At the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs $120 billion for defense needs in 2026, half of which will be provided by the state. He named five priorities for maintaining the pace and stability of the front.
Ukraine has freed up at least 800 MW of electricity capacity after reviewing the lists of critical infrastructure facilities. This will allow for a reduction in the duration of power outage schedules for the population and industry.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading draft law No. 13347, which changes the approach to preparing citizens for national resistance. It provides for the integration of military training into the educational process and the introduction of a new academic discipline.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted draft law No. 14238, which expands the list of bodies that maintain the Unified State Register of Conscripts, Persons Liable for Military Service, and Reservists, adding the recruitment centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to it. This will allow for more effective recruitment of citizens for military service and ensure the manning of military units.
A draft resolution on the dismissal of Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The authors of the document claim that under the slogans of higher education reform, schemes for controlling state property and land plots may be implemented, and also point to financial irregularities in the activities of the Ministry of Education and Science.
The Head of the NACP, Viktor Pavlushchyk, announced a change in the methodology for selecting declarations for verification to a risk-oriented approach. However, the selection mechanism and the lack of a market valuation tool raise questions.
The Ukrainian government has approved a decision that will allow 18,000 Ukrainian families to obtain housing under the "eOselia" program. The Ministry of Finance will issue UAH 30 billion in government bonds to provide resources.
The Ministry of Defense plans to allocate 12 billion hryvnias for the purchase of drones and other military equipment through the electronic marketplace DOT-Chain Defence in the first quarter of 2026. Currently, 186 combat brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Azov and Khartia corps brigades, have access to the system.
In Odesa Oblast, about 80 settlements remain without electricity after massive Russian attacks. In Odesa, heat and water supply have been restored, and work is underway to restore electricity supply.
China's National Health Commission announced that starting in 2026, it will cover all childbirth-related expenses, including prenatal check-ups. This decision is part of Beijing's efforts to stimulate the birth rate and address the demographic crisis.
More than 57% of Ukrainians consider Russian strikes to be the cause of power outages, while 29% blame the Ukrainian authorities. The KIIS poll was conducted from November 26 to December 13, 2025.
Czech President Petr Pavel has appointed a new government led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The government includes representatives of ANO, SPD, and "Motorists," who have taken 16 ministerial portfolios.
A Hanukkah menorah was lit in the Government House of Ukraine. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko expressed condolences to the people of Australia after the terrorist attack in Sydney, where at least 10 people died.
The Cabinet of Ministers has updated the indicators of the average cost of repair works for calculating compensation for damaged housing within the framework of the eRecovery program. The resolution comes into force on January 5, 2026, which will allow for a more accurate accounting of current market prices and will increase the amount of compensation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Russia's attack on the civilian Turkish vessel VIVA in the Black Sea, which was transporting food to Egypt. This incident is regarded as a threat to food security and a challenge to the global community.
The Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution on automatic military registration. Men who did not register at the age of 17 will automatically receive the status of a conscript from their 18th birthday, and those abroad will register when receiving passport documents.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is starting payments in case of death or injury of journalists while performing their professional duties. The first payment will be received by the father of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity. The program is provided for in the state budget for 2026.
After a massive night attack by Russia on energy infrastructure, power outage schedules are not in effect in Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions due to a significant number of disconnected consumers. In other regions of Ukraine, hourly schedules and restrictions for industrial consumers remain in effect.
The Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 1. 8 billion from the reserve fund for the maintenance of important roads in frontline regions. Additionally, UAH 665.4 million was directed to purchase fuel for 9 frontline regions, which will ensure the operation of backup power sources.
The EU Council has agreed to apply a fixed duty of 3 euros on parcels worth up to 150 euros imported into the EU, starting from July 1, 2026. This measure aims to eliminate unfair competition and risks for consumers.
Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, announced planned meetings in New York with the government's working group on recovery, development, and investment. A video conference of national security advisors also took place to discuss the peace plan.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard reports from NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov regarding preparations for negotiations. The head of state emphasized that Ukraine's goal is to bring closer the end of the war, define steps for a dignified peace, guaranteed security, and recovery.
The Ministry of Education and Science has published a guide for parents to help them understand the nuances of student assessment in schools. The document explains formative and summative assessment, as well as the structure of the NUS achievement certificate.
The electricity situation in Ukraine differs due to the destruction of energy infrastructure and limited network capacity. The west has more electricity, while the center, south, and east suffer from a deficit.
The Ministry of Economy has finalized the draft of the new Labor Code, which systematically modernizes the regulation of labor relations. The document provides for the digitalization of key procedures and the expansion of the list of types of employment contracts.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Law No. 4633-IX, which expands the powers of the Security Service of Ukraine. It allows the SBU to develop and submit draft regulatory acts to the President and the Cabinet of Ministers within its competence.
NABU is controlled by foreign private individuals who seek to establish influence over the President, the Verkhovna Rada, and the Cabinet of Ministers, according to Oleksiy Salnikov, former head of the State Judicial Administration. He noted that Ukrainian officials are constantly blackmailed by law enforcement agencies.
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has filed a lawsuit against the Belgian depositary Euroclear regarding frozen Russian assets. The lawsuit will be heard in the Moscow arbitration court, where the central bank accuses Euroclear of causing damage due to the inability to dispose of funds and securities.
The Government of Ukraine has adopted a decision that will allow mobilized military personnel to apply for a mortgage under the "eOselia" program at 3% per annum. This creates equal opportunities for all military personnel, with limits set on housing area.
Deputy Governor of the NBU Volodymyr Lepushynsky reported that Ukraine's exports, especially agricultural, are lagging due to harvest delays caused by weather conditions. At the same time, export earnings for 11 months increased by 1.5% to 45.6 billion dollars.
