National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
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.
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.