BBC News Briefing

18 December, 2025

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Alex Binley

Hello. European Union leaders are meeting in Belgium where they will make a decision on funding for Kyiv in its war with Russia, in what one official described as "crunch time for Ukraine to keep fighting for the next year". We also explore why Chile has become the latest Latin American country to swing to the right. And finally, take a look at the Prince and Princess of Wales's latest Christmas card portrait.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

EU leaders face crunch decision on loaning Russia's frozen cash to Ukraine

A man in a grey suit and waistcoat looks down at the floor He has short brown hair and is shaking the hand of a man dressed all in black who also has brown hair, and a beard as well. The man in black is smiling and the pair stand in front of Belgian and Ukrainian flags.

Belgian PM Bart De Wever has said he is yet to be convinced that the money should be loaned to Ukraine. Credit: Ukrinform/NurPhoto

EU leaders remain deeply split ahead of a momentous decision on whether to loan Ukraine tens of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets. Without a boost in funding, Kyiv's finances will run dry in a matter of months, impacting its ability to keep fighting Russia. The Belgian PM Bart De Wever, in whose country most of the assets are held by the organisation Euroclear, has said he is currently opposed to using the money. Russia has already filed a lawsuit against Euroclear in Moscow in a bid to get its money back.

Missile factory: When defence correspondent Jonathan Beale visited a secret Ukrainian factory, this is what was happening inside.

Belarus balloons: Giant balloons carrying crates of cigarettes are arriving in Lithuania. Is it smuggling or hybrid warfare from Russia's ally?

George Hooley: A letter from a UK paratrooper killed in Ukraine to his family told them to "be proud" and not "remember him with sadness".

WORLD HEADLINES

A young girl wears a yellow T-shirt and is smiling. She has thick, wavy, long brown hair and a fringe. A white pick-up truck is behind her

'Maybe she's an angel now' says aunt of Bondi victim

The family of 10-year-old Matilda urged the community not to let her death fuel anger, as they said a final goodbye at her funeral.

Read more >

A bald man looks serious and wears a navy blue suit, light blue shirt and a red tie. In front of him is a man in a charcoal suit, white shirt and blue tie who is stood side on. There are flags behind them.

Dan Bongino to step down as FBI deputy director

The ex-podcaster said he would leave the FBI after the US president told reporters he "wants to go back to his show".

More on this >

A large puddle of water sits in front of shelters made from sheets of plastic. Two children are seen standing in front of one of them

Rain worsens conditions for displaced Gazans - UN

There are concerns that children living in tents and makeshift shelters could develop hypothermia and other illnesses.

Read more >

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Anaesthetist who fatally poisoned patients jailed

A French court found the man guilty of adding substances to infusion bags that caused cardiac arrest or haemorrhaging.

More on the case >

A man's head and shoulders can be seen. He is wearing a black jacket with a white shirt and is sat behind a microphone. He looks serious and has dark brown, spiky hair, brown eyes and protuding ears.

Billionaire Elon Musk ally confirmed as Nasa chief

The appointment ends a process which saw President Trump put his name forward, withdraw it, and then renominate him.

More on Jared Isaacman >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Misogyny: Teachers are to be trained to spot and tackle signs of misogyny in boys, with students also taught how to challenge unhealthy ideas.

Sextortion: The parents of a Scottish teenager who took his own life after being blackmailed on Instagram are suing the platform's owner, Meta.

Loneliness: The surprising truth about the generations that suffer loneliness the most.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

What's behind Chile's swing to the right?

A man with short white hair is seen from the side. He is wearing a grey suit, white shirt and red patterned tie. He appears to be speaking as his mouth is open.

Kast's victory places Chile within a growing bloc of conservative governments likely to align with Trump. Credit: Reuters

Chile is the latest Latin American country to elect a right-wing president, after backing hardline conservative José Antonio Kast, a man who has praised former dictator General Augusto Pinochet. Critics of the 59-year-old also point to his family history, including his German-born father's membership of the Nazi Party and his brother's time as a minister under Pinochet. So, what is fuelling the swing to the right?

Find out

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