Category: World

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, who was launched from a Belarusian jail on 13 December, has arrived in Lithuania, the place he was welcomed by Belarusian opposition chief Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Supply: European Pravda, citing Nasha Niva and the human rights centre Viasna, headed by Bialiatski

Quote from Viasna: "The Nobel laureate and head of Viasna was launched and forcibly deported to Lithuania after 1,613 days behind bars."

Great to welcome @viasna96 human rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski in freedom finally. pic.twitter.com/cPnWdxYgi9

— Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) December 13, 2025

Particulars: Nasha Niva shared a video of Bialiatski's assembly in Vilnius with Belarusian opposition chief Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and different Belarusians in exile. Tsikhanouskaya later posted the video on her social media accounts.

Replace: It has change into recognized that Bialiatski was taken to the US Embassy in Vilnius. There, he gave his first public feedback. Dozens of individuals got here to welcome him.

Bialiatski says he was pushed to the Lithuanian border blindfolded, just about throughout the entire of Belarus. He feels that his state of well being is pretty good.

"I used to be suggested to ask for a pardon, however I didn’t ask for one," Bialiatski stated.

Background:

• Earlier, it grew to become recognized that 114 of the 123 folks launched are at the moment in Ukraine. Amongst them are former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka, his affiliate Maria Kolesnikova, and Marina Zolotova, editor-in-chief of the TUT.by portal.
• 5 Ukrainian residents are additionally amongst these launched.
• Alexander Lukashenko's workplace introduced the discharge of 123 political prisoners, saying it happened "as a part of preparations with the president of the USA and at his request" in reference to the lifting of US sanctions.
• It was reported on 13 December that the USA had lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash.
• On 4 November, the US Treasury Division eased sure sanctions on Belarus, lifting restrictions on the nationwide airline and allowing operations related to Lukashenko's plane.

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On 13 December, 9 political prisoners launched from Belarus had been taken to Lithuania, together with Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski and one citizen of Poland.

Supply: Reuters; Belarusian media and human rights organisations, as reported by European Pravda

Particulars: Reuters reported, citing unnamed official sources, that 9 of these launched ended up in Lithuania, whereas 114 had been taken to Ukraine.

Belarusian media and human rights defenders point out Polish citizen Roman Haluz amongst these launched.

In the meantime, ethnic Pole and journalist Andrzej Poczobut, whose launch Warsaw has lengthy been looking for, just isn’t amongst these freed.

Poland's Overseas Ministry spokesman Maciej Wąsik stated he doesn’t know whether or not there was an opportunity of his launch this time.

"Just a few years in the past, there was a scenario when Andrzej Poczobut acquired such a proposal, however didn’t take it. This time, I have no idea whether or not such a proposal was made," TVN24 quoted him as saying.

Relating to the launched Polish citizen, the spokesman confirmed that he’s in Vilnius "among the many 9 individuals who entered the US Embassy".

"Whether or not he desires to go to Poland or keep there for a while to relaxation is solely his choice," Wąsik added.

Background:

• On 13 December, Alexander Lukashenko's workplace introduced the discharge of 123 political prisoners, saying it passed off "as a part of preparations with the president of america and at his request" in reference to the lifting of US sanctions.
• Earlier, it grew to become recognized that 114 of the 123 individuals launched are presently in Ukraine. Amongst them are former presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka, his affiliate Maria Kolesnikova, and Marina Zolotova, editor-in-chief of the TUT.by portal. Nobel laureate and human rights defender Ales Bialiatski ended up in Vilnius.
• It was reported on 13 December that america had lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash.
• On 4 November, the US Treasury Division eased sure sanctions on Belarus, lifting restrictions on the nationwide airline and allowing operations linked to Lukashenko's plane.

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The 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Methods Regiment has destroyed a pipe that the Russians had been utilizing to infiltrate personnel into Kupiansk.

Supply: 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Methods Regiment

Particulars: On the finish of April, Achilles entered the Kupiansk defence line and, since then, has been engaged on key duties: destroying Russian personnel, bringing crossings underneath hearth management and mining potential Russian advance routes.

Throughout reconnaissance, an uncommon however critically necessary logistics channel was found – a pipe the Russians used to infiltrate their personnel into the northern outskirts of Kupiansk. It was a protected route that allowed Russian troops to amass forces whereas bypassing hearth management.

The Achilles regiment started systematic operations to destroy this route. Three tonnes of explosives had been used to destroy the pipe. Later, adjoining items of the Ukrainian defence forces joined the operation.

On this entrance, the Russians resorted to assaults by small infantry teams. From April to December, the 429th Achilles regiment destroyed 1,877 troopers (998 killed, 879 wounded) in Kupiansk and its approaches.

Background:

• On 12 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kupiansk entrance and recorded a video close to the partially destroyed metropolis stele.
• It was reported on 12 December that Ukraine's defence forces carried out a profitable counterattack close to the town of Kupiansk and encircled a Russian grouping within the metropolis.
• In current weeks, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and Russian Chief of Normal Workers Valery Gerasimov repeatedly claimed full occupation of Kupiansk and the "encirclement of 15 Ukrainian battalions".

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The 2nd Khartiia Corps of the Nationwide Guard of Ukraine has printed video footage of the deblocking of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast.

Supply: Khartiia

Particulars: The video exhibits Ukrainian troopers laughing on the statements of the Russian command, which claimed to have captured the town, and presents footage of the operation in Kupiansk.

Background:

• On 12 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the Kupiansk entrance and recorded a video close to the partially destroyed metropolis stele.
• It was reported on 12 December that Ukraine's defence forces carried out a profitable counterattack close to the town of Kupiansk and encircled a Russian grouping within the metropolis.
• In latest weeks, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin and Russian Chief of Common Workers Valery Gerasimov repeatedly claimed full occupation of Kupiansk and the "encirclement of 15 Ukrainian battalions".

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has introduced his upcoming conferences with representatives of US President Donald Trump relating to the top of the conflict.

Supply: Zelenskyy's night tackle

Quote: "We are actually making ready for conferences with the American aspect and our European mates within the coming days. Berlin – there can be many occasions.

There can be a report from Rustem Umierov [Head of the National Defence and Security Council – ed.] and our negotiation workforce on the conferences which have already taken place. Normal Hnatov [Chief of the General Staff – ed.] and representatives of the Ukrainian defence and safety sector will work on the main points of safety ensures for Ukraine, for Ukrainians. In the meantime, discussions are ongoing between Ukrainian officers, America and Europe on the true reconstruction of Ukraine, the true improvement of Ukraine after the conflict.

Most significantly, I’ll have conferences with the representatives of President Trump, in addition to conferences with our European companions, with many leaders relating to the muse for peace – a political settlement to finish the conflict."

Particulars: Zelenskyy famous that "now now we have a major probability".

"We’re working to make sure that peace for Ukraine is dignified. That there’s a assure, primarily a assure that Russia won’t return to Ukraine with a 3rd invasion. Because of all of the companions who assist us – who assist Ukraine, and within the coming days in Berlin we’ll work as actively and constructively as doable with everybody who can genuinely make the settlement work," he mentioned.

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Russia has performed an assault on a civilian vessel transporting Ukrainian sunflower oil to Egypt.

Supply: Naval Forces of Ukraine

Particulars: "On 13 November 2025, the aggressor state as soon as once more carried out an assault on a civilian vessel. The Russian Federation performed a focused strike utilizing a UAV in opposition to the Turkish vessel VIVA, which was en path to Egypt with sunflower oil on board," the assertion mentioned.

"The vessel was crusing by way of the grain hall. There have been 11 residents of the Republic of Türkiye on board," the Naval Forces of Ukraine reported.

The strike was carried out within the open sea, inside Ukraine's unique maritime financial zone, outdoors the protection space of Ukrainian air defence programs, the assertion famous.

The Russian Federation is grossly and cynically violating the norms of worldwide maritime legislation, the Naval Forces of Ukraine mentioned. Such actions immediately contradict the basic ideas of freedom of navigation and represent a flagrant violation of the San Remo Handbook.

Quote: "At current, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are involved with the captain, and the maritime search and rescue service is on standby to supply help if mandatory."

Particulars: The crew was not injured, and the vessel is continuing to its vacation spot port, the Naval Forces reported.

Via its aggressive actions, Russia is intentionally difficult worldwide legislation and maritime safety, the assertion added.

Quote: "However Ukraine can’t be damaged, we are going to endure and defend our freedom and our proper to a peaceable sea."

Background:

• On the evening of 12-13 December, Russia carried out a large-scale mixed assault on Odesa utilizing assault drones and missiles. Ukrainian authorities reported harm to civilian, power and industrial infrastructure services.
• On the night of 12 December, Russia struck Odesa and the oblast with ballistic missiles and drones. A civilian ship within the port of Chornomorsk belonging to a Turkish firm was broken and one particular person was injured. Harm was additionally reported to civil and port infrastructure.

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US Particular Envoy to Belarus John Coale has stated that in his talks with Belarus's self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukashenko they’ve mentioned Russia's battle towards Ukraine, and that Lukashenko's recommendation and shut contacts with the Russian chief might show helpful.

Supply: BelTA, a Belarusian state-owned information outlet, as reported by European Pravda

Particulars: Coale stated that he mentioned varied points with Lukashenko and that Lukashenko, amongst different issues, "advises us on what to do in regards to the battle between Russia and Ukraine".

He stated that Lukashenko is aware of the Russian chief very nicely, so his recommendation might be helpful, as might Lukashenko's personal affect on Putin.

Quote: "Your president has a protracted historical past of relations with President Putin, he has the chance to offer him recommendation. That is very helpful on this state of affairs. They’re long-time pals and have a enough degree of relations to debate such points. In fact, President Putin could settle for some recommendation and never settle for different recommendation. However this can be a means to assist the method." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]

Background: On 4 November, the US Treasury Division eased sure sanctions on Belarus, lifting restrictions on the nationwide airline and allowing operations linked to Lukashenko's plane.

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The federal government has begun making funds in instances the place journalists have been killed or injured whereas finishing up their skilled duties. The choice supplies for one-off help by way of the State Committee for Tv and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine.

Supply: Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko

Particulars: The programme was included within the state price range for 2026.

The primary fee is to be made to the daddy of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who has been killed in Russian captivity.

Quote: "For the Ukrainian state, this can be a matter of justice for many who selflessly sought the reality, documented proof of Russian crimes and misplaced their lives in consequence.

Because the begin of the full-scale invasion, Russia has killed 21 journalists within the line of responsibility, amongst them Ukrainians and foreigners."

Learn extra: The Viktoriia Undertaking: the story of the captivity and torture endured by journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna and hundreds of Ukrainians imprisoned by Russia

Background:

• In 2022, Roshchyna wrote a collection of studies for Ukrainska Pravda from quickly occupied territories, together with items on life in occupied Crimea throughout the battle, on how the pseudo-referendum was carried out in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast and a photograph function from devastated Mariupol.
• Viktoriia Roshchyna disappeared on 3 August 2023 whereas reporting from Russian-occupied territory.
• Russia delayed the return of Roshchyna's physique, which was solely repatriated in February 2025.
• Based on the Workplace of the Prosecutor Common, Roshchyna's physique confirmed a number of indicators of torture and merciless remedy, together with abrasions, haemorrhages, a damaged rib and proof of electrical shocks.

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Russian forces have launched a large-scale assault on Odesa Oblast's crucial and civilian infrastructure. Emergency employees report that 4 individuals have been injured.

Supply: State Emergency Service (SES)

Quote: "All through the evening, firefighters have been extinguishing fires brought on by the strikes. Regardless of fixed air raids, firefighters managed to place out a large-scale fireplace on a civilian vessel.

There have been additionally fires at vitality infrastructure services and warehouse premises storing textile merchandise."

Particulars: As well as, residential buildings, an administrative constructing, civilian automobiles and a hearth engine have been broken.

Over 100 firefighters are presently working to cope with the aftermath.

DTEK, the biggest personal vitality firm in Ukraine, additionally posted a video displaying a substation destroyed by the Russians.

Background: On the evening of 12-13 December, Odesa got here below a large-scale mixed Russian assault, with native residents reporting energy outages throughout many of the metropolis.

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The European Union has determined to freeze the property of Russia's Central Financial institution held in Europe for an indefinite interval, thereby eradicating a significant impediment to utilizing these funds to assist Ukraine defend itself in opposition to Russia.

Supply: Reuters

Particulars: The EU is shifting to indefinitely freeze Russian sovereign property price €210 billion, as a substitute of holding a vote each six months on whether or not to increase the asset freeze.

This might take away the chance that Hungary and Slovakia may sooner or later refuse to increase the freeze, forcing the EU to return the cash to Russia.

The indefinite freeze is meant to steer Belgium to help the EU plan to make use of frozen Russian funds to supply Ukraine with a mortgage of as much as €165 billion to cowl wants in 2026 and 2027.

The mortgage could be repaid by Ukraine solely as soon as Russia pays compensation to Kyiv for battle injury, successfully making the mortgage a grant that advances future Russian reparations funds.

EU leaders and the European Council are on account of meet on 18 December to finalise the main points of the reparations mortgage and resolve excellent points, together with ensures from all EU governments to Belgium that it’s going to not be left bearing the prices alone if a possible lawsuit by Moscow succeeds.

Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economic system and Productiveness, stated that stable ensures are being ready for Belgium.

Germany sees no different to the reparations mortgage and can present €50 billion in ensures, European diplomatic sources stated.

Background:

• Russia's Central Financial institution has said that the European Union's plans to make use of its property are unlawful and that it reserves the suitable to make use of all out there means to guard its pursuits.
• In a separate assertion the regulator stated it was submitting a lawsuit in a Moscow courtroom in opposition to the Brussels-based monetary establishment Euroclear, which holds a big share of those property.

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