Vadim Khlyudzinsky
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that during a phone conversation between Zelenskyy and European leaders, the Prime Minister of Canada, and NATO representatives, the parties agreed that security guarantees for Ukraine are a key issue. He noted that these guarantees also mean a safer Poland.
In Sumy region, rescuers extinguished a large-scale fire at an infrastructure facility caused by a Russian UAV attack. The enemy launched a repeated strike on the SES work site, but no personnel were injured.
Ukraine needs strong positions on the front and in diplomacy so that the Russian dictator does not manipulate the end of the war. President Zelenskyy discussed priorities with Western partners and thanked them for their support.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official dollar exchange rate for December 26 at 41. 93 hryvnias, which is 22 kopecks less than the previous day. The euro exchange rate is 49.43 hryvnias, and the zloty is 11.69 hryvnias.
Russian dictator Putin voiced a set of propaganda theses about "almost full employment," "low unemployment," and an "inevitable technological breakthrough. " These statements are intended to create an image of prosperity amid war and sanctions.
From January 1, 2026, Ukraine will update the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations, which will include new vaccines and a revised schedule. The Ministry of Health explains that adverse events after immunization are not always related to the vaccine, and serious reactions are extremely rare.
On December 25, Russian troops lost 840 soldiers and 537 UAVs. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 26.12.25 are estimated at 1,202,070 personnel.
On Friday, December 26, cloudy weather with snow is expected in most of Ukraine, and black ice will form on the roads. The air temperature will reach 0-5 degrees below zero, and wind gusts of up to 15-20 m/s will cause blizzards.
The Israel Defense Forces eliminated Hussein Mahmoud Marshad al-Jawari, a serviceman of the Iranian Quds Force, in Lebanon. He was involved in planning attacks from Syria and Lebanon.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced the continued development of the country's missile capabilities for the next five years. According to him, the country's missile and projectile production sector is of paramount importance for strengthening military deterrence.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China did not distance itself from Moscow, but turned the Russian Federation into its raw material appendage. The head of the CPD, Andriy Kovalenko, noted that Russia is an instrument of strategic pressure for China.
Operators of the "Prime" strike unmanned aerial vehicle company of the 5th border detachment destroyed a D-30 cannon, an electronic warfare system, communication equipment, and shelters of Russian invaders in the Northern Slobozhansky direction. As a result of the operation, Russian troops suffered personnel losses.
US President Donald Trump announced a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria under his command. He emphasized that the US will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to flourish.
The Federation Council of the Russian Federation initiated a law that obliges owners of large social media channels to post propaganda. This step strengthens the Kremlin's control over bloggers and threatens prison sentences for refusal.
Transfermarkt portal has updated the ranking of the world's most expensive footballers. Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé are each valued at 200 million euros. The most expensive Ukrainian, Illia Zabarnyi, ranks 105th with a value of 50 million euros.
Russia has postponed plans to triple its annual liquefied natural gas production due to international sanctions. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that achieving the goal of producing 100 million tons of LNG per year would be delayed by several years.
On December 25, during an air raid alert, the enemy attacked a critical infrastructure facility in Volyn. There were no casualties or deaths.
The US naval blockade of Venezuela is disrupting oil exports, primarily bound for China. American forces are harassing tankers, forcing them to change course as part of an operation to pressure the Venezuelan government.
Great Britain, France, Germany, and Turkey are ready to send a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine after the war ends. This was confirmed by Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the President's Office, who emphasized the need for international participation in deterring Russia.
In occupied Crimea, mobile internet shutdowns and slowdowns are becoming permanent measures. This leads to problems with emergency services and access to information.
A number of US senators issued a joint statement condemning Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities on Christmas. They emphasized that Putin rejected the Christmas truce.
Russian troops attacked Zaporizhzhia district with four KABs on December 25, injuring three women aged 80, 65, 57, and a 71-year-old man. All victims are receiving medical care, and private homes have been damaged.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official exchange rate of the dollar at 42. 15 hryvnias for December 25, which is 5 kopecks more than the previous day. The euro exchange rate is 49.68 hryvnias, and the zloty is 11.79 hryvnias.
On December 24, Russian troops lost 860 soldiers and 600 UAVs. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 25.12.25 amount to 1,201,230 personnel.
ISW analysts believe that the Kremlin will have to compromise on its demands that are incompatible with the peace plan. Russia is not interested in a compromise-based settlement, as evidenced by its constant references to the 2024 demands.
Russian media are actively promoting the "Black Book on the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis in Donbas," published by the Russian Military Historical Society. This book contains no objective evidence, only propagandistic theses comparing "Ukrainian neo-Nazis" with German Nazis.
On December 25, cold weather without precipitation is expected in most of Ukraine. The daytime temperature will be 1-6° below zero, in Zakarpattia and Crimea up to 4° above zero.
The enemy equipment was located in the area of the settlement of Kulbaky, 7 km from the border with Ukraine. The enemy used this self-propelled artillery unit to carry out artillery strikes on the territory of the Sumy region.
On the night of December 25, drones attacked a port in Russia's Temryuk, causing two oil product tanks to catch fire over an area of 2,000 square meters. Buildings and equipment of an agricultural enterprise were also damaged.
Southern California has been inundated by torrential rains caused by an atmospheric river storm, leading to widespread flooding. Authorities have urged residents to evacuate and stay off the roads, and a rare tornado warning has been issued.