The Russian Ministry of Defense continues to claim control over Kupyansk, distributing videos that actually prove the retreat of Russian troops. The Armed Forces of Ukraine control about 90% of the city, refuting the statements of Russian propaganda.
Russia actively exploits the theme of "anti-colonialism" to strengthen its influence in African countries, promising compensation for colonialism. The Russian Federation's goal is to gain access to the resources of African countries to realize its geopolitical ambitions.
The highest military-political leadership of the aggressor country is lying about the complete capture of Pokrovsk, Huliaipole, and Myrnohrad, as well as control over half of Kostiantynivka. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council refute these statements, emphasizing that fighting continues and the Russians do not have control over the cities.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, reacted to the death of RDK commander Denis Kapustin. Kovalenko noted that the real Russian opposition is fighting against Putin's regime, unlike those who hold rallies and forums in Europe.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing sanctions with Great Britain against 8 individuals and 40 legal entities involved in the deportation of children and the supply of components for Russian weapons. Ukraine also imposed sanctions against 8 military leaders of South Sudan in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
President Zelenskyy announced that he would be accompanied by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, the Minister of Economy, the Chief of the General Staff, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, and the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at the meeting with Donald Trump. The meeting will be public, but its format has not yet been determined.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 987/2025 of December 25 on the inclusion of First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Yevhen Ostryansky in the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Ostryansky, a major general, is responsible for coordinating security and defense issues and preparing Staff meetings.
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.
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.
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.
National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov will meet with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. President Zelenskyy hopes the conversation will be a step towards peace.
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 Wednesday, December 24, a fire was recorded in the area of an oil refinery in Russian Saratov. Local "media" and Telegram channels published photos and videos from the scene.
Russia plans to introduce a single user identifier for all internet platforms, linked to a phone number. This will allow tracking user activity, creating a model of a "digital Gulag."
The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court upheld the pre-trial detention for the accomplice of People's Deputy Anna Skorokhod. He will be held in custody with the alternative of posting a bail of UAH 4,542,000.
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.
By the end of the year, Ukraine is preparing a number of sanction decisions against Russian entities and those who assist in the aggression, including individuals from China. It is also planned to synchronize sanctions with partners, in particular regarding the 20th package of EU sanctions and a new package from Canada.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced the continuation of negotiations with US representatives in Miami. The Ukrainian delegation expects further progress and practical results.
The Ukrainian delegation concluded a series of negotiations in the US with American and European partners. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced an agreement on further steps and continued joint work.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has provided partners with information on the deployment location of Russia's 'Oreshnik' missile system in Belarus. He noted that this system poses a threat to many European countries and called for sanctions against companies supplying components for its production.
Aliaksandr Lukashenka stated that the "Oreshnik" missile system has entered combat duty in Belarus. The National Security and Defense Council believes that this is propaganda of fear for Europe.
The Center for Countering Disinformation (CPD) has recorded a new campaign in Ukrainian social networks. The enemy uses memes and songs to shift responsibility for the energy deficit from Russian shelling to the Ukrainian authorities.
Three Russian border guards illegally crossed the border of Estonia, an EU and NATO member. They crossed the control line on the Narva River on foot and then returned to Russian territory.
The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council denied information about lowering the mobilization age and conscripting students. The CCD called this an enemy IPSO aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country.
Vladimir Putin claimed that the Russian army captured over 300 settlements in 2025 and accused the West of starting the war. Andrei Belousov stated that Russia allegedly captured Kupyansk, while Ukraine denied this.
Umerov announced a constructive dialogue with the US, expecting an agreement by the end of the day. He thanked Trump and his team for their efforts aimed at a peace agreement.
On the night of December 15, drones attacked seven regions of Russia. As a result of the attack, a gas processing plant in Astrakhan was damaged, which produces a significant part of sulfur for the manufacture of explosives.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions against 656 maritime vessels that are part of Russia's shadow fleet. This is the largest sanctions package aimed at blocking Russian oil and energy exports.
The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine records a disinformation campaign regarding power outages in Ukraine. Russian resources spread claims about alleged unfair distribution of electricity and its sale to the EU.
In 2026, utility tariffs in Russia are expected to increase by an average of 18%, and in some regions by more than 40%. The increase will take place in two stages: 1.7% from January 1 and the main jump from October 1.
