At least seven people were killed and 15 others injured after a Russian missile strike hit the Odesa port area in southern Ukraine, according to regional officials. The attack triggered fires among parked trucks near the port, which serves as one of Ukraine’s key maritime trade hubs on the Black Sea. Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed the incident via Telegram, noting that ballistic missiles were used in the assault.

Odesa, home to three major ports, is vital for Ukraine’s grain and goods exports to Europe and beyond. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the city and its ports have been frequent targets of missile and drone attacks. The latest strike follows weeks of intensified air assaults across the Odesa region. Russian authorities have not commented on the incident.

The renewed attacks raise concerns about Ukraine’s export infrastructure and the safety of Black Sea shipping routes, which remain critical for global food supply chains.

European leaders have announced their readiness to lead a U.S.-backed multinational force in Ukraine as part of a proposed peace framework aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and eight other European nations, would assist in rebuilding Ukraine’s military and securing its air and sea routes. The initiative forms part of a new U.S. security guarantee package designed to bring Moscow and Kyiv closer to a peace agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has held extensive discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO leaders, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming the parties are now “closer than ever” to a deal. However, the fate of Russian-occupied territories in eastern Ukraine remains a key sticking point. Trump suggested Ukraine might need to concede parts of the Donbas region in exchange for lasting security assurances, though Zelensky has previously rejected such terms.

Analysts view the European-led force as a potential turning point, but warn that any territorial concessions could spark domestic and regional backlash, complicating the fragile peace process.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged that Kyiv currently lacks the military capacity and allied support to retake territories under Russian control, including Crimea. His statement marks a significant shift in tone after four years of war, signaling a possible softening of Ukraine’s long-held goal to fully restore its 1991 borders.

The admission comes as Washington intensifies pressure on Kyiv to accept former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan, which aims for a deal before Christmas. According to reports, U.S. envoys held a two-hour meeting with Zelensky, urging him to respond within days. Analysts view this as a turning point, reflecting both battlefield fatigue and the limits of Western military and financial backing.

Zelensky’s remarks also highlight growing uncertainty over Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and the fragility of European support without U.S. leadership. The coming weeks may determine whether Kyiv can secure credible security guarantees and reconstruction commitments in exchange for accepting the new geopolitical reality.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly ruled out any territorial concessions to Russia, as Kyiv prepares to submit a revised peace proposal to the United States. Speaking at a joint press conference with European and NATO leaders, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s constitution, national laws, and international norms do not allow the surrender of any part of its territory. He added that any border changes would require a national referendum.

The move follows reports that Kyiv rejected a proposal discussed during a recent secret meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Zelensky met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Downing Street, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine and called for a “just and lasting peace.”

Zelensky’s ongoing European tour includes meetings with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Meanwhile, Moscow described its talks with Washington as “constructive,” though no policy shift was evident. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Zelensky, claiming he is the main obstacle to a peace deal.

On December 9, the Russia-Ukraine war entered its 1,384th day with renewed hostilities across multiple regions. Russian attacks killed four civilians in Donetsk and left 12 wounded in Sumy, where drone strikes caused widespread power outages. Ukrainian forces retaliated with drone operations in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, disrupting electricity for thousands. Both sides reported territorial gains, while Russian authorities temporarily closed several southern airports amid drone warnings.

Diplomatic efforts continued as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met leaders from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in London to discuss a revised 20-point peace proposal. He later held talks in Brussels with EU and NATO leaders, emphasizing coordinated support for Ukraine’s security. European leaders reiterated that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be upheld and its defence strengthened as part of Europe’s long-term stability.

Meanwhile, Kyiv faces a funding shortfall of about $800 million for planned U.S. weapons purchases. The Netherlands pledged an additional €700 million in military aid for early 2026, while the UK announced £17 million for green energy projects in Ukraine. The International Court of Justice ruled that Russia’s counterclaims in the genocide case are admissible, marking a new phase in the legal battle.

European allies of Ukraine have agreed to step up military and economic support for Kyiv, describing the war against Russia as being at a “critical moment,” according to a statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The announcement came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to present a 20-point peace proposal, building on a 28-point plan introduced by US President Donald Trump last month. Zelenskyy met with leaders from France, Germany, and the UK in London before continuing to Brussels and Rome for further talks with EU, NATO, and Italian officials.

The diplomatic push comes amid growing friction between Kyiv and Washington, with Trump publicly criticizing Zelenskyy for allegedly ignoring US-backed proposals. Meanwhile, the Kremlin welcomed aspects of the new US national security strategy, which it said aligns with Russia’s views on NATO and European politics. On the ground, Russian forces continued their offensive, claiming new territorial gains in Donetsk and Zaporizhia while Ukrainian officials reported civilian casualties in multiple regions.

Analysts say the intensified diplomacy underscores both the urgency and complexity of ending the conflict, as Western nations balance pressure on Moscow with calls for a negotiated settlement.

Russia has claimed control over two additional strategically important settlements in Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, even as US-mediated peace talks continue. According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces used guided bombs, drones, and Kinzhal missiles to destroy Ukrainian communication lines, military infrastructure, and fuel depots. The ministry also asserted that Ukrainian troops were encircled in the Dimitrov area of Donetsk.

Ukraine, however, has denied losing new territory, saying its defense lines remain intact. Kyiv’s eastern command reported launching a major counterattack on Russian positions in Pokrovsk, forcing Russian troops to retreat from Myrnohrad. Ukrainian officials also claimed that Russian forces were trapped near a dam in Kharkiv. The conflicting reports highlight the ongoing intensity of the war despite diplomatic efforts.

Analysts warn that Russia’s latest territorial claims could complicate peace negotiations and further strain relations between Moscow and Western allies supporting Kyiv.

Ukraine’s armed forces now include more than 70,000 women, marking a 20% increase since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Over 5,500 of them are deployed directly on the front lines, while many others serve in technical and operational roles supported by modern warfare technologies, particularly drones.

Officials and soldiers say the rise in female participation reflects how technology has reshaped combat. Drones allow women to contribute effectively without traditional front-line exposure. Female drone pilots and technicians, such as those in the 9th Brigade and Khartia Corps, describe their missions as both challenging and transformative. President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier disclosed that around 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and nearly 390,000 injured since the invasion began.

Military recruiters have launched new campaigns targeting women, with female membership in some units up 20% since early 2024. As drone warfare evolves, it is redefining gender roles in Ukraine’s defense forces and signaling a broader shift toward technology-driven participation in modern conflict.

Three days of peace talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Florida ended Saturday without tangible progress, underscoring the deep impasse in efforts to end the war. On the same day, Russia launched one of its largest recent air offensives against Ukrainian cities and key infrastructure, signaling continued escalation despite diplomatic overtures.

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia fired 653 drones and 51 missiles, striking 29 locations including energy facilities and transport hubs. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed at least eight injuries, while the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant temporarily lost power, prompting safety concerns from the International Atomic Energy Agency. President Volodymyr Zelensky said energy infrastructure was deliberately targeted, accusing Moscow of seeking to cripple civilian life.

Moscow maintained that it only targeted military-industrial sites and their energy supply lines. With Russian forces advancing in eastern Donetsk—seizing over 500 square kilometers in November alone—Kyiv’s diplomatic options appear increasingly constrained. Observers warn that without a shift in Moscow’s stance, peace efforts will remain stalled.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to sever Ukraine’s access to the sea following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian tankers in the Black Sea. In a televised address, Putin said the best solution would be to isolate Ukraine from the sea to stop what he called 'Ukrainian piracy.' He also warned of intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports, ships, and infrastructure, and possible actions against tankers belonging to countries aiding Ukraine. The warning came after Ukrainian naval drones reportedly hit two Russian tankers heading to load oil for export. Ukraine also launched missile and drone strikes on Russia’s Novorossiysk port, disrupting oil supplies. While Putin did not elaborate on how he would enforce a maritime blockade, analysts see the threat as an escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022. Despite Russia’s occupation of parts of southern and eastern Ukraine, Kyiv still controls key ports like Odesa.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he seeks a complete end to the war with Russia, not a temporary pause, and warned against any 'secret games' in peace negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Dublin, Zelensky emphasized that the current moment offers the best opportunity yet to end the conflict. His comments come as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visit Russia for talks on ending the war, though Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet met them. Putin, meanwhile, rejected European peace proposals as unacceptable and accused European leaders of obstructing U.S.-led peace efforts, warning that Russia is ready if Europe wants war. Zelensky said he awaits direct messages from the U.S. following Putin’s meeting and remains open to talks with Donald Trump, depending on Moscow’s discussions. He noted that territorial issues and frozen Russian assets remain key challenges.

Russia has claimed control over the strategic eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a major transport hub, following prolonged and intense fighting. Moscow announced the capture on December 1, but Kyiv rejected the claim, alleging that Russia is spreading such information to influence ongoing ceasefire discussions. The claim came just hours after senior US and Ukrainian officials met in Florida to discuss possible pathways to end the war. Ukrainian forces maintain that they still hold Pokrovsk and surrounding areas despite heavy Russian assaults. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly visited the front lines on Sunday, where military chief Valery Gerasimov briefed him on the situation. Footage released by the Kremlin showed Russian troops raising their flag in Pokrovsk’s city center, later verified by CNN. The city’s road and rail links make it strategically vital for Ukraine’s logistics, though continued Russian drone strikes have damaged key supply routes.

Ukraine’s navy launched drone attacks on two oil tankers belonging to Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ in the Black Sea, according to Ukrainian officials. Verified BBC footage showed high-speed drones striking the vessels, causing large explosions and fires. The attacks targeted the Gambian-flagged tankers MT Kairos and Virat near Turkey’s coast on November 28, with a second strike on Virat the following day. No casualties have been reported so far. Turkey’s coast guard rescued 25 crew members from MT Kairos, including four Bangladeshi sailors, all of whom are safe. Ukrainian security sources said the operation used ‘Sea Baby’ naval drones developed by the SBU, part of Kyiv’s strategy to weaken Russia’s oil-dependent war financing. Since the 2022 invasion, Moscow has built a ‘shadow fleet’ of older, obscurely owned ships to evade Western sanctions. Both tankers were reportedly under international sanctions, according to the London Stock Exchange.

Russia’s Battle Group South has claimed that its forces killed more than 230 Ukrainian soldiers in the past 24 hours, according to spokesperson Vadim Astafyev, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS. The Russian units reportedly destroyed five armored vehicles, 19 automobiles, four field artillery guns, an electronic warfare station, and several ammunition and fuel depots. Drone units also targeted Ukrainian UAV control centers, Starlink terminals, and communication antennas in multiple directions, including Seversk, Kramatorsk, and Konstantinovka. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia always prefers peace but remains prepared for any potential conflict, emphasizing the need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. His comments followed remarks by Russia’s ambassador to Belgium, who warned that NATO and the European Union appear to be preparing for a major confrontation with Moscow. The Kremlin continues to accuse Western alliances of escalating military tensions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, following a search of Yermak’s home by anticorruption investigators. The move comes as Kyiv faces a widening corruption scandal involving a $100 million kickback scheme at the state nuclear company Energoatom, which has already led to multiple resignations. Yermak, one of Zelenskyy’s closest allies and a key negotiator in talks over a U.S.-backed plan to end Ukraine’s war with Russia, said he was fully cooperating with authorities. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the searches were authorized but did not specify the investigation’s target. The resignation adds to political turbulence as Zelenskyy faces pressure from both Washington and domestic opposition parties. In a video address, Zelenskyy called for unity and vowed continued reform efforts, asserting that Ukraine would not make mistakes under Russian pressure. Analysts say Yermak’s departure marks a significant blow to Zelenskyy’s administration during a critical phase of war and diplomacy.