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Ukraine war latest: Zelensky 'may consider' deployment of foreign peacekeepers to ensure ceasefire

10:35 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Zelensky 'may consider' deployment of foreign peacekeepers to ensure ceasefire

Key developments on Dec. 9: * Zelensky 'may consider' deployment of foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine to ensure ceasefire * Ex-chief of Russian-run Olenivka prison allegedly killed in car bombing in occupied Donetsk * Trump 'formulating a concept' to end Russia-Ukraine war * Russia claims bodies of Il-76 crash victims given to Ukraine, Kyiv says

10:20 PM

Ukraine assembling coalition for united stance on ending war, President's Office reports.

Ukraine is assembling a coalition of partners to create a working group aimed at bolstering its defense and forming a united diplomatic stance on ending the war, the president's spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov said on Dec. 9.

9:46 PM

Russian military suppliers exploit loophole to source US microchips.

Russian distributors allegedly integrated Texas Instruments' online store into their trading platforms, enabling customers in Russia to access semiconductor inventories and prices, and place orders.

9:06 PM

Russia’s defense spending surges to record levels, media reports.

Russia’s spending on “national defense” reached an unprecedented $43 billion in the third quarter of 2024, The Moscow Times reported on Dec. 9.

8:48 PM

Transnistria declares economic emergency over Russian gas supply threat.

Leader of Moldova's Russian-occupied Transnistria region, Vadim Krasnoselsky, signed a decree on Dec. 9 introducing a 30-day economic state of emergency due to the risk of Russian gas supply disruptions, Newsmaker media reported.

7:10 PM

NATO jets intercept Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

The F-35s, deployed under NATO’s eastern airspace monitoring mission, intercepted a Russian An-72 transport aircraft and an SU-24 reconnaissance aircraft.

The Kyiv Independent’s film about Ukrainian military medics will be screened in 10 European capitals

6:32 PM

Company news

The Kyiv Independent’s film about Ukrainian military medics will be screened in 10 European capitals

The Kyiv Independent’s upcoming documentary about Ukrainian military medics who save lives on the front line of Russia’s full-scale war will be screened in 10 European capitals. “Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics” will premiere in Kyiv on Dec. 12, followed by screenings

6:25 PM

Russia seeks Turkey’s help to withdraw troops from Syria, CNN Turk reports.

According to the outlet’s correspondent in Ankara, Russia has proposed relocating its forces to Turkish-controlled areas of Syria before transporting them to Russia by air.

5:55 PM

Russian court sentences Crimean resident to 15 years for alleged state treason.

A Russian-controlled court in occupied Crimea sentenced a 33-year-old local resident to 15 years in a strict regime colony on charges of state treason, Russia's prosecutor's office reported on Dec. 9. The man was accused of transmitting information about the movement of Russian military equipment to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.

5:00 PM

Zelensky plans to call Biden to discuss NATO invitation for Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Dec. 9 his intention to call U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss Ukraine’s invitation to NATO.

3:51 PM

German opposition leader proposes European contact group to unify Ukraine peace strategy.

Speaking to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the German politician said that this united vision should be then presented to the U.S. leadership. Zelensky voiced his support for the proposal, Ukrinform reported.

3:23 PM

Pope Francis calls for Christmas ceasefire 'on all war fronts.'

"Let us continue to pray for peace, in tormented Ukraine, in the Middle East — Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and now Syria — in Myanmar, in Sudan, and wherever people suffer from war and violence," Pope Francis said on Dec. 8.

2:52 PM

Russia claims bodies of Il-76 crash victims given to Ukraine, Kyiv says examinations ongoing.

Russia has transferred the bodies of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) who died in a plane crash over Russia’s Belgorod Oblast in January, Russian Ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova claimed in an interview with state-run RIA Novosti published on Dec. 9.

2:19 PM

Zelensky 'may consider' deployment of foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine to ensure ceasefire.

Ukraine "may consider" French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to deploy European peacekeepers on its territory but only after getting a clear understanding of the NATO membership timeline, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after meeting German opposition leader Friedrich Merz on Dec. 9.

EU Ambassador to Ukraine: Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts mark a decade of transformation

1:54 PM

Opinion

EU Ambassador to Ukraine: Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts mark a decade of transformation

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity. A decade ago, thousands of Ukrainians united to protest a government that sidelined the will of the people to serve its own interests. This revolution ignited a transformative journey toward a European future and a Ukrainian society where the

1:29 PM

Trump 'formulating a concept' to end Russia-Ukraine war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin should seek an end to the war as he lost 700,000 people to hostilities, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said in comments for the New York Post published on Dec. 8.

10 reforms that defined the decade for Ukraine

1:04 PM

Opinion

10 reforms that defined the decade for Ukraine

Ukraine is a nation of reforms, constantly striving for improvement through roadmaps and input from domestic and international partners. These efforts have not been in vain. As we mark International Anti-Corruption Day, it’s crucial to reflect on our achievements and build on the progress made. The past decade, shaped

12:53 PM

Syrian opposition takes full control of Latakia province hosting Russian bases, Russian media reports.

Syrian opposition fighters took control of the Latakia province, where Russian military facilities – the Kheimin airbase and the Tartus naval base – are based, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Dec. 9, citing a Syrian source.

12:13 PM

Ex-chief of Russian-run Olenivka prison allegedly killed in car bombing in occupied Donetsk.

Serhii Yevsiukov, the former head of Russia's Olenivka prisoner of war (POW) camp in the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast, was allegedly killed in a car bombing in occupied Donetsk, the Russian media reported on Dec. 9.

When Ukraine was the third-largest nuclear power

11:33 AM

Video

When Ukraine was the third-largest nuclear power.

For the 30th anniversary of the Budapest Memorandum, The Kyiv Independent’s Daria Shulzhenko visits a former Soviet-era nuclear missile silo in south Ukraine.

11:26 AM

Estonian PM arrives in Kyiv to meet Zelensky.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the PM said in a post on X on Dec. 9.

10:51 AM

Russian attacks kill 1, injure 9 civilians in Kherson, Donetsk oblasts over past day.

Overnight on Dec. 9, the Russian military attacked Ukraine with two Kh-59/69 cruise missiles from the Black Sea. During the night attack, Russia also launched 37 Shaheds and other unidentified drones, Ukraine’s Air Force reported.

10:34 AM

SBU releases video of Sea Baby naval drones repelling Russian helicopter attack.

The skirmish took place overnight on Dec. 6 in Kerch Bay, east of the occupied peninsula, when Russian helicopters, planes, and Raptor-class patrol boats attempted to intercept the drones, the SBU said in a statement.

10:02 AM

German opposition leader Merz arrives in Kyiv.

"The purpose of my visit is to learn about the current state of defense in the country," Friedrich Merz said upon arrival. "I am looking forward to a meeting with President (Volodymyr Zelensky) again."

9:16 AM

Russia has spent $200 billion on full-scale war in Ukraine, suffered 700,000 casualties, Austin says.

Russia has spent at least $200 billion on its war with Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said at a conference on Dec. 7 in California.

8:45 AM

Russian losses in Ukraine prevented Moscow from saving Assad regime in Syria, Biden says.

"Additionally, Russia's support for Assad also failed. And that's because Ukraine, backed by our American allies, has put up a wall of resistance against invading Russian forces, inflicting massive damage on the Russian forces," U.S. President Joe Biden said.

8:17 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 754,590 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,220 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:10 AM

Georgian PM announces new law banning face-coverings at protests.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced plans to introduce a law banning participants in rallies and counter-rallies from covering their faces, Georgia Today reported on Dec. 8.

3:56 AM

Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina posthumously receives Prix Voltaire Special Award.

Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina was posthumously honored with the Special Prix Voltaire Award at the 34th International Publishers Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, PEN Ukraine reported on Dec. 6.

3:05 AM

EU Defense Commissioner proposes $105 billion defense budget allocation, Politico reports.

European Union Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, has proposed allocating 100 billion euros ($105 billion) for defense in the next seven-year EU budget, Politico reported on Dec. 8.

11:40 PM

Trump urges Putin it's 'time to act' on ceasefire negotiations with Zelensky.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to take action toward negotiating a truce, saying on Dec. 8: "I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!"

10:39 PM

Russia's attack on Kherson Oblast kills 1, injures 7.

A 73-year-old man in a town of Kindiika close to Kherson died after explosives were dropped from the drone on Dec. 8.

News Feed

8:01 PM

Moldova

Narrowly overcoming pro-Russian comeback, Moldovan President Sandu is facing tough term ahead

7:56 PM

Civil partnerships in limbo as LGBTQ+ community seeks equal rights amid war

7:49 PM

War analysis

Our readers' questions about the war, answered. Vol. 7

7:35 PM

Deported Ukrainian teen allegedly commits suicide in Russia.

Ukrainian-born Oleksandr Yakushchenko, 18, who was deported from the Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast in 2022, was found dead after allegedly committing suicide on Jan. 10, 2024 near his foster home in Russia.

5:01 PM

Russia strikes apartment building in Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve, at least 1 killed, 13 injured.

Preliminary reports say that a Russian ballistic missile hit a four-story apartment building in the city, according to Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul. "Unfortunately, we're preparing for difficult news," Vilkul said in a statement.

3:57 PM

Russian government considers restricting calls made via messenger apps.

The possible blocking of calls is being justified by authorities as a crackdown on anti-fraud calls.

3:38 PM

Ukraine receives $1bn from Japan, UK through World Bank DPL program.

“The funds raised will be used to strengthen our economy and finance priority expenditures in the social and humanitarian spheres,” Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Dec. 24.

3:03 PM

Russia trying to seize bridgehead on west bank of Dnipro, but no talk of storming Kherson, military says.

From the new foothold, Russian forces could fire on Kherson and the Ukrainian military units located in the coastal zone on the western bank of the Dnipro.

2:32 PM

Russian-installed head of occupied Berdiansk injured after his car explodes.

Ukrainian authorities have previously accused Vasyl Nechet of collaborationism.

1:21 PM

US allocates almost $254 million for increasing missile production.

The U.S. Defense Department has provided $253.7 million to Williams International (Williams) through the Defense Production Act (DPA).

1:08 PM

WhatsApp may be blocked in 2025 in Russia if company doesn't comply with law, senator says.

WhatsApp is the only Meta service that has not yet been blocked in Russia.

11:57 AM

Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 2, injure 5 over past day.

Russian forces launched 60 drones at Ukraine overnight from the Russian cities of Bryansk, Millerovo, and Primosk-Akhtarsk, according to a report from Ukraine's Air Force.

11:44 AM

Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sinks in Mediterranean after explosion.

According to reports, 14 crew members were rescued, and two remain missing.

10:28 AM

Ukrainian volunteers developing more powerful model of Trembita missile capable of reaching Moscow, The Economist reports.

The Trembita is significantly cheaper than Western or Russian cruise missiles, and operates like the V1 flying bombs used by Germany during World War II.

9:46 AM

Ukrainian drones attack Russian city of Millerovo, Rostov Oblast, acting governor says.

Millerovo hosts a military airbase which houses aircraft used to attack Ukraine, Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's counter-disinformation center, said.

8:38 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 777,720 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,630 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:10 AM

Italy extends military support to Ukraine through 2025.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Italy has delivered 10 military aid packages to Kyiv which have included advanced systems like the French-Italian SAMP/T air defense units.

5:49 AM

EU to produce 2 million artillery shells in 2025, new defense commissioner tells media.

Europe is unlikely to ramp up weapons and ammunition production for Ukraine in the coming years, according to Andrius Kubilius, the newly appointed EU Commissioner for Defense and Space.

3:37 AM

Parliament proposes bill to allow male students free travel from Ukraine.

The Verkhovna Rada is drafting a bill that will allow Ukrainian students enrolled in universities abroad to freely cross Ukraine's borders. Once entering the country from abroad, most male students currently cannot leave Ukraine again.

2:23 AM

Ukraine receives 86 million euros from European Investment Bank to protect energy infrastructure from drone attacks.

Anti-drone shelters will be constructed with the funding to protect electricity transmission equipment and make Ukraine's energy grid more reliable and resilient, the EIB said in a statement.

12:46 AM

US plans to impose more sanctions on Russian energy by year-end, Ukrainian official says.

The U.S. is planning to impose additional sanctions on Russian oil by the end of the year, particularly targeting Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president’s commissioner for sanctions, told public broadcaster Suspilne on Dec. 23.

11:52 PM

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