War News December 18: ALL BURNED! Russia Sends Bikes to Front! Ukraine Seizes Initiative!

Russian generals have switched tactics, sending soldiers into battle on motorcycles, ATVs, and buggies — 38,000 units in 2025, ten times more than last year. Ukrainian defenders continue to destroy these columns, with artillerymen and drone pilots burning 16 vehicles in the Dobropoli direction. In Podgorodne, Dnipropetrovsk region, occupiers were eliminated in a powerful remote detonation after using a civilian building to mass manpower. Despite Russia’s grouping of 710,000 troops and a declared strategic offensive, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reports that Ukraine has pushed Russians back from Kupiansk, regaining 90% of the city and 16 km² in the north. For 17 months, Russia has failed to capture Pokrovsk, while Ukrainian defenders hold the line and seize the initiative. More – on TSN.

This video was created and published solely for informational and documentary purposes to highlight the Russian Federation’s war crimes against Ukraine.

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Russia is planning to make next year the year of war. Putin has essentially confirmed this with his latest statements. In his evening address, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zalinski emphasized that the United States should pay special attention to this and they must respond to the dictator. These are signals not just for us. It’s important that our partners see this and it’s important that they not only see it but also respond, especially our partners in the United States of America who often say that Russia supposedly wants to end the war. But from Russia, we hear completely different rhetoric, different signals, including official orders to their army. This mood in Russia must be recognized and responded to. And when they are in this kind of mood, they will also undermine diplomacy, trying to use various diplomatic phrases and pressure on certain points in documents simply to cover up their desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, their wish to legitimize Russia’s theft of our land and then move on to other countries in Europe, which someone in Russia might someday call their own supposedly historical lands. We need real protection from this Russian story, from this madness. And right now we continue working with all our partners to ensure that such protection truly exists. Instead of mechanized assaults, motorcycle attacks, this year, Russian generals have switched their soldiers from armored vehicles to motorcycles, ATVs, and buggies. These are the conclusions analysts have reached after statements from the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Belusov. He reported that in 2025, 38,000 units of motorized equipment were sent to the front, which is about 10 times more than last year. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers are once again publishing footage of Russian infantry being destroyed on motorcycles. This time, the invader’s advance was stopped in the Dobropoli direction. Ukrainian artillerymen together with drone pilots destroyed an enemy column and burned 16 pieces of equipment. In the village of Podgoroi Nepropetk region, Russian infantry was destroyed by a powerful remote detonation. According to Ukrainian soldiers, the occupiers used a civilian building to amass manpower for subsequent attacks. Ukrainian fighters had mined the building in advance and eliminated a large group of enemy forces with a single explosion. Russia has increased its troop grouping in Ukraine to 710,000 soldiers and has launched a strategic offensive operation. This was stated by the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Ukraine, Alexander Sirski. He emphasized that despite significant losses, Moscow is not abandoning its aggressive plans. In our next report, we will discuss which sections of the front are facing the most difficult situations, where the defense forces have achieved successes, and why Russian officials are reporting to Putin for the second time about the alleged capture of Kupansk. Stay tuned. The Ukrainian army has pushed the Russians back from Kupansk and taken control of nearly 90% of the city. This was stated by the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Ukraine, Alexander Searski. He also noted that for 17 months now, Russian troops have been trying to capture Pokrosk, but Ukrainian defenders are holding the line and seizing the initiative. Sirki added that as a result of counteroffensive operations, the Ukrainian armed forces regained control over 16 square kilmters in the northern part of the city and also recaptured 56 square kilm in the areas of the settlements of Hyishin, Kotline and Udakn west of Prosovk. In addition to actions on the front line, Ukraine is systematically increasing pressure on the enemy deep within its territory. We are successfully striking Russia’s critical infrastructure targets using deep strike capabilities. As a result of these strikes, Russia’s direct and indirect losses since the beginning of the year amount to a total of 21.5 billion US. Meanwhile, the head of Russia’s Ministry of Defense, Belusov, once again reported to Putin about the capture of the Kupansk region. He assured the Kremlin dictator that the city had been taken by the West group and that the Ukrainian armed forces were allegedly unsuccessfully trying to regain control. A month ago, the head of the Russian general staff, Garzimov, had already reported to Putin about the capture of Kupansk. Analysts from the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, explained that Russian officials lie to the dictator because they are afraid of losing their positions. All of Putin’s officials, from Garzimov, who was the first to lie about control over Kyansk to Belusov, continue to deceive. As for Putin himself, I wouldn’t rule out that the oldfascist actually believes their reports. Such actions can be attributed not only to the fear of losing their positions due to failure, but more likely to their desire. Putin’s elites and inner circle want to continue the war at any cost, which is why they keep telling him about victories. In fact, Putin himself wants to keep fighting. Alexander Kovalenko, head of the center for countering disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Since the beginning of the day, the Russians have attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses 87 times along the entire front line, according to calculations by the general staff of the armed forces of Ukraine. In the Costantina direction, the defense forces repelled 14 assaults and on the Lyman section of the front, the enemy tried to advance seven times, but without success. Almost a third of all battles today took place in the Pocrosk direction. In the past 24 hours, 1,730 Russian occupiers have been eliminated at the front. According to the general staff of the armed forces of Ukraine, the total combat losses of the Russian army since the start of the full-scale invasion have already exceeded 1,192,000 personnel. And the day before, President Zalinski announced that Russia’s irreoverable monthly losses are around 30,000 soldiers. >> The losses have increased even more. Putin is looking for all possible ways to conduct covert mobilization. That is now not just in the spring but for example in the fall they are calling people up in a vague and selective manner. We know that they are looking for volunteers from over 100 different countries and the prisoners their servicemen. We already have information showing that people from various countries are involved. One way or another they still manage to maintain this level with an additional reserve. And this reserve is being used in terms of numbers. Of course, our defenders feel this on the front lines, especially in the priority sectors. Also destroyed were six tanks, more than two dozen armored combat vehicles, over 30 artillery systems, and one multiple rocket launcher system. In addition, yesterday the Russians lost one electronic warfare system, more than 1,200 operational tactical level drones, and 180 units of automotive and special equipment. in the general staff of the armed forces of Ukraine confirmed that on the night of December 17th, oil refineries in Russia were hit. Explosions were heard and a fire broke out at the Slavansky oil refinery in Krnodar Cry and at the Nikolskaya oil depot. A storage tank was damaged in the Rostov region. In addition, an artillery depot of the Russian army was destroyed in the temporarily occupied Luhansk region. The chancellor of Germany sharply criticized Putin’s refusal to agree to a Christmas truce. According to Friedrich Metsz, the reaction of the Russian dictator is a manifestation of cynicism and cruelty. In his speech in the Bundistag before the EU summit, the chancellor noted that diplomatic efforts in recent days have been as intensive as possible. He emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved at the expense of Ukraine or the security of Europe. And there should be no unilateral territorial concessions from there should be no unilateral territorial concessions from Kiev. Everyone who believes that only diplomacy can put an end to this war should remember what Putin said in response to my public appeal to lay down arms and cease fire at least for Christmas. And the answer to this could not have been more cynical and cruel. When we talk about the price of peace, it includes Germany’s contribution together with its allies to ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine in the future. After the ceasefire, we will discuss the specific nature of this contribution later. In at the same time, while Ukraine together with Europe is actively negotiating the American peace plan, Russia distorting the facts has resorted to blackmail. At a meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense Board, Putin once again accused Europe of disrupting the peace process and again threatened the world with Orishnik’s Neptunes and Poseidons. The dictator also stated that Russian troops will increase the pace of their offensive. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine believes that with such threats, Putin is trying to buy as much time as possible. So far, the Russians are not showing any desire to end the war at all. Their propaganda is pushing the narrative of war until Ukraine surrenders. The military-industrial complex is ramping up production and the army continues its active attempts to advance on the front line. It is possible that Russia’s goal is to drag out time as much as possible. Andre Kovaleeno, head of the center for countering disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine on Telegram. A new myth has been invented by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakarova. She claimed that the cessation of energy imports from the Russian Federation has seriously impacted the European Union supposedly to such an extent that countries are being forced to cut back on New Year’s illuminations. She also boasted that Russia is only getting stronger from international sanctions. These statements were made against the backdrop of a record drop in the reserves of Russia’s national wealth fund. Analysts state that the Russian economy is collapsing. More details in the report by my colleagues. >> A sort of nonsense that doesn’t stand up to any criticism, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakarova, commenting on the European Union’s reports about the successful and systematic implementation of the plan to abandon Russian energy resources. She claims it’s not true that the Russian Federation has been and remains resilient to sanctions. Meanwhile, according to Zakarova, the cessation of imports of Russian energy resources has seriously hit the European Union and plunged the EU into nothing less than complete darkness. Meanwhile, in the Union, a wave of austerity is beginning, even on Christmas lights. In European cities, they are being forced to give up festive street lighting. This is truly plunging the European Union into darkness in every sense of the word. This statement immediately went viral on social media. Users posted hundreds of videos in which Zakarova’s speech is overlaid on footage of European cities lavishly decorated for Christmas and New Year. Residents of London, Berlin, Barcelona, Milan, and other EU cities are posting these videos. She opened her mouth and lied. That’s how a Russian speaking resident of Valencia captioned her real. And here it is. For example, this is what according to Zakarova, one of the capitals of the European Union, supposedly plunged into darkness, looks like in December 2025, Paris. And honestly, it really is nonsense. While the Kremlin shouts about the so-called decaying West, things in Russia itself are, to put it mildly, not so great. According to the publication Nova Gazetta Europe, the wear and tear of the Federation’s energy system is already about 80%. >> This pervasive issue therefore serves as the fundamental explanation for the primary underlying cause leading to a multitude of frequent and often severe accidents and critical emergencies at various types of energy production and distribution facilities. Furthermore, these localized incidents and operational malfunctions have regrettably transitioned into a disturbingly common and almost routine occurrence posing significant risks to safety and operational continuity. The most vulnerable regions in this regard are Kamchatka and Kranodar Christ, the Chukotka autonomous Okrug as well as the North Caucus, Magadan and Sakalin regions which are not part of Russia’s unified energy system. According to reports from the Ukrainian foreign intelligence service, Western sanctions over the military invasion of Ukraine have also become an additional source of pressure. Russia has lost access to modern energy equipment, software, and technologies. Therefore, the power industry should not count on the modernization of power grids or the implementation of energy efficient solutions. The Kremlin is in no hurry to repair the worn out networks since the lion’s share of the Russian budget goes to military spending. Meanwhile, the social sector is systematically falling into decline. Thus, Russia’s federal military spending from January to September 2025 reached a historic high. Compared to 2021, the military budget of the Russian Federation has increased by 295%. >> Russia’s federal military spending from January to September 2025 hit another historic record of 11 trill4 billion rubles. This is 30% more than during the same period last year. Compared to 2023, the military budget increased by 95% by 173% compared to 2022 and by 295% compared to 2021. In other words, almost four-fold. The cost of the special military operation amounts to 1 trill 32 billion rubles per month. That is 43 bill400 million per day or 1 bill900 million rubles per hour. And now a report from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. >> The increasing strikes by the Ukrainian armed forces on Russian energy infrastructure are also not giving Russian officials any reason for optimism. For example, back in September of this year, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zalinski stated that in response to threats of blackouts in Kiev, Russians could face blackouts in Moscow. to be civilized with the univilized. >> I think being civilized with the univilized is a mistake. Russia must clearly understand that civilized countries are different from them. They differ from the wild ones in that they never start. They are never the first to attack and are not aggressors. But that doesn’t mean they are weak and there is no need to show weakness. If there are threats of a blackout, for example, in the capital of Ukraine, then the Kremlin should know that there will be a blackout in the capital of Russia. Yes. >> Since the beginning of 2025, there have been more than 4,000 cases of power outages at energy facilities in Russian regions for various reasons. That’s already more than a third higher than for the entire previous year, according to calculations by Nova Gazetta Europe. And the winter season has only just begun. Julia Granowski for Freedom TV channel. In >> the United States Senate, a bill was introduced to impose sanctions for importing oil from Russia. Senators are warning of consequences for countries and companies since purchasing Russian raw materials finances the war against Ukraine. This concerns the risk of losing access to the American financial system. As noted by Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanina, the document provides for punishment not only for purchasing oil from the Russian Federation, but also for facilitating the import of such products. The bill creates a legal basis for increasing sanctions pressure on Russia’s oil revenues. If adopted, the US president will be required to impose sanctions within 90 days on individuals involved in importing Russian oil. The list will be compiled by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Secretary of State. Russia wants to avoid paying reparations for its aggression against Ukraine, but the international community must hold Moscow accountable. This was stated by the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaaka Kalis. A decision on the payment of the reparations loan must be made immediately since these funds are planned to be allocated to aid Ukraine over the next two years according to the European Commission. More information in our report. Now is the most appropriate time to make a decision on the reparations loan from Russia’s frozen assets, wrote Ukraine’s foreign minister Andre Cibha on the social network X. He listed five reasons why this needs to be done right now. These are to strengthen the unity and sovereignty of Europe to ensure long-term support for Kev and to punish the aggressor. Importantly, the diplomat believes that such a decision would not be able to hinder the peace process. Compensation for damages caused by the aggressor is a fundamental component of international law. Russia’s obligation to compensate for damages is enshrined in UN General Assembly resolutions and there are no alternatives to the key reserve currencies. The mechanisms developed by the European Commission are legally justified, morally right and fair in terms of risk distribution. We call on all EU member states to take this important strategic step this week. Andre CHA, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the social network X. On December 16th, the European Parliament voted to accelerate the legislative process on the draft law on granting a reparations loan to Ukraine. At the upcoming European Council meeting on December 18th through 19th, the decision is expected to be approved by the leaders of the EU member states. European Commission President Ursula Vanderlayion emphasizes the importance of adopting a financial assistance strategy for Ukraine for the next two years, in particular using funds from the aggressor country. Last week, we agreed on the ongoing mobilization of Russian assets. This is a decisive step that sends a strong political signal. This means that Russian funds will remain and they will remain mobilized until we make a different decision until Russia stops the war and properly compensates Ukraine for all the damage caused. And the indefinite mobilization of assets is also about strengthening Ukraine’s ability to secure a real peace, one that is just, lasting, and protects both Ukraine and Europe. This concerns the use of €210 billion from the frozen assets of the central bank of Russia which are held in the Belgian depository Euro Clear. All of Russia’s blocked assets in the EU are to be transferred to a single common European account and then given to Ukraine as a loan at 0% interest. It is assumed that Ukraine will repay the loan once Russia pays reparations. The Europeans have come up with a rather clever plan which involves issuing zerointerest bonds so-called reparations bonds secured by the frozen Russian assets. In this way, the funds are either used as collateral or simply used to purchase these bonds. The bonds will be guaranteed by the European Commission and national governments. So they are equated with national bonds, sovereign bonds like those of France or Germany for example. You know, it’s a great excellent investment, a great asset. And then Ukraine receives the proceeds in several installments. >> Most countries in the EU support this scheme. However, there are those who are against it. That’s seven countries. Belgium, Italy, Bulgaria, Malta, Czecha, Hungary, and Slovakia. Brussels plays the main role here since it holds the majority of the frozen assets. There they fear possible lawsuits from Russia in the future which could result in multi-billion dollar compensations. German Chancellor Friedrich Meritz believes that the chances of the decision on the loan are 50/50. >> We are discussing this in the EU and I understand the concerns especially from the Belgian government. However, I also say that we really need to use the resources we have right now to increase the pressure and put an end to the war. That’s exactly what we want to try, although we won’t be making a decision on this issue at the European Council meeting on Thursday. We will make a political decision which will then need to be formalized by the representatives of the countries. According to >> IMF estimates, Ukraine’s needs for 2026 to 2027 amount to 137 billion. 90 of those are ready to be provided by the European Union, stated Ursula Vanderion. This will not only help KEF defend Europe from the Russian threat, but will also increase the cost of the war for the aggressor country, concluded the president of the European Commission.