The Latest Breaking News from Kyiv

A Russian missile strike on port infrastructure in Odesa has killed eight people and wounded 27, according to Ukraine’s emergency service

Ukrainian street artist Maxim Kilderov is building a powerful collection of battlefield artifacts documenting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: Despite agreeing to a €90bn interest-free loan that could keep Kyiv afloat for two years, European leaders seem unduly nervous about forcing Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. If Europe is ever to defeat Russia, it must now go further – or risk humiliation

Vladimir Putin reiterated his hardline demands of Ukraine at a conference as Kyiv met for more talks to end the war

By agreeing to provide a loan of €90 billion (£79 billion) for the years 2026-2027, EU leaders have set the direction for the future of support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian and Polish presidents have met in Warsaw to emphasize unity against Russia and progress on historical reconciliation

Reportedly critical drone strike is first in Mediterranean since full-scale invasion began as maritime conflict grows

During his annual press conference and call-in show, the Russian president stated that his troops were advancing in Ukraine, the day after EU leaders agreed on a €90bn loan for Kyiv, avoiding the use of frozen assets.

Watch live as Vladimir Putin holds his annual televised new conference on Friday (19 December).

European Union leaders have agreed a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine, offering Kyiv a financial lifeline as it faces mounting budgetary pressure, but stopped short of the contentious step of using frozen Russian state assets.

Ukrainian leader welcomes move as Donald Tusk says ‘it could be better’ after Russian frozen assets left out of deal