Olga Rozgon
South Korean automaker Hyundai is unable to buy back its former plant in Russia, despite a buyback option that expires next month. The reason is the war in Ukraine and the associated sanctions, which make it impossible for the company to return to the Russian market.
Law enforcement officers liquidated a large-scale scheme for double access to methadone in Kharkiv, where four doctors issued methadone to drug addicts without proper accounting. More than 1,200 drug addicts were on double registration, receiving the drug in several medical centers and selling it to third parties.
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to rebuild trust and strengthen a ceasefire following border clashes. The talks took place in China, where foreign ministers discussed the border situation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot be sure of the return of all children abducted by Russia. He emphasized that partners and journalists are raising this issue, and it is very important, because otherwise Russia will do everything to make it forgotten.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the presence of international forces in Ukraine will strengthen the security mechanisms proposed by partners. This will give confidence to citizens, businesses, and investors regarding the absence of repeated aggression by the Russian Federation.
Two former officials of KP "Odesmiskelektrotrans" and a private company have been notified of suspicion. Their actions led to damages exceeding UAH 10 million due to inflated electricity prices.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for parliaments of the Coalition of the Willing countries to ratify security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees must be supported by the US Congress and become part of the plan to end the war.
The SBU detained an agent in Kyiv who worked for Russian and Belarusian special services, adjusting attacks on the capital's energy facilities and spying on the Defense Forces. The perpetrator, recruited via Telegram, was preparing to flee Ukraine but was detained and is in custody.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on holding a nationwide referendum to approve a peace plan. He noted that Russia's actions indicate a lack of desire for a ceasefire, despite US efforts.
In 2025, the educational ecosystem "Mriya" covered over 2,800 schools and 420,000 users in all 24 regions of Ukraine. It has become a key tool for the digitalization of education, uniting schools, students, parents, and teachers in a single digital environment.
The Russian Ministry of Defense continues to claim control over Kupyansk, distributing videos that actually prove the retreat of Russian troops. The Armed Forces of Ukraine control about 90% of the city, refuting the statements of Russian propaganda.
Employees of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Main Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine stopped the activities of a group involved in illegal arms and ammunition deals. A 43-year-old resident of Poltava region, the organizer of the group, was detained, and an arms cache was discovered.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held telephone conversations with the presidents of the United States and Ukraine, discussing the peace process and security guarantees. She emphasized the importance of partner unity and Russia's responsibility in the negotiations.
The flagship train "Hutsulshchyna" No. 95/96 Kyiv - Yasinya extended its route to Rakhiv from December 28, adding the Kvasy station. Ukrzaliznytsia implemented this innovation at the request of passengers, opening the way to the resorts of high-mountain Transcarpathia.
Myanmar's pro-military party is leading in the first stage of elections held by the junta. Human rights advocates have warned that these votes will only solidify the military's power after the 2021 coup.
The average price of a cup of espresso in Ukraine increased by 17% over the year, reaching UAH 41 in December 2025. The most expensive coffee is in Lviv region (UAH 47), the cheapest is in Khmelnytskyi region (UAH 33).
From January to November, almost 9. 9 million new passenger cars were registered in the European Union. Volkswagen, Toyota, and Skoda became the market leaders.
In 2026, five major movie premieres will hit the screens, including Mario's space adventures and battles in the Mortal Kombat universe. Viewers can also expect terrifying survival games and new animated journeys.
Pechersk District Court of Kyiv chose a pre-trial detention measure in the form of custody until February 22 for the former head of the SBU Department in Kharkiv region. He was re-detained upon leaving the pre-trial detention center on bail, after being served with a new suspicion of organizing the seizure of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration building.
Netflix has released the trailer for the film "The Peak" starring Charlize Theron and Eric Bana, where Theron plays a woman who gets caught in a deadly game with a serial killer. The film is set to premiere on April 24, 2026.
The SBU, National Police, and Prosecutor General's Office have заочно (in absentia) notified Vyacheslav Perevozkin, the head of pre-trial detention center No. 3 in the Perm Krai of the Russian Federation, of suspicion. He is suspected of cruel treatment, torture, and the murder of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina and Mayor Yevhen Matvieiev.
The special unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine "Ghosts" conducted a successful operation in occupied Crimea on the eve of Christmas. A number of expensive air defense systems and other military facilities of the occupiers were destroyed.
The Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan released an interim report on the crash of an Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines near Aktau. According to the report, the aircraft was damaged by "striking elements of a warhead," but their origin has not been established.
In Vinnytsia region, a lawyer was served with a notice of suspicion for committing a road accident in which a 10-year-old boy sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred in Mohyliv-Podilskyi when the driver, while reversing, collided with an electric scooter.
In December, intelligence identified over 150 foreigners from 25 countries recruited into the Russian army, with about 200 more preparing to join. The main sources of recruitment are post-Soviet states and countries of the Global South.
As a result of the enemy's night attack on the south of Odesa region, a polyclinic in Izmail was damaged. More than 30 windows were broken, doors and part of the roof were damaged, but no one was injured.
The Kyiv Prosecutor's Office has applied to the court with a request for the arrest and prohibition of the operation of the Ferris wheel in Podil. The reason is the unsatisfactory condition of the supporting metal structure, which is placed on wooden beams with signs of decay and destruction.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 987/2025 of December 25 on the inclusion of First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Yevhen Ostryansky in the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Ostryansky, a major general, is responsible for coordinating security and defense issues and preparing Staff meetings.
The court handed down a life sentence to the "Oleksandriia maniac" for a series of grave crimes, including the murder of a minor child. After ten years of investigation and court proceedings, despite the denial of guilt, the evidence fully confirmed the involvement of the accused.
An independent prosecutor is demanding a 10-year prison sentence for ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of obstruction of duty and abuse of power. The court could issue a verdict as early as next month.