Exclusives
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Ukraine's war logistics go robotic in battle zones. In several combat brigades, drones now handle 50–80% of frontline supply deliveries after replacing traditional vehicles and infantry. |
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Did Sub Sea Baby sink the sub? Doesn't matter—Russia can't fix it anyway.. Sunk or not, that sub is stuck |
Military
Ukraine achieves "impossible" at Russia's Novorossiysk port, says expert after drones disabled Varshavyanka-class submarine. Multi-layered defenses, 6 submarines assigned, 2 now out of action.
Airstrikes first, then assault: Ukrainian special forces eliminate Russian railway operation in Pokrovsk (VIDEO). Russia controls 80% of Pokrovsk.
Russia built "underground city" in Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian Vampire bomber turned it into rubble
. Russia built these fortifications to hide from drones.
Frontline report: Europe can't seize shadow fleet tankers. Ukraine just blows them up.. Drone strike on sanctioned vessel Dashan shows Kyiv enforcing sanctions its allies cannot.
Ukraine destroys Russian BM-27 "Uragan" that could level entire blocks in seconds (VIDEO). This is asymmetric warfare.
Frontline report: Russia's "surprise" motorcycle assault near Pokrovsk runs into waiting drones. Geolocated footage shows the entire column burning just one kilometer from its staging area, with dozens of Ukrainian drones already positioned to intercept.
ISW: Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kupiansk ongoing, with more settlements liberated (MAP). Ukrainian troops are steadily gaining ground while Russian forces face logistical and manpower setbacks.
Intelligence and technology
Ukraine reveals what it takes to not lose war in 2026 during Ramstein meeting. Ukraine's survival list for 2026: air defense, drones, ammunition, $15 billion PURL.
Britain commits over $800 million to Ukraine air defense in largest single-year military package. 20K Russian drone and missile attacks in just two months have prompted Britain to commit $800 million to Ukraine's air defense—a record investment that will deliver thousands of systems
Ukraine has drone evidence of 30,000 Russian deaths per month, president tells Dutch parliament. Ukrainian drone footage documents between 25,000 and 31,000 Russian soldiers killed each month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported to Dutch lawmakers on 16 Dec.
International
Zelenskyy: Russia's frozen $240 billion covers one-third of war damages, will fund weapons instead of reconstruction. Ukraine expects to receive €40-45 billion in 2026 from frozen Russian assets held in the EU, the first installment of a multi-year plan to access €210 billion total, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced during a visit to The Hague. The funds will cover urgent military expenses as some Western countries reduce their support.
Some 34 countries sign treaty creating war damage commission for Ukraine. "Justice must prevail. Ukraine will not be left alone," the Council of Europe stated after 34 countries and EU representatives signed a convention creating the International Compensation Commission for Ukraine in The Hague.
South Africa confirms talks with Russia to bring back 17 men from Ukraine frontline. Legal complaints say the men were allegedly misled into joining Russian forces after being promised non-military roles.
Swedish Navy spots armed Russian military personnel aboard shadow fleet tankers in Baltic Sea. Moscow runs military operation to protect sanctions-dodging oil shipments.
US touts "90%" negotiating progress while Russia demands territories Ukraine hasn't offered. Moscow also rejects Western troops meant to enforce any peace deal.
Ukraine's foreign minister orders consuls to act after assault on citizens in Poland. Polish authorities have arrested two 27-year-old men following an attack on Ukrainian citizens aboard a Poznań tram that began with verbal abuse and ended in violence, police confirmed 14 December
Zelenskyy to US: Sanctions and weapons if Putin rejects peace terms. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists in Berlin on 15 Dec. that the US should respond to any Russian rejection of negotiated peace terms with increased sanctions and weapons deliveries to Ukraine
Zelenskyy and Sandu coordinate EU membership paths during Netherlands meeting. Further progress of Ukraine and Moldova toward EU membership must happen at the same time and be tightly coordinated, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu during talks in The Hague on 16 December
European leaders pledge EU membership for Ukraine, commit troops and frozen Russian assets
. Berlin summit delivers security guarantees, reparations framework, and accession support
Türkiye downs drone in Black Sea as aircraft strays into NATO-patrolled airspace. The aircraft was destroyed in a safe zone away from populated areas, though officials did not identify its type or origin.
Humanitarian and social impact
Political and legal developments
Russia-linked firm used Lithuanian papers to smuggle gas into Ukraine, probe says. Gazimpeks and Jozita allegedly exploited a legal gray zone to ship banned fuel into Ukraine despite sanctions.
Moscow claims 90% of peace deal complete, but demands five Ukrainian territories. Kremlin continues to demand control over Crimea and four occupied Ukrainian oblasts that Kyiv refuses to cede, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov claimed
Belarus sanctions split: EU targets hybrid threats as US eases potash curbs. Transatlantic approaches diverge sharply on Lukashenka's regime.
Russia rejects Christmas ceasefire, demands "full-fledged peace" instead. The Kremlin has dismissed a Christmas ceasefire proposal as an "unviable solution," according to spokesman Dmitry Peskov
Read our earlier daily review here.
