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.
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Search: "war"17 December 2025
War update: 87 clashes on frontline, Pokrovsk direction remains most active
Since the beginning of the day, 87 combat engagements have taken place between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders. Fighting is currently ongoing in six directions, with the enemy showing the greatest activity in the Pokrovsk direction.
Two people killed in Kherson region due to Russian drone attacks
Russian drones killed two people in the Kherson region: a 57-year-old man died in the village of Darivka, and the identity of a civilian killed in Kherson is still being established.
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.
Russia claims 'special military operation' participants cannot be prisoners of war – Lubinets
Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said that Russia has raised claims that it did not declare war on Ukraine but is conducting a so-called "special military operation" (SVO), and therefore all those fighting within it allegedly cannot be considered prisoners of war.
Ukrainian maritime drones strip Russian fleet of any sense of security – Austrian expert
Ukraine’s successes in naval warfare often remain overlooked, even though it is precisely the innovative use of surface and underwater drones that has forced the Russian fleet to retreat to ports, where it still is not safe.
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.
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.
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.
Russian army loses 1,730 troops, six tanks, 33 artillery systems over past day
The total combat losses of Russian forces in the war against Ukraine from February 24, 2022 to December 17, 2025 amount to approximately 1,192,350 personnel, including 1,730 in the past 24 hours.
Air defense forces neutralize 37 of 69 Russian drones
Ukraine's air defense forces neutralized 37 of 69 Russian drones.
Dmytro Rohoziuk, commander of the 60th Motorized Rifle Brigade
We must clearly understand: Ukraine is our home, and the primary responsibility for it rests with us
War update: 278 combat engagements on frontline over past day, 82 assaults repelled near Pokrovsk
On December 16, Ukrainian Defense Forces engaged in 278 combat clashes with Russian troops on the frontline.
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.
Ukraine’s National Police expose nearly 500 human trafficking cases during war
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the National Police of Ukraine have uncovered more than 490 cases of human trafficking.
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.
Since beginning of full-scale war, 364 artists and media workers killed in Ukraine
As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 245 artists and 119 media workers, including foreigners, have been killed in Ukraine.
16 December 2025
Zelensky meets with Ukrainian servicemen undergoing rehabilitation in Netherlands
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Ukrainian defenders who are recovering from their injuries at the Aardenburg military rehabilitation center in the Netherlands.
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.
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.
Russians attack southern Odesa region with drones, civilian facilities damaged
In the southern part of the Odesa region, today's attack by Russian strike drones damaged civilian and transport infrastructure.
Russia's military budget has nearly quadrupled compared to 2021 – intelligence
Russia's military budget has increased almost fourfold compared to 2021, consuming resources needed for long-term economic growth.
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".
About 60 citizens return to Ukraine from Russia and occupied territories – Lubinets
Sixty Ukrainian citizens have been returned to Ukraine from Russia and temporarily occupied territories.
Russian military present on vessels of Russia's shadow fleet – Swedish Navy
Russian military personnel are present on board some vessels of Russia's shadow fleet.
UK government responds to Trump’s lawsuit against BBC
The UK government considers the position of the national broadcaster BBC—its decision to defend itself in court against a lawsuit filed by U.S. President Donald Trump—to be justified.
War update: 167 clashes reported on front lines, nearly one-third of battles occur in Pokrovsk sector
Since the start of the day, 167 combat engagements have been recorded between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian troops. The enemy has launched more than fifty attacks on the Pokrovsk sector, while also showing increased activity in the Huliaipole, Kupiansk, Lyman, and Oleksandrohrad sectors.
Zelensky: Ukraine and partners considering several blocks of security guarantees
As of today, Ukraine and its international partners are considering several security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelensky: next round of Ukrainian-American negotiations may take place in US over weekend
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the next round of Ukrainian-American talks will take place in the US after the Americans consult with the Russians. According to him, this could happen as early as this weekend.