Newsflash

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,195,610 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the conflict has taken a devastating toll on Russian forces. As of December 20, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that Russia has lost approximately 1,195,610 troops, including 1,090 casualties in the past day alone. The extensive losses extend beyond personnel, encompassing significant military hardware. Russia has lost 11,433 tanks, 23,769 armored fighting vehicles, 70,721 vehicles and fuel tanks, 35,287 artillery systems, 1,575 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,263 air defense systems, 432 airplanes, 347 helicopters, 92,488 drones, 4,073 cruise missiles, 28 ships and boats, and two submarines. The sheer scale of these losses underscores the intensity and cost of the ongoing conflict. 💥🔥

Ukraine strikes Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean sea

Ukraine has conducted a strike on a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, targeting vessels involved in transporting Russian oil despite international sanctions. The attack, which occurred near the port of Larnaca in Cyprus, involved the use of a drone and resulted in a fire on the tanker. The vessel, identified as the Pegas, is part of a network of ships that Russia has employed to evade sanctions and continue exporting its oil. This strike highlights Ukraine's efforts to disrupt Russia's energy supply chains and pressure Moscow economically. The attack underscores the ongoing conflict's broader implications, as Ukraine seeks to counter Russia's ability to generate revenue from its oil exports, which funds its military operations. 🚢💥

At least 1 killed, 20 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day

On December 20, Russian forces launched a series of attacks against Ukraine, resulting in at least one fatality and 20 injuries across multiple regions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed three Iskander-M ballistic missiles from occupied Crimea and 51 attack drones, including Shahed-type loitering munitions and other UAVs. Ukrainian air defenses managed to neutralize 31 drones, but the remaining missiles and 20 drones struck 15 locations.

The attacks targeted energy infrastructure in Mykolaiv, Kherson, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, disrupting power generation, distribution, and transmission. In Donetsk Oblast, a fatality was reported in the village of Manky, with two additional injuries. Zaporizhzhia Oblast saw 10 injuries following 713 strikes across 19 settlements. In Kherson Oblast, eight people, including two children, were injured as strikes hit critical infrastructure, residential areas, and private homes, causing significant damage.

The relentless assaults underscore the ongoing humanitarian and infrastructural toll of the conflict, with civilian lives and essential services bearing the brunt of the aggression. 💔🏡

Ukrainian drones hit 2 Russian Su-27 jets in Crimea, intelligence agency says

On December 20, Ukrainian long-range drones successfully targeted two Russian Su-27 fighter jets at the Belbek military airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Operated by the SBU's Special Operations Center "Alpha," the drones struck one of the aircraft, which was fully loaded and prepared for combat, rendering it completely destroyed. The combined value of the two jets is estimated at around $70 million. Additionally, the airfield's control tower was damaged, potentially disrupting flight operations.

This attack marks the second successful strike on the Belbek airfield in recent days. On December 18, Ukrainian drones targeted Russian military equipment worth hundreds of millions of dollars, including two Nebo-SVU radars, a 92N6 radar of the S-400 Triumph system, a Pantsir-S2 air defense system, and a MiG-31 aircraft. The SBU emphasized that these strikes significantly reduce Russia's military capabilities in the region. The agency vowed to continue its systematic efforts to degrade Russian airpower in occupied Crimea. 🚁💥

Russian ship anchored off Skåne

A Russian cargo ship, the Adler, encountered engine failure while traveling north through the Sound near Sweden. The vessel, owned by M Leasing LLC—a company sanctioned by the EU and U.S. for allegedly transporting North Korean ammunition to Russia for use in Ukraine—issued a distress call and anchored off the Kulla Peninsula. Swedish authorities, including the Maritime Administration and Coast Guard, have been notified and are monitoring the situation. The ship's predicament highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complexities of maritime security. 🚢🌊

Attack on sunflower oil plant on the Black Sea coast

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned recent Russian attacks aimed at cutting off Ukraine's access to the sea and targeting key coastal regions. The assaults have focused on strategic and economic areas, including the Black Sea region around the port city of Odessa, with bridges, port facilities, and energy infrastructure as primary targets. The latest strike on Saturday followed a deadly attack late Friday, which claimed at least seven lives. In the early morning raid, one person was killed, and two others were injured. Among the affected sites was Ukraine's largest vegetable oil warehouse, a critical asset in the nation's agricultural sector. These ongoing attacks underscore Russia's efforts to cripple Ukraine's maritime and economic capabilities, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic toll of the conflict. 🌊⚔️

The geopolitics of supply chains: The battle for strategic infrastructure connectivity and the case for bypassing Russia

The geopolitical landscape of supply chains is undergoing a significant shift, with key players like Greece and Turkey positioning themselves as strategic hubs for energy and trade. Greece, backed by the U.S., is emerging as a crucial energy and security corridor, reducing Europe's dependence on Russian gas through LNG terminals and interconnectors. The country's role as a NATO logistics hub and its integration into the transatlantic energy framework underscore its growing importance in regional stability and alliance cohesion.

Meanwhile, Turkey is expanding its logistics network and forging stronger ties with China and Iran, aiming to redirect China-Europe trade through a corridor that bypasses Russia. This move raises questions about regulatory compatibility and the strategic direction of Eurasian commerce. Turkey's plans to modernize its railway and port infrastructure highlight its ambition to become a central player in Eurasian trade.

The EU's investments in Turkey's logistics infrastructure, particularly in Eastern Marmara, reflect its nuanced position. However, the EU must ensure that its investments align with its geopolitical intent, prioritizing security, customs, and digital standards. The U.S., through its partnership with Greece, is anchoring a trusted triangle in a turbulent region, emphasizing the need for the EU to align with U.S. energy security planning.

Greece's strategic role in the transatlantic alliance is pivotal, serving as an entry point for energy and connectivity. To emerge stronger, Europe must match its strategic ambition with timely, coordinated investment and align with U.S. energy prerogatives. The future of Europe's supply chains and geopolitical influence hinges on these critical decisions. 🌍🚢

Ukrainian special forces hit Russian patrol ship and oil platform in Caspian Sea

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SSO) executed a daring drone strike on December 19, targeting a Russian patrol ship and an oil platform in the Caspian Sea. The patrol ship, designated Project 22460 Hunter, is part of the Rubin class of Russian Coast Guard vessels designed to combat surface and airborne threats. Several SSO drones successfully struck the vessel. In the same operation, drones also hit a Russian oil platform at the Filanovsky oil and gas field, owned by Lukoil and critical for oil and gas extraction, with reserves estimated at 129 million tons of oil and 30 billion cubic meters of gas.

This strike follows Ukraine's previous successes in targeting Russian naval assets. In September 2025, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported damaging a multifunctional Russian Project MPSV07 ship in the Black Sea. On the same day as the Caspian Sea operation, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced a strike on a Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, marking the first attack of its kind. Ukraine claims to have destroyed or disabled one-third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet during the full-scale war, including key vessels like the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, and the Ivanovets missile corvette. These operations highlight Ukraine's strategic efforts to disrupt Russian military and economic capabilities. 🚢💥

Cartoon (20/12/2025)

Finland's far-right Blue-Black Movement, known for its racist and fascist ideologies, has been reinstated as a registered political party. The group, originally removed in 2024 for violating constitutional and human rights laws, successfully gathered 5,000 supporter signatures and revised its program to meet legal standards. Founded by former members of the Finns Party, the movement draws inspiration from the Lapua Movement, a historical nationalist and fascist group. Their recent public event in Tampere, where participants carried a banner reading "May Day is White," has raised concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies in Finland. 🇫🇮⚠️

Ukraine, Portugal sign partnership to produce sea drones, Zelensky says

Ukraine and Portugal have forged a strategic partnership to co-produce sea drones, a move President Volodymyr Zelensky and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced during Montenegro’s first official visit to Ukraine. This collaboration, described as a "promising area of defense efforts," aims to bolster Ukraine's maritime capabilities and strengthen European defense-industrial cooperation. Alexander Kamyshin, an advisor to Zelensky, emphasized the effectiveness of Ukraine's Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) against Russian naval forces, noting that the partnership will enhance Europe's maritime security.

Beyond defense, Portugal has been a key supporter of Ukraine, contributing to the reconstruction of educational infrastructure and backing a €90 billion financial security guarantee for Ukraine within the EU. Zelensky underscored the importance of this support, stating that Russia's aggression extends beyond territorial ambitions and threatens the sovereignty of neighboring nations. The two countries had previously signed a 10-year security agreement in May 2024, solidifying Portugal's commitment to Ukraine's defense. This partnership not only strengthens Ukraine's military capabilities but also reinforces European solidarity in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. 🤝🌊

Orbán says unsure who started Russia-Ukraine war

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has criticized Western leaders for their support of Ukraine, questioning the origins of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a recent statement, Orbán challenged the narrative that Ukraine is merely a small, innocent victim, asserting that it is not as small as portrayed and that the question of who initiated the violence remains unclear. He acknowledged that Ukraine has indeed suffered from aggression but suggested a more nuanced perspective on the conflict. Orbán's remarks reflect his ongoing skepticism toward Western-backed efforts to support Kyiv, emphasizing the need for a more balanced understanding of the situation. 🇭🇺🇷🇺

Road blockades test government resolve

Farmers across the country continue to maintain road blockades, testing the government's resolve as officials insist that protest leaders must take the next steps toward de-escalation. The government has stated that 20 of the farmers' 27 demands have either been met or are in the process of being addressed, while the remaining seven are deemed unfeasible due to conflicts with EU regulations or fiscal constraints. However, hardline factions within the protests appear unwilling to compromise, and the government acknowledges a lack of clear information about the situation on the ground.

The government hopes for a broader social backlash against the protesters' stance, particularly as plans to open only a single traffic lane during the holidays are seen as insufficient. The Panhellenic Committee of the Blockades has decided to continue and escalate mobilizations, leaving the closure or opening of key roads at the discretion of local coordinating bodies. Farmers have announced plans to open roads temporarily to facilitate holiday travel but have also expressed dissatisfaction with the government's responses and a lack of intention to engage in dialogue.

Despite the Ministry of Agricultural Development's announcement of €26.9 million in payments to livestock breeders for income losses, tensions remain high. The northbound road toward Thessaloniki will remain closed until Tuesday, while protesters plan to lift toll barriers at several national road points. The situation remains fluid, with farmers and government officials at an impasse. 🚜🚧

Swedish Migration Board: Costs are underestimated

Several Swedish authorities, including the Chancellor of Justice and the State Treasury, have strongly criticized a government proposal presented in September. The Swedish Migration Board, in its consultation response, highlighted that permanent residence permits offer significant benefits to individuals, making any legislation that undermines these rights highly contentious. Maria Mindhammar, Director General of the Migration Board, emphasized the need for robust justification for such measures.

The Migration Board also raised concerns that the proposal's cost assessment may be significantly underestimated. While the investigation estimated the initial cost at SEK 1.2 billion, the Board suggests it could be closer to SEK 6 billion. Mindhammar noted that implementing the proposal would place a substantial burden on the Migration Board, requiring additional resources and significantly impacting its operations. 💸📉

Finland's Lutheran leader warns of rising MAGA-style Christian nationalism

Archbishop Tapio Luoma, the leader of Finland’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, has raised concerns about the rise of a new right-wing Christian movement in Finland, inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. In a recent interview, Luoma expressed alarm over the spread of Christian nationalism, which he fears could become the dominant form of Christian faith in the country. He noted that Trump’s use of language and his invocation of Christian faith resonate with many people, despite doubts about his own religious beliefs.

The Finnish Lutheran Church has faced ongoing controversy over the ordination of women, an issue that has persisted for decades. Although women have been ordained as pastors since 1988 and now make up more than half of the clergy, opposition remains strong. Luoma lamented recent unauthorized masses organized by a revivalist movement in Pori, which opposes female priesthood. He drew parallels between this opposition and the U.S. brand of evangelical Christianity, where some adherents take a literal interpretation of the Bible regarding the role of women.

Luoma also expressed concern about the potential influence of Trump’s use of religion for political purposes in Finland. He emphasized that the idea of aligning an entire society with the Christian faith is at odds with the Lutheran understanding of societal life. Additionally, he condemned racism, which he described as a sin, in response to recent racist social media posts by politicians from the Finns Party, a government partner of the Christian Democrats.

With around 62 percent of Finland’s population registered as Lutheran, down from 85 percent at the turn of the millennium, the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church maintain a special status as national churches. They continue to receive public funding for various societal responsibilities, including record-keeping, cemetery maintenance, and some social services. Luoma’s remarks highlight the challenges facing the church as it navigates shifting political and social landscapes. 🇫🇮🙏

Tempe crash: Video trial postponed

The trial regarding the disappearance of surveillance footage from the loading of a commercial freight train before the deadly Tempe rail collision has been postponed until January 9, 2026, sparking renewed frustration among victims' families. The case centers on the missing footage from Thessaloniki’s rail station and has become a symbol of alleged administrative failures. Relatives of the victims have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the repeated delays, stating that the trial has not addressed the core issues. Maria Karystianou, president of the Association of Tempe Victims’ Relatives, lamented that they have attended court five times without progress, while Panos Ruci, the father of one victim, accused the court of mocking them.

On trial are the former chairman and CEO of Greece’s railway organization OSE, along with the legal representative of the company Interstar. Defense lawyers requested the removal of civil plaintiffs on procedural grounds, a move that drew strong reactions from victims' families and politicians. Course of Freedom leader Zoe Konstantopoulou condemned the interference in the administration of justice, vowing to fight until the end. Greek Solution leader Kyriakos Velopoulos emphasized that judges and prosecutors must uphold the public sense of justice. The postponement has further deepened the sense of injustice among the victims' families, who continue to seek accountability for the tragic incident. 🚂💔

Venezuela accuses U.S. of theft

The Venezuelan government has strongly condemned the U.S. military's recent actions in its territorial waters. On Saturday, U.S. forces boarded a merchant ship off Venezuela's coast, marking the second such incident in two weeks. Venezuelan officials have accused the U.S. of conducting illegal operations and attempting to "steal oil from Venezuela." Additionally, the U.S. has carried out multiple raids on smaller vessels suspected of drug smuggling, sinking at least 104 boats and resulting in 104 deaths. The Venezuelan government has vowed that these actions will not go unpunished. 🚢💥

Why are they suddenly attacking Europe?

A diverse coalition of political forces, including the Kremlin, hardline U.S. ideologues, and social media billionaires, has suddenly intensified its attacks on Europe, targeting the very foundation of the European Union. Their criticism, however, is not focused on the EU's imperfections but on its core existence, arguing for a return to independent, militarized states—a stark contrast to the peace and stability Europe has enjoyed since its integration. This coalition also falsely claims that the EU's cultural fabric is disintegrating due to immigration, ignoring the fact that Europe is now implementing a strong, cohesive migration policy that has already reduced migratory flows.

The attackers are also disturbed by the EU's efforts to regulate digital governance, aiming to bring order to how social media and tech businesses influence our lives. They resist accountability, transparency, and the protection of personal data, preferring unchecked algorithms and political ads funded by unknown sources. In response, the EU must react with composure, confidence, and evidence. Maintaining strong transatlantic ties is crucial, as Europe and the U.S. share a common history and values. The EU's model of cooperation has secured peace, raised living standards, and fostered democracy. The EU boasts the world's largest internal market, a strong currency, and global leadership in freedoms and rights. Perhaps the real reason for these attacks is that the European way of life threatens the primacy and growing authoritarianism of those who oppose it. Therefore, it is essential to defend and continually improve the European model. 🇪🇺

Trump team floats Ukraine-Russia-US talks in Miami, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about a proposed trilateral peace talk format involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, set to take place this weekend. While acknowledging the U.S. proposal for a joint meeting at the level of national security advisers, Zelenskyy emphasized that such a discussion would be more productive after assessing the outcomes of a recent meeting in Berlin. He remains uncertain about the potential for significant progress in these negotiations, highlighting the challenges in achieving a concrete peace deal. 🤝✌️

Volodymyr Zelensky: US proposes direct talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump, will exert significant pressure on Russia to end its ongoing war of aggression. Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy emphasized that the U.S. must clearly communicate that if diplomatic efforts fail, tough measures against Russia will follow. He asserted that only the U.S. possesses the necessary influence to compel Russia to cease its military actions, dismissing other potential mediators as uncertain alternatives.

Zelenskyy’s remarks come as diplomats convene in Florida for renewed peace talks, with Moscow’s negotiator, Kirill Dmitriyev, en route to Miami. While the proposed format includes Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, with possible European participation, the Ukrainian leader refrained from directly addressing any potential direct talks with Russia. The last direct negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian representatives occurred in Istanbul in July 2024, yielding only a prisoner exchange without substantive progress. Zelenskyy remains optimistic that the U.S. can lead the way toward a resolution, underscoring the critical role of American pressure in achieving peace. 🇺🇸🤝🇷🇺

More big cuts in state spending may be on the way

Finland's Finance Ministry warns that the current government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, may need to adjust public finances by €1.4 billion through a mix of tax hikes and budget cuts before its term ends in about a year and a half. The next government is expected to face an even greater challenge, needing to adjust finances by €7-12 billion when it takes office in 2027. Finance Minister Riikka Purra of the Finns Party has proposed further cuts, particularly in spending on refugees and education, but emphasizes that these should not harm consumers' purchasing power or economic growth. Her earlier proposals, including shutting down the National Agency for Education and halting refugee quotas, were largely rejected by other government parties.

The Finance Ministry's latest forecast suggests the government will miss its goal of curbing the growth of the government debt ratio relative to GDP, attributing this to Finland's deteriorating economic situation, German export issues, US tariffs, and Russia's war in Ukraine. The European Commission has urged Finland to reduce its public finance deficit below 3% by the end of 2028, placing the country under the EU's excessive deficit procedure. Meanwhile, the Bank of Finland has downgraded its economic growth forecast for 2024 to just 0.2%, with modest growth expected in the coming years due to geopolitical uncertainties. 📉💸