-year press conference on Friday, December 19, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said he would not bear responsibility for the deaths of Ukrainians in 2026 if Russia were to reject a peace plan proposed by the United States.
Zelensky on EU decision on loan for Ukraine: A signal to Russia that there is no point in continuing war
The European Union's decision to grant Ukraine an interest-free loan of EUR 90 billion is a signal to Russia that Ukraine will withstand the coming year.