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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.

The Week Ahead: Key Developments Impacting Global Politics & Markets

10:00 PM

KI Insights

The Week Ahead: Key Developments Impacting Global Politics & Markets

Editor's note: This article is a shortened on-site version of KI Insights' The Week Ahead newsletter covering events from Dec. 9 to Dec. 15. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events, delivered directly to your inbox every Sunday. Romania's newly elected Parliament to set

8:13 PM

Syria's Assad, his family have arrived in Moscow after being granted asylum, sources tell Russian news agencies.

Russian news agencies reported on Dec. 8 that Syria's Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Russia, where they have been granted asylum on "humanitarian grounds."

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine has lost 43,000 soldiers in action since start of invasion, Zelensky says

7:53 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine has lost 43,000 soldiers in action since start of invasion, Zelensky says

Key developments on Dec. 7-8: * Ukraine has lost 43,000 soldiers in action since start of invasion, Zelensky says * Russia claims control of village in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine has not confirmed capture * Situation in Zaporizhzhia Oblast 'difficult,' but 'predicted,' Freedom of Russia Legion spokesperson says * Ukrainian sea drones

Trump -Zelensky meeting and Johnny Harris controversy | Ukraine This Week

7:09 PM

Video

Trump -Zelensky meeting and Johnny Harris controversy | Ukraine This Week.

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, host Anna Belokur explains the recent meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, the escalating protests in Georgia, U.S. commentator Tucker Carlson's surprise interview with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the Johnny Harris controversy.

6:59 PM

Trump tells NBC News Ukraine should likely prepare for reduced US aid.

Trump reiterated that he is working to end the hostilities in Ukraine, reinforcing his earlier campaign claim that he could resolve the war within 24 hours if he were in charge.

6:03 PM

Assad regime collapse in Syria exposes weakness of Russia, Iran, EU's top diplomat says.

In a post on X, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas described Assad’s fall as a “positive and long-awaited development," saying that the collapse "shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran."

4:48 PM

Russia withdraws ships, weapons from Syria, Ukrainian intelligence reports.

The withdrawal comes as rebels advancing from Damascus push toward Syria's coastal provinces, including Latakia, Hama and Tartus, where Russian military bases are located, Ukraine's military intelligence agency said.

3:27 PM

43,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in action since start of invasion, Zelensky says.

This figure contrasts a claim made earlier the same day on Dec. 8 by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who wrote on his Truth Social platform that Ukrainian military losses had reached "400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians."

Reuters reports Assad may have died in plane crash, later removes report

1:50 PM

(Updated: December 8, 2024 3:00 pm)

Reuters reports Assad may have died in plane crash, later removes report.

Reuters on Dec. 8 reported, citing its Syrian sources that "there was a very high probability that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad may have been killed in a plane crash" as he was fleeing Damascus following its capture by rebels. Reuters later deleted the information from its reporting.

12:44 PM

Zelensky ready to 'make a deal' on the war in Ukraine, Trump says after meeting in Paris.

Trump and Zelensky met in Paris as world leaders gathered in the city for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

10:46 AM

28 drones intercepted, 46 lost in Russia's overnight attack on Ukraine, Air Force reports.

The drones targeted multiple oblasts, with debris from downed drones causing damage to residential buildings.

10:25 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 753,370 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,460 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day, Ukraine's General Staff reported.

5:38 AM

Syrian rebels announce fall of Russia-backed Assad regime.

"The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled. We declare the city of Damascus free from the tyrant Bashar al-Assad," rebel leaders claimed on Dec. 8.

5:03 AM

Rebels enter Damascus, Assad reportedly flees capital.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad boarded a plane out of Damascus on Dec. 8 as rebel forces swept into the capital, two senior army officers told Reuters.

3:37 AM

Russia claims control of village in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine has not confirmed capture.

Russia claimed control over the village of Beretsky in Donetsk Oblast, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Dec. 7. Ukrainian officials have not commented on Russia's claims, which could not be independently verified.

2:49 AM

Russia's war in Ukraine weakened Assad regime, US won't get involved, Sullivan says.

"Assad's backers — Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah — have all been weakened and distracted," U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. Russia cannot provide large-scale military support while "ground down in a war of attrition" in Ukraine.

12:53 AM

Syrian government forces withdraw from Homs, cutting Assad off from key Russian military base.

Homs is located between Damascus, Syria's capital, and the Mediterranean coast — where Russia maintains its Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base.

11:50 PM

US announces $988 million military aid package for Ukraine.

The latest aid package will be pulled through the remaining $2 billion in funding from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) — a Pentagon-led program for supplying arms to Ukraine through contracts with U.S. defense companies.

10:22 PM

US officials believe Assad's regime may fall within days, CNN reports.

The regime of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad may fall within days as Syrian rebels continue to advance on the country's capital Damascus, five different U.S. officials told CNN on Dec. 7.

9:13 PM

Zelensky meets with Georgian President Zourabichvili, urges Georgians to 'not let government surrender country to Putin.'

"Ukraine supports and stands in solidarity with the Georgian people, who are currently fighting for a worthy future for themselves," Zelensky told Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili during the meeting. "It is important to always respect the will of the people and not let the Ivanishvili government surrender the country to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."

8:15 PM

Zelensky praises 'productive' meeting held with Trump, Macron, stresses 'peace through strength.'

The previously unannounced meeting comes ahead of Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. It also marks the first in-person encounter between Zelensky and Trump since Trump won re-election.

7:38 PM

Syrian rebels claim to have reached Damascus' suburbs.

Syrian rebels claim to have reached the suburbs of Damascus, Syria's capital, on Dec. 7, as the rebel groups' rapid offensive against pro-government forces continues.

7:04 PM

Zelensky to meet with Trump, Macron on Dec. 7 during visit to Paris.

President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as well as French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a trilateral meeting on Dec. 7, amid world leaders' visit to France for the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

News Feed

6:43 AM

(Updated: December 25, 2024 7:53 am)

Russia terrorizes Ukraine with mass missile, drone attack on Christmas morning.

Explosions were reported in Kharkiv, Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, and other cities as Russia launched a mass aerial attack across Ukraine the morning of Dec. 25. At least three civilians were hospitalized.

3:01 AM

Russia deems record number of organizations 'undesirable' in 2024.

Russia added 65 organizations to the list in 2024, include the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), founded by George and Amal Clooney, and the independent Russian media outlet the Moscow Times.

5:01 PM

(Updated: December 25, 2024 2:10 am)

Russia strikes apartment building in Kryvyi Rih on Christmas Eve, at least 1 killed, 15 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.

1:34 AM

Russian court sentences US citizen to 15 years for alleged espionage.

Eugene Spector, 52, was already serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for bribery when he was charged with espionage.

12:43 AM

Kyiv to simplify procurement of drones, electronic warfare equipment.

"From now on, the military will be able to plan their needs more effectively, and manufacturers will be able to focus on technological development and scaling up production," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.

11:43 PM

Fire damages United Russia party office in Arkhangelsk, official claims.

The office was storing "humanitarian aid" for Russia's front-line military personnel, according to United Russia representative Vladimir Zhgilyov.

10:50 PM

Russia has 'systemic problems' with fleet, Navy spokesperson says after Ursa Major explosion.

"The Russians have a systemic problem. It is quite expectedly reflected in the general condition of their fleet," Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said on Dec. 24.

10:24 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Russia attempts to seize bridgehead on west bank of Dnipro, potentially for Kherson assault

9:00 PM

Opinion

Slavoj Žižek: Ukraine’s fight against Russia is a metaphysical struggle for survival

8:58 PM

Ukraine receives first $1 billion as part of US batch of frozen Russian assets profits.

This is the first tranche of the planned $20 billion that the U.S. intends to provide as part of the G7 initiative.

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.

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 $1 billion 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.

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