Tusk plans to meet Zelensky in Warsaw, Polish government spokesperson says
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk intends to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Warsaw on December 19.
Politics
17 December 2025
Belgium floats invoking emergency provision to provide joint EU debt for Ukraine – Euractiv
Belgium has asked the EU to consider invoking an emergency provision to issue common EU debt to support Ukraine’s war effort.
Kolomoisky left in custody as appeal is rejected
A court of appeal has left former PrivatBank shareholder Ihor Kolomoisky in custody.
Korniyenko elected head of Servant of the People party
First Deputy Parliament Speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko has become the new head of the Servant of the People party.
Zelensky: Moscow signals 2026 will be year of war
President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on partners, particularly in the United States, not only to observe but to respond to recent statements from Moscow, which indicate that Russia is preparing for 2026 to be a “year of war.”
Hybrid warfare in Europe: Russia enlists religious groups, Ukrainian expert warns
Russia continues to actively promote its propaganda and disinformation aimed at European audiences, with religious organizations also involved in hybrid influence operations, according to an expert.
Zelensky, Pavel discuss Kupiansk operation, continued ammo support
President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the situation on the front line, particularly in the Kupiansk sector, as well as the continuation of the Czech initiative that has already supplied Ukraine with 1.8 million rounds of ammunition, during a conversation with Czech President Petr Pavel.
Trump Administration suspends sanctions on Russian banks linked to nuclear energy
The U.S. Administration has issued General License GL-115C, which temporarily exempts an entire list of major Russian banks “related to civil nuclear energy” from U.S. sanctions.
Putin's response to Christmas truce proposal is cynical — Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin's reaction to the proposal to establish a ceasefire at least for the Christmas holidays was cynical and cruel.
Europe should take threat from Belarus seriously – German MP
European countries should not underestimate the danger that may arise from Belarus. However, media reports of a vast number of Russian troops in the country do not correspond to reality.
HACC extends preventive measure against Chernyshov by two months
The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has extended the term of procedural obligations for a former deputy prime minister by two months.
European Parliament backs creation of 'military Schengen'
Members of the European Parliament have called for the swift creation of a "military Schengen"—the removal of internal borders for the movement of troops and equipment across the EU—and for the modernization of railways, roads, tunnels, bridges, and other infrastructure, especially on the bloc's eastern flank.
Parliament adopts law on social guarantees for families of fallen and missing police officers
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a law regulating the specifics of social protection for family members of police officers who were killed in the line of duty or who have been declared missing or missing under special circumstances by a court.
Italy will not abandon Ukraine at 'most delicate moment' in recent years – Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said it is important to continue exerting pressure on Russia in order to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
Draft resolution to suspend Bezuhla from five parliamentary sessions registered in the Verkhovna Rada
A draft resolution on the application of disciplinary measures against Member of Parliament Mariana Bezuhla has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada.
Ukraine urges African countries to counter Russian schemes to recruit young people for war
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned about illegal Russian programs to recruit young people in Africa to take part in the war against Ukraine and called on African governments and media to take decisive countermeasures.
Claims Commission may issue first decisions in late 2026 – Mudra
Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Iryna Mudra has said that 2026 should become the year of the practical launch of the International Claims Commission, with its first decisions expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
Parliament obliges ministers to report before resignation
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a law aimed at improving the procedure for appointing and dismissing members of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Von der Leyen: We have to decide on financing Ukraine at this European Council
Ukraine's financing needs for 2026-2027 amount to about EUR 137 billion, of which the European Union must provide EUR 90 billion, and a respective decision must be taken at the upcoming European Council summit.
US prepares new sanctions on Russia if Putin rejects peace deal – Bloomberg
The US Treasury is preparing a new package of sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector to increase pressure on Moscow if Russian leader Vladimir Putin rejects a peace agreement with Ukraine.
Hungary blocks EU statement on enlargement over Ukraine
Hungary is blocking the European Union's annual document proposing the enlargement process due to Budapest's rejection of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Bipartisan bill introduced in U.S. Senate to sanction Russia's oil imports – Stefanishyna
U.S. Senators have drafted a bipartisan bill imposing sanctions on the purchase or facilitation of Russian oil and petroleum products.
U.S. and Europe plan major boost to Ukraine’s military under new security guarantees – NYT
The United States, together with its allies, has prepared a plan of security guarantees for Ukraine that envisions a significant strengthening of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the deployment of European troops in the country, and increased use of American intelligence.
16 December 2025
UDCG meeting outcome: Ukraine to receive defense assistance from 15 countries
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced new important commitments by partners to support Ukraine's defense.
Funding for Ukraine: Dutch PM calls European Council meeting very important
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has said that the European Council meeting, which will discuss sources of funding for Ukraine for the next two years, is very important.
Pistorius skeptical about idea of deploying Bundeswehr troops to Ukraine – Bild
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius continues to take a cautious stance on the idea of deploying an international contingent to Ukraine should the need arise.
Ischinger: Diplomatic path is possible, but only with pressure on Russia
Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not begin peace negotiations as long as he believes he can achieve his goals by military means, but a diplomatic path to peace is possible.
Finland, Poland to lead initiatives to protect NATO's eastern flank from Russia
Finland and Poland will lead efforts to strengthen the protection of the EU's and NATO's eastern flank through the initiative to counter Russia's aggressive intentions, the "Eastern Flank Watch".
European Parliament agrees to fast-track reparations loan for Ukraine
On Tuesday, Members of the European Parliament agreed at a plenary session in Strasbourg to accelerate the procedure for granting Ukraine a reparations loan from the EU.