Alla Kiosak
Tram traffic in Kyiv has been fully restored after a power outage on the left bank. Work is underway to restore trolleybus traffic.
In Chernivtsi region, rescuers extinguished a large-scale fire at a poultry farm in the village of Zamostya. The fire destroyed a building with an area of 975 square meters and led to the death of about 5,000 birds.
The European Union has called for the preservation of Somalia's unity and territorial integrity after Israel officially recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. This decision has provoked a strong reaction from African and Middle Eastern countries and international organizations.
Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, denied the Russian command's statements about the capture of Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian units are in the city and its western outskirts, despite intense enemy attacks.
From 2027, cars sold in China will have manual door unlocking due to electronic handle failures during accidents. New regulations require all vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons to have both internal and external handles with mechanical emergency release.
In Brovary, Kyiv region, one person died and another was hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator. The incident occurred in an apartment building where the generator was operating in the basement.
The Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of a number of enemy military targets in temporarily occupied Crimea. Among the hit targets is the enemy "Valdai" radar station.
Russian troops in Kupyansk are surrounded and have no prospects of de-blockade. Enemy forces are concentrated on the left bank of the Oskil River, and not in the city itself.
Elections are underway in Kosovo, where Prime Minister Albin Kurti's party is seeking to win a majority to overcome a year-long political deadlock. This is the second vote this year, as Kurti's party failed to win a majority in February.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro underwent a medical procedure to treat hiccups, which involved blocking the phrenic nerve. He also underwent surgery to remove a hernia, which is a consequence of a stab wound in 2018.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6. 6-7 magnitude, the strongest since 1999, has been recorded in Taiwan. It occurred off the northeastern coast, causing tremors across the island but without significant damage or casualties.
In 2025, many celebrities legalized their relationships, from quiet ceremonies to grand celebrations. Among them are Stella Banderas, Selena Gomez, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Chloë Grace Moretz, Mel B, Jeff Bezos, Kristen Stewart, Justin Theroux, Robert Pattinson, and Elijah Wood.
More than half of the weaponry in the Ukrainian army is currently domestically produced. In 2025, over 75% of funds for the procurement of weapons and equipment will be directed to Ukrainian manufacturers.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the issue of elections was raised by the American side, and security remains a key condition for any vote. He emphasized that partners have enough opportunities to negotiate with Russia on creating a safe infrastructure for elections or a referendum.
In 2025, a number of Hollywood couples broke up, including Cash Warren and Jessica Alba after 16 years of marriage, as well as Sydney Sweeney and Jonathan Davino, who called off their wedding. Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin also split after 8 years and an engagement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida. The main topic of discussion will be documents related to security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as an economic agreement.
A video is circulating online in which Russian soldiers claim to have captured a command and observation post in Huliaipole. Law enforcement officers are verifying the authenticity of the video and the circumstances of the event, said Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine.
The head of Ukrenergo, Vitaliy Zaichenko, announced a gradual improvement in the situation in Ukraine's energy system. Energy workers are working on restoration, which allowed for softening the blackout schedules for Christmas.
Russia and Kazakhstan have postponed the first launch of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle as part of the joint Baiterek space project for additional system checks. The Baiterek program is in its final stages, and the launch was delayed due to falling behind schedule and sanctions.
Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, reported that Russian troops cannot expand the combat zone beyond Hrabovske in Sumy Oblast. The enemy deployed about a hundred servicemen but is suffering losses and does not have a significant concentration.
Cambodia reports shelling by Thailand from December 25-26, hitting villages and temples. Cambodian Prime Minister appeals to the US to facilitate a ceasefire.
Gusts of wind of 15-20 m/s, blizzards, and ice are expected throughout the country, and a level I danger has been declared. On Mount Pip Ivan, as of the morning of December 26, the air temperature was -11°C.
The former head of the SBU department in Kharkiv region was detained after attempting to be released on bail, with new charges filed against him. He is accused of organizing the seizure of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration and attempting to remove the leadership at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
The White House has released a photo card featuring US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The couple smiles and holds hands, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
The former head of a communal enterprise in Tiachiv region has been notified of suspicion of abuse of office. He purchased two trucks at inflated prices, which led to an overpayment of over UAH 1.17 million.
The 36-year-old Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture, Tetiana Berezhna, announced the birth of her daughter. She shared her emotions on Facebook, without revealing the newborn's name.
JSC "Ukrainian Defense Industry" has announced the selection of candidates for the positions of independent members of the Supervisory Boards of six key defense industry enterprises. Applications for participation in the selection will be accepted until the end of 2025.
In Kharkiv region, a mother was served with a notice of suspicion for malicious non-fulfillment of parental duties after her 6-year-old daughter sustained severe injuries during shelling in Kupyansk. The woman left the child in an active combat zone, despite mandatory evacuation.
A Christmas tree, adorned with a Firebird made in Ternopil, has been installed on Downing Street, near the office of the head of the British government. This ornament is a special product of Ukrainian craftsmen.
In Kyiv, two men threatened a taxi driver with a pistol and forced him to drive them around the city for free. The attackers also threatened a police officer when the driver sought help.