Vadim Khlyudzinsky
In Alushta, the water crisis is deepening due to worn-out networks and constant accidents, but the occupation authorities, instead of repairs, accuse the population of "excessive consumption. " This sets the stage for a sharp increase in tariffs and the cancellation of water supply schedules.
As of December 23, the NBU set the official dollar exchange rate at 42. 15 hryvnias, which is 10 kopecks less than on Monday. The euro exchange rate is 49.49 hryvnias, and the zloty is 11.7499 hryvnias.
On the morning of December 23, the enemy launched a combined attack on Ukraine, causing explosions and damage to civilian infrastructure. This resulted in emergency and unscheduled power outages in a number of regions.
X5 Group President Ekaterina Lobacheva reported that Russian citizens are saving on food and switching to hard discounters. Consumption growth in Russia has slowed to 2%, and food production is declining.
On December 22, Russian troops lost 1,420 soldiers and 453 UAVs, as well as 2 aircraft in the previous period. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 23.12.25 amount to 1,199,280 personnel.
On December 23, cloudy weather with light wet snow is expected in most of Ukraine, with rain in Odesa region. The air temperature during the day will range from 3°C below zero to 2°C above zero, and up to 5°C above zero in Zakarpattia and the south.
The Kremlin's repeated violation of international law necessitates providing Ukraine with reliable security guarantees to prevent a resurgence of Russian aggression. Russia claims its readiness to legally formalize its intention not to attack EU and NATO countries, but its actions demonstrate the worthlessness of such promises.
There is a split between US President's Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the end of the war in Ukraine. Witkoff proposes concessions from Ukraine, while Rubio advocates for increased pressure on Russia.
The National Bank of Ukraine has issued a commemorative coin "Diplomacy" with a face value of 5 hryvnias. It depicts an olive branch and a sketch of the seal impression of the Zaporizhian Host from 1648–1649.
A group of seven individuals, including a bank director and private enforcement officers, has been exposed in Dnipro for embezzling over UAH 50 million. They forged court decisions and debited funds from bank clients' accounts to controlled cards.
According to the US President, negotiations on ending Russia's war against Ukraine are proceeding normally. Trump noted that "everyone is tired of this war, it has to stop."
On the night of December 23, drones attacked the city of Budyonnovsk in Russia's Stavropol Krai, hitting the Stavrolen chemical plant. The attack caused large-scale fires at the enterprise, which is part of the Lukoil group.
The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine recognized Oleksii Sereda and Liudmyla Luzan as the best athletes of 2025. Sereda won a silver medal at the World Championship, and Luzan became a four-time world champion.
Due to enemy drone activity, passenger trains will run with delays on alternative routes. Restoration work is underway near Korosten, where UAV activity is hindering railway workers.
Russian media are actively disseminating publications about the "reconstruction of the theater" in Mariupol. The goal of the campaign is to create an illusion, particularly in the West, that the occupied Ukrainian territories are actively developing under Russian rule.
US President Donald Trump announced a plan to build two new battleships as part of the "Golden Flotilla" project. These ships will be the fastest, largest, and 100 times more powerful than any battleships ever built.
Economists say Russia's position is weaker than ever, as the Kremlin has spent most of its cash reserves and borrowed funds. Tough new sanctions against Russia's oil sector could lead to an economic crisis next year.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that only Russian dictator Vladimir Putin can immediately end the war, despite joint efforts for a ceasefire. He also emphasized the importance of negotiations in Berlin and the coordination of positions among European partners, the US, and Ukraine.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk announced that the new law on elections during martial law will be a one-off. The working group is preparing a draft law for safe and democratic elections.
As of November 2025, communities and regions have allocated UAH 47 billion to support the Defense and Security Forces. Of this amount, over UAH 41 billion has already been financed, which accounts for almost 90% of expenditures.
On the evening of December 22, the enemy attacked Odesa with attack UAVs, damaging port infrastructure and a civilian vessel. No information about casualties has been reported.
In the city of Saki, on the territory of the Holy Ilinsky Temple, a lesson for "Orthodox scouts" was held with the participation of "Bars-Crimea" fighters, where minors were given firearms. Religious objects in the temporarily occupied territories are increasingly used for militarized work with children, involving priests as intermediaries.
On December 20, 235 combat engagements were recorded at the front. The enemy launched 70 air strikes, dropping 166 guided bombs, and carried out 3609 shellings.
The Russian economy is facing growing difficulties, including inflation and declining revenues, but this will not bring Putin to the negotiating table. Experts believe that the Kremlin can sustain the current pace of hostilities for many more years, as the Russian economy is not a critical factor for ending the war.
A massive power outage left 130,000 homes and businesses in San Francisco (California, USA) without electricity. This led to the closure of restaurants, shops, and significant disruptions to transport links.
On December 20, Russian troops lost 1130 soldiers and 116 UAVs. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 21.12.25 amount to 1,196,740 people.
Partisans of the ATESH movement carried out an act of sabotage at a railway junction in Bataysk, setting fire to relay cabinets. This disrupted the operation of the main logistics hub that supplies the occupation forces in the southern directions.
On December 21, cloudy weather without significant precipitation is expected in most of Ukraine, with most regions covered by fog. Air temperature will range from 2°C below zero to 3°C above zero, and up to 6°C above zero in Zakarpattia, Prykarpattia, and the south of the country.
Italian police arrested 384 people and seized 1. 5 tons of drugs during a large-scale anti-drug trafficking operation. 655 people are under investigation, 35 kg of cocaine and 40 firearms have been confiscated.
The icon of St. Ilya Muromets of Kyiv-Pechersk, who will become the patron saint of warriors, was handed over to the Special Operations Forces. Ilya Muromets, a real historical figure of the 12th century, was a warrior of the princely retinue, and then a monk of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.