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By Amanda Castro, Hannah Parry, Shane Croucher, and John Feng
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed the U.S. agrees with the Kremlin that Ukraine should hand over control of land where ethnic Russians live to Moscow. "It is good that the Americans have understood this," Lavrov told Russian television in a new interview published Tuesday, originally in Russian. "They have clearly said that there can be no NATO. And they have clearly said that those lands where Russians have lived for centuries must once again become Russian, part of Russia, and that the Russian language, Russian culture, and the rights of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church must be restored."
What To Know
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky again ruled out recognizing the eastern Donbas region as Russian. Ukraine still holds around a fifth of the land there, including two key fortress cities. Zelensky said: "Any format of Donbas under Russian control is unacceptable to me…Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognize Donbas as Russian."
- The Berlin talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials made "real progress," a top Kyiv official said. The Kremlin is now awaiting the outcome of those discussions. European allies also published a six-point plan on security guarantees for Ukraine, including a multinational peacekeeping force, which Russia has rejected before.
- Zelensky is in The Hague with European leaders to launch a Ukrainian compensation claim against Russia for the destruction its war has wrought on his country. It comes as the European Union indefinitely freezes $247 billion of Russian assets under its jurisdiction. Some allies want to use the Russian assets to fund Ukrainian reparations.
- The Kremlin rejected Zelensky's call for an energy ceasefire over Christmas. Attacks on energy infrastructure are leaving civilians without power and heat as a bitter winter sets in. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said, "We want peace, we do not want a truce," and that Ukraine could use a pause in the fighting to rearm and regroup.
- The Ukrainian security service claimed it had destroyed a Russian submarine in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk using an underwater drone in what is, if proven, a stunning blow. But Russia's Black Sea Fleet flatly denied the claim, and said none of its ships or submarines there was damaged.
- In an interview with ABC News, Ryabkov characterized the atmosphere as “a sober, and, if you wish, a cool environment where people listen to one another” and attempt to find common ground. He noted that both sides are guided by security and economic priorities, which he called a “mature” approach to relations.
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Dec 16, 2025 at 05:05 PM EST
UK holds back details on Ukraine security guarantees
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper declined Tuesday to outline Britain’s role in providing security guarantees to Ukraine once the war ends, telling MPs that discussions remain ongoing.
Appearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee, Cooper said the UK is “a leading part of the coalition of the willing,” working with European partners and the United States on potential frameworks for postwar security. She emphasized that Britain is central to those talks but cautioned against offering specifics while negotiations continue.
“I totally understand why you are asking these questions and pressing on them,” she said, “but you will also understand while these discussions are still under way, I think it would be premature for me to try and go into further detail.”
The remarks come as Western allies debate how to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security, including possible guarantees tied to future peace agreements.
Dec 16, 2025 at 04:53 PM EST
Russia claims capture of Novoplatonovka, heavy Ukrainian losses
Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday its forces had taken control of Novoplatonovka in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, describing the advance as part of ongoing “active operations” by Battlegroup West.
The ministry also reported that Ukrainian forces lost about 1,520 troops across multiple fronts in the past 24 hours. According to the statement, Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted the heaviest casualties, claiming more than 500 Ukrainian losses and the destruction of several armored vehicles. Other battlegroups reported gains in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, with additional strikes on ammunition depots and military equipment.
Russian officials said air defenses intercepted 180 Ukrainian drones during the same period, while strikes targeted a facility assembling UAVs. Moscow maintains that its forces continue to degrade Ukraine’s military capacity, though independent verification of battlefield claims remains limited.
Dec 16, 2025 at 04:40 PM EST
UK launches urgent review into foreign interference
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered an urgent review into foreign influence in British politics, with plans to tighten donation laws. The inquiry, announced Tuesday, will examine current financial rules and election safeguards and deliver its findings by the end of March.
The review will be led by Philip Rycroft, former permanent secretary of the Brexit department, and comes in response to the jailing of Nathan Gill, ex-leader of Reform UK in Wales. Gill admitted accepting large cash payments to promote pro-Russian views, with investigators alleging links to individuals connected to Vladimir Putin.
Cabinet minister Steve Reed told MPs the case represented “a stain on our democracy” and said the independent review would ensure stronger protections. He pledged the report would be published in full.
Dec 16, 2025 at 04:26 PM EST
Zelensky presses EU to use frozen Russian assets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday renewed calls for the European Union to unlock frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv, warning during a visit to The Hague that Ukraine “doesn’t see an opportunity to stand strong” without the funding.
EU leaders are set to decide Thursday how to channel the assets, valued in the hundreds of billions, toward Ukraine. Key issues remain, including guarantees for Belgium, where most of the reserves are held in the Euroclear depository. Belgium has insisted it will only agree if other member states share responsibility.
A senior German diplomat told Reuters that opposition to the plan no longer appears strong enough to block it, calling the latest discussions “encouraging.”
Moscow has repeatedly condemned the proposal, describing it as theft. Russia’s central bank has already filed a lawsuit seeking $230 billion in damages from Euroclear.
Dec 16, 2025 at 04:12 PM EST
Former Austrian FM Kneissl discusses Ukraine elections, peace prospects
Karin Kneissl, former Austrian foreign minister and now director of the G.O.R.K.I. Center at St. Petersburg State University, said Ukraine faces significant hurdles in organizing elections, citing voter registration as the most significant challenge given mass emigration and wartime casualties. She told TASS that equal access to campaigns and funding would also be difficult to guarantee.
Kneissl argued President Volodymyr Zelensky’s political prospects are weakening, noting his reliance on media relations and the loss of key aides. She suggested a peace treaty may ultimately be signed by someone other than Zelensky, adding that U.S. pressure is driving calls for elections but that a finalized agreement is unlikely within months.
She also predicted Ukraine’s territorial structure could change significantly, with possible federalization or autonomy for Russian-speaking regions. On Europe’s decision to freeze Russian assets, Kneissl called it a violation of sovereign immunity and warned of reputational damage.
Looking ahead, she said Europe’s economic role for Russia will diminish, while new global groupings such as a proposed “Core 5” of major powers could reshape international influence, leaving Europe sidelined.
Dec 16, 2025 at 03:56 PM EST
Hungary says NATO consensus on Ukraine membership lacking
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Tuesday that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership remains far from agreed within the alliance, stressing that the issue is not for Kyiv to decide alone.
“It is absolutely clear that we are a far cry from any consensus on this matter in NATO,” Szijjarto told reporters, adding that Ukraine’s membership bid is “purely a Ukrainian agenda item” without binding effect on the alliance.
His remarks followed reports that President Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to drop Ukraine’s NATO aspirations if the United States and European Union provide security guarantees under a peace deal. The Financial Times reported on December 14 that Kyiv had signaled willingness to abandon its NATO ambitions under certain conditions.
Dec 16, 2025 at 03:40 PM EST
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant operating on single power line
Russian authorities managing the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine said Tuesday the facility is currently receiving electricity through only one of its two external power lines, after the other was disconnected due to military activity. Radiation levels at the site remain normal, officials added.
Russia seized the plant in March 2022 following its full-scale invasion, and has maintained a military presence there ever since. The facility’s status has become a focal point in Ukraine’s recently shared revised 20‑point peace plan with Washington, which included new proposals on territorial control and the plant’s future.
Analysts at the Royal United Services Institute warned that no peace settlement can be durable. At the same time, Russia continues to occupy the site, underscoring its strategic and symbolic importance in the conflict.
Dec 16, 2025 at 03:26 PM EST
Europe launches Ukraine war damages Commission
European leaders on Tuesday established the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, a new body designed to secure compensation for the massive destruction caused by Russia’s invasion and alleged war crimes. The commission, based in the Netherlands, is expected to handle claims worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Officials said details on how reparations would be paid remain under discussion. Early proposals include using frozen Russian assets held in the EU, supplemented by contributions from member states.
The commission will incorporate the existing Register of Damage, which has already received more than 86,000 claims from individuals, organizations, and public bodies in Ukraine. Reported abuses range from sexual violence and child deportations to the destruction of cultural and religious sites.
Under the framework, claims can be filed for damage, loss, or injury resulting from Russian actions since the February 2022 invasion. Eligible claimants include individuals, companies, and the Ukrainian state, with awards intended to reflect violations of international law.
Dec 16, 2025 at 03:12 PM EST
Ukraine reports return of citizens from Russia and occupied areas
Fifteen Ukrainian citizens have returned home from Russia and temporarily occupied territories under a family reunification procedure, most of them with limited mobility, Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said Tuesday.
Lubinets noted that the returns were the result of sustained humanitarian efforts to assist individuals unable to leave on their own. Among them was a 56-year-old woman who suffered a stroke and had been stranded in Russia since 2022, reunited with her daughter after nearly four years apart.
During recent talks with Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova and the International Committee of the Red Cross, agreements were reached to transfer 2,000 humanitarian parcels and letters for prisoners of war, as well as lists of missing and seriously ill citizens. Lubinets said 45 more Ukrainians were also released from Russian detention centers.
The announcement comes as Ukraine prepares for renewed prisoner exchanges with Russia. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said consultations in Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates revived the Istanbul agreements, with about 1,200 Ukrainians expected to be freed. The last exchange in October saw 185 defenders return, including National Guard members from the Chornobyl nuclear plant.
Dec 16, 2025 at 02:57 PM EST
Russian Embassy rejects MI6 chief’s accusations
The Russian embassy in London has dismissed remarks by Blaise Metreweli, the newly appointed head of MI6, who accused Moscow of using intimidation and manipulation tactics below the threshold of open war.
Metreweli, the first woman to lead Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, said in her inaugural speech that the country is “operating in a space between peace and war” and warned that Russia’s actions in Ukraine threaten both European and global security. She accused President Vladimir Putin of prolonging negotiations to avoid a peace settlement.
In response, the Russian embassy urged an end to what it called efforts to portray Russia as an enemy of the UK and Europe. “Russia has no plans, intentions, or reasons to engage in armed conflict with the United Kingdom,” the statement read, rejecting claims of “hybrid threats” as unfounded.
Dec 16, 2025 at 02:43 PM EST
Poland pushes EU investment in drone defenses
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday that building defenses against drones has become a top priority for European Union countries, with billions of euros expected to be invested. Speaking at a meeting of NATO’s eastern flank leaders in Helsinki, Tusk described plans for an “anti-drone wall” along Europe’s eastern borders.
The initiative gained momentum after about 20 Russian drones crossed into Poland in September, with similar incursions reported in Romania, Denmark and Germany.
According to the European Commission, the project will involve a network of sensors, jamming systems and weapons designed to detect and neutralize drones.
Dec 16, 2025 at 02:29 PM EST
Europe launches Ukraine war damages Commission
European leaders signed a treaty in The Hague on Tuesday establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, a body designed to allow Ukrainians to seek compensation for losses caused by Russia’s invasion. The initiative is facilitated by the Council of Europe, the continent’s leading human rights organization.
Officials cautioned that reparations may not come quickly, as the commission must still determine how damages will be awarded. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said the ultimate goal is for validated claims to be paid by Russia, though the commission itself cannot guarantee compensation.
More than 86,000 claims have already been submitted to the Register of Damage, which will now be incorporated into the new body.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move, saying that “every Russian war crime must have consequences” and stressing that peace requires Russia to accept international rules. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied allegations of war crimes in Ukraine.
Dec 16, 2025 at 02:15 PM EST
Dmitriev accuses west of using ‘Russia threat’ narrative
Kirill Dmitriev, Special Representative of the Russian President and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, claimed Tuesday that NATO countries, the UK, and the EU are deliberately amplifying the “Russian threat” narrative to justify plans to seize frozen Russian assets.
Writing on the X social network, Dmitriev alleged that Western governments are using the narrative to distract from domestic issues and to gain access to Russian reserves.
The EU and G7 nations have frozen about €300 billion in Russian assets since the start of the war in Ukraine, with roughly €180 billion held in Belgium’s Euroclear depository. The European Commission is now seeking approval from member states to redirect those funds to Ukraine.
Dec 16, 2025 at 02:12 PM EST
Germany ends Patriot mission in Poland
Germany has concluded its air and missile defence mission in Poland, relocating Patriot systems back to German territory, the defence ministry announced Tuesday. Officials said the deployment ended as planned but stressed that Berlin’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank remains firm.
“Even after the Patriot systems have been relocated, Germany will continue to make numerous contributions to protecting the eastern flank of the alliance territory and our partners,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Patriot batteries had been stationed in Poland to strengthen security along the border with Ukraine. The announcement came as northern and eastern European nations met in Finland to discuss regional defence priorities. Poland’s prime minister highlighted drone defence as a key focus for the European Union moving forward.
Dec 16, 2025 at 01:59 PM EST
Russian instructors report minimal losses in car
Russian military specialists in the Central African Republic (CAR) are sustaining minimal losses due to advanced training and superior equipment, a Russian instructor identified as Gipalon told state media. He said the units rely on drones, night vision devices, and constant combat exercises to maintain readiness.
“Our losses are the lowest possible,” Gipalon said, noting that the soldiers are veterans of multiple conflicts and train up to three times daily, including at night.
Russian instructors previously supported CAR forces during an attempted coup by the Coalition of Patriots for Change ahead of the 2020 elections. They are now preparing to provide security for the country’s upcoming vote on December 28.
Dec 16, 2025 at 01:45 PM EST
Zelensky urges access to frozen Russian assets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday underscored the importance of unlocking frozen Russian assets as allies prepare for a key vote later this week. He said the package, valued at roughly €210 billion, is essential to sustaining Ukraine’s defense and could help offset declining support from some countries.
Several partners have expressed reservations about channeling the assets toward Ukraine, while Russia has threatened legal action if the funds are used. Zelensky insisted that continued access is critical for Ukraine’s resilience as the war enters another year.
Dec 16, 2025 at 01:32 PM EST
Russia, Ukraine exchange letters for prisoners of war
Russian and Ukrainian ombudsmen have exchanged letters from relatives of prisoners of war, which will be delivered during a New Year parcel exchange, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said Tuesday. The International Committee of the Red Cross is assisting with the preparation and delivery of the parcels.
Moskalkova added that both sides agreed to continue efforts to locate missing persons. She said the cooperation has already helped Ukraine confirm the fate of several dozen individuals, while Russia received information about servicemen who were either in captivity or hospitalized.
Asked about the frequency of future meetings, Moskalkova said they would take place “as much as needed.” Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets echoed the sentiment, saying he was prepared to meet “at least every day” if progress continues.
Dec 16, 2025 at 01:18 PM EST
Ukraine secures long-term military aid for 2026
Ukraine will continue receiving extensive military support from its allies in 2026, with 15 countries pledging new commitments, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced after the latest Ramstein meeting.
Shmyhal noted that in 2025 partners provided record sums — nearly $5 billion for Ukrainian defense production and another $5 billion for U.S. weapons purchases — and said maintaining that momentum is critical.
Germany will lead contributions with €11.5 billion focused on air defense, drones, and artillery ammunition, including additional Patriot and IRIS-T systems. Norway pledged about $7 billion, while the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Lithuania announced targeted aid packages totaling hundreds of millions. Smaller nations, including Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Montenegro, Portugal, and Czechia, also committed funds, drones, and artillery shells.
Poland will supply 155mm ammunition and expand joint defense projects under the SAFE initiative. Czechia has already financed 760,000 shells for delivery in 2026.
Dec 16, 2025 at 01:04 PM EST
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant operating on single power line
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is currently relying on just one of its two external power lines, according to statements from its Russian-installed management. Officials said the second line was cut off due to nearby military activity.
Despite the disruption, radiation levels at the facility remain within normal limits, the management added. Repair work on the damaged line is expected to begin as soon as conditions allow.
Dec 16, 2025 at 12:50 PM EST
Lithuania arrests 21 in balloon smuggling network
Lithuanian authorities said Tuesday they detained 21 people linked to a criminal network accused of smuggling cigarettes from Belarus using specially equipped weather balloons. Officials said the balloons repeatedly violated Lithuanian airspace in recent weeks, forcing airport closures and disrupting border crossings.
More than 80 searches were carried out, with investigators seizing contraband cigarettes bearing Belarusian excise stamps, firearms, SIM cards, signal jammers, luxury cars and other valuable property, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The operation involved over 140 officers from the Criminal Police Bureau, Vilnius police and anti-terrorism units. Prosecutors described the group as highly organized, with strict roles and coordination, and alleged direct contacts with accomplices in Belarus.
Authorities said smugglers used GPS tracking to monitor the balloon's movements and transmit its landing coordinates to operatives in Lithuania. Earlier this month, the government declared a national emergency over the balloon incursions, which stranded thousands of travelers and heightened NATO concerns amid the war in Ukraine.
Dec 16, 2025 at 12:36 PM EST
Moskalkova: Special services handle repatriation cases
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said matters related to the repatriation of individuals facing criminal prosecution in Ukraine fall under the responsibility of special services. She added that her office is prepared to assist with organizational and legal aspects, including logistics, documentation, and family contact.
Moskalkova previously told TASS she is reviewing appeals from nearly 500 people who say they were repressed in Ukraine for pro-Russian views, including priests, journalists, and human rights defenders.
“The special services must determine whether mutual repatriation is feasible,” she said, noting her readiness to support the process once decisions are made.
Dec 16, 2025 at 12:20 PM EST
Lavrov says Arctic Council can stay relevant
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday that the Arctic Council has “a good chance of maintaining its relevance” despite geopolitical tensions. Speaking at a meeting of regional leaders under the Foreign Ministry, Lavrov highlighted recent progress in the Council’s work and emphasized cooperation with non-Arctic nations, such as China and India.
He noted that working groups have been established with both countries, with a priority on developing transport and logistics along the Northern Sea Route, a 5,600-kilometer shipping corridor across the Russian Arctic.
The Arctic Council, which includes Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden, suspended operations in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Written communication resumed in late 2023, and working group online meetings restarted in 2024.
Lavrov said Russia remains committed to preserving the Council as a forum for cooperation in the high latitudes.
Dec 16, 2025 at 12:06 PM EST
Kremlin envoy accuses west of using ‘Russian threat’ narrative
Kirill Dmitriev, special representative of the Russian president and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, accused NATO countries, the UK, and the EU of deliberately amplifying the “Russian threat” narrative to justify plans to seize frozen Russian assets.
Writing on the X social network, Dmitriev claimed Western governments were using coordinated messaging not only to distract from domestic problems but also to “steal from the Russian reserves.”
The EU and G7 have frozen roughly €300 billion in Russian assets since the start of the war, with about €180 billion held in Belgium’s Euroclear depository. The European Commission is now seeking approval from member states to redirect those funds to Ukraine.
The issue is expected to be a central topic at the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels on December 18–19, as divisions remain over the legality and potential repercussions of confiscating Russian holdings.
Dec 16, 2025 at 11:52 AM EST
Ukraine details complex strike on Russian submarine
Ukraine’s Navy says the recent attack on a Russian Varshavyanka-class submarine in Novorossiysk was a multi-layered operation requiring extensive planning and secrecy.
Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk described the strike as “comprehensive and quite complicated,” noting that Russia had kept its vessels away from the Black Sea in recent months to avoid such risks. He said the Novorossiysk base is heavily protected, making the operation particularly difficult.
Pletenchuk added that Ukraine previously destroyed the submarine Rostov-on-Don in 2024, the first combat loss of a submarine since World War II. The latest strike marks Russia’s second such loss, leaving only three of the class in the region.
The Varshavyanka-class, also known as Project 636.3, is a diesel-electric submarine designed for stealth and armed with torpedoes and Kalibr cruise missiles. Ukraine’s Security Service confirmed its drones critically damaged the vessel on December 15, the first time in history that unmanned systems have hit a submarine.
Dec 16, 2025 at 11:37 AM EST
Russian drone strikes spark fires across Ukraine
Russia launched dozens of strike drones against Ukraine overnight on December 16, triggering fires and damage in several regions, according to local officials.
In Odesa, regional military administration head Oleh Kiper said a warehouse storing household appliances was set ablaze after being hit. However, rescuers managed to extinguish the fire and protect a nearby logistics facility. No casualties were reported.
The Chernihiv region also came under attack, where drones struck a farm in the Korop community, killing livestock and damaging equipment. In Zaporizhzhia, a Shahed drone hit a residential high-rise early in the morning.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 69 drones in total, with 57 intercepted or suppressed by air defenses. Ten strikes were recorded across seven locations.
Officials condemned the attacks as part of Moscow’s ongoing campaign to terrorize civilians and disrupt infrastructure during the winter months.
Dec 16, 2025 at 11:22 AM EST
Starmer orders probe into foreign election interference
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched an investigation into foreign meddling in UK elections.
This follows the jailing of a former Reform UK official accused of taking bribes to advance Russian interests in the European Parliament, The Times reported Tuesday.
Dec 16, 2025 at 11:08 AM EST
Berlin talks yield security plan as Poland pledges Jets
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday summarized two days of negotiations with U.S. officials in Berlin, where European leaders unveiled a new security guarantee framework for Ukraine.
At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Zelensky said talks with Washington had yet to resolve differences over territorial issues but emphasized that dialogue was ongoing.
Poland confirmed plans to transfer six to eight MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of December, with Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk noting the aircraft will be written off from Poland’s military balance sheet. In exchange, Kyiv may share advanced drone technologies developed on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the European Union outlined two options for using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine: a loan backed by frozen Russian assets or joint borrowing. The proposals will be debated at this week’s European Council summit.
Ukraine’s Security Service also reported a historic strike, saying its Sub Sea Baby drones critically damaged a Russian Kilo-class submarine in Novorossiysk — the first such attack of its kind.
European leaders stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and security are essential to Euro-Atlantic stability, pledging measures to protect its airspace and maritime navigation under the six-point guarantee plan.
Dec 16, 2025 at 10:53 AM EST
Moscow, African partners to plan 2026 summit
Russia will begin preparations for the third Russia-Africa summit, set for 2026, during a ministerial meeting with African partners in Cairo later this month, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday.
Lavrov told regional leaders that the December 19–20 conference would review progress on a joint action plan and place “particular attention” on laying the groundwork for the next summit.
The gathering, part of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, will also address expanding security cooperation, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.
Dec 16, 2025 at 10:39 AM EST
Russian diplomat praises ‘sober’ U.S. approach to Moscow
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Washington is taking a “sober” and pragmatic approach in its dialogue with Moscow, describing current talks as focused on national interests rather than ideology.
In an interview with ABC News, Ryabkov characterized the atmosphere as “a cool environment where people listen to one another” and attempt to find common ground. He noted that both sides are guided by security and economic priorities, which he called a “mature” approach to relations.
Ryabkov dismissed suggestions that the current state of ties could be labeled a new “detente” or “reset,” saying such terms belong to the past. “It’s very ridiculous to use something like this in current terms,” he said.
Dec 16, 2025 at 10:25 AM EST
Ex-Austrian minister doubts quick peace deal for Ukraine
Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl said Tuesday that a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv is unlikely to be finalized within the next two to three months.
Speaking to TASS, Kneissl, who now heads the G.O.R.K.I. center at St. Petersburg State University, argued that current negotiations remain too preliminary. “The document that we have now is of the agenda type — it lists the topics, but we do not yet have details on how exactly they will be carried out,” she said.
Kneissl noted that while U.S. President Donald Trump is eager for a swift resolution, consensus on key issues will take longer. She also questioned the weight of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s signature on any deal ahead of Ukraine’s elections, suggesting his legitimacy would depend on reelection.
She added that Washington appears to be pressing for elections to be held, echoing calls from several American politicians earlier this year. According to Kneissl, this push reflects broader concerns about Ukraine’s political stability as negotiations continue.
Dec 16, 2025 at 10:11 AM EST
Erdogan warns Black Sea attacks threaten navigation safety
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea pose a serious risk to maritime security.
“The attacks on merchant and civilian ships we have seen in recent days constitute a serious threat to navigation safety in the Black Sea. This isn’t good for anyone,” Erdogan said at a meeting with Turkish ambassadors, according to TRT Haber. He urged both Russia and Ukraine to halt such actions.
Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s role as a mediator, recalling three rounds of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv hosted in Istanbul. He pointed to humanitarian achievements from those efforts, including the Black Sea Grain Initiative and prisoner exchanges.
Reaffirming Ankara’s commitment to the 1936 Montreux Convention, Erdogan stressed that Turkey has closed the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits to warships from the warring parties, aiming to prevent the conflict from spreading further into the Black Sea.
Dec 16, 2025 at 09:56 AM EST
Fierce fighting continues in encircled Kupiansk
Heavy combat is underway in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, where Russian units remain encircled and are offering “very fierce” resistance, according to Ihor Raikov of the National Guard’s 13th Khartiia Brigade.
Raikov said the operation to liberate the city began in September and has unfolded in two stages: first, cutting off Russian logistics and encircling their forces, then moving to stabilize and clear the city. He noted that Russian supply lines now rely solely on drones, while repeated attempts to break through a land corridor have failed.
Ukrainian forces recently disabled a gas pipeline that Russian troops had used to infiltrate the city, further tightening the encirclement. On December 12, Kyiv’s forces drove Russian units out of the Yuvileinyi district, inflicting heavy losses estimated at more than a thousand troops.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kupiansk front the same day, underscoring the operation’s importance as Ukraine presses its counteroffensive to reclaim territory and dismantle Russian positions.
Dec 16, 2025 at 09:41 AM EST
Hungary rejects EU loan plan for Ukraine
Hungary will not contribute to any European Union loan to Ukraine and opposes using frozen Russian assets to finance the war effort, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in remarks broadcast on YouTube.
Szijjarto described heated debates at the December 15 EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, where leaders discussed raising more than €200 billion for Ukraine, including €120 billion earmarked for military support. He argued that confiscating Russian assets would be unlawful and risk escalating the conflict.
“This fully goes against Hungary’s national security interests,” Szijjarto said, adding that Budapest would not spend “a single cent” of Hungarian taxpayers’ money on maintaining Ukraine’s state or military. He also warned of potential retaliation from Moscow, noting Russian officials had signaled they would respond differently depending on each country’s stance.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban has echoed that position, calling the expropriation of Russian assets tantamount to a declaration of war. He pledged to oppose the measure at the EU summit scheduled for December 18–19 in Brussels.
Dec 16, 2025 at 09:26 AM EST
Belgium holds out on EU plan to use frozen Russian assets
Belgium remains unconvinced by the European Union’s proposal to tap €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, diplomats warned Monday, just two days before a key vote.
Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s government has repeatedly voiced concern that Belgium could face disproportionate risks if Moscow challenges the plan in court. Officials fear liability could fall solely on Brussels, given that most of the assets are held there.
The European Commission has sought to ease those worries, offering assurances that Belgium could access the full €210 billion if Russia sues — a move the Kremlin is already preparing. But according to four EU diplomats, the pledge has not been enough to shift Belgium’s position during a meeting of ambassadors.
Dec 16, 2025 at 09:11 AM EST
Berlin talks yield progress on Ukraine security guarantees
Two days of talks in Berlin concluded Monday with European leaders signaling progress on security guarantees for Ukraine, as discussions ran parallel to a U.S.-Ukraine summit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a ceasefire was “conceivable for the first time,” while President Trump noted that a deal was “closer now than we’ve ever been.” His envoy, Steve Witkoff, offered Kyiv NATO-style security assurances as part of ongoing negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, cautious about the outcome, said he would seek long-range weapons from Washington if Russia rejects peace efforts.
European leaders left the meetings with clearer plans for a European-led peacekeeping force and a six-point framework focused on security and recovery. They stressed that Ukraine must have firm guarantees before considering any territorial concessions.
Kyiv reiterated its refusal to allow Russia control over the Donbas region, underscoring the limits of compromise as talks continue.
Dec 16, 2025 at 08:55 AM EST
WATCH: Trump Cranks pressure on Zelensky over peace deal—12/11
Dec 16, 2025 at 08:41 AM EST
Analyst: UK’s £600M air defence aid sends clear signal
Britain’s decision to provide Ukraine with £600 million in new air defence systems is both timely and symbolic, military analyst Professor Michael Clarke said Tuesday, per Sky News.
Clarke described the package as a “step in the right direction,” noting that its significance lies not only in the hardware but in the message it conveys. “The UK is making a very clear announcement now in the middle of this very delicate negotiating process that we’re doing all we can to help the Ukrainians through the winter,” he told presenter Leah Boleto.
He emphasized that London’s pledge reflects an assumption that the fighting will continue and that Ukraine’s immediate need is robust air defence to withstand Russian strikes on cities and energy infrastructure. “If the Ukrainians have to carry on, we will help them carry on,” Clarke said.
Dec 16, 2025 at 08:28 AM EST
EU’s Kallas: Security guarantees needed for Ukraine beyond NATO
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Monday that, with Ukraine’s NATO membership “out of the question,” the bloc must provide tangible security guarantees to Kyiv.
Speaking ahead of an EU Foreign Ministers meeting, Kallas stressed that assurances cannot remain “papers or promises” but must involve “real troops, real capabilities.” She argued that Russia’s history of aggression — claiming Moscow has attacked at least 19 countries in the past century — underscores the need for stronger protections not only for Ukraine but for other EU members.
Kallas also highlighted the EU’s delivery of 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine this year, calling for continued military support as Kyiv faces ongoing Russian assaults.
Her remarks drew a sharp response from Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who dismissed her claim about Russia’s past conflicts and offered to give the EU diplomat a “detailed history lesson.”
Dec 16, 2025 at 08:13 AM EST
Kremlin awaits EU text on security guarantees for Ukraine
The Kremlin said Tuesday it will review the joint statement issued by European Union leaders on security guarantees for Ukraine once the official text is available.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow has only seen media reports about the statement and does not plan to respond until it has examined the document. “We have not seen any texts yet. When we see them, we will analyze them,” he said.
The statement, released after talks in Berlin, outlined plans for a European-led multinational force backed by the United States. The proposed coalition would help rebuild Ukraine’s military and oversee airspace and maritime security operations inside the country.
EU leaders emphasized that international borders cannot be altered by force. They said any decisions on territorial concessions must be made by Ukrainians themselves, once credible security guarantees are in place. They added that final negotiations should ensure the long-term stability of the Euro-Atlantic area and reaffirm NATO’s deterrent role.
The declaration noted that EU and NATO-related provisions will require further discussion among member states.
Dec 16, 2025 at 08:08 AM EST
EU’s Kallas: Russia must pay for war in Ukraine
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday that Russia “cannot escape paying the bill” for its invasion of Ukraine, as she marked the launch of a new International Claims Commission in The Hague.
The body will document and validate war damages in Ukraine, laying the groundwork for compensation to be paid by Moscow. Kallas described the commission as a signal to future aggressors that accountability is unavoidable.
“If you start a war, you will be held to account,” she said, stressing that the initiative is designed not only to secure justice for Ukraine but also to deter future conflicts.
The commission’s establishment comes as European leaders debate how to use frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv.
Dec 16, 2025 at 07:53 AM EST
Ukraine downs majority of Russian drones in overnight assault
Ukraine’s air force reported Tuesday that Russia launched 69 drones and missiles in a large-scale overnight attack, targeting multiple regions across the country.
Military officials said the assault was repelled through a combination of aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups. Of the drones deployed, 57 were shot down, though 10 strikes were recorded at seven different sites.
The barrage underscores Moscow’s continued reliance on drone warfare to pressure Ukraine’s defenses and energy infrastructure. Kyiv has warned that such attacks are likely to intensify during the winter months, as Russia seeks to disrupt power supplies and weaken civilian resilience.
Despite the scale of the assault, Ukrainian forces emphasized that coordinated defenses prevented greater damage.
Dec 16, 2025 at 07:39 AM EST
Zelensky urges Europe to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European leaders Tuesday to approve the use of frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv’s war effort, framing the decision as both a matter of justice and deterrence.
Speaking in the Dutch parliament, Zelensky said the funds — most of which are held in Europe — “can and must be fully used to defend against Russia’s own aggression.” He argued that Moscow values money over human life, making financial penalties one of the few levers capable of forcing accountability.
“Putin does not believe in people. He believes only in power and in money,” Zelensky said, adding that Russia “doesn’t count its dead, but it does count every dollar and euro it loses.”
European leaders are weighing whether to channel billions of dollars from immobilized Russian state assets into loans to Ukraine. This plan, supporters say, would strengthen Kyiv’s defenses and ensure the aggressor pays for the war. Zelensky urged swift action, warning that accountability must be inevitable if Russia is to be deterred from future conflicts.
Dec 16, 2025 at 07:25 AM EST
Britain commits £600 million in air defenses for Ukraine
Britain announced a £600 million military aid package on Tuesday to bolster Ukraine’s defenses as the country braces for renewed Russian strikes on its energy grid this winter.
Defence Minister John Healey said the investment is “critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia’s barbaric attacks.”
The package will include advanced turret systems capable of intercepting Russian drones, part of a broader effort to shield Ukraine’s power network from sustained bombardment. Officials in Kyiv have warned that Moscow is likely to intensify aerial assaults during the cold months, aiming to cripple electricity supplies and weaken civilian morale.
London’s pledge underscores its continued role as one of Ukraine’s strongest backers, even as European leaders debate how to finance long-term support. The announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic activity across Europe and the United States to secure Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations over the war’s future.
Dec 16, 2025 at 07:10 AM EST
Europe faces crucial test on Ukraine funding plan
European leaders are racing to finalize a high-stakes proposal to finance Ukraine’s war effort, a move seen as pivotal for both Kyiv’s survival and the European Union’s credibility on the global stage. The plan, set to be debated Thursday, would use hundreds of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to back loans for Ukraine over the next two years.
The proposal comes as the United States accelerates its own diplomatic push to end the war, now approaching its fourth year. European officials hope the funding package will secure their influence in peace talks and strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. Analysts say it is also a chance for the EU to counter President Trump’s portrayal of the bloc as indecisive.
At stake is a loan program worth €90 billion, underwritten by roughly €210 billion in immobilized Russian state assets held in Europe. Ukraine would only be required to repay if Russia eventually pays reparations. Supporters argue the plan offers Kyiv critical resources without straining Europe’s budgets, but skeptics warn it could unsettle global investors wary of Europe’s financial stability.
Belgium, which hosts the depository holding most of the frozen funds, has voiced strong reservations. Brussels fears legal challenges and economic fallout, pressing other nations to share the risks. Several EU members, including Italy and Malta, have also expressed reluctance, underscoring divisions that could derail the initiative.
The urgency is heightened by parallel negotiations in Berlin, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. envoys to narrow differences between Washington’s peace proposal and Kyiv’s demands. European leaders from France, Germany, and Finland joined discussions, signaling their determination to remain central players in shaping the postwar order.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called Thursday’s meeting “decisive,” stressing that Ukraine’s needs are “immense and urgent.” Yet diplomats caution that failure to reach consensus would not only weaken Ukraine but also expose Europe to charges of political paralysis at a moment of maximum danger.
As António Costa, president of the European Council, prepares to preside over the summit, the outcome will determine whether Europe can turn frozen Russian wealth into a tool of geopolitical strength—or whether hesitation will leave Ukraine vulnerable and Europe sidelined.
Dec 16, 2025 at 06:56 AM EST
Ukraine implores Europe on frozen Russian assets: “urgent and critical”
Ukrainian Foreign Andrii Sybiha implored European allies to follow through on a proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund a reparations loan for Kyiv, calling the looming decision "urgent and critical".
There are some $247 billion in frozen Russian assets under the European Union's jurisdiction.
But there is concern among some EU members, notably Belgium, where the largest portion of the assets is held, about the legal, financial, and political risks of using them in this way. Russia accuses the Europeans of seeking to steal the assets.
Sybiha gave five main reasons for using the Russian assets to fund Ukraine.
He said it would counter the Kremlin's view that Europe is "divided and weak"; strengthen Europe as a "powerful geopolitical force"; ensure long-term European support for Ukraine; deliver justice by forcing the aggressor to pay for the damage it has caused; and it will strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position in the peace talks.
"Last but not least, there have been far too many Russian attempts to instill fear and spread lies about how this step threatens financial stability, the rule of law, retaliation, or other 'apocalyptic' consequences," Sybiha said in a post on X.
"In reality, none of these threats are credible and most of these fears are completely unfounded. Moscow simply sells fear, as it usually does before major steps to counter its aggression.
"Compensation for damage caused by an aggressor is a fundamental component of international law; Russia's obligation to compensate for damage is mandated by UN General Assembly resolutions; and there are no alternatives to key reserve currencies."
Dec 16, 2025 at 06:31 AM EST
Ukraine’s European allies publish six-point proposal for security guarantees, economy
A group of Ukraine's allies in Europe published on Monday a set of six proposals for security guarantees and economic recovery.
Here's what they are, per a joint statement from those 10 national and two EU leaders:
- Provide sustained and significant support to Ukraine to build its armed forces, which should remain at a peacetime level of 800,000 to be able to deter conflict and defend Ukraine’s territory.
- A European-led ‘multinational force Ukraine’ made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the US. It will assist in the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in securing Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine.
- A US led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with international participation to provide early warning of any future attack and attribute and respond to any breaches along with a deconfliction mechanism to work on mutual deescalatory actions that can be taken to benefit all parties.
- A legally binding commitment, subject to national procedures, to take measures to restore peace and security in the case of a future armed attack. These measures may include armed force, intelligence and logistical assistance, economic and diplomatic actions.
- Invest in the future prosperity of Ukraine, including making major resources available for recovery and reconstruction, mutually beneficial trade agreements, and taking into account the need for Russia to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused. In this vein, Russian sovereign assets in the European Union have been immobilised.
- Strongly support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
Dec 16, 2025 at 06:21 AM EST
Russia gives optimistic sign that Ukraine war may be near its end
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told ABC News that he is "very much confident and pretty sure" that Moscow and Kyiv are "on the verge" of a deal to end the war, as U.S.-brokered peace talks make slow but steady progress.
But it was clear that the most difficult issue is still far from resolved: The division of territory.
Ukraine has said it will recognize Russian control of its lands, nor cede any of the territory to the Kremlin.
Russia controls around 80 percent of the Donbas region and other parts of southeastern Ukraine. It already annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.
Ryabkov said Russia now holds most or all of five Ukrainian oblasts—and there is no compromise on its control.
"We have five altogether and we are not able in any form to compromise on this because it would be in our view a revision of a very fundamental element of our statethood set forth through our constitution," Ryabkov said.
Dec 16, 2025 at 05:44 AM EST
Russia claims control of Kupyansk after Zelensky visits Ukraine troops
The Russian military claimed that it has full control of Kupyansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region and that it is repelling Ukrainian attacks on nearby settlements and the city itself.
But Ukrainian forces say they are advancing in the area, and last week claimed to have taken control of several settlements and encircled a group of Russian troops.
A rare battlefield victory for Ukraine prompted a visit to troops in the area by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said such gains strengthen his hand in diplomatic talks to end Russia's war with a just settlement.
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