Ukraine

According to data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, more than 65 percent of Ukrainians would support such a move by Volodymyr Zelensky, who explained that it was requested of him by the army.

Bulgarian-based pro-Russian groups are planning a demonstration titled "End the war in Ukraine," allegedly recruiting Ukrainian-speaking individuals to participate in the event. The Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Bulgaria, "Mati Ukraine," (СУОБ "Мати Украйна") has raised concerns and cautioned against the rally's misleading agenda.

Turkey's Defense Minister, Yaşar Güler, announced plans for Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey to ink an agreement next month aimed at clearing mines lingering in the Black Sea, a fallout from the war in Ukraine. This initiative follows extensive discussions among NATO allies grappling with the ramifications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to start accession talks with EU candidates Ukraine and Moldova while granting formal candidate status to Georgia.

Accession talks themselves could take a decade or longer. Below is a list of countries hoping to one day become members of the EU, and their formal status:

COUNTRIES WITH CANDIDATE COUNTRY STATUS

Day 660 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Dec. 15 blocked 50 billion euros ($55 billion) in EU aid for Ukraine, after leaders side-stepped his opposition to agree to open talks with Kiev on joining the bloc.

Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Norway unannounced and stated that during his two-day visit to the United States of America, on December 11 and 12, he received a positive signal regarding further support for Ukraine.
"We expect that the US Congress will soon adopt a key decision to continue vital support to Ukraine," Zelensky said.

According to Index, it is about the fact that today in Brussels, a decision is being made on Ukraine's negotiations for EU membership, which is strongly opposed by one member of the Union - Hungary.

Day 657 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

"While the tired Ukrainians are retreating from the minefields, Russia is taking the initiative. The Russians have moved towards the remains of the city of Marinka in the Donetsk region. Strategically, it is not a goal.