Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that Russia deliberately attacked Kyiv on the night of January 9. He compared Russian attacks to the actions of the Soviet government during the Holodomors.
The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court changed the pre-trial restraint for MP Anna Skorokhod, increasing the bail to UAH 4 million. The court canceled the obligation to wear an electronic monitoring device.
In 2025, 266 villages officially ceased to exist in Russia; a year earlier, more than 300 settlements disappeared. The most "disappearances" are recorded in the Kostroma region, as well as the Novgorod region and the Perm Krai.
As a result of a massive attack on Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, most consumers were left without electricity and water supply. Energy workers will begin restoration work as soon as the security situation allows.
The Verkhovna Rada may replace a number of ministers, including the heads of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, during the next plenary week, which begins on January 13. The appointment of the head of the State Property Fund and the transfer of Rustem Umerov to the position of Presidential Security Advisor are also expected.
President Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 20/2026, which introduced Kyrylo Budanov to the National Security and Defense Council as the Head of the President's Office. At the same time, O. Ivashchenko was removed from the Council.
Russian troops carried out a direct strike on a hospital in Kyiv on the night of January 5, said Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council. One person died as a result of the attack.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to hold Rodynske, the enemy has not taken control of Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Huliaipole. Heavy fighting continues.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against 95 individuals and 70 legal entities, most of whom are citizens and residents of the Russian Federation. The restrictions apply to individuals and companies that produce communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, and microelectronics for the Russian military-industrial complex.
Ukraine and the United States have agreed on a military document that defines mechanisms for supporting, restoring, and modernizing the Armed Forces, as well as controlling the implementation of agreements. The document consists of four sections and annexes, covering the provision of the Armed Forces and monitoring compliance with agreements.
Russian troops continue to use drones at low altitudes, attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This is part of Russia's strategy to prolong the war and delay peace negotiations.
President Zelenskyy met with Kyrylo Budanov and offered him to head the Office of the President of Ukraine. Budanov should focus on security issues, the development of the Defense Forces and the diplomatic track, as well as update the strategic foundations of defense.
The share of oil and gas revenues in Russia's budget will decrease to 23% this year, compared to 50% a few years ago. The reason is the war against Ukraine and sanctions that force Russia to sell oil at significant discounts.
According to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, in November 2025, Russia's GDP grew by only 0. 1% year-on-year, which is the worst indicator since the beginning of 2023. Industrial production went into negative territory for the first time in nine months (-0.7%), signaling the exhaustion of the economic model.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced efforts to resume prisoner exchanges. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov is holding meetings in Turkey to facilitate this process.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov in Ankara. The meeting took place on the eve of the talks between national security advisers of the "coalition of the willing" countries on January 3.
Russian railway company "RZD" plans to cut investments by a quarter by 2026 due to the collapse of freight traffic. This indicates deep structural risks for the Russian economy.
The Russian authorities transferred the powers to register real estate in occupied Crimea to a federal structure - Roskadastr. This deprives local gauleiters of any opportunity to dispose of the peninsula's assets.
Russians cannot capture Zaporizhzhia, and for the city there are only air threats, not infantry ones. Putin's illusion of a rapid front collapse is supported by Chief of General Staff Gerasimov.
Ursula von der Leyen held talks with European leaders on support, security and reconstruction of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the country's accession to the EU.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced another round of coordination in the "Berlin format" with the participation of European and Canadian partners. He emphasized the advancement of the peace process and the need for transparency and honesty from all parties, including Russia.
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.
