Ukraine-Russia War: Moscow Refuses to Give Up Land

Lukashenko invites Maduro to move to Belarus

Longtime Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko told newsmax that VenezuelaS Nicolas Maduro is welcome to move to his contry amid clashes with Donald Trump.

lukashenko, a close Putin ally, said Belarus and Venezuela had longstanding relations and that Maduro was welcome to come to Minsk if he so wished.

He noted that no discussions have been held to that effect, but remained open to talking to Trump.

[Image: Putin meets with Lukashenko in Bishkek on 26 November (Sputnik)]

Donetsk left entirely without power following Russian attack

Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region has been left entirely without power following a Russian attack, the country’s deputy energy minister said this morning.

Russia claims to destroy drone flying towards Moscow

Russian air defences destroyed an unidentified drone flying towards Moscow, the city’s mayor said early on Tuesday.

What happened overnight?

Monday concluded two days of talks in Berlin, as European leaders met on the sidelines of a US-Ukraine summit to talk through security guarantees.

German chancellor friedrich Merz said on Monday that a ceasefire was now conceivable for the first time. Trump also said he thought a deal was “closer now than we’ve ever been”.

Hedging his bets, Zelensky said that he would ask the US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects their peace efforts.

!European leaders met with Zelensky (center) and US special envoy Steve Witkoff (to his right)

European leaders met with Zelensky (centre) and US special envoy Steve Witkoff (to his right) (Getty Images)

Europe came away from talks with clearer plans for a European-led peacekeeping force, including a six-point security and recovery framework for Ukraine.

They said Ukraine must have defined security guarantees before any decisions are made on potential territorial concessions.

Kyiv again rejected the possibility of Russia controlling any of the Donbas region.

James Reynolds 16 december 2025 07:37

European leaders push for ‘multinational force’ to secure peace in Ukraine

European leaders gathered in Berlin said they and the US committed to work together to provide “robust security guarantees,” including a European-led “multinational force” in Ukraine supported by the US.

They said the force’s work would include “operating inside Ukraine” as well as a

Explosion Rocks Sevastopol Port in Crimea, Damaging Russian Vessels

An explosion at a port in Sevastopol, Crimea, on December 16, 2023, caused significant damage to Russian naval vessels, including a submarine. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released footage showing a powerful blast erupting from the water near a pier where vessels were docked. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/explosion-hits-sevastopol-port-crimea-russian-officials-say-2023-12-16/

Details of the Attack

The incident occurred in the harbor of sevastopol, a key base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The SBU footage,geolocated by Reuters,confirms the attack took place at the identified port location. While initial reports varied, Ukrainian military intelligence stated the attack severely damaged the Rostov on Don, a Russian diesel-electric submarine, rendering it likely unusable. https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-intelligence-sevastopol-attack-severely-damaged-russian-submarine/

Russian officials initially claimed to have thwarted a missile attack,stating that air defense systems intercepted the incoming projectiles. However, the extent of the damage visible in the SBU footage and confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence suggests a accomplished strike.

Russian Response and Ukrainian Claims

Following the explosion, the Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, acknowledged the incident, stating that a missile attack had occurred and that debris had fallen in the city center. He initially claimed there were no casualties. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/explosion-hits-sevastopol-port-crimea-russian-officials-say-2023-12-16/

Ukrainian military intelligence reported that the attack also damaged the Akula (shark) class submarine and other vessels. The type of weapon used in the attack remains unconfirmed, tho some reports suggest cruise missiles were employed. Ukraine has not officially claimed obligation for the strike,but the SBU’s release of the footage strongly implies their involvement.

Strategic Implications

The attack on Sevastopol represents a significant blow to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. The Rostov on Don submarine is a vital component of russia’s naval capabilities in the region, and its potential loss significantly weakens their ability to project power and conduct operations in the black Sea.

The Black Sea has been a crucial theater of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian naval assets in an effort to disrupt supply lines and challenge Russia’s control of the region. This latest attack demonstrates Ukraine’s continued ability to strike targets within Crimea, despite Russian air defenses.

Key Takeaways:

* A powerful explosion damaged Russian naval vessels in Sevastopol, Crimea, on December 16, 2023.
* The Rostov on Don submarine was severely damaged and is highly likely out of service.
* Ukraine’s SBU released footage of the attack,though official responsibility has not been claimed.
* The incident represents a strategic setback for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.