Exclusives
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UN General Assembly votes to demand Russia return deported Ukrainian children without conditions. The UN GA overwhelmingly backed a resolution calling for the immediate return of deported Ukrainian children taken by Russia, with 91 countries voting in favor. Ukrainian officials estimate that at least 20,000 children were taken. |
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Rand Paul's media orbit keeps pushing Kremlin narratives. The 28-point plan is just the latest example.. From blocking aid to echoing the "peace plan," a pattern emerges |
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Czechia offered Ukraine T-72 tanks. One problem: they can't shoot straight.. Ukraine won't be getting 30 T-72M4CZ tanks—the fire controls are broken beyond repair. But in the age of FPV drones, Kyiv may not miss them much. |
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Belgium holds €183 billion in frozen Russian money. Why won't it let Ukraine use it? (EXPLAINER). The EU wants to turn Russia's frozen assets into a €140 billion loan for Ukraine. Belgium calls the plan "fundamentally wrong." EU leaders vote on 18-19 December. Ukraine's budget runs dry in April. |
Military
Ukrainian units take out Russian SAM launcher, radars, bridge layer in Donetsk Oblast (VIDEO)
. Destroying Niobiy-SV radars and an S-300V launcher contributes to the campaign of the systematic strikes, leaving Russia's air defense fragmented across occupied Donbas.
Ukrainian intelligence confirms new attack on Russian oil infrastructure feeding military-industrial complex. Explosives with remote detonation destroyed a section of the Druzhba oil pipeline. The attack marks the fourth strike on the pipeline since August.
Intelligence and technology
Czechia offered Ukraine T-72 tanks. One problem: they can't shoot straight.. Ukraine won't be getting 30 T-72M4CZ tanks—the fire controls are broken beyond repair. But in the age of FPV drones, Kyiv may not miss them much.
International
Pope Leo XIV calls for European role in Ukraine peace, marking shift from predecessor who praised Russia's "greatness". The first American pope calls for Europe's role and singles out Italy as potential intermediary.
Lithuania expands conscription to 5,000 for 2026 as Baltic states bolster defenses. First EU country to restore conscription after Crimea annexation raises stakes.
"Putin is happy with war's progress": Russia's meeting with Witkoff was not about peace in Ukraine.
. Meanwhile, Russia spends $1 billion daily to destroy Ukraine.
"No sense informing Kyiv": Why Trump's envoys skipped Zelenskyy after Moscow talks collapsed. Witkoff flew home to Trump, not to Zelenskyy, as he had nothing to bring.
Putin makes Trump envoys wait hours before meeting with him, while he threatens Europe, then talks past midnight with no compromise. Putin holds Trump's son-in-law and envoy for 3 hours.
NATO keeps Ukraine's membership question in separate lane as peace talks progress. France and the UK are leading a "coalition of the willing" to design Ukraine's post-war security.
Macron arrives in China to press Xi on Russia ceasefire in Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron arrived in China on 3 Dec. with a pointed message for Xi Jinping: use Beijing's influence to push Russia toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. The French president's three-day visit marks his fourth state trip to China
Rubio: Ukraine's economy could overtake Russia's in 10 years if war ends properly. Washington aims to transform Ukraine into a "prosperity story" with an economy potentially exceeding Russia's in 10 years, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said
Canada to provide another $200 million for US weapons for Ukraine. Canada's military support for Ukraine will grow by $200 million under NATO's US weapons procurement program, with additional tens of millions allocated for fuel, medical supplies and communications
Humanitarian and social impact
UN General Assembly votes to demand Russia return deported Ukrainian children without conditions
. The UN GA overwhelmingly backed a resolution calling for the immediate return of deported Ukrainian children taken by Russia, with 91 countries voting in favor. Ukrainian officials estimate that at least 20,000 children were taken.
"He has literally just given order": Russia doesn't want Ukrainian land. Russia wants Ukraine erased, says expert. Putin orders buffer zone expansion into three Ukrainian regions.
51% of Ukrainians would take to streets against unacceptable war compromises, survey shows. Ukrainian readiness to accept NATO membership delays has grown significantly since 2023, but support for EU integration remains steadfast at 51%, new polling reveals amid intensifying diplomatic activity around potential peace talks.
Political and legal developments
Belgium holds €183 billion in frozen Russian money. Why won't it let Ukraine use it? (EXPLAINER). The EU wants to turn Russia's frozen assets into a €140 billion loan for Ukraine. Belgium calls the plan "fundamentally wrong." EU leaders vote on 18-19 December. Ukraine's budget runs dry in April.
Rada passes 2026 budget with 257 votes as teachers get raises, military salaries remain unchanged.
New developments
Rand Paul's media orbit keeps pushing Kremlin narratives. The 28-point plan is just the latest example.. From blocking aid to echoing the "peace plan," a pattern emerges
Read our earlier daily review here.
