Russian attacks knock out power in southern Ukraine, Zelenskyy negotiates in Berlin - Weekend brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again discussed the Trump team's peace plan with them. Russia left southern Ukraine without electricity, and self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko released political prisoners, including Ukrainians.
For more details on what happened over the weekend, see the report on RBC-Ukraine.
Ukraine holding talks with US in Berlin to discuss peace plan
On Sunday, December 14, in Berlin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Trump's senior officials to advance discussions on ending the war. The parties continue to work on finalizing a peace plan.
The parties discussed the US peace plan again. Today, December 15, the delegations will continue negotiations. According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House intends to reach a peace agreement by the end of 2025.
The German government has announced a one-on-one meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Zelenskyy. The leaders will discuss economic issues and exchange views on the progress of peace talks.
Kinzhal missiles, ballistic weapons and Kalibr cruise missiles launched - What is known about Odesa and region attack
On the night of December 13, Russia carried out another combined attack on Ukraine. The enemy used drones and various types of missiles in the assault.
Energy infrastructure was hit, primarily in the southern regions. Power outages were reported in Odesa, Chernihiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, and Mykolaiv regions.
The most severe damage was recorded in Odesa and the surrounding region. On the night of December 14, Odesa region came under attack again.
Lukashenko frees more than 100 political prisoners, including Babaryka and Kalesnikava
Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has announced an amnesty for 123 political prisoners. Among those released are opposition figures Viktar Babaryka and Maria Kalesnikava.
The press service of the Belarusian leader said that the pardon was granted as part of an agreement with US President Donald Trump. One of the reasons was the lifting of sanctions.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that five Ukrainians are among those released. In total, 114 pardoned prisoners were sent to Ukraine, including Babaryka and Kolesnikova. On Sunday, both opposition figures held a press briefing.
Ukraine strikes key Russian fuel sites, including Afipsky refinery, General Staff says
Ukrainian forces struck the Afipsky oil refinery, the Urupinsk fuel depot, and a number of enemy positions in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
"As part of measures to reduce the enemy’s offensive potential and complicate the logistical support of Russian occupation forces, units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the facilities of the Afipsky oil refinery (Krasnodar Krai, Russia)," the report stated.
'Act of evil antisemitism': Inside Australia's second deadliest terror attack
On Sunday, a shooting occurred in Australia’s Sydney during Hanukkah celebrations. Dozens of people were killed and injured.
By the evening, it was confirmed that the death toll had risen to 16, including a child. Another 40 people were hospitalized with injuries.
