Overview
- Ukraine says it agreed with Russia, via Turkish and Emirati mediation, to reactivate the Istanbul protocols for a 1,200-for-1,200 exchange, with procedural consultations pending and no public confirmation from Moscow.
- Officials in Kyiv say they are pushing to bring detainees home in time for New Year and Christmas.
- Ukrainian authorities estimate about 300 Russian soldiers are inside Pokrovsk as heavy fog blunts drone surveillance and Russian forces lean on light vehicles and small-team infiltrations.
- Russia’s defense ministry reports new advances in Zaporiyia, citing gains at Rivnopilia, Yablukove and Mala Tokmacha, while Ukraine reports numerous assaults repelled across the sector.
- Zelensky reports roughly 1,000 drones, 980 guided aerial bombs and 36 missiles launched at Ukraine over the week, with high intercept rates but fresh energy damage in Odesa, and he signed a letter of intent with France to buy up to 100 Rafale jets plus air defenses and drones over the next decade.