No Filter: Ukraine

Drone Strikes Hit Cherkasy and Kryvyi Rih, Civilian Killed Near Odesa, Frontline Pressure Near Pokrovsk — Ukraine News, December 19

Episode Summary

In today’s No Filter Ukraine, we cover the key stories from Thursday, December 18, 2025. Russia launched another wave of drones, with damage and injuries reported in Cherkasy and Kryvyi Rih, and a deadly strike in Odesa region where a civilian car was hit on a bridge—killing a 43-year-old mother and injuring her three children. On the фронт, fighting stayed intense, especially in the Pokrovsk direction. In Kyiv, parliament backed a plan for special leave for people released from captivity. In the economy, officials outlined a VAT timetable for small businesses and expanded how winter support payments and cashback can be used for everyday purchases. Internationally, the EU discussed a “reparations loan” linked to frozen Russian assets, and Germany announced an additional €70 million in winter support. We end with a positive Fact of the Day about demining progress and farmland returning to work.

Episode Notes

In today’s No Filter Ukraine, we cover the key stories from Thursday, December 18, 2025. Russia launched another wave of drones, with damage and injuries reported in Cherkasy and Kryvyi Rih, and a deadly strike in Odesa region where a civilian car was hit on a bridge—killing a 43-year-old mother and injuring her three children. On the фронт, fighting stayed intense, especially in the Pokrovsk direction. In Kyiv, parliament backed a plan for special leave for people released from captivity. In the economy, officials outlined a VAT timetable for small businesses and expanded how winter support payments and cashback can be used for everyday purchases. Internationally, the EU discussed a “reparations loan” linked to frozen Russian assets, and Germany announced an additional €70 million in winter support. We end with a positive Fact of the Day about demining progress and farmland returning to work.