Explosions were heard all over Berdiansk, and the local mayor noted that it was happening in almost all districts, and that there had also been explosions the day before.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine urged citizens to follow safety rules when setting up Christmas trees, in particular, to use a stable base, avoid real candles and supervise children when they are near the trees.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to discuss defense cooperation, joint ventures, and peacekeeping efforts. They also discussed the purchase of Polish weapons and preparations for the Global Peace Summit.
The former chief engineer of Mykolaivoblteploenergo was sentenced to 8 years for embezzlement, although part of the sentence was canceled due to the statute of limitations. The crime was the embezzlement of over UAH 1.7 million during the installation of meters in 2015/2016.
Two people were injured in a Russian drone attack on Kyiv; the damage includes a fire in a high-rise building and broken windows, and the victims are being assessed and documents are being prepared for law enforcement.
A Russian drone attack on Kyiv resulted in at least one injury and a fire in a multi-story building. The Kyiv City State Administration reported ongoing air attacks and debris in several districts of the city.
The mother-in-law of MP Petro Kotin, who had no visible income, bought a house near Kyiv for almost UAH 7 million during the war, an investigation by Radio Liberty's Schemes project has revealed. Kotin said that her purchase was financed by family savings, cash from relatives and the expected sale of the property.
Uzbekistan summoned the Russian ambassador after russian politician Zakhar Prilepin suggested annexing territories such as Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks expressed deep concern, calling Prilepin's idea inconsistent with the strategic partnership between the countries.
Ukraine has extended its debt restructuring agreement with the G7 countries and the Paris Club until 2027, reducing the burden on the budget and preserving liquidity for social spending during the war. The agreement is part of a $122 billion support package for Ukraine.
Ukraine has declared an air alert due to an attack by Russian drones from four directions, as reported by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Rocket fire by Russian troops in Zaporizhzhia damages an educational institution, garages, and a high-voltage power line; no casualties reported.
Russia calls up 1000-1200 people daily to replenish losses at the front, and Russians' dissatisfaction with mobilization has increased to 69%, said Vadym Skibitsky, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Russian troops launch a missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, damaging civilian infrastructure. There are no reports of casualties so far. The type of missile used is still under investigation.
Russia is forming the Donetsk battalion in Krasnoyarsk region as a pseudo-volunteer unit to propagandize the war, hiding behind the misleading "Cossack" label. The unit, which actually consists of mercenaries, distorts the history of the Ukrainian Cossacks.
Russian troops attacked Nikopol district fifteen times, using 9 kamikaze drones and heavy artillery, damaging buildings and infrastructure, with no casualties in some areas, but earlier two women were killed and an elderly man was wounded.
Explosions were heard in Kherson when Russian troops shelled the city from the occupied left bank, damaging a medical facility and a residential building.
MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has released medical documents confirming his beating, and plans to hand over the evidence to law enforcement agencies. Dubinsky agreed to a polygraph test appointed by the NABU to prove the fact of his beating in the pre-trial detention center.
President Zelenskyy's ally Naum Barulia has Russian citizenship and owns business property in occupied Crimea, according to an investigation by Skhemy. His assets were re-registered under Russian law after the annexation, and he continued to buy real estate there.
On Christmas Eve, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Holy See presented Pope Francis with traditional Yavoriv toys symbolizing a reminder of the children suffering in Ukraine because of the war.
A Russian-controlled court in Crimea has fined the Alushta Muslim community 100,000 rubles for possessing Islamic theological books in what was seen as a continuation of religious persecution.
Russian troops attacked Sumy region 14 times, hitting six settlements and causing 62 explosions.
Ukrainian air defense destroyed two Shahed drones in Sumy region amid warnings of Russian UAVs infiltrating other regions. Due to threats, including the launch of a MiG-31K, an air alert was declared across the country.
Since its inception, Ukraine's 112 emergency service has received nearly half a million calls, including more than 5,500 in sign language. The service, which currently covers Kyiv and five other oblasts, aims to expand its operations to the entire country.
An air alert has been declared throughout Ukraine as a Russian MiG-31K capable of carrying supersonic missiles and numerous drones flying from the south have taken off.
Kharkiv plans to reopen tram route 12 after the New Year holidays; repair work has restored 300 meters of tram tracks and the contact network. Traffic was suspended due to damage caused by shelling during the russian invasion.
In Mykolaiv region, a woman tried to decapitate a live dog at the Novo Odesa market, which led police to open a case for cruelty to animals, which could lead to three years in prison.
The Tagansky Court of moscow has fined the TV channel Tochka 1 million rubles for "propaganda of LGBT among minors" because of Nikolai Baskov's music video "Wanderer". The court pointed to "romantic relationships" between men in the clip.
The forced mobilization of the occupiers in Donetsk region is exacerbating the labor shortage, and the 60% shortage of drivers has led to an almost complete collapse of public transportation. The occupation administration is looking for help from Russian labor migrants, who will be deprived of social status and guarantees.
The UN Refugee Agency will provide $10 million to support the Shelter program in Ukraine, which helps homeowners who host internally displaced persons. The agreement, which strengthens assistance with temporary housing, was signed by the Ministry of Reintegration of Ukraine and UNHCR.
A man has been detained in Kyiv for desecrating a Hanukkah monument and could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to five hundred tax-free minimum incomes, the National Police reports.
