The Kyiv Independent

'Irreparable loss' — Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter crew killed in combat mission, brigade says

Ukrainian passport appears in newly released Epstein photos

"The question of whether Russian society bears responsibility for Vladimir Putin’s actions has been raised repeatedly since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine." "This debate is not confined to Eastern Europe; it also actively circulates in Western political and academic circles. Often, it produces a comforting illusion: the source of today’s threats emanating from Russia is Putin alone, while Russian society remains merely frightened, silenced, and therefore absolved." "This is not a call for collective punishment. It is a discussion about moral and political responsibility — concepts democratic societies have confronted before and cannot afford to selectively forget today," writes Archil Jangirashvili, Georgian lawyer and academic specializing in law, political ethics, and human rights, in this op-ed. Read the full op-ed at the link in bio. Photo: Alexander Nemenov / AFP / Getty Images

US, Ukraine minerals deal will finally go live in 2026

Russian drone hits civilian car in Odesa Oblast, killing mother and injuring 3 children, governor says

Zelensky arrives in Poland for official visit

A Russian ballistic missile system known as Oreshnik has been deployed to Belarus and has entered active combat duty, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said during a press conference on Dec. 18. The deployment further transforms Belarus into a potential launch site for Russian missile strikes, shrinking the buffer zone between Ukraine and potential launch areas to just a few dozen kilometers. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Belarus has allowed its territory to be used for Russian troop movements, missile launches, and drone attacks. The Oreshnik is a new Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile, reportedly designed to carry nuclear warheads. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the missile in November 2024, claiming it was a new type of weapon that Western air defense systems would be unable to intercept. However, as with other Russian "superweapons," experts remain skeptical about the missile's capabilities. In October, Pre

Putin, the people, or both? The unresolved question of responsibility in Russia

Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile deployed to Belarus, Lukashenko says

On Nov. 28, a Russian attack lasting more than 10 hours struck Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv as the main target. The Kyiv Independent’s Nick Allard and Tania Myronyshena spent the night with a Kyiv family sheltering in a parking garage with their three children. As Russian drones and missiles reached the city, the family followed their routine in the shelter and shared how their perception of the war has changed over the years — and why they continue to stay in Ukraine despite the regular, deadly attacks. Watch the full video at the link in bio. #kyiv #ukraine #war

President Volodymyr Zelensky speech during the European Council meeting on Dec. 18

Nearly 60% of Ukrainians see Zelensky as responsible for his associate's role in major corruption scandal, poll shows

Zelensky supports online voting in future presidential election

“No reward for the aggressor — that is the key principle of peace. And that is exactly what needs to be proven now,” said President Volodymyr Zelensky during an address to EU leaders during the European Council meeting on Dec. 18. During the two-day summit on Dec. 18–19, EU leaders are expected to decide whether to proceed with a "reparations loan," a plan to lend up to 210 billion euros ($250 billion) backed by frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. Without additional financing, Kyiv will likely run out of cash by spring next year. Video: Office of the President of Ukraine / YouTube.

Ukrainian forces counterattacked near Lyman in Donetsk Oblast, destroying what they described as an entire Russian regiment — a unit that can number roughly 2,000 troops on paper — and improving their positions, Ukraine’s Third Army Corps reported Dec. 18. The operation was conducted by Ukraine’s Third Army Corps and units of the military intelligence agency (HUR) against the backdrop of Russia’s continued push to seize more of Donetsk Oblast. “As a result of coordinated efforts, the front line was straightened, and the tactical position of Ukrainian forces in the area improved,” the unit said on Facebook. Ukrainian forces’ operation in the sector has limited Russia’s ability to maneuver in the heavily forested area, the Third Army Corps said. The unit also reported that a number of Russian infantry soldiers were taken prisoner during the operation. Lyman, located in northern Donetsk Oblast with a pre-war population of around 20,000, has been a hotspot of the front line for years a

Swedish, Danish ministers on US peace push and EU's role at the table

I build robots to save lives: Here’s why Europe must invest in Ukraine’s civil security

The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek sits down with Denmark’s European Union Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Sweden’s European Union Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz to discuss Ukraine’s progress toward EU accession, Hungary’s continued block on opening negotiation clusters, and the impact of Ukraine’s latest major corruption scandal. They also comment on the U.S. renewed push for a peace deal, outline the EU’s leverage through frozen Russian assets, and argue that a just and lasting peace must preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Watch the full video at the link in bio.

EU imposes new sanctions on Russia's 'shadow fleet'

Ukrainian forces counterattack near Lyman, claim Russian regiment destroyed

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) struck a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea, reportedly destroying air defense equipment worth hundreds of millions of dollars, the agency said in a Telegram post on Dec. 18. The overnight attack targeted the Belbek airbase near Sevastopol and was carried out by long-range drones operated by the Alpha unit of the SBU Special Operations Center, according to the SBU. "The operation was a direct hit on the enemy's air defense capabilities," the agency said. According to the SBU, the strike damaged or destroyed two Nebo-SVU long-range radar systems (each estimated to cost between $60 million and $100 million), a 92N6 radar used in the S-400 "Triumf" air defense system (valued at around $30 million on Russia's domestic market and up to $60 million for export), a Pantsir-S2 air defense system (worth an estimated $12 million to $19 million), and a MiG-31 fighter jet equipped with a full combat load (valued at approximately $30 million to $50 milli

SBU says drones hit Russian equipment worth hundreds of millions at Belbek airfield in occupied Crimea

Ukrainian delegation to visit US for peace talks on Dec. 19-20, Zelensky says

Zelensky joins EU summit in Brussels as Kyiv awaits decision on reparations loan

Three Russian border guards briefly entered Estonian territory without permission on the morning of Dec. 17, the ERR broadcaster reported, citing Estonia's Interior Ministry. Igor Taro, the interior minister of the Baltic nation, said it remains unclear whether the incident was intentional but emphasized that there is no threat to Estonia's security. The news comes amid increasingly frequent cases of suspected Russian provocations and aerial incursions on NATO territory, particularly in the Baltic region. The incident occurred in eastern Estonia at the Narva River, which divides the two countries. Tallinn said its border security personnel observed a group of Russian border guards crossing the control line at a breakwater situated where the Narva River meets Lake Peipus. The three Russian personnel returned to Russian territory after approximately 20 minutes, according to Estonian authorities. The Estonian Border Guard has deployed additional border patrols, and Estonian official

Russian border guards briefly crossed into Estonia, Tallinn says

As dust settles from a historic deal that saw Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko free 123 political prisoners in exchange for a partial U.S. sanctions relief, the main question remains unanswered — what now? Trump’s newly appointed special envoy, John Coale, arrived in Minsk on Dec. 12 and secured the biggest prisoner release so far, with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and leading opposition figures Viktar Babaryka and Maria Kalesnikava walking free the following day. The inclusion of Babaryka, Kalesnikava, Bialiatski, along with the editor-in-chief of the country’s biggest independent outlet tut.by, Maryna Zolatava, veteran politician Pavel Seviarynets, and prominent political analyst Alexander Feduta, marks the most high-profile release yet. In return, the Treasury delisted Belaruskali and its subsidiaries, allowing Belarus to trade potash with the U.S. and longtime customers in China, India, and Brazil. Now, Belarus observers are closely watching seemingly unco

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 18, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek sits down with Denmark’s European Union Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Sweden’s European Union Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz to discuss Ukraine’s progress toward EU accession, Hungary’s continued block on opening negotiation clusters, and the impact of Ukraine’s latest major corruption scandal. They also comment on the U.S. renewed push for a peace deal, outline the EU’s leverage through frozen Russian assets, and argue that a just and lasting peace must preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Watch the full video at the link in bio.

Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil tanker in Russia's Rostov-on-Don, local officials claim

Drone production, air defense sustainment — Germany backs Ukraine with $1.4 billion in defense agreements

US, Russia set to hold talks in Miami this weekend, Politico reports

US Senate passes defense spending bill allocating $400 million annually in military aid to Ukraine through 2027

Ukrainian forces have regained control over 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) in the northern part of Pokrovsk, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Dec. 17 following his participation in the 32nd Ramstein-format Defense Contact Group meeting. Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained a soldier who spied for Moscow's intelligence while serving in Ukraine's military, the SBU said on Dec. 17. Read more here: https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-live-2025-12-17/ Photo: Andriy Dubchak / Frontliner / Getty Images

Lukashenko trades prisoners for sanctions relief — and keeps the upper hand

Ukrainian forces have regained control over 16 square kilometers (6.2 square miles) in the northern part of Pokrovsk, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Dec. 17 following his participation in the 32nd Ramstein-format Defense Contact Group meeting. "Despite months of Russian pressure, our units are holding the line and gradually reclaiming lost ground. In Pokrovsk, we have returned control over 16 square kilometers of territory," Syrskyi said on Telegram. He added that Russian forces have been attempting to capture Pokrovsk for over 17 months, but Ukrainian troops continue to hold their defensive positions and seize the initiative. In addition to gains within the city, Ukrainian forces also liberated 56 square kilometers (21.6 square miles) of territory near the settlements of Hryshyne, Kotlyne, and Udachne, located west of Pokrovsk, he said. Syrskyi said the situation on the front line remains "difficult," as Russia has concentrated up to 710,000 troops for its ongoing st

As Ukraine abandons hope of joining NATO anytime soon, it seeks the next best alternative: security guarantees based on the alliance’s Article 5. President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials have been clear: any peace deal not backed up by real force invites future Russian aggression — much like the infamous Budapest Memorandum. Following recent meetings in Berlin between Ukraine, U.S. and European officials, Washington appears open to providing the so-called “Article 5-like” security guarantees. What “Article 5-like” security guarantees would look like in practice has not been decided, with European and Ukrainian officials privately acknowledging that they themselves have not fully resolved this issue. However, Western and Ukrainian observers say that unless the West commits combat-ready troops on the ground, the guarantees will not deter Russia. Moscow has ruled out accepting a peace offer in which NATO troops would be stationed in Ukraine. As Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr M

UK tells Abramovich to give Chelsea money to Ukrainian cause or face legal action

Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at Western leaders during an annual meeting with his defense ministry on Dec. 17, calling European leaders "piglets" and declaring that the goals of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine would be met "unconditionally." If Russia's demands were not met through diplomatic efforts, Putin warned that Russia would "liberate" what he claimed were its "historical lands" on the battlefield. Among Moscow’s stated demands is that Ukraine relinquish full control of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and accept limits on the size of its military, which the majority of Ukrainians oppose. In further disregard for peace, Putin went on to claim that his country was acquiring weapons unmatched by any other country. He also criticized European leaders, whom he referred to as "piglets," accusing them of aligning with former U.S. President Joe Biden — whom he blames for "starting" the war — in hopes of bringing about Russia's collapse. Photo: Alexander Kazakov /

SBU detains Ukrainian soldier accused of spying for Russia's FSB, helping coordinate strikes

Rolling into Odesa’s downtown, the constant hum of hundreds of generators drowns the ability to converse. Just days earlier, the region came under a massive strike involving Shahed-type attack drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. The city, home to one million residents, was plunged into near-complete darkness on Dec. 13, with hundreds of thousands of residents left without electricity, while water and heating services became scarce. “The emergency situation that arose as a result of the enemy's massive attack on the energy infrastructure has acquired the status of a state-level emergency,” Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper wrote on Dec. 17. Some residents have remained without electricity to this day. On the surface, it might have looked like Russia achieved its goal: plunging Odesa into complete darkness. The response unfolding across shops, houses, and entire neighborhoods tells a different story — one of determination, adaptation, and defiance. Read the full article

Putin calls European leaders 'piglets,' declares war goals will be met 'unconditionally'

Ukraine's Deputy Speaker Korniyenko takes charge of Zelensky's party

Two films from Ukraine advanced to the shortlist of contenders for the 98th Academy Awards, according to an announcement on Dec. 16 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "I Died in Irpin," directed by Anastasiia Falileieva, depicts a young couple fleeing Kyiv during the start of Russia's full-scale war, has been nominated for best animated short film. The couple seek refuge with family in Irpin, believing it to be safer, unaware that Kyiv Oblast would soon become the site of some of the war’s worst violence. Mstyslav Chernov’s "2000 Meters to Andriivka," a documentary chronicling Ukrainian troops’ perilous advance to retake a strategically important village from Russian forces, has been nominated for best documentary feature. Chernov won the Academy Award for best documentary feature in 2024 for "20 Days in Mariupol," which follows him and his two fellow journalists as they document Russia’s siege of the city at the start of the full-sclae war. Both "I Died in Irpin"

'Every new strike only unites us' — Odesa endures 5-day blackout after Russian strikes

Russian airstrike on Odesa on Dec. 12 damaged critical infrastructure and left parts of the city without electricity and water for four days. Video: @shantishaktikaur

EU ministers on the bloc's 2-point peace plan for Ukraine

The Kyiv Independent sits down with Denmark’s European Union Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Sweden’s European Union Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz to discuss Ukraine’s progress toward EU accession and the impact of Ukraine’s latest major corruption scandal. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SpVjLuOE6E

Swedish, Danish ministers on US peace push and EU's role at the table

2 Ukrainian films shortlisted for 98th Academy Awards nominations

'Article 5' without NATO — Why security guarantees may fail to protect Ukraine

Russian guided bomb attack hits apartment buildings in Zaporizhzhia, injuring at least 32

What Ukrainians actually think about ceding Donbas to Russia

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces regain 16 square kilometers near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says

Russia attacked the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia with KAB bombs the morning of Dec. 17, injuring at least 26 people, including a child, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. The attack reportedly occurred around 11 a.m., hitting two multi-story residential buildings, infrastructure and educational facilities, Fedorov said. Photos at the scene showed firefighters trying to put out flames at an apartment building, while first responders treated victims. There may be more people under the rubble, Fedorov added. The aftermath of the attack is still being assessed, the State Emergency Service said. Video: Ivan Fedorov / Telegram. Photo: State Emergency Service.

Ukraine warns of ‘catastrophe for every single European’ if Russian frozen asset plan fails

Bloomberg: US ready to impose additional sanctions against Russia if Putin rejects peace deal

For our new collection honoring the history of the tryzub, we felt it was important to include the Great Coat of Arms — even though it was never officially adopted. It represents the unity of Ukraine, past and present. Shop our new collection: https://store.kyivindependent.com/collections/ukrainian-trident-through-history-and-modernity

For our new collection honoring the history of the tryzub, we felt it was important to include the Great Coat of Arms — even though it was never officially adopted. It represents the unity of Ukraine, past and present. Shop our new collection now at the link in bio. Photos: Kyiv Independent, Anastasiia Smoliyenko, Ovsyannikova Yulia, Kirill Chubotin, Les Kasyanov, Hennadii Minchenko / Getty Images

Western troops deployed in Ukraine as part of post-ceasefire security guarantees could potentially retaliate against future Russian attacks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Dec. 16. Read here: https://kyivindependent.com/western-peacekeepers-in-ukraine-could-retaliate-against-russian-ceasefire-violations-merz-says/

Western troops deployed in Ukraine as part of post-ceasefire security guarantees could potentially retaliate against future Russian attacks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Dec. 16. "We would secure a demilitarized zone between the belligerent parties and, to be specific, we would also move against corresponding Russian violations and attacks," Merz said in an interview with the ZDF television channel. The comments come amid signals that the U.S. and European allies are willing to offer NATO-like security guarantees to Kyiv as part of a proposed peace agreement with Russia. "The fact that the Americans have made such a commitment, namely to protect Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as if it were NATO territory, I think is a remarkable new position for the U.S.," Merz said. According to a six-point proposal recently unveiled by European partners, the post-war guarantees would include a European-led, U.S.-backed multinational force deployed in Ukraine to bolster the countr

Western peacekeepers in Ukraine could retaliate against Russian attacks post-ceasefire, Merz says