Political news from Kyiv region, government decisions and Ukraine politics
Quiet but powerful work by Ukraine’s defenses: overnight Russia targeted warehouses in the Odesa region with dozens of "Shaheds," but our forces neutralized most of the attacks. The world is shocked — this is a test of the resilience of our airspace and the security of our home.
The meeting in Berlin became a historic test — the United States conveyed Russia's demands, but Kyiv ensured its voice was heard. This is a moment that affects the security of our homeland and the future strategy for peace.
Ankara decisively defended its airspace: an F-16 shot down a drone that had lost control while over the Black Sea. It is a test of NATO's readiness and a signal to the region — Western analysts are already assessing the implications.
NATO is convening a virtual "Ramstein" on December 16 — a key meeting that could accelerate arms deliveries, support Ukrainian industry, and change the course of the fight for our homeland.
With rockets still falling, Berlin is weighing whether to ask Moscow to give people a few days of respite. Proposals from the US, Ukraine and Europe are already on the table; the ball is now in Russia's half of the field.
While tensions on the front persist, a decisive negotiating session took place in Berlin — the US says "90% of the issues" have been addressed and security guarantees were discussed. This could change the game — and the world is already reacting.
Kyiv and Washington have moved closer to aligning their positions — Rustem Umerov hopes for a result by the end of the day. Western analysts are already talking about a historic opportunity; on social media, people are debating whether this is a signal to Moscow.
On the night of December 15, the Astrakhan gas processing plant was hit. After the strike, explosions were heard and a large fire broke out; the full extent of the damage is still being determined. The plant produces up to 3.5 million tonnes of sulfur per year.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler, warning that the Kremlin leader's ambitions will not stop at Ukraine. He made the statement at a party conference of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria.
Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk said there could be a transfer of 6–8 MiG-29s, which are to be withdrawn from the Polish army by the end of December; the presidents may discuss the final decision on December 19.
In the city of Safi, heavy downpours on December 14 triggered a flash flood: at least 37 people were killed and 32 others injured. Homes and businesses were flooded, search-and-rescue operations are under way; meteorologists are forecasting more rain.
Why are so many thoughtful people around the world today trying to understand the nature and causes of the rise of Trumpism? Perhaps because there is already a clear understanding—or, if not understanding, then at least a feeling—that this will not end well.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. president is seeking results, not meetings, in the negotiating process over Russia’s war against Ukraine; the administration is prepared to send a representative if a real agreement is in place.
The president did not rule out the existence of agreements between the United States and Russia to keep Ukraine out of the Alliance, described the U.S. position as consistent and expressed the expectation that, over time, details of the negotiations may emerge; he also touched on the issue of the EU.
The President said that the United States did not set clear deadlines for concluding a peace agreement; Washington allegedly sought to reach an understanding by Christmas. He also outlined the key provisions of the proposed plan.
Two explosions occurred in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district and have been classified as terrorism. One National Guard serviceman was killed, and security personnel and law enforcement officers were wounded; the second blast went off after police and medics arrived.
The President said that in the current version of the peace plan the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is listed as 800,000; this, he said, was agreed with the military and corresponds to current figures.
Mark Rutte, in Berlin, said that NATO could become Moscow’s next target, urged increased defence spending and stepped-up pressure on the Kremlin, pointing to support for Russia from other states.
Karol Nawrocki said he had not received information about the transfer of Polish MiG-29s to Ukraine. The head of international policy at the presidential office confirmed he had not been notified; the president intends to discuss the matter with the defense minister.
The ombudsman reported on the multi-year blocking of the transfer of St. Nicholas Church to the religious community and accused the Ministry of Culture of delaying the enforcement of a court ruling, warning about the building's dangerous technical condition.
Russian units that are taking losses still remain in a city in the north. Ukrainian forces have disrupted enemy communications; fog and incoming fire are complicating the delivery of reinforcements.
The SBU and NABU exposed officials of a state-owned plant for embezzling UAH 102 million during procurement of dynamic protection for tanks; the cases involve Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
In initial drafts of the U.S. plan, it was proposed to create a neutral demilitarized zone in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, from which Ukrainian forces would be withdrawn while Russian forces would remain in place; Kyiv warns of the risk of a frozen conflict.
A Russian researcher from the Hermitage was detained in Poland on suspicion of illegal excavations in Crimea. He refused to give testimony; a court remanded him in custody for 40 days. An extradition request is expected.
During a speech at the White House, Donald Trump said that 82% of Ukrainians want a peace agreement and stressed the need for elections; he did not provide details of the poll and urged Volodymyr Zelensky to be realistic.
On the night of December 11, drones struck energy facilities in Kremenchuk district and in Odesa region. Fires broke out and infrastructure was damaged; emergency responders were dealing with the aftermath with the participation of a firefighting train and more than 50 firefighters.
The day after Donald Trump's statement, President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with lawmakers the question of holding elections during martial law, emphasizing the need for clear answers to security and legal issues.
Eileen Higgins defeated Republican Emilio Gonzalez, who was backed by Donald Trump. She will become Miami's first female mayor, leading her opponent by about 19 percentage points and giving Democrats momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In its annual assessment, one of Denmark’s main intelligence services notes that the United States is increasingly employing economic and technological power as an instrument of influence. At the same time, the primary risks remain Russia and China; the Baltic region faces a high military risk.
The Ministry of Culture has determined that the attackers left the scene of the robbery 30 seconds before police arrived; failures were detected in the video surveillance system, the dispatch service and security coordination. The jewelry is valued at €88 million.