Belarusian prime minister Aleksandr Lukashenko has warned that the world risks “global conflict” if the war between Russia and Ukraine continues.
“This conflict must be frozen,” he told The Record with Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax.
“The most dangerous thing is that this conflict will go on. And if the escalation is still there, the consequences might be very hard and very dangerous for Europe and for the entire world,” he said.
“It will escalate into a global conflict. That is why we must extinguish this conflict right now when we have the opportunity.”
It comes as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out a ceasefire by Christmas, saying Russia is likely to reject a new European-backed peace proposal and that Ukraine must be ready to continue fighting.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Zelensky said a final set of proposals would be completed within two days and handed by the United States to Moscow.
He said Kyiv expected the Kremlin to refuse the plan. Russia has already dismissed calls for a Christmas truce, insisting any pause must meet its demands.
Key Points
- Zelensky plays down prospects of peace by Christmas as Russia hardens stance
- Russian embassy rejects MI6 chief’s claim Moscow is trying to bully the UK
- Merz says peacekeepers could repel Russian forces under post-war guarantees
- Belarusian president calls for fast action on Ukraine war while US is engaged
Belarusian prime minister Aleksandr Lukashenko has commented on US president Donald Trump’s role in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, saying that the American leader cannot fix the conflict “alone”.
“If it depended only on Trump, then the war probably would already be over,” the leader told The Record with Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax.
“But we have two conflicting parties, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and also us being dragged into the conflict because we are living at the border with these two countries.
“This is a multilateral process, and Trump alone won't be able to resolve this issue.
“This conflict must be frozen. We must stop the deaths of people and then we can talk about everything.”
Lukashenko warned that the war could break into global conflict if it is not stopped.
“The most dangerous thing is that this conflict will go on. And if the escalation is still there, the consequences might be very hard and very dangerous for Europe and for the entire world.
“It will escalate into a global conflict,” he explained.
“That is why we must extinguish this conflict right now when we have the opportunity.”
Trump can't solve Russia-Ukraine conflict 'alone', says Belarus PM
09:10 , Maira ButtBelarusian prime minister Aleksandr Lukashenko has commented on US president Donald Trump’s role in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, saying that the American leader canno fix the conflict “alone”.
“If it depended only on Trump, then the war probably would already be over,” the leader told The Record with Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax.
“But we have two conflicting parties, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and also us being dragged into the conflict because we are living at the border with these two countries.
“This is a multilateral process, and Trump alone won't be able to resolve this issue.
“This conflict must be frozen. We must stop the deaths of people and then we can talk about everything.”
Europe must be responsible for its own security, says von der Leyen
08:38 , Maira ButtEuropean Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has insisted that Europe must be responsible for its own security.
In an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, she said that Europe “cannot afford to let others define its worldview”.
“This is no longer an option. It is a must,” she said.
Referring to the US National Security Strategy that reported that Europe is on the decline, she agreed that its share of global GDP was reducing but said America is on “the same path”.
Moment Ukrainian forces hit $400m Russian submarine using underwater drones for first time
08:16 , Maira ButtThe Ukrainian military says it has blown up a $400m Russian submarine in an unprecedented attack on the Russian navy’s most important remaining Black Sea base located in Novorossiysk.
The strike marks the first time an underwater drone has neutralised a submarine, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisor Alexander Kamyshin.
“As a result of the explosion, the submarine suffered critical damage and was effectively put out of action,” the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said in a statement alongside footage of the attack on Monday.
Russia has acknowledged the attack, executed by the Sub Sea Baby underwater drones on the Russian Kilo-class attack submarine. But Moscow denied any damage to its ships or submarines despite the apparent size of the blast, CNN reports.
Ukraine hits $400m Russian submarine using underwater drones for first time
What does the establishment of claims commission mean
06:54 , Namita SinghThe establishment of the claims commission does not mean Ukrainians can expect swift reparations for damages.
Details on how any damages awarded by the commission, to be based in the Netherlands, would be paid still need to be worked out.
Early discussions have touched on using Russian assets frozen by the EU, supplemented by member contributions.
"The goal is to have validated claims that will ultimately be paid by Russia. It will really have to be paid by Russia; this commission offers no guarantee for the damages," Dutch foreign minister David van Weel said.
The two-year-old Register of Damage, which will become part of the claims commission, has already received over 86,000 claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine under a wide range of categories.
Russian officials were not immediately reachable to comment on the commission.
The Kremlin denies accusations of war crimes by Russian forces in Ukraine. It has also described the EU's proposal to use immobilised Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defence and budget needs as illegal and threatened retaliation.
European states move to create body to rule on Ukraine war reparations
06:51 , Namita SinghEurope launched an International Claims Commission for Ukraine on Tuesday in an effort to ensure Kyiv is compensated for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
The gathering in The Hague of dozens of leaders including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky coincided with a US-orchestrated diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine that was triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
"Every Russian war crime must have consequences for those who committed them," Zelensky said, before 34 European leaders signed a convention to formally launch the commission at Tuesday's gathering in The Hague.
"That's exactly where the real path to peace begins," he added. "It's not enough to force Russia into a deal. It's not enough to make it stop killing. We must make Russia accept that there are rules in the world."
Zelensky says new ‘Trump peace plan’ will be ready in days – but Moscow is already pushing back
06:25 , Namita SinghUkraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has said revised US-brokered peace plans could be presented to Russia within days, following successful talks in Berlin.
The Ukrainian president left Germany confident that proposals negotiated with the US would soon be finalised after receiving crucial security guarantees from his European allies and Washington.
He said that American envoys were set to present the outcomes of this week’s talks to the Kremlin - but not before Russia could pour cold water on the plans.
Read this report by James C Reynolds:
Zelensky says new peace plan will be ready in days but Moscow is already pushing back
Russia rejects Christmas truce proposed by Germany
06:02 , Namita SinghRussia has dismissed the idea of a truce over the festive period, after Germany's chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested a Christmas ceasefire could be "the beginning of peace" in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed Russia wants a comprehensive peace deal, not a temporary truce.If Ukraine seeks “momentary, unsustainable solutions, we are unlikely to be ready to participate,” he said.
“We want peace – we don’t want a truce that would give Ukraine a respite and prepare for the continuation of the war,” Pescov told reporters.
“We want to stop this war, achieve our goals, secure our interests, and guarantee peace in Europe for the future.”
“If the Ukrainians’ desire to substitute reaching a deal with short-term, unviable solutions begins to dominate, then we are unlikely to be willing to participate,” he added.
Zelensky said both Kyiv and the US backed Merz's proposal for a Christmas ceasefire but made clear it would also need the Kremlin's involvement to be viable.
“The United States supports this idea. I, as president, certainly support this idea,” he said.
He added that Ukraine was open to different formats for a ceasefire, including limits on attacks on energy infrastructure during the bitter mid-winter.
“We will support any ceasefire,” Zelensky said, while cautioning that its implementation would ultimately “depend on Russia’s political will.”
Zelensky rejects compromise on Ukraine’s territorial integrity
05:47 , Namita SinghVolodymyr Zelensky has again ruled out recognising Moscow’s control over any part of the Donbas, an economically important region in eastern Ukraine made up of Luhansk and Donetsk.
Russia's army doesn’t fully control either province, but Donald Trump has previously indicated that Ukraine will have to cede them to Moscow.
“The Americans are trying to find a compromise,” Zelensky said, before visiting the Netherlands on Tuesday.
“They are proposing a ‘free economic zone’ (in the Donbas). And I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ does not mean under the control of the Russian Federation.”
Russian president Vladimir Putin wants all the areas in four key regions that his forces have seized, as well as the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014, to be recognised as Russian territory.
Zelensky warned that if Putin rejects diplomatic efforts, Ukraine expects increased Western pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and additional military support for defence, such as enhanced air defence systems and long-range weapons.
Zelensky said his officials want Russia to be “held accountable for what it has done – for this war, for all the killings, for all the suffering”.
Ukraine and the US are preparing up to five documents related to the peace framework, several of them focused on security, Zelensky said.
He was upbeat about the progress in the Berlin talks.
“Overall, there was a demonstration of unity,” Zelensky said. “It was truly positive in the sense that it reflected the unity of the US, Europe, and Ukraine.”
Agreement on 'strong security guarantees' could be finalised soon, says Zelensky
05:19 , Namita SinghUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky say a proposed deal to end Russia's nearly four-year invasion could be finalised within days, after which American envoys will present them to the Kremlin before possible further meetings in the US.
A draft peace plan discussed with the US during talks in Berlin on Monday is “not perfect” but is “very workable,” Zelensky told reporters hours after the discussions.
He cautioned, however, that some key issues – notably what happens to Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian forces – remain unresolved.
US-led peace efforts appear to be picking up momentum. But as the spotlight shifts to Moscow, Russian president Vladimir Putin may balk at some of the proposals thrashed out by officials from Washington, Kyiv and Western Europe, including postwar security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelensky said that after the Berlin talks, “we are very close to (a deal on) strong security guarantees.”
Ukrainian air defence units in action in Kyiv, mayor says
04:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian air defence units were in action in a northern district of the capital Kyiv, mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram after authorities warned of a possible drone attack.
Reuters witnesses reported explosions in the city.
Air raid alerts were also issued for areas north of the capital.
Russia names German broadcaster Deutsche Welle as 'undesirable organisation'
03:56 , Namita SinghRussian authorities on Tuesday named German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle as an "undesirable organisation," effectively outlawing its operation in the country.
Under Russian law, involvement with an "undesirable organisation," including sharing its content, is a criminal offence.
Deutsche Welle was added to the Russian justice ministry's list of undesirable organisations following an announcement on Saturday by lawmaker Vasily Piskaryov, who leads a parliamentary commission on foreign interference in Russian affairs.
Piskaryov also criticised the broadcaster's academy program, accusing it of training "disinformation specialists”.
In a statement, Deutsche Welle director general Barbara Massing called the designation Russia's latest attempt to silence independent media.
"We will continue to report independently on the war of aggression against Ukraine and other topics about which little information is available in Russia, so that people can form their own opinions," she said.
Russia's foreign ministry shuttered Deutsche Welle's Moscow office shortly before Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It also withdrew accreditation for its staff in retaliation for a German move against Russia's state-funded RT TV.
Deutsche Welle is Germany's international public broadcaster. It is funded by taxpayer money but is editorially independent. It says it provides content in 32 languages.
Russia's crackdown on Kremlin critics, journalists and activists has intensified to unprecedented levels since the invasion.
Russia's list of "undesirable organisations" currently covers more than 275 entities, including prominent independent news outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, think tanks like Chatham House, anti-corruption group Transparency International and environmental advocacy organisation WWF.
Zelensky plays down prospects of peace by Christmas as Russia hardens stance
03:54 , Namita SinghUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has dampened hopes of a ceasefire by Christmas, warning that Russia may reject a new European-backed peace plan and that Ukraine is preparing for further fighting if talks fail.
Speaking on Tuesday, Zelensky said a final set of proposals would be ready within two days and presented by the United States to Moscow. He said Kyiv expected the Kremlin could refuse the plan, despite Washington’s push for a breakthrough.
Russia swiftly signalled resistance. The Kremlin said it remained committed to achieving its objectives in Ukraine and ruled out Kyiv’s call for a Christmas ceasefire, arguing any pause must meet Moscow’s conditions.
The United States has offered what it describes as “platinum standard” security guarantees, based on Nato’s Article 5, to underpin any truce, while warning the offer “will not be on the table forever”. Kyiv remains wary, citing failed assurances given by Britain and the US in 1994 when Ukraine surrendered its nuclear arsenal.
President Donald Trump has also pressed Ukraine to withdraw from parts of the eastern Donetsk region, including Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Zelensky rejected that option, despite US proposals to turn remaining Ukrainian-held areas into a demilitarised “free economic zone”.
“I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ does not mean under the control of Russia. We do not want to give up our Donbas,” he said. “Nevertheless, we are discussing the territorial issue. At this point, there is no consensus on it yet.”
He warned Vladimir Putin could choose to continue the war, adding: “I believe the United States will apply sanctions pressure and provide us with more weapons if [Putin] rejects everything.”
Russia has demanded territorial concessions, limits on Ukraine’s armed forces and a permanent ban on Nato membership. Ukraine’s European allies have warned such terms would threaten wider European security.
Russian embassy rejects MI6 chief’s claim Moscow is trying to bully the UK
03:42 , Namita SinghThe Russian embassy in London has pushed back against accusations from Britain’s new intelligence chief that Moscow is seeking to intimidate the UK and its allies through covert hostile activity.
The response followed remarks by Blaise Metreweli, the first woman to lead the Secret Intelligence Service, who warned that Russia was using tactics designed to “bully, fearmonger and manipulate” without tipping into open conflict.
In her first major public speech since taking up the role, Metreweli said the UK was now “operating in a space between peace and war”, arguing that the nature of modern threats meant “the frontline is everywhere” and that the public needed to understand the risks involved.
She also placed strong emphasis on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, accusing president Vladimir Putin of deliberately prolonging talks aimed at ending the war. On a second mention, Putin was accused of “dragging out negotiations” while continuing a conflict she described as devastating.
Metreweli said the outcome of the war in Ukraine would have consequences far beyond the country’s borders, warning that Kyiv’s fate was “fundamental not just to European sovereignty and security but to global security”.
The Russian embassy issued its response after the speech, rejecting the accusations levelled by the MI6 chief and contesting the characterisation of Moscow’s actions.
Calling for "an end to portraying Russia as an enemy of the UK and Europe", it said, "we consider it necessary to recall several obvious facts".
"Russia has no plans, intentions, or reasons to engage in armed conflict with the United Kingdom, as the local media keeps frightening its audience with."All slander of the 'hybrid threats' type is also completely unfounded."
Merz says peacekeepers could repel Russian forces under post-war guarantees
03:35 , Namita SinghGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz said international peacekeepers could, in specific circumstances, push back Russian forces if Moscow breached the terms of a future ceasefire in Ukraine.
Speaking to ZDF public television, Merz said: “We would secure a demilitarized zone between the warring parties and, to be very specific, we would also act against corresponding Russian incursions and attacks. We’re not there yet.”
His remarks followed talks in Berlin on Monday between US officials and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, where possible post-ceasefire guarantees were discussed.
Merz described Washington’s apparent willingness to extend protection to Ukraine as a significant shift in US policy.
“The fact that the Americans have made such a commitment – to protect Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as if it were Nato territory – I think that’s a remarkable new position for the United States of America,” he said.
He underlined, however, that discussions on enforcement mechanisms and peacekeeping roles were still at an early stage and depended on progress towards a ceasefire.
Trio of Russian athletes barred from luge World Cup in Lake Placid amid neutrality concerns
03:25 , Namita SinghThe International Luge Federation has withdrawn the eligibility of three Russian athletes who intended to slide in Lake Placid, New York, this weekend in hopes of moving closer to qualifying for the Milan Cortina Olympics, the governing body announced on Tuesday.
The federation's executive board made the decision to remove Alexsandr Gorbatsevich, Sofiia Mazur and Kseniia Shamova from the list of eligible sliders after "new evidence" was presented and discussed with, among others, the International Olympic Committee.
FIL officials did not reveal the nature of the evidence, but a person familiar with the situation said it called into question the neutrality of Gorbatsevich, Mazur and Shamova regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because that detail was not released publicly.
The neutrality issue is paramount in the process of determining which Russian athletes will be allowed to even have a chance of qualifying for the Olympics.
Certain sports federations are preparing to let Russian athletes compete, but only after they are cleared by an independent review process to ensure that they have not publicly supported the war and are not affiliated with Russia's military or other forces.
For now, Russian sliders Matvei Perestoronin, Pavel Repilov and Daria Olesik are still expected to compete at this weekend's luge World Cup stop in Lake Placid. All three participated in official training on Tuesday and are expected to again on Wednesday, before likely taking part in a Nations Cup race on Thursday.
The Nations Cup is a qualifying race for those not automatically assured of a spot in the World Cup field.
Russians have not taken part in a World Cup luge race since January 2022, part of the response that the FIL and other sports governing bodies had to that country's invasion of Ukraine.
The IOC wants Russians – in many sports – to have the opportunity to compete as neutral athletes at the Milan Cortina Games. Luge, like some other sports, originally refused to allow any Russians to take part this year, then amended those decisions after appeals.
Belarusian president calls for fast action on Ukraine war while US is engaged
03:15 , Namita SinghBelarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, in an interview made public in part on Tuesday, called for swift action to end the conflict in Ukraine while the US remains engaged in diplomatic efforts.
Lukashenko is an ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin and allowed Belarusian territory to be used for Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
He said US president Donald Trump was right to push for a rapid resolution, adding that had Trump’s policies been in place at the outset, the conflict might not have occurred.
“A lot now depends on the position of Trump and the United States of America. The main thing is that Trump not back away from this position,” Lukashenko told US television outlet Newsmax.
Excerpts of the interview were posted by the Belarusian state news agency BelTA.
“He is a man with a strong personality, sometimes impulsive. Let him not give up on this, throw up his hands and walk away. If he makes firm moves in this way, there will be results.”
“If everything depended strictly on Trump, the war would have been over long ago. But this is a process with many sides and Trump cannot solve it all himself. The conflict has to be frozen from top to bottom. Once people are not being killed, you can sit down and agree on whatever you like.”
Lukashenko said failure to halt the war could “end badly for Europe and the entire world. It is bound to grow into some sort of global conflict".
Trump has led efforts to find a solution to end the conflict, and an initial US peace proposal, criticised by many in Europe as tilted in favour of Russia, has since undergone changes.
US and Ukrainian officials have held consultations on the proposed agreement alongside European officials, including two days of talks in Berlin this week.
Trump has expressed frustration with both Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky over the failure to agree on an end to nearly four years of war.
Russian forces hold about 19 per cent of Ukraine’s territory and are engaged in a slow drive west to secure control over the eastern Donbas region.
Watch: Ukraine blows up Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
03:00 , Bryony GoochUkrainian drone attack on Russia's Krasnodar injures two people, regional authorities say
02:57 , Namita SinghA Ukrainian drone attack injured two people, damaged several houses and cut power to parts of Russia's Krasnodar, regional authorities said on Wednesday.
The injured were hospitalised, the authorities of the southern Russian region said on the Telegram messaging app.
Zelensky says new US-brokered peace plan will be ready in days - but Moscow is already pushing back
02:00 , Bryony GoochZelensky says new peace plan will be ready in days but Moscow is already pushing back
Ukraine hits $400m Russian submarine using underwater drones
01:00 , Bryony GoochUkraine hits $400m Russian submarine using underwater drones for first time
Merz: 'there's a 50-50 chance of securing European agreement on use of immobilised Russian assets'
00:00 , Bryony GoochGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he believed there was a "50:50" chance of securing a European agreement on using immobilised Russian assets to fund Ukraine's continuing defence. It was essential to do so, he added, since Ukraine would need funding for at least two more years after the current round of European funding runs out in the first quarter of 2026.
"There are reservations throughout Europe, and I can well understand these reservations," he said. "But ... if we don't act now and make the decision we could make to halt this advance of the Russian army, when will we?"
The hostile tone towards Europe in the new US National Security Strategy had not surprised him, he said, since it mirrored many of the criticisms vice president JD Vance made of Europe in his speech to the Munich Security Conference at the start of the year.
But Merz said any isolationist drift on the part of the US was unlikely to be sustained.
"America first is all well and good, but America alone would not be good for America either," he said. "And taking a look at the economic data in America, I can imagine that the Americans will eventually approach us and say, 'Don't we want to talk about some issues that benefit us both?'"
Under Ukraine security guarantees, Western troops could repel Russian forces post-ceasefire, says Germany's Merz
Tuesday 16 December 2025 23:00 , Bryony GoochUnder post-ceasefire guarantees provided by the United States and Europe to Ukraine, peacekeepers could in certain circumstances repel Russian forces, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told ZDF public television in an interview, adding that this remained a far-off prospect.
Pressed by interviewers for details on the possible security guarantees floated by the United States in Monday's Berlin talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Merz said the guarantors would need to repel Russian forces should there be a violation of any ceasefire terms.
"We would secure a demilitarized zone between the warring parties and, to be very specific, we would also act against corresponding Russian incursions and attacks. We're not there yet," he said.
"The fact that the Americans have made such a commitment - to protect Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire as if it were NATO territory - I think that's a remarkable new position for the United States of America."
Russia has yet to agree to the ceasefire that both the U.S. and Europe have said would be a prerequisite for any security guarantees, or to the presence of Western troops on the ground in Ukraine to help end the full-scale war begun when President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Boy, 10, killed in knife and pepper spray attack at Russian school with fellow pupil arrested
Tuesday 16 December 2025 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Boy, 10, killed in knife attack at Russian school with fellow pupil arrested
Russia is main threat to peace in Euro-Atlantic area, eight northern and eastern European countries say
Tuesday 16 December 2025 21:00 , Bryony GoochRussia is the most significant, direct and long-term threat to security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Lithuania said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
Leaders of the eight European Union countries met in Helsinki to discuss defence of the EU's eastern flank.
Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper declines to share details on UK's role in security guarantees
Tuesday 16 December 2025 20:00 , Bryony GoochForeign secretary Yvette Cooper declined to give details on the UK’s role in providing security guarantees to Ukraine should the conflict end.
When asked during an appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee, she said: “We are obviously a leading part of the coalition of the willing, and that has involved discussion between the, effectively, defence ministries and armed services across different nations that are already to be part of the coalition of the willing.
“So the UK is clearly a central part of that. And we’ve had discussions across other European nations. And we’ve also been discussing with the US what role they would play in terms of backing up, providing that backup for the coalition of the willing and providing those security guarantees.
“I totally understand why you are asking these questions and pressing on them, but you will also understand while these discussions are still under way, I think it would be premature for me to try and go into further detail.”
Urgent review ordered into foreign interference in UK politics
Tuesday 16 December 2025 19:00 , Bryony GoochThe UK government has launched an independent review of foreign financial interference in UK politics, after the jailing of a former Reform MEP for taking Russian bribes.
Nathan Gill, a former Reform UK party leader in Wales, was jailed for 10 and a half years last month after he admitted being paid £40,000 to make pro-Russian statements in the European parliament – conduct that housing secretary Steve Reed described as a “stain on our democracy”.
Announcing the review in the Commons on Tuesday, Mr Reed said that the government now needs to consider whether its “firewall is enough” to protect the country from electoral interference.
Read more here:
Urgent review ordered into foreign interference in UK politics
Russia names German broadcaster Deutsche Welle as 'undesirable organization'
Tuesday 16 December 2025 18:30 , Bryony GoochRussian authorities on Tuesday named German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle as an "undesirable organization," effectively outlawing its operation in the country.
Under Russian law, involvement with an "undesirable organization," including sharing its content, is a criminal offense.
Deutsche Welle was added to the Russian Justice Ministry's list of undesirable organizations following an announcement on Saturday by lawmaker Vasily Piskaryov, who leads a parliamentary commission on foreign interference in Russian affairs.
Piskaryov also criticized the broadcaster's academy program, accusing it of training "disinformation specialists."
In a statement, Deutsche Welle Director General Barbara Massing called the designation Russia's latest attempt to silence independent media.
"We will continue to report independently on the war of aggression against Ukraine and other topics about which little information is available in Russia, so that people can form their own opinions," she said.
Pictured: Russian "Grad" self-propelled multiple rocket launchers fire towards Ukrainian positions near Kostiantynivka
Tuesday 16 December 2025 18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Ukraine blows up Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Tuesday 16 December 2025 17:30 , Bryony GoochWhat we know about the latest Ukraine peace deal – and the main hurdles Russia keeps putting in the way
Tuesday 16 December 2025 17:00 , Bryony GoochDonald Trump said on Monday that “I think we're closer now than we have been, ever” towards an agreement on a peace deal for Ukraine.
After two days of talks in Berlin, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyemerged flanked by his European allies with a framework for the security guarantees he says he needs to end the war.
With the US now offering Nato-style protections, the main barrier to peace is territory - something Zelensky says he cannot and will not give up.
He was optimistic enough to say that talks in the US could follow as soon as this weekend, though.
Any agreement on the revised 20-point plan still depends on the Kremlin, which says it is waiting for an update from Washington.
Russia remained unyielding on Tuesday, shooting down any prospect of giving back land or accepting peacekeepers in Ukraine, before seeing the proposals.
James C. Reynolds reports on what we know about the plan - and potential problems - so far.
What we know about the latest Ukraine peace deal – and Russia’s objections
Lithuania arrests 21 in alleged cigarette smuggling ring using weather balloons from Belarus
Tuesday 16 December 2025 16:44 , Bryony GoochLithuanian authorities said Tuesday they had arrested 21 people allegedly connected to a criminal network that smuggled cigarettes using specially equipped weather balloons from Russia-allied Belarus which have violated the Baltic country's airspace in recent weeks.
Investigators conducted more than 80 searches, seizing cigarettes with Belarusian excise stamps, SIM cards, communication and tracking signal jammers and firearms among other things, the Lithuanian general prosecutor's office said in a statement. Luxury cars and valuable property were also confiscated.
Lithuania earlier this month declared a national emergency over security risks posed by the meteorological balloons sent from Belarus.
The balloons forced Lithuania to repeatedly shut down its main airport, stranding thousands of people, and led to the closure of border crossings between the two countries, as Europe remains on alert over previous intrusions into NATO airspace during the war in Ukraine.
Tuesday's operation involved more than 140 officers from the Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau, Vilnius police and special anti-terrorism units.
The prosecutor's office said in a statement the alleged network was "characterised by a very strict conspiracy and distribution of roles, cigarette smuggling was carried out systematically, in a coordinated manner, under strict control of its organisers (leaders) and their trustees."
The prosecutors allege that "the organisers may have had direct contacts with accomplices operating in the Republic of Belarus, from where, under favourable weather conditions, balloons with smuggled cigarettes were launched.
"Using tracking (GPS) equipment and appropriate programs, the movement of the balloons was monitored, and the exact coordinates of their landing in Lithuania were transmitted to the executors," prosecutors said.
Occupied nuclear power plant only running on one power line
Tuesday 16 December 2025 16:27 , James ReynoldsThe Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is currently receiving electricity through only one of two external power lines, its occupying Russian management said.
The other line was disconnected due to military activity, the management said, adding that radiation levels remain normal.
Repair work will begin as soon as possible.
Zelensky stresses vital need for frozen assets loan
Tuesday 16 December 2025 15:47 , James ReynoldsZelensky on Tuesday reiterated the importance of access to frozen Russian assets ahead of a key vote on Thursday.
He said Ukraine could not stay strong without the package, worth around 210bn euro, adding that it could offset the reduction in support from some countries.
A number of allies have raised concerns about using the frozen assets to fund Ukraine, with Russia threatening legal action.
What is the International Claims Commission and why does it matter?
Tuesday 16 December 2025 15:15 , James ReynoldsEurope on Tuesday launched an International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
The commission aims to ensure Kyiv is compensated for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
How could Ukraine be compensated?
Details on how any damages awarded by the commission, to be based in the Netherlands, would be paid still need to be worked out.
Early discussions have touched on using Russian assets frozen by the EU, supplemented by member contributions.
What grounds does Ukraine have to claim?
The two-year-old Register of Damage, which will become part of the claims commission, has already received over 86,000 claims submitted by individuals, organisations and public bodies in Ukraine under a wide range of categories.
Alleged abuses in Ukraine include sexual violence and child deportations to the destruction of religious sites.
Who can claim?
Claims can be filed for damage, loss or injury caused by Russian acts committed in or against Ukraine upon or after the 2022 invasion.
The claims, which cover violations of international law, can be brought by affected individuals, companies or the Ukrainian state, a draft of the proposal said.
Starmer cautions peace still a way off
Tuesday 16 December 2025 14:45 , James ReynoldsSir Keir Starmer has cautioned that the path to peace in Ukraine was "not an entirely straight line" after "productive" talks in Berlin.
European leaders joined in support of Ukraine in the German capital on Monday and offered security guarantees as Kyiv and Washington discussed peace terms.
Downing Street said on Tuesday that setting out the UK's contribution to a Europe-led multinational force in Ukraine was still "a few steps away yet".
Sir Keir, updating his Cabinet on the Berlin discussions on Tuesday, said progress had been made, but that the path to peace was not an entirely straight line, according to a No 10 readout.
ICYMI: EU targets Russia’s shadow fleet with new sanctions
Tuesday 16 December 2025 14:29 , James ReynoldsIn case you missed it...
The European Union has adopted its latest package of sanctions directly targeting companies and individuals accused of assisting Moscow in circumventing Western restrictions on oil exports.
The new EU sanctions prohibit citizens of the bloc from conducting business with the newly listed entities and individuals.
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US to discuss 20-point plan with Russia, says Zelensky
Tuesday 16 December 2025 13:54 , James ReynoldsThe United States will discuss the 20-point plan with Russia following discussions with Ukraine in Berlin, Zelensky said this afternoon.
He said Ukraine’s reconstruction, security guarantees and the latest peace proposal will be on the agenda.
Zelensky said the terms under discussion were "very workable" from his perspective.
Starmer orders probe into foreign election interference
Tuesday 16 December 2025 13:40 , James ReynoldsBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered a probe into foreign election interference after a former senior member of Reform UK was jailed for taking bribes to promote Russian interests in the European Parliament, The Times reported on Tuesday.
Russia can't escape paying the bill for its war in Ukraine, Kallas says
Tuesday 16 December 2025 13:01 , James ReynoldsRussia cannot escape paying the bill for its war in Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the establishment of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague on Monday.
The commission, which will validate war damages in Ukraine to be paid by Russia, sends a message to future aggressors, Kallas said, that "if you start a war, you will be held to account".
Forcing Ukraine to give up land would violate international law, says top lawyer
Tuesday 16 December 2025 12:25 , James ReynoldsA peace deal that obliges Ukraine to give up its land would break fundamental international law, an international rights lawyer has warned.
Wayne Jordash KC, president of international law foundation, Global Rights Compliance, said on Tuesday that European leaders must stand by their legal obligations to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“A peace plan that forces Ukraine into conceding its sovereign territory will amount to a violation of the UN Charter - the most fundamental principle of international law - and an abandonment of Ukrainian civilians living under brutal Russian occupation,” he said.
He added: “Guarantees for Ukraine’s security and territorial integrity must be accompanied by a path to accountability for the horrific crimes endured by civilians and prisoners of war at the hands of Russian forces, including the widespread use of sexual violence and starvation as weapons of war and the forced abduction of Ukraine's children."
The comments came as Zelensky addressed senior officials in The Hague about a mechanism for compensation for Russian aggression.
Watch: Zelensky's address to Dutch parliament
Tuesday 16 December 2025 12:15 , James ReynoldsEuropean leaders are in the Netherlands today to launch an International Claims Commission to compensate Kyiv for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
Zelensky delivered a speech to the Dutch parliament, saying the war in Ukraine “must become a clear example so that others learn not to choose aggression”.
“We hope the tribunal for Russian aggression will truly begin its work, not just for us, but for everyone who wants peace in Europe,” he said:
Together with partners, we are working not only to stop the bloodshed, but to change the situation along Russia’s borders – so that there is no opportunity to start another war. It is also about making Russia finally learn to live by the rule of law. And it will only work if… pic.twitter.com/3Bm7dntDYt
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 16, 2025
Where were peace talks left?
Tuesday 16 December 2025 12:02 , James ReynoldsMonday 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”, as his envoy offered Ukraine Nato-style security guarantees.
Hedging his bets, Zelensky said that he would ask the US for long-range weapons if Russia rejects their peace efforts.
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.
Britain pledges £600mn in air defences for Ukraine
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:42 , James ReynoldsBritain pledged £600 million in air-defences to support Ukraine on Tuesday as Kyiv braces for winter attacks on its energy network.
Defence minister John Healey said the air defence investment "is critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia's barbaric attacks."
The package is to include advanced turret systems designed to shoot down Russian drones,
In pictures: Devastation in Donetsk as US and Ukraine discuss peace in Europe
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:27 , James Reynolds
Belgium still unconvinced by plan to use frozen Russian assets with just two days to go
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:17 , James ReynoldsBelgium still appears to be unconvinced by the EU’s plan to harness some €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, diplomats have warned with just two days to go until the main vote.
Bart de Wever’s government has repeatedly raised objections to using assets held in Belgium, fearing Russian reprisals. They worry that liability could fall solely on Belgium to repay the value if Russia successfully challenges it in court.
The European Commission has looked to assuage those concerns with an assurance that Belgium could access as much as €210 billion if Russia sues - which it preparing to do.
But four EU diplomats told POLITICO that the offer had not been enough to sway Belgium during a meeting of EU ambassadors on Monday.
Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Tuesday 16 December 2025 11:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine revealed yesterday how underwater drones had successfully disabled a Russian attack submarine in the Black Sea.
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Ukraine strikes Russian submarine in unprecedented underwater drone attack
Zelensky reflects on ongoing diplomacy
Tuesday 16 December 2025 10:48 , James ReynoldsZelensky spoke about ongoing diplomatic efforts to an audience of senior European figures in The Hague.
He thanked his partners for their support and said: “We are working in great detail on documents that could stop the war and guarantee security.”
He said the talks this week had been “really intensive”.
Russia must be held responsible for aggression, Zelensky says at The Hague
Tuesday 16 December 2025 10:40 , James ReynoldsRussia must be held responsible for the "crime of aggression", Zelensky told an audience in The Hague this morning.
He is speaking ahead of a conference to establish an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, which will validate claims of war damages to be repaid by Russia.
You can read more about that here:
Zelenskyy and some 30 countries to approve compensation body for Ukraine damages
