ISW: Kremlin statements again show Russia’s unwillingness to pursue real peace
Russian officials repeated demands centered on forcing Ukraine into a one‑sided agreement.
Ukraine hits Russian drone base in Donetsk and fuel tanks in Luhansk Oblast (VIDEO, MAP)
FP-2 drones targeted a UAV warehouse in Donetsk and a large fuel storage in Simeikyne, Luhansk Oblast, on 8 December.
Ukrainian forces retreat from salient south of Pokrovsk to avoid encirclement (MAP)
A coordinated withdrawal from Lysiivka and Sukhyi Yar villages reportedly helped troops avoid Russian encirclement and stabilize the frontline.
As Germany appeals to China for peace, Zelenskyy says Beijing has no interest in ending Russia’s war against Ukraine
Beijing’s strategic rivalry with Washington makes a Russian defeat undesirable for China, Ukraine’s leader believes.
Zelenskyy under US pressure to accept Trump “peace” plan fast, Axios says
Unnamed Ukrainian officials believe Trump’s advisers recently echoed Moscow’s demand that Kyiv surrender all of Donetsk Oblast.
Ukraine shows what took out Russia’s flying titan: SBU Alpha unit blows up giant Mi-26 chopper (VIDEO)
The strike may have taken place back in June, but new footage released by the SBU shows the massive aircraft being hit on the ground.
Energy outages and 12 civilian deaths reported across Ukraine amid Russia’s strikes (MAP)
Energy sites, residential buildings, and public facilities were hit in different parts of the country. The Russians injured at least 59 more civilians.
Russia quietly ships gas to China despite international sanctions, Bloomberg says (MAP)
The Valera LNG tanker loaded in October and arrived in Beihai on "Monday."
Italy pledges emergency support to Ukraine after indiscriminate Russian strikes
PM Meloni vowed to send generators and reaffirmed backing for peace talks after a call with President Zelenskyy.
ISW: Ukraine advances near Donetsk’s Kostiantynivka, Russia near Zaporizhzhia’s Huliaipole (MAPS)
ISW highlighted Russia’s growing reliance on exaggerated battlefield stories, including staged flag-raisings used to simulate progress.
Russia burns through 1% of its men to grab 1.45% of Ukraine, The Economist reports
After years of brutal warfare, Moscow’s cost-benefit ratio looks increasingly devastating, according to The Economist.
“That’s what we get paid for”: Ukraine’s spy chief confirms ability to eavesdrop on Kremlin’s inner circle
Kyrylo Budanov casually acknowledged that Ukraine’s military intelligence can tap into top-level Kremlin conversations, hinting at wider espionage capabilities.
Lithuania blames Belarus for hybrid attack that paralyzed Vilnius Airport
Balloons flying in from Belarus forced sudden airspace restrictions as tensions across the border flare again.
Ukrainian drones hit Russian Su-24 bomber on tarmac of occupied Crimean airfield. Other strikes targeted radars and a train (VIDEO)
The special forces unit of Ukraine’s military intelligence dismantled multiple Russian assets in a drone campaign over the past two weeks.