Ukrainian troops faced serious challenges in the Kursk region due to exhaustion and demoralization. Russia has deployed 50,000 troops, including North Korean units, resulting in the loss of 40% of the captured territory.
Over the past 20 years, Ukraine's state budget deficit has gone from surplus to record levels. Economic crises, political changes, and global challenges have significantly affected the country's financial stability.
The United States and the World Bank have provided $485 million to Ukraine as part of the PEACE in Ukraine project. The funds will be used to cover social and humanitarian expenses of the state budget.
The Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 1. 9 billion for the construction of fortifications in Zaporizhzhia. 358 military strongholds and hundreds of kilometers of defense lines have been built.
The Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Israel held their first telephone conversation. The parties discussed the threats posed by Russia and Iran's cooperation to Europe and the Middle East.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry denied Lavrov's statement about France's alleged proposal to conduct a dialogue on the war without Ukraine. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson called Lavrov a pathological liar whose goal is to sow discord between the partners.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry established its first ministerial-level contacts with the new Syrian government after the severance of diplomatic relations. Ukraine also sent 500 tons of flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed its readiness to consider the European Commission's request for energy supplies. However, as of January 1, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will be suspended.
The Chairman of the Committee of Economists of Ukraine explained the reasons for the hryvnia's fluctuation to 42 UAH/USD. According to him, the devaluation is related to the escalation of the situation at the frontline and the shelling of the energy sector.
A spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy said that information about the possible damage to the Russian ship Fedor Uryupin in Crimea is being checked. Earlier, Crimean Wind reported a drone attack on the vessel near Chornomorsk.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 84/USD, which strengthened the hryvnia by 2 kopecks. In banks, a dollar can be bought for 42.25 UAH, and a euro for 44.14 UAH.
In his Christmas posts, Trump expressed his intentions for US control over Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. He proposed that Canada become the 51st US state and criticized the current management of the Panama Canal.
In November, Ukrainians bought new passenger cars worth UAH 10. 2 billion, up 12% year-on-year. Five brands accounted for half of all spending: Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 86 UAH/USD and 43.51 UAH/€. In exchange offices and banks, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.82-42.34, and the euro at UAH 43.60-44.20.
The royal family attended a traditional Christmas service in Sandringham, but without Prince Andrew. Princess Kate, who is battling cancer, impressed the audience with her look in an elegant green coat.
An explosion and fire occurred in a shopping center in Vladikavkaz, presumably due to a downed drone. The Russian Defense Ministry reported a UAV attack on several regions of the North Caucasus.
Brent crude rose to $73. 58 and WTI to $70.10 per barrel due to expectations of a reduction in supplies. Analysts predict stable prices and rising demand in the coming months amid Chinese stimulus.
Zelenskyy signs a law postponing the date of the tax increase for individual entrepreneurs from October 1 to January 1, 2025. The military tax will increase to 5%, and separate rates will be set for individual entrepreneurs of groups I-IV.
GSC Game World has confirmed that it does not plan to release S. T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 on PS5, focusing only on PC and Xbox versions. The game has already become a commercial success, selling over a million copies in the first 48 hours.
The NBU set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 9875 UAH/USD, which is 1 kopeck stronger. In exchange offices, the dollar is trading at 42.15-42.25 UAH, the euro - at 44.00-44.20 UAH.
A temporary deterioration in air quality was recorded in the capital due to meteorological conditions. The level of pollution remains average and does not pose a threat to the health of Kyiv residents.
Rescuers have pulled another person out of the rubble of a high-rise building in Kryvyi Rih that was hit by a Russian ballistic missile. The total number of victims has reached 9, six are in hospital.
Defense Minister Umerov announced that stable supplies of military aid for 2025 will be ensured. The United States provides 50% of the aid, European partners more than 40%, and the rest comes from other countries and Ukraine's own contributions.
Defense Minister Umerov announces preparations to receive French Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, as announced by the French Minister of the Armed Forces.
The European Union is using gas reserves at a record pace due to cold weather and reduced imports. Storage utilization has fallen by 19% since September, reaching 75% in December.
Bitcoin has been declining for the fourth day in a row, falling to $94,000 after a recent record of $108,000. The Fed announced only two rate cuts instead of four, which triggered a drop in the cryptocurrency market.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 9910 UAH/USD, which resulted in a devaluation of 12 kopecks. On the interbank market, the dollar is trading at UAH 42.03-42.05, and the euro at UAH 43.69.
The budget of the state program “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%” was exhausted in October. Out of 11 banks participating in the program, only 3 are actively lending, and the total amount of loans disbursed amounted to UAH 69 billion.
The economic recovery and increased imports are putting additional pressure on the hryvnia exchange rate due to the growing demand for foreign currency. The NBU has the resources to cover the foreign currency shortage and curb excessive exchange rate fluctuations.
In the first 11 months of 2024, the number of real estate transactions increased by 14% compared to last year. 60% of transactions were for apartments with a median area of 48 square meters.
