Newsletter 12/01/2026
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
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Ukraine’s security guarantees from U.S. to be finalized at highest level, Zelensky says
President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed that the document on security guarantees for Ukraine from the United States be finalized and submitted for consideration at the highest level.
Britain to develop ballistic missiles for Ukraine with range of over 500 kilometers
Under Project Nightfall, the United Kingdom has launched a competition to rapidly develop ground-launched ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 kilometers and designed to operate in high-threat battlefields with heavy electromagnetic interference.
NATO-Ukraine Council meeting: Kyiv requested Patriot, NASAMS missiles
At an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, Ukraine informed its allies about the growing number of Russian attacks on the country’s energy system and called for increased assistance, particularly air defense systems and missiles for Patriot and NASAMS.
Rheinmetall to supply Lynx IFVs to Ukraine
The first Lynx KF41 IFVs are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in early 2026. A contract to this effect was signed in December 2025.
The order value for the first five combat vehicles is “in the mid double-digit million euro range,” with the systems being financed by Germany.
The decision in favor of the Lynx KF41 was made after extensive testing of the next-generation infantry fighting vehicle. The IFVs will feature the two-man Lance turret and be configured specifically for the Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Norway allocates $400M to support Ukraine
Norway is providing a $400 million support package for Ukraine, with half of the funds directed toward winter assistance and the other half toward budget support.
War
War update: 78 clashes on front since morning, Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions most active
Since the start of the day, a total of 78 combat clashes have been recorded along the front line. Fighting is currently ongoing on six axes, with Russian invaders applying the greatest pressure on the Huliaipole and Pokrovsk directions.
Russia intensifies pressure on Chasiv Yar – military
Taking advantage of weather conditions, the Russian army has stepped up pressure on the city of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region.
Border guards destroy Russian equipment, 13 shelters on Southern Slobozhanshchyna axis
On the Southern Slobozhanshchyna axis, aerial reconnaissance operators of the Sky Hawks unit of the 4th Border Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, operating as part of the Defense Forces, destroyed six vehicles, thirteen shelters, two communications antennas, and a Russian mortar.
Border guards destroy six Russian shelters, communications antenna on Kursk axis
Fighters of the mobile border detachment “Steel Border” used drones to destroy a communications antenna and six shelters of the Russian army on the Kursk axis of the front.
Three-tier system to defend against Russian drones built in Kherson region – governor
Russians resume maritime navigation in Mariupol, they deliver ammunition, and load coal and grain
Shellings
Russians attack Zaporizhzhia region with glide bomb, woman injured
Russians attack Kryvyi Rih with drones, explosions heard in city
Enemies attack critical infrastructure in Zhytomyr region for second day
Russian army carries out nearly 60 strikes on 33 settlements in Sumy region
Politics
Ukraine cannot wait, needs security guarantees now, Rutte says
Although NATO’s political commitment to Ukraine’s irreversible path toward membership remains in force, some NATO members currently oppose its accession. In the meantime, Ukraine cannot wait and needs security guarantees now.
Brussels says peace in Ukraine depends on Putin, hopes for future talks
The European Union believes that peace in Ukraine depends on a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin and therefore does not rule out negotiations with him in the future in order to facilitate the achievement of peace in Ukraine.
Ukraine expects new decisions from partners to strengthen air defense, protect energy sector – Sybiha
Ukraine is in constant dialogue with its partners regarding additional assistance during the winter period and expects new decisions to strengthen air defense, defense capabilities, and protection of the energy sector.
Geopolotics
More than 15 tankers switch their flags to Russian within two weeks – WSJ
Over the past two weeks, amid intensified efforts by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to block oil exports from Venezuela, more than 15 tankers carrying sanctioned oil have changed their flags to Russian.
Czech parliament may vote on trust in government this week
The lower house of the Parliament of the Czech Republic may consider a vote of trust in the government of Andrej Babis on Wednesday.
Estonia bans 261 Russian militants who fought against Ukraine from entering country
Estonia has imposed an entry ban on 261 people who participated in the war against Ukraine on the side of Russia.
Energy
Ukraine hands Norway list of equipment needed for energy sector repairs
“We have provided the Norwegian side with an agreed list of equipment needed to carry out repairs after the attacks and to further strengthen energy resilience. We also discussed preparations for a future meeting in the ‘energy Ramstein’ format, which Ukraine is initiating as a platform to coordinate long-term support with partners,” Svyrydenko wrote following the meeting.
She stressed that Norway is one of the key donors to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and a strategic partner for Ukraine in the energy sector. The prime minister thanked the Norwegian government for announcing a new contribution of $400 million to support energy resilience and the purchase of critically important equipment.