Berlin Talks: Not a Breakthrough yet, but Hopefully some Progress
Is American diplomacy capable of “selling” the Berlin agreements to Moscow?
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18 December 2025
War update: 134 clashes on frontline in past 24 hours, 38 attacks repelled in Pokrovsk sector
On December 17, Ukrainian Defense Forces engaged in 134 combat clashes with Russian invaders.
Power outages reported in Mykolaiv region following Russian attack
Power outages have been reported in two districts of Mykolaiv region following a nighttime Russian attack on energy infrastructure.
Russia’s war casualty toll in Ukraine up by 950 over past day
The total combat losses of Russian forces in the war against Ukraine from February 24, 2022, to December 18, 2025, amount to approximately 1,193,300 personnel, with 950 eliminated in the past 24 hours.
Russian drone attack on Cherkasy leaves six injured, infrastructure damaged
In Cherkasy, six people were injured as a result of a Russian drone attack, and part of the city has been left without electricity.
Zaporizhzhia hit by Russian aerial bombs, residential building damaged
During an air raid alert in Zaporizhzhia, the sound of an explosion was heard.
Lithuania allocates EUR 3M to program supporting return of young professionals to Ukraine
Lithuania will allocate €3 million over three years to the Create for Ukraine program, under which around 80 young professionals are expected to return to Ukraine.
Ukrainian border guards wipe out ten Russian shelters on Kursk front
In the Kursk sector of the front, border guards from the Stalevyi Kordon (Steel Border) Brigade delivered precise strikes against Russian invaders and their shelters.
Russia’s drone attack on Odesa region leaves seven people injured
In Odesa district, seven people were injured as a result of an attack by Russian drones.
Only 33 of 304 Ukrposhta offices continue operating in Donetsk region
In the territory of Donetsk region controlled by Ukraine, 33 Ukrposhta offices are currently operating – 27 stationary and six mobile – whereas before Russia’s full-scale invasion a total of 304 offices were functioning there.
Cocoa prices rise amid reduced surplus expectations
Cocoa prices in New York are rising for a second consecutive day, as traders factor in worsening forecasts for excess supply on the market this season and purchasing prospects.
In Georgia, voting in parliamentary elections to be possible only within country
The Parliament of Georgia has approved a draft of a new Election Code, the key innovation of which is that polling stations will no longer operate abroad during parliamentary elections.
Dnipro, New York sign cooperation agreement
Dnipro and New York have signed an official cooperation agreement. The mayor of Dnipro called the event a "true miracle."
Von der Leyen: Europe has already taken major steps toward its strategic independence
Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine and the shift in U.S. priorities amid China's rise are forcing the EU to focus on its own strategy of economic independence, security, and defense.
Partisans scout radar in Russia, that can 'blind' air defense if attacked
Agents of the ATESH partisan movement have scouted an active radar station and a communications post of Russia's 339th Radio Engineering Regiment in the Volgograd region.
Partisans report self-mutilation among Russian soldiers near Pokrovsk
In the Pokrovsk sector, Russian soldiers are resorting to self-mutilation in order to avoid carrying out their commanders’ orders.
17 December 2025
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.
Latvia contributes EUR 200,000 to Ukraine Energy Support Fund
Latvia has announced the allocation of EUR 200,000 to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
Injury toll from Russian bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia rises to 32
The number of people injured in a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia and the Zaporizhzhia district has increased to 32.
Over 160 apartments damaged in Zaporizhzhia as glide bomb passed through high-rise building
In Zaporizhzhia, 163 apartments were damaged in an apartment building that was hit by a Russian guided aerial bomb during the daytime attack. There is a risk of collapse.
Russian forces launch drone strike on Mykolaiv, nine-story building damaged
Russian forces attacked Mykolaiv with a Molniya drone, shattering windows in a nine-story residential building and damaging a bus.
US Senate passes defense budget including $400M for Ukraine
The upper chamber of the U.S. Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which, among other provisions, includes $400 million in assistance for Ukraine.
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.
Ukrainian government outlines plan to create conditions for citizens’ return home
The Ukrainian government and relevant ministries are focusing on both quickly restoring areas destroyed by Russian attacks and implementing long-term reconstruction programs to create conditions for Ukrainians to return home.
European Parliament approves EU plan to phase out imports of Russian gas
The European Parliament has approved the European Union’s plan to gradually end imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027.
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.
Russian propaganda spreads fakes about Zelensky’s visit to Kupiansk
To spread disinformation, Russian propagandists used old footage from 2022.