Ukraine Invasion: Part 59

[MagicFox]

Well, it’s thread 59.

Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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My post contains the word c*ypto

Hopefully unhidden soon

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-11-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov effectively rejected seven points of the US-proposed 28-point peace plan on December 11, including the original plan’s points on territorial swaps based on the line of contact and the provision of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine.
2. Lavrov’s December 11 statements indicate that the Kremlin is unwilling to accept the original 28-point peace plan but that Russia will instead demand further modifications should Ukraine agree to it.
3. Lavrov’s effective rejection of key elements of the 28-point peace plan is consistent with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s November 27 statement that the 28-point plan could be the basis for future negotiations, but not a final agreement in itself.
4. Senior Kremlin officials, including Putin, have similarly rejected key points of the 28-point plan in recent weeks.
5. The Kremlin claimed that Russian forces seized Siversk as part of the Kremlin’s intensified cognitive warfare effort that seeks to portray Ukraine’s frontline as on the verge of collapse, and Russian battlefield victory as inevitable. Neither is true, and the Russian seizure of Siversk is unconfirmed as of December 11.
6. The Kremlin is attempting to portray the claimed fall of Siversk as the start of the battle for Slovyansk – a battle the Kremlin has not set conditions on the ground to begin.
7. Putin’s December 11 meeting is part of a pattern of senior Russian officials aggrandizing claimed battlefield victories in the past several weeks to create the false perception that the frontlines are collapsing to push the West and Ukraine to capitulate to Russia’s demands. ISW continues to assess that the frontline in Ukraine is not facing imminent collapse.
8. Russian forces are only making tactical gains across most of the theater.
9. Ukrainian forces struck an oil platform in the Caspian Sea for the first time and struck other Russian oil and defense industrial infrastructure on the night of December 10 to 11.
10. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk. Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Europe must prepare for war (kyivindependent.com/europe-must-prepare-for-war-with-russia-nato-chief-warns/) with Russia, NATO chief warns.
"We must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned.

⚡️Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-11/): US presses Ukraine, not Russia, to pull back troops for proposed Donbas buffer zone, FT reports.

Ukraine’s central bank holds rate steady despite falling inflation (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-central-bank-holds-rate-steady-despite-falling-inflation/)
The National Bank of Ukraine voted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 15.5%, amid steep uncertainty over the country’s financing next year.
Ukraine needs 135 billion euros ($160 billion) in combined financial and military support in 2026–2027, according to the EU. Brussels is trying to secure agreement on a reparations loan, which would cover two-thirds of Kyiv’s needs over the next two years, backed by frozen Russian assets.

Europe’s plan to fund Ukraine is being blocked by one company — Euroclear (kyivindependent.com/europes-plan-to-fund-ukraine-is-being-blocked-by-one-company-euroclear/)
“In the end, this debate is not about financial stability; it is about whether Europe is serious about justice, accountability, and reparations,” writes Olena Havrylchyk, Professor of Economics at the University Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, in her recent op-ed.

⚡️US sides (kyivindependent.com/us-sides-with-russia-in-un-resolution-on-chornobyl-disaster/) with Russia in UN resolution on Chornobyl disaster.
Washington's representative said the U.S. voted against the resolution not because it opposed nuclear safety measures, but because it objected to references to the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

⚡️ EU, Ukraine announce 10-point plan (kyivindependent.com/eu-ukraine-10-step-plan/) for fighting graft, boosting democracy amid Hungary's accession veto.
The plan is part of joint EU-Ukraine efforts to advance the technical side of the accession process while Hungary continues to block the opening of the negotiation clusters.

⚡️Ukraine war latest live (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-11/): Russian attack on Dec. 6 destroyed train depot, 27 train cars in Kyiv Oblast, official says.

⚡️ 'Elections or referendum' — Zelensky affirms Ukrainians will decide (kyivindependent.com/elections-or-referendum-zelensky-affirms-ukrainians-will-decide-territorial-concessions/) territorial concessions.
"The Russians want the whole of Donbas — we don't accept that," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "I believe that the Ukrainian people will answer this question," he added.

⚡️Drone attack reportedly hits (kyivindependent.com/yaroslavl-oil-refinery-in-russia-damaged-in-overnight-drone-attack-reportedly-on-fire/) one of Russia’s largest oil refineries in Yaroslavl, setting it on fire
Russia’s Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl, one of the country’s five largest, is reportedly on fire after being struck in an overnight drone attack on Dec. 12, officials and local Telegram channels said.

⚡️Russian attack on Odesa (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-odesa-damages-critical-infrastructure-leaves-parts-of-the-city-without-power-and-water/) damages critical infrastructure and residential building, leaves parts of the city without power and water.

⚡️Drone reportedly hits apartment (https://kyivindependent.com/drone-reportedly-hits-apartment-building-in-russias-tver-officials-say-7-injured/) building in Russia's Tver, officials say 7 injured.

⚡️ Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-11/): Ukraine brings back another group of children from Russian-occupied territories of Kherson Oblast, governor says.

️Poland detains Russian archaeologist (kyivindependent.com/poland-detains-russian-archaeologist-accused-of-damaging-crimean-cultural-sites/) accused of damaging cultural sites in occupied Crimea.
At Ukraine's request, Polish authorities have detained Alexander Butyagin, a Russian archaeologist accused of causing extensive damage to historical sites in occupied Crimea, Polish media reported Dec. 11.

⚡️Trump 'extremely frustrated (kyivindependent.com/trump-extremely-frustrated-with-russia-ukraine-amid-slow-peace-progress/)' with Russia, Ukraine amid slow peace progress, White House says.
U.S. President Donald Trump is "extremely frustrated" with both Russia and Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Dec. 11 press briefing, as the United States weighs whether to join Ukraine and European partners for talks this weekend.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — DEC 12, 2025 (1/2)
■ High casualties for the second day in a row; engagements slightly below average
■ Equipment losses include both an aircraft and armored vehicles (APVs and tanks)
■ Overnight attacks: double-digit, all drones, with a good interception rate; 11 locations still hit
■ While RU makes advances, the rate is slow
■ Fewer RU strikes reported, but the strike ratio remains high

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Thirty high-ranking officials from 27 EU countries are visiting Lviv, Mayor Sadovyi reported.

The issue of territories will be decided by the people of Ukraine, either through elections or a referendum, President Zelenskyy said at a meeting with journalists.
▫️ The “Peace Deal” is a set of documents, many of which are not yet finalized because they depend on the basic plan, which currently has 20 points.
▫️ The US does not set specific ultimatum dates for accepting the agreement but wants to conclude it as soon as possible.
▫️ Two points remain unresolved: the territories of Donetsk region and the Zaporizhzhia NPP.
▫️ Russia wants to keep control of the ZNPP, while the US proposes joint management. Details of such a consortium have not yet been worked out.
▫️ The plan calls for Russian withdrawal from Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. In Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, Russia refuses to pull back troops.
▫️ The US envisions Ukrainian forces withdrawing from Donetsk, with a compromise that Russian troops will not enter. Who will control this territory, which they refer to as a “free economic zone” or a “demilitarized zone,” remains unclear.
▫️ If some troops withdraw while others stay, what will prevent the remaining Russian forces from advancing or infiltrating the “free economic zone” under the guise of civilians?
▫️ After negotiations with Russia, the US believes a complete ceasefire is only possible after a framework agreement is signed. Work on reliable security guarantees is ongoing.
▫️ I believe we will sign an economic and reconstruction agreement with the US, which is currently being prepared. Then we will develop effective security guarantees and sign them simultaneously. But first, a framework agreement is needed, containing the main principles for ending the war.

European Commissioner Marta Kos and Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Taras Kachka announced an agreed action plan for Ukraine that should confirm the country’s readiness for accession.
The document was published after the EU Council on General Affairs meeting, whose main outcome was the launch of “frontloading” — a technical process that allows preparations for closing negotiation chapters even before Hungary lifts its veto on opening them.
The plan outlines ten key priorities. These include ensuring high-quality justice, reforming the State Bureau of Investigation, and appointing judges to the Constitutional Court.
Answering questions from EvroPravda, Marta Kos said that all these points must be fulfilled for Ukraine’s accession process to succeed.

Orbán is considering expanding the powers of Hungary’s president and assuming the post himself, Bloomberg reports, citing a source.
According to the agency’s source, the Hungarian prime minister is exploring options to maintain his influence in case the ruling Fidesz–Hungarian Civic Union party loses the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2026. Some polls show the opposition ahead of Fidesz.
If his party loses, Orbán would still be able to prevent his main rival, Tisza leader Péter Magyar, from making radical changes to Hungary’s policy course.

The Central Bank of the Russian Federation announced that it is filing a lawsuit in a Russian arbitration court against the Belgian depository Euroclear.
“In connection with the illegal actions of the depository Euroclear, which cause losses to the Bank of Russia, as well as in connection with the mechanisms officially considered by the European Commission for the direct or indirect use of the assets of the Bank of Russia without its consent, the Bank of Russia is filing a claim with the Moscow Arbitration Court against the depository Euroclear to recover the losses caused to the Bank of Russia,” the press release of the aggressor state’s regulator says.
The Central Bank claims that Euroclear’s actions “caused damage due to the inability to dispose of the funds and securities belonging to the Bank of Russia.”
Moscow also issued a statement regarding the EU’s plan to use frozen Russian assets to secure a loan for Ukraine. The Central Bank threatens that such actions will lead to an “unconditional appeal <…> to all available competent authorities,” including Russian and foreign courts, arbitrations, and other international judicial bodies, with subsequent enforcement of court decisions in the territory of UN member states.

❗️Russia is slowing down a large prisoner exchange planned for the New Year, President Zelenskyy said.
NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov held a meeting on prisoner exchanges. The sides agreed on a sufficiently large exchange by the New Year and on discussing the lists. But now it is the Russian side that is slowing the process down, he said.
According to the president, Russia began delaying the exchange because it wants broader agreements.

❗️Russia attacked one of the state-owned coal mines with drones for more than six hours overnight, the Ministry of Energy reported.
About 18 strikes caused a fire, which emergency services have already extinguished.

The German Federal Fiscal Court has not yet authorized the seizure of the damaged oil tanker Eventin, which is believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
It also remains unclear whether the vessel would be permitted to enter EU territory in the event of an emergency.

Accused Russian Spy’s Drunken Texts to the FBI Landed Her Behind Bars (united24media.com/world/accused-russian-spys-drunken-texts-to-the-fbi-landed-her-behind-bars-14179)
A Russian national charged with acting for Moscow’s spies blew up her own case—harassing an FBI agent with drunken, threatening texts while under federal investigation.

Be Sick or Be Dead: Russian Troops Exposed for Faking Illness to Avoid the Frontline (united24media.com/latest-news/be-sick-or-be-dead-russian-troops-exposed-for-faking-illness-to-avoid-the-frontline-14188)
Russian soldiers are increasingly faking illness to avoid combat, with the number of such cases rising, particularly following rumors of troop redeployment to the Pokrovsk direction, according to the partisan group ATESH on December 10.
The organization reports that there has been a sharp rise in soldiers pretending to be ill and seeking medical treatment to escape fighting.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Trump’s administration is discussing the creation of an alternative to the G7 that would include China and Russia, Politico reports.
A “Core 5” (C5) format bringing together the US, China, India, Japan, and Russia “doesn’t seem too shocking,” said an official who previously worked in the White House.

German chancellor Merz said additional talks with US officials are planned this weekend, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66045) and that a broader international meeting on Ukraine “could take place at the beginning of next week.”

A senior State Department nominee tells Senate that the US will maintain critical military and anti-corruption support for Ukraine (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66077) while coordinating with allies on program adjustments.

Ukraine’s intensified strikes and international sanctions (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66073) have deepened pressure on Russia’s oil sector, driving export revenues to their lowest point since the invasion.

Intel, AMD, Texas Instruments and Mouser Electronics face mounting legal pressure as Ukrainian plaintiffs (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66054) argue the companies failed to stop their chips from flowing into Russian weapons.

Russia’s foreign minister Lavrov claims Europe is in an “outright militaristic frenzy,” (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66044) warns peacekeepers would be legitimate targets, and says Moscow is ready to formalize security guarantees. [despite Russia spending 40% of its gross income this year on military spending and its stockpiling of tanks, missiles and drones]

Russian overnight drone strikes hit Odesa and Pavlohrad, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66086) cutting power and water, sparking fires, and damaging homes. One person was killed and several injured in the attacks.

‘It’s like a slaughterhouse’: intercept reveals Russian mother shocked (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/66098) by frontline video.
Independent analysis indicates that russian troops are operating under extreme conditions, facing heavy casualties and psychological strain.

OPINION: (https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/66106) Trump, NOT Ukraine, is the real loser. Or, how the US president became Putin’s greatest asset. [This comment must upset 1dayatatime!]

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺🇧🇪Politico: EU pressures Belgium over blocking credit for Ukraine.
Belgium refuses to support the EU's €210 billion loan for Ukraine, and this is already causing dissatisfaction in Brussels.
The EU warns:
▪️If the blocking continues, Belgian ministers may lose influence in negotiations;
▪️Belgium's ideas may be ignored during the formation of the EU budget for 2028–2034.
Despite this, the EU believes that an agreement is still possible.

🇸🇰Slovakia will block the EU decision on a reparations loan for Ukraine.
The country's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, sent a corresponding letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa.
Fico stated that such a policy "does not correspond to his vision of peace," and the war in Ukraine "has no military solution."
▪️The EU proposed the €140 billion reparations loan for Ukraine to finance Ukraine's needs for 2026–2027 at the expense of frozen Russian assets.

🇺🇦🇵🇱Ukraine and Poland will create three joint security working groups in January 2026.
They will operate in three areas:
▪️ Anti-drone defense — protection of airspace and critical infrastructure;
▪️ Civil protection — evacuations, rescue operations, warning systems;
▪️ Countering Russian disinformation.
Ukraine will also share its experience in countering sabotage with Poland—including car arsons, railway attacks, etc.

"We have two uncoordinated positions — these are the territories of Donetsk region [...], as well as the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant." This is the main summary of what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a meeting with journalists.
🔴The American "peace plan" is a complex set of documents. Many have not yet been finalized because they depend on the basic plan, which currently has 20 points. The US did not give specific ultimatum deadlines to accept the agreement. But they want to finish as quickly as possible.
🔴The Russians want the entire Donbas, which Ukraine rejects. The Americans are looking for a format they call a "free economic zone," and the Russians call a "demilitarized zone"—Ukrainian troops withdraw from all territories of Donetsk region, and Russian troops do not enter it. Ukraine insists either on a freeze along the current line of contact or on mutual troop withdrawals.
🔴The issue of territories will be decided by the people of Ukraine in elections or a referendum.
🔴The document proposes the withdrawal of Russians from Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. In Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, the Russians refuse to withdraw troops.
🔴The Russians want to keep the ZNPP under their control, and the Americans want to take it under joint management. The details of such a consortium have not yet been worked out.
🔴Europeans are needed in the negotiations due to the issue of "frozen" Russian assets and Ukraine's accession to the EU. If the agreement specifies when Ukraine will become an EU member, the US will influence European countries not to block this accession.
🔴The US does not want to see Ukraine in NATO. And they are open about this. They have no difficulties in negotiations with the Russians on this issue.
🔴Both the US and Russia believe that a full ceasefire can only occur after signing a framework agreement. Ukraine's position is that a ceasefire is needed first, followed by the agreement.
🔴Turkey was working on an energy and maritime truce. Zelenskyy told President Erdoğan that Ukraine would support such a proposal. But the US believes that a full-fledged agreement should be signed immediately. Zelenskyy believes that the Russians conveyed this position to the Americans.
🔴Increased salaries for the military depend on the additional budget that Ukraine can attract. Currently, Ukraine is fighting for $45–50 billion for the next year.
🔴Regarding restrictions on the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), the "peace plan" currently includes the actual size of the Ukrainian army—800,000 fighters. This has been agreed upon with the military.
🔴When asked whether the Americans support Russia's position on the status of the Russian language and the UOC-MP (Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate), the President did not answer directly. He said that the attitude toward such issues would comply with European legislation.
🔴National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umierov met regarding exchanges. Ukraine and Russia agreed on a sufficiently large exchange before the New Year and that the list needed to be discussed. But the Russians are currently stalling the process because they want agreements regarding the "peace plan."

"Trump’s administration is discussing the creation of an alternative to the G7 that would include China and Russia, Politico reports.
A “Core 5” (C5) format bringing together the US, China, India, Japan, and Russia “doesn’t seem too shocking,” said an official who previously worked in the White House."

My god look at who's missing from that list. Europe. South America. Africa. Australasia. For starters.
That is a terrible list of the power-crazed (with the notable exception of Japan of course). Insane.

I'm still reading my way through the newly published US National Security Strategy.

It envisages European countries merely as subordinate go-fers for the US, so why would we be in the room when the heads of the gangs meet?

Those guys will decide the business – and the US will buzz through if they want us to make a coffee for them.

🔴Europeans are needed in the negotiations due to the issue of "frozen" Russian assets and Ukraine's accession to the EU. If the agreement specifies when Ukraine will become an EU member, the US will influence European countries not to block this accession.

The supposed leaked previous draft of the new US National Security Strategy states that the US should work with Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Poland "with the goal of pulling them away from the [European Union].”
https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2025/12/make-europe-great-again-and-more-longer-version-national-security-strategy/410038/

If that's real (it might not be), that would fit very well with a demand on the part of Russia and the US that Ukraine becomes an actual voting member of the EU rather than just have EU support – as long they also envisage the US and Russia having de facto control of the Ukrainian government.

(It's reasonable to assume they do envisage this, because it's Russia's stated aim and US attempts to gain land & resources within Ukraine also fit this.)

It would give Russia and/or the US a spoiler vote within the EU.

(Of course the currently independent Ukraine wants to join the EU for its own benefit, but I don't for a moment imagine Russia or the current US administration give a shiny shit about Ukraine's benefit.)

Trump hasn't even read the strategy, as was made clear when he was asked about it at a recent press conference. J. D. Vance wrote it, front to back, so it's somewhat irrelevant, at least for the next three years. It's generally considered a performative document because the administration is legally required to produce it. Historically, they are completely forgotten about within a week or two.

It also misidentifies Europe's most significant problems, which are actually economic underperformance and unsustainable social welfare spending. More here:

The Real Reason Europe Is ‘Decaying’ - The Continent faces a crisis, but not one JD Vance wants to admit.

Telegraph article - The decorated marine tipped to be Labour’s next leader.
Al Carn’s rapid rise to a ministerial post has got insiders linking him to the top job, but his focus is on improving Britain’s security

https://archive.ph/eiYyL#selection-3029.4-3080.0

Is he The One?

IMO the UK needs someone like him who prioritises defence, not welfare and benefits. Anyone at this point is better than the shower than is 'tax and spend' Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, or god forbid Angela Raynor [Forgive my rant]

https://bsky.app/profile/vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu/post/3m7snv6pza22x

I welcome the decision of the Council on our proposal to continue the immobilisation of Russian Sovereign Assets.

We are sending a strong signal to Russia that as long as this brutal war of aggression continues, Russia’s costs will continue to rise.

This is a powerful message to Ukraine:

We want to make sure that our brave neighbour becomes even stronger on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.

(Hungary and Slovenia voted against)

https://united24media.com/latest-news/putin-invites-journalists-to-surrounded-ukrainian-forces-in-kupiansk-zelenskyy-shows-up-instead-14230

I know this will be in the round up, but blimey. Says a lot about the man.

It’ll be an incredibly sad day if Putin and Trump get their way.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-12-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Ukrainian forces recently liberated territory including part of the city of Kupyansk in a tactical counterattack in the Kupyansk direction.
2. This Ukrainian counterattack demonstrates that Ukrainian forces remain capable of defending and counterattacking against significant Russian offensive efforts, contrary to the claims of Russian President Vladimir Putin that the Ukrainian lines are collapsing.
3. The contours of the Ukrainian counterproposal to the most recent US peace proposal are emerging, but details of this counterproposal remain unclear.
4. The Kremlin explicitly rejected Ukraine’s proposals for a ceasefire and referendum.
5. The Kremlin rejected the Ukrainian offer to establish a demilitarized zone.
6. The European Union (EU) agreed on December 12 to indefinitely freeze 210 billion euros (roughly $247 billion) in Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a reparations loan of up to 165 billion euros (roughly $194 billion).
7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk and Oleksandrivka. Russian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area and near Hulyaipole.

Top trolling

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-12/): Ukrainian forces encircle Russian troops in Kupiansk, recapture key areas, DeepState reports.

⚡️‘Reality speaks for itself’ — From war-torn Kupiansk, Zelensky praises troops (kyivindependent.com/zelenskyy-visits-kupiansk-says-recent-battlefield-gains-strengthen-ukraines-diplomatic-position/)after reports of successful Ukrainian counterattack
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec. 12 recorded a video from Kupiansk, one of the hottest parts of the frontline, in which he praised Ukrainian troops fighting in the city.
The front line visit comes as Ukraine’s National Guard said its 2nd Khartiia Corps carried out a successful counterattack north of Kupiansk, a development that flatly contradicts Russia's recent claims of capturing the city.

⚡️Russian forces deploy (kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-deploy-additional-reserves-near-pokrovsk-myrnohrad-in-donetsk-oblast-syrskyi-says/) additional reserves near Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, Syrskyi says.
The situation near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad remains challenging, with Russian forces intensifying pressure on Ukrainian troops, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.

EU indefinitely freezes (kyivindependent.com/eu-indefinitely-freezes-russian-assets-moving-closer-to-financial-lifeline-for-ukraine/) Russian assets, moving closer to financial lifeline for Ukraine

Moscow files lawsuit (kyivindependent.com/moscow-files-lawsuit-against-euroclear-as-russian-assets-debate-continues/) against Euroclear as Russian assets debate continues
The Russian Central Bank said in a press release that it had sued Euroclear, the Belgian financial institution holding the vast majority of Europe's frozen assets, in a Moscow court on Dec. 12.

⚡️Witkoff to meet (kyivindependent.com/witkoff-to-meet-zelensky-european-leaders-over-the-weekend-wsj-reports/) Zelensky, European leaders over the weekend to discuss US peace plan, WSJ reports.
U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Brussels over the weekend as discussions on the U.S.-proposed peace framework aimed at ending Russia's war continue, the Wall Street Journal reported on Dec. 12.

Peace plan drama — Ukraine and Europe hand US revisions as Trump grows ‘sick of meetings’ (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-europe-hand-us-revisions-as-trump-grows-sick-of-meetings/)
Ukraine and its European partners have handed Washington their revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework aimed at ending Russia’s war, the Kyiv Independent has learned.
The move comes amid growing U.S. pressure to advance negotiations and fresh accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump that President Volodymyr Zelensky is the one refusing to agree to the American plan.

⚡️Ukraine war latest live (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-update-2025-12-12/): Russia hits sport school in Sumy Oblast during training session.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) carried out a second long-range drone strike this week on Russia's Vladimir Filanovsky oil production platform in the Caspian Sea, also hitting the nearby Korchagin platform, an SBU source said Dec. 12. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-russian-oil-facilities-in-caspian-sea-sbu-source-says/

15 Ukrainians are suing US tech factories over chips in Russia’s deadly weapons (kyivindependent.com/15-ukrainians-are-suing-us-tech-factories-over-chips-in-russias-deadly-weapons/)
(kyivindependent.com/15-ukrainians-are-suing-us-tech-factories-over-chips-in-russias-deadly-weapons/)
Despite years of sanctions and export controls, U.S.-made electronic components — which have unique markings and cannot be copied — continue to appear in Russian cruise missiles and drones. Investigations have repeatedly found these chips inside weapons used in some of the war’s most devastating attacks.
With that argument, a group of Ukrainian civilians has now brought their case to a U.S. court. The lawsuit, filed on their behalf by U.S. attorney Mikal C. Watts, targets Intel Corp., Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), and Texas Instruments Inc.

Russia’s air defenses have a Flamingo missile-sized weak spot, report suggests (kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-flamingo-missiles-could-help-cripple-russias-air-defense-production/)
The report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and titled “Disrupting Russian Air Defence Production: Reclaiming the Sky,” identifies “significant vulnerabilities” in the production process of several of Moscow’s most important air defense systems.

Explainer: Why Russia’s nuclear industry has escaped major sanctions
(kyivindependent.com/explainer-why-russias-nuclear-industry-has-escaped-major-sanctions/)
Since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly threatened the use of atomic weapons, yet its much-prized nuclear industry has faced little in the way of meaningful sanctions.
Russia's state atomic corporation, Rosatom, is a key part of the country's military-industrial complex — and is increasingly expanding its reach beyond nuclear weapons. By far the world's largest exporter of reactors and enriched uranium, it is a major player in the global civil nuclear industry.
Despite the significance of the nuclear industry to the Russian state, Rosatom has largely escaped meaningful sanctions. In recent months, the Kremlin has made much of the industry’s 80th anniversary, touting its leadership in everything from rare earth metals to nuclear icebreakers.

Ukraine world’s deadliest conflict in 2025 despite US-brokered peace talks, analysis finds (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-worlds-deadliest-conflict-in-2025-as-intensified-fighting-becomes-new-normal-analysis-finds/)
Russia’s war in Ukraine was the world’s deadliest conflict in 2025, according to a new report that tracks conflicts globally, despite U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the nearly four-year invasion.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) new Conflict Index reports around 78,000 people killed — including soldiers on both sides and civilians — in Ukraine this year, the highest of any conflict.

⚡️SBU says it detained 3 suspected Russian agents (kyivindependent.com/sbu-says-it-detained-3-suspected-russian-agents-over-deadly-kyiv-bombing/)over deadly Kyiv bombing that killed National Guard serviceman

⚡️ 'I will come after each of you' — Ukraine's prosecutor general threatens critics (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-prosecutor-general-threatens-critics-after-resignation-rumors/) after resignation rumors. [Hm. Nasty]

⚡️At least 3 killed (kyivindependent.com/at-least-3-killed-35-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/), 35 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.
Russian missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv oblasts have disrupted electricity supplies, Ukraine's Energy Ministry said.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — DEC 13, 2025
■ Engagements slightly above the 7-day average; casualties remain well above it
■ Losses of land-based equipment above average, while drone losses remain below it
■ Daily Russian gains over the last 30 days at 21 km² (52 casualties per km²)
■ Russian MLRS strikes above average; the strike ratio remains high

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

After claiming that Kupiansk was allegedly surrounded by Russian forces, Vladimir Putin invited foreign journalists there. Instead, the President of Ukraine arrived. Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Kupiansk to support Ukrainian defenders and to show the real situation on the frontline.

Odesa and the region experienced one of the most massive Russian air attacks last night. According to the regional military administration, civilian facilities as well as energy and industrial infrastructure were damaged. There were injuries, but no fatalities have been reported.
The city is facing electricity outages. The head of the City Military Administration said that most parts of Odesa are without heat and water.

Erdogan proposed to Putin that Russia and Ukraine declare a moratorium on attacks on ports and energy facilities.
According to the Turkish president, such a decision would contribute to peace, help resolve the war, and create opportunities for progress on issues of practical importance for both sides.

The damage inflicted on December 12 on a foreign-flagged vessel belonging to a Turkish company during the attack on the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk confirms the concerns over maritime security and freedom of navigation that Türkiye has repeatedly raised, as the war in our region spreads to the Black Sea, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated.

Russia’s oil and gas revenues could halve in December to their lowest level since August 2020, Reuters reports.
According to the agency’s calculations, Russia’s budget revenues from oil and gas sales in December 2025 could reach 410 billion rubles ($5.17 billion), almost half of what was reported a year earlier.
This would be the lowest figure since August 2020, when revenues fell to 405 billion rubles during the pandemic.
The decline is driven by lower global crude prices and a stronger ruble. In November, the price of Russian oil used for tax calculations fell by 17.1% compared to October, reaching 3,605 rubles per barrel. For the full year, hydrocarbon revenues — which account for a quarter of the federal budget — will drop by almost a quarter to 8.44 trillion rubles, below the Finance Ministry’s forecast.
Such a reduction is particularly painful for the Kremlin, which has sharply increased defense and security spending since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Sapsan ballistic missile launch complex enters mass production, and the system is being deployed.

Italy and three EU states have called on Brussels to seek an alternative to a loan to Ukraine using Russian assets, European media report.
Italy, Bulgaria and Malta joined Belgium’s initiative to explore other options for using the 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
According to Euractiv, they backed the European Commission’s proposal to indefinitely freeze Russian sovereign funds in the EU but stressed that this should not block possible ways to use the assets to help Kyiv.
They urged the European Commission and the European Council to continue discussing solutions that would comply with international law and carry fewer risks, including an EU credit line or temporary mechanisms to ensure continued support for Ukraine.

🇨🇿🇺🇦 The Czech Republic has delivered the promised 1.8 million rounds of large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine, former Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.
“I am pleased to confirm that today we have fulfilled this goal,” he wrote on X.

🤬 DTEK showed what one of the substations in the Odesa region looks like after the Russian attack.
A total of 20 substations were damaged in the region.
At the same time, DTEK energy workers have already restored power to 100,000 families after the night strike. https://t.me/United24media/38122

It is entirely possible that there will be no Russian or Ukrainian troops in Donbas, but the Russian National Guard, Russian police, and everything “needed” will remain, says Putin’s adviser Ushakov.
“Donbas is Russian territory. If not through negotiations, then the military will transfer this territory under Russia’s full control. Only this will determine everything else. A ceasefire can only come after the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops,” Kommersant quotes Ushakov as saying.

No Avatar 3 This Winter: Russian Cinemas Halt Foreign Films During New Year Holiday (united24media.com/latest-news/no-avatar-3-this-winter-russian-cinemas-halt-foreign-films-during-new-year-holiday-14226)
Foreign films will not be shown in Russian cinemas from major chains during the upcoming New Year holidays, as reported by Russian telegram channel Grozа, citing the industry publication Cinemaplex.

Bugger

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Drones operated by Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) destroyed a Russian An-26 aircraft and two radar systems in Russian-occupied Crimea.

Russian forces carried out one of the largest attacks (www.kyivpost.com/post/66158) in recent months overnight, launching more than 450 attack drones and around 30 missiles of various types against Ukraine.

Russian drones have just struck a sports school in Shostka during a children’s training session.
The full extent of the damage and possible casualties is still being determined.

Journalist Diane Francis, columnist for The National Post and contributor to Kyiv Post, interviews philanthropist Howard G. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/66174

Pentagon chief Hegseth has removed Army Secretary Dan Driscoll from talks on the Russia–Ukraine war after he overstepped his authority, The Telegraph reports.
Ukrainian and European officials suggest Driscoll’s disappearance from the talks is linked to an internal power struggle over control of the peace process. He is seen as part of a circle led by longtime ally JD Vance, while another influential group is forming around Marco Rubio.

Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed a series of powerful strikes overnight, hitting Russia’s Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery in Yaroslavl and triggering explosions and a major fire.
Ukrainian forces also struck a Russian ammunition depot near Avdiivske and hit enemy troop concentrations near Myrnohrad and Rodynske in the Donetsk region.

🚀 The war has accelerated transformation: tools and models that did not work three to four years ago are now effectively expanding access to finance, including in high-risk and frontline areas.
Kyiv Post journalist Olena Hrazhdan discussed access to financing with leaders of Ukraine’s banking sector — PUMB, UkrEximBank, Raiffeisen Bank, and the Entrepreneurship Development Fund.
📈 Credit growth is accelerating even in frontline regions: in 2025, hryvnia-denominated corporate lending grew by 32–34% year-on-year, a record pace for the market.
🏭 Frontline regions are part of that growth: Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro regions show rising investment lending, not just survival-mode refinancing.
⚖️ Growth is outpacing funding: while loan portfolios surged, hryvnia deposits increased by only 2–3% over 10 months, creating medium-term funding pressure for banks.
🤝 Fintech–bank partnerships scale access to capital: embedded finance enables pre-approved limits of Hr.10–30 million ($240,000–$715,000) for SMEs, often without additional documentation.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The draft peace plan, finalized by Ukrainian and European officials, envisions Ukraine joining the EU by January 1, 2027, according to the FT.
The publication's sources claim that such a rapid accession would force the European Union to completely change its approach to accepting new members, including decisions on voting rights and receiving money from EU funds.
If the US supports this plan, Trump will be able to pressure Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is currently blocking Ukraine's accession, and force him to abandon his veto.

🇺🇸 The US did not impede Ukraine's strikes on Russia's shadow fleet, reports The Atlantic, citing sources.
In some cases, the US even provided intelligence and targeting assistance for the strikes.
According to the publication's sources, unlike the period of Joe Biden's presidency, the current US administration holds a "more permissive" stance regarding attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.

🇺🇸 The US is ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees modeled after NATO's Article 5, writes Axios, citing sources.
This refers to a separate agreement that will have legal force and is planned to be put to a vote in Congress.
Specifically, the US proposes:
🔴Three separate agreements: on peace, security guarantees, and reconstruction;
🔴A demilitarized zone in Donetsk and Luhansk regions;
🔴Ukraine retaining sovereignty over 80% of its territory;
🔴 "The largest and most robust security guarantees" Ukraine has ever had;
🔴A massive economic and reconstruction package.
The American side wants to reach a "complete understanding" of the plan by Christmas.

⚔️ Ukrainian military personnel have blocked the Russians in Kupiansk. The northwestern part of the city has been cleared. This was immediately reported by the command of the National Guard Corps "Khartiia" and Deep State.
Ukrainian forces broke through to the Oskil River, cut off Russian logistics, and continue to push them out of the central districts.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) also liberated Kindrashivka, Radkivka, and part of the blocks in the north of Kupiansk. There, 1,027 Russians were destroyed, and over 200 more are encircled.

The HUR (Main Directorate of Intelligence) damaged a Russian An-26 aircraft and air defense radars in occupied Crimea.
According to the HUR, Russian military personnel were preparing for takeoff in the An-26 military transport aircraft. After the engines were started, Ukrainian drones hit the left turboprop engine, preventing the aircraft from taking off.
Also, two radar stations (RLS) were damaged during the operation:
▪️55Zh6M "Nebo-M" — a modern Russian radar system for long-range detection of aerial targets;
▪️64N6E — a radar that supports the operation of S-300 and S-400 air defense systems and is essentially their "eyes."
The HUR noted that these radars are expensive and critically important for the Russian air defense system in Crimea

🇨🇭 Switzerland has introduced new sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
The sanctions, which are synchronized with those of the EU, primarily target individuals and companies operating in the military industry, energy sector, or the Russian "shadow fleet."
Restrictions introduced by Switzerland:
🔴Assets of 22 individuals and 42 companies will be frozen, and they will be banned from entering or transiting through the country.
🔴The country is introducing a ban on the purchase, sale, and provision of services for 116 vessels of the Russian shadow fleet.
🔴In the trade sector, another 45 companies will fall under strict export control rules.
🔴Transactions have been banned for five Russian banks and four of their branches in third countries.
🔴Two Belarusians and three Belarusian companies have been banned from entry and transit through the country.
▪️The EU approved its 19th package of sanctions against Russia on October 23. This package introduced new restrictions for the Russian oil, gas, and financial sectors, as well as its shadow fleet.

Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with 465 drones and 30 missiles, including "Kinzhal," "Iskander," and "Kalibr."
Air defense neutralized 417 drones, four "Iskander-K" cruise missiles, and nine "Kalibr" cruise missiles, the Air Force reports.
Here is what is currently known about the consequences of the shelling:
🔴Odesa Oblast. Russian forces launched a massive strike on critical and civilian infrastructure. Four people were injured. A large-scale fire broke out on a civilian vessel, and energy infrastructure facilities and warehouses also caught fire. Residential buildings, an administrative building, a civilian vehicle, and a fire truck were damaged.
DTEK stated that 20 substations were damaged in the region due to the strike.
🔴Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. As a result of the Russian attack on Nikopol, two people were injured and hospitalized. According to the State Emergency Service, a drone hit caused a minibus to catch fire.
🔴Cherkasy Oblast. In Zolotonosha Raion, drone debris damaged windows in three residential buildings. In Cherkasy Raion, an infrastructure facility was damaged.
🔴Chernihiv Oblast. Russian "Geran" drones hit energy facilities in Pryluky. The fire at the impact site was extinguished.
🔴Mykolaiv Oblast. The shelling caused destruction and damage to residential buildings in the private sector of Mykolaiv. Five people were injured in the city, three of whom were hospitalized.
The Ministry of Energy reported that Russia attacked power generation, distribution, and transmission facilities in Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv Oblasts. Scheduled hourly power outages are being implemented across all regions of Ukraine today.

A former advisor to Donald Trump, who called the return of Crimea to Ukraine "unrealistic," has become a consultant for the Russian company "Lukoil," writes Politico.
Bryan Lanza was a senior advisor to Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign. He has now become a consultant for the international division of the Russian oil company "Lukoil," which was hit by US sanctions in October.
Politico's sources state that the former Trump advisor is consulting Lukoil on finding a buyer for its international assets. To achieve this, Lanza and his firm, Mercury Public Affairs, are interacting with the US government.
They also helped facilitate an extension of the deadline for the sale of these assets.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Update: Zelensky confirms meeting with US envoys, peace talks (kyivindependent.com/witkoff-to-meet-zelensky-european-leaders-over-the-weekend-wsj-reports/) in coming days amid media reports.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec. 13 announced he will meet "with envoys" of U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days.

⚡️ Zelensky visits Germany (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-in-germany-for-talks-with-us-representatives-european-leaders-amid-peace-push/) for talks with US, European officials amid peace push.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine strikes oil depot, refinery, military sites in Russia, occupied territories, military confirms. (kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-at-oil-depot-in-occupied-crimea-several-russian-energy-sites-amid-drone-attack/)
The Afipsky Oil Refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, the Uryupinsk oil depot in Vologograd Oblast, and two fuel depots in Crimea were struck, the Ukrainian military reported.

US lifts sanctions on Belarusian potash, as Minsk releases over 100 political prisoners (kyivindependent.com/us-lifting-sanctions-on-belarusian-potash-fertilizers-us-presidential-envoy-says/)
The U.S. is lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash, U.S. presidential envoy to Minsk John Cole said on Dec. 13 following a meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, in exchange for the release of political prisoners in Belarus.
The move comes amid a warming of relations between Washington and Minsk and follows the lifting of sanctions on Belarus's flag carrier, Belavia, in November.

⚡️Ukraine sanctions (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sanctions-nearly-700-vessels-tied-to-russias-shadow-fleet/) nearly 700 vessels tied to Russia’s 'shadow fleet'.

⚡️Russia hits supermarket (kyivindependent.com/russia-hits-supermarket-in-zaporizhzhia-injures-at-least-4/) in Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, injures at least 6.
Russian forces attacked a supermarket in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Dec. 14, injuring at least six people, including a child, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-injure-in-ukraine-over-past-day-2/) kill 2, injure 11 in Ukraine, hit Turkish cargo ship [from 12- 13 Dec 26].
Ukrainian forces downed 110 out of the 138 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Russia also launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — DEC 14, 2025
■ Engagements and casualties below the 7-day average; no reported area gains
■ Losses of land-based equipment below average, but considerable drone losses
■ Overnight attacks: triple-digit, including one Iskander-M; decent interception rate, 6 locations hit
Fewer strikes on both sides; the strike ratio remains high

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine is “just around the corner.”
He made the statement after returning from Turkmenistan, where he held talks with Putin.
According to the Turkish president, the sides discussed “peace efforts” aimed at ending the fighting.
Erdoğan emphasized that Ankara is ready to continue actively participating in the peace process.
He added that after meeting with the Russian leader, he plans to discuss a peace plan with Trump.
Separately, Erdoğan proposed a limited ceasefire that could cover seaports and energy infrastructure, stressing that the Black Sea should not become a war zone.

Ukrainian forces destroyed a pipeline used by Russian troops to covertly infiltrate Kupiansk, the Achilles Regiment reported.
This route reportedly allowed the enemy to amass forces while avoiding fire control.
To destroy the pipeline, the Achilles Regiment, together with adjacent Defense Forces units, used three tons of explosives.
A day earlier, on December 12, Ukrainian forces broke through to the Oskil River, cutting off enemy supply lines and liberating Kondrashovka, Radkivka, and several neighborhoods in northern Kupiansk. The Charter Corps said it had completely cut off ground access to the city and established fire control over all exits from the pipeline used for infiltration.

You’ve never seen anything like this: fighters in the Kupiansk region converted a BMW E38 into a mini MLRS. https://t.me/United24media/38145

About 50 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in the Lyman region as a result of airstrikes by the Third Army Corps.

Since yesterday, all services have been working to restore heat and water supplies after Russian shelling. The situation remains critical, Zelenskyy said.
The president noted that hundreds of thousands of families are still without electricity in the Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson, Chernihiv, Donetsk, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched more than 1,500 attack drones, nearly 900 guided aerial bombs, and 46 missiles of various types this week.

Russia attacked a civilian vessel carrying Ukrainian sunflower oil to Egypt.
The strike was carried out on the high seas in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone, beyond the range of Ukrainian air defenses, the report said.
The crew was not injured, and the ship is continuing to its destination port, the Navy reported.

Ukrainian singer secures second place at Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025
France won the final of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The country’s representative, Lou Deleuze, performed the song “Ce Monde” and secured victory with 248 points from the combined jury and audience vote.
Second place went to Ukraine’s representative, Sofia Nersesian, who scored 177 points.
Sofia ranked first in the audience vote with 98 points, but received only 79 points from the jury, which prevented the young Ukrainian singer from taking the win. https://t.me/United24media/38143

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Nothing.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Over the past few weeks, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have regained control of about 16 km² of territory north of Pokrovsk, announced Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
He reported that the number of battles on the front currently reaches 300 per day — the highest since the beginning of the full-scale war. The Russians are advancing along almost the entire front line, but Ukrainian forces are holding back the pressure.
Syrskyi emphasized that Russian claims about their pace of advancement do not correspond to reality.
The AFU is conducting active operations in certain areas, particularly in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration region. Logistics in Myrnohrad are complex but continue.

The Russian Federation carried out a targeted strike using a UAV on the Turkish vessel VIVA, which was heading to Egypt with sunflower oil, — Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
There were 11 Turkish citizens on board — the crew was unharmed.

🇭🇺 Yesterday, nearly 50,000 Hungarians protested against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The immediate trigger was a leaked video from a juvenile correctional facility. It shows the former director of the center beating a boy, including hitting him on the head.
On Friday, opposition leader Péter Magyar published a previously unknown state report from 2021. It stated that a fifth of the children in state care centers suffered violence. The country's Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the report was forwarded to the relevant authorities in 2022 to assist their work.
https://t.me/liveukraine_media/36478

🇧🇾 Lukashenko pardoned 123 prisoners in Belarus. Among them are Ukrainians.
The press service of the Belarusian leader says that those pardoned were convicted of "espionage, terrorist, and extremist activities."
They include citizens of Great Britain, the USA, Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia, Australia, and Japan.
Among those released are Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kalesnikava and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski.
The list also includes Belarusian presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka, Belarusian lawyer Maksim Znak, and journalist Maryna Zolatava, according to Belarusian media.
This decision was reached as part of agreements with Donald Trump. In exchange, the US lifted sanctions on Belarus's potash industry.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that five civilian Ukrainians are returning to Ukraine from Belarus.
▪️ On November 22, Ukraine also repatriated 31 citizens who were held in prisons in Belarus.

💥 Overnight, Ukrainian military forces struck Russian oil industry facilities. Specifically, they hit:
🔴Afipsky Oil Refinery — its annual processing volume is 6.25 million tons of oil per year The Defense Forces had previously attacked it repeatedly, most recently on the night of November 29;
🔴 Uryupinsk oil depot — it consists of 18 tanks. The depot receives petroleum products from suppliers, stores them, and then ships them for delivery to clients.
The AFU also attacked Russian targets in the occupied territories:
🔴 In Donetsk Oblast — two electronic warfare stations, a radar station, and two command posts of units of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division were hit;
🔴 In Zaporizhzhia Oblast — a Tor-M surface-to-air missile system and a drone complex laboratory were hit;
🔴 In Crimea — two fuel and lubricant bases, a Kasta-2E2 radar station, and a 96L9E radar station, which is used for S-300/S-400 air defense systems, were hit.