Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual year-end news conference in Moscow, addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the state of the Russian economy. He asserted Russia's strategic initiative in Ukraine and highlighted economic growth despite inflation concerns.
European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with an interest-free loan of €90 billion for 2026-2027, funded through capital markets. The decision, made on December 19, 2025, came after a consensus could not be reached on directly using frozen Russian assets due to legal and financial concerns.
European Union leaders have reached a significant compromise, approving an interest-free loan of 90 billion Euros for Ukraine to address its financial needs for the years 2026 and 2027. The agreement, announced by European Council President António Costa, came after intense negotiations, with the funds to be raised by the EU on capital markets.
Approximately 20,000 Saudi-backed forces have gathered on the Yemen border, specifically in the al-Wadeeah and al-Abr areas, to pressure the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) to relinquish recent territorial gains in the oil-rich Hadramaut governorate. This escalation highlights growing tensions between regional allies in Yemen.
The UK government announced new sanctions on December 18, 2025, targeting 24 additional individuals and entities linked to Russia. These measures include major oil companies like Tatneft and Russneft, along with various trading and chemical firms, in response to Russia's destabilization of Ukraine.
The Russian Federation officially ceased its membership in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) on December 9, 2025. This withdrawal follows a temporary suspension imposed in March 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine, with Russia citing political bias within the organization.
Russia's Foreign Ministry cautioned the United States against a 'fatal mistake' in Venezuela, warning of unpredictable consequences for the Western Hemisphere. The warning follows a US military strike on a vessel and President Trump's order for a 'total and complete blockade' of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, intensifying pressure on the Nicolás Maduro government.
Austrian authorities have uncovered a pro-Russian agent network, linked to the FSB, that orchestrated a disinformation campaign in German-speaking countries. The network posed as 'Ukrainian Nazis' using fake propaganda to discredit Ukraine and foster anti-Ukrainian sentiment, with fugitive Jan Marsalek identified as a key coordinator.
Norway has signed the convention establishing an International Claims Commission in The Hague, a crucial step in an international mechanism to provide compensation for victims of Russia's war in Ukraine. This commission will assess claims, building on the existing Register of Damage, with the aim of holding Russia accountable.
Norway has officially signed the convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, a pivotal step in the international mechanism designed to provide compensation for victims of Russia's aggression. The commission will assess claims, building on the existing Register of Damage.
Latvia has contributed €200,000 to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, announced on December 17, 2025, to aid in restoring Ukraine's power grid severely damaged by ongoing Russian attacks. This support is crucial for maintaining energy resilience as winter approaches.
Latvia has contributed €200,000 to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to aid in the restoration of Ukraine's power grid, which has been severely damaged by ongoing Russian attacks. The donation, announced by Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, underscores international efforts to bolster Ukraine's energy resilience ahead of winter.
Latvia has formally signed the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague. This pivotal step, taken on December 16, 2025, aims to ensure compensation for damages caused by Russia's actions in Ukraine, forming the second pillar of a comprehensive international compensation mechanism.
The UK government has given Roman Abramovich a 90-day deadline to release £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukrainian humanitarian aid, threatening legal action if he fails to comply. The funds have been frozen since the club's 2022 sale.
The Russian Defense Ministry declared on December 17, 2025, that its forces, specifically the Vostok Group, have captured the settlement of Gerasimovka in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. This move is reported to establish a bridgehead on the western bank of the Gaichur River, facilitating further offensive operations.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has asserted that the Soviet Union's unpunished occupation of the Baltic states contributed to Russia's current aggression. Speaking in The Hague, he emphasized the critical need for reparations for Ukraine, drawing parallels with Lithuania's own historical experience.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that while Russia's stance against foreign military contingents in Ukraine is 'well known,' the issue remains 'a subject for discussion.' His remarks follow a recent EU proposal for a multinational force to assist Ukraine.
A former NATO official, German parliamentarian Roderich Kiesewetter, has warned that Russia has amassed over 360,000 troops along Europe's borders, particularly in Belarus. This significant military build-up, coupled with intense training and high recruitment, suggests potential strategic maneuvers by Vladimir Putin, raising concerns for 2026.
Russia's housing construction saw a 2.4% year-on-year decrease in the first 11 months of 2025, totaling 91.5 million square meters, according to Rosstat. High mortgage rates, rising material costs, labor shortages, and the impact of sanctions contributed to the downturn, despite a notable increase in November.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that Western peacekeepers could repel Russian forces in Ukraine under post-ceasefire security guarantees, a prospect he described as distant. His comments followed recent talks in Berlin concerning Ukraine's future security. Merz also highlighted the potential use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense.
