Rescuers in the Sumy region were shelled twice while extinguishing fires caused by enemy strikes, but they managed to extinguish the flames and save the homes of civilians.
Russian troops shelled Seredyna-Buda in Sumy region, wounding two residents and damaging numerous civilian infrastructure facilities, including residential buildings and a hotel. A criminal investigation is underway into the violation of wartime laws.
People's deputy of Ukraine from the servant of the People Party Alexander Kunitsky, who received permission for a 5-day trip to Israel, extended his stay abroad to almost three weeks. In particular, during his business trip, he made a visit to Florida, without giving an explanation. Despite restrictions on travel of officials during martial law, Kunitsky took the opportunity to leave Ukraine.
During the day, 83 military clashes took place in Ukraine. The most active military operations were in the south on the east side of our country. In particular, about 30 attacks occurred in the Avdiivka direction during the day. This is reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On St. Nicholas Day, the main Christmas tree decorated with traditional Ukrainian ornaments and national flowers symbolizing unity and invincibility was lit in Odessa. The installation of a 20-meter Christmas tree for Odessa residents this year was financed by local entrepreneurs. A festive orchestra was invited to the opening.
President of Ukraine Zelensky invited US defense firms to cooperate with Ukraine at the dfnc1: US Edition conference, which provides for joint efforts to create a powerful "arsenal of freedom" for global security.
The head of the National Bank of Ukraine Vasyl Furman recommends that Ukrainians invest in war bonds and bank deposits, offering a yield of 14-18% per annum, which is higher than the current inflation rate.
According to surveys cited by Rutgers University political science professor Motl. Despite growing anxiety and depression, public support for the invasion remains high.
Eight children aged 8 to 18 were returned to Ukraine from russia via Qatar, Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said. This is a small fraction of the 20,000 deportations confirmed.
The Olympic summit discussed the participation of russian and belarusian athletes on strictly neutral terms, reaffirmed support for Ukrainian athletes, and criticized politically motivated sporting events in Russia. The IOC maintained its position on the neutrality of athletes and spoke out against the politicization of sport.
Several explosions and automatic weapons fire erupted in the bay area of russian-occupied Sevastopol, with Russian authorities making no official comment and announcing no drills. The sounds came from the direction of Cossack Bay at around 7:50 a.m.
Lukoil intends to sell its business in Bulgaria, including the region's largest refinery, following the adoption of Bulgarian laws aimed at reducing energy dependence on russia, which Lukoil criticizes as politicized and harmful to its operations. Bulgaria denies discrimination and is seeking to keep the refinery open, possibly with a new strategic investor.
Dmytro Lubinets met with David Fisher of the Red Cross to ask for help in verifying Ukrainian children taken to Belarus or through Belarus to russia. He also emphasized the need for action against russia's violations.
It is loud in the temporarily occupied Donetsk. An ammunition depot and a Grad rocket launcher of the Russian invaders have been blown up. The operators of the 73rd Marine Center of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on the successful execution of the operation.
Russian troops attacked Nikopol and The marganets community, using artillery and drones, damaging buildings and causing a fire, but there were no reports of injuries.
Ukrzaliznytsia is raising prices for international railway tickets and reducing discounts to modernize rolling stock and reduce losses on domestic transportation. The new tariffs will come into force on December 10, 2023. Before the specified date, when purchasing a ticket for any given day, passengers will pay the old price.
Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Su-24M bomber near Zmeiny island when it tried to launch a missile and bomb attack on the Odessa region. Commander of the Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk announced a successful interception.
Ukrzaliznytsia has launched additional flights ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays. In particular, new routes to the mountains are available for booking. In addition, Ukraine's only railroad carrier has increased the number of trains to Lviv.
In Ukraine, the schedule of electricity consumption during peak hours has significantly increased. The analysis of the last four days by Ukrenergo shows that Ukrainians use electricity most of all between 9:00 and 11:00, and from 16:00 to 19:00. Citizens are urged to be more economical during these hours.
The European Commission is ready to help Ukraine investigate russia's environmental crimes by seeking recovery and compensation where possible, Commission spokesman Niels Berndt has said. The complexity of the legal context poses problems for obtaining compensation, but the EU is ready to help Ukraine resolve the issue.
A russian contract worker clipped two people at a bus station after returning from the war in Ukraine; he had previously been tried, a criminal case has been opened.
ATESH guerrillas infiltrated a Russian military unit in Sevastopol, Crimea, collected data on equipment and personnel and leaked the coordinates of the Russian military base to the network.
Russian Shahed drones struck Izyum and Chuhuiv districts in Kharkiv region, damaging civilian infrastructure and causing fires, which were responded to by emergency services, but no casualties were reported as of 10 p. m.
Russian infantry suffers losses in the Tavriya sector: Ukrainian defenders killed 429 occupants and repelled 37 enemy attacks in the area in one day. It is noted that in three weeks, 80 occupants surrendered themselves.
Ukraine has started consultations with the EU on collective security guarantees, discussing steps to strengthen common security and increase Ukraine's resilience. These talks are in line with the G7 Declaration in support of Ukraine and address future EU security guarantees, including in the defense sector.
Russians attacked Kryvyi Rih and the Nikopol district in Ukraine, with reports of artillery and rocket attacks. The attacks damaged buildings and infrastructure, but no casualties were reported.
The Ukrainian military defused an anchor mine near Vilkovo in Odesa region by means of a controlled explosion. The mine was found near the village of Prymorske and washed ashore by a storm.
Ukraine exported more than 7 million tons of cargo from the ports of Greater Odesa, including almost 5 million tons of agricultural products. Since August, 200 ships have used the corridor created by the Ukrainian Navy to exit and enter.
EU ambassadors will discuss Ukraine's potential membership in the EU starting this Tuesday, and a summit will be held on December 14-15 to make a decision.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki seeks the return of EU permits to restrict Ukrainian truckers, citing unfair competition that affects their Polish and Slovak counterparts.
