Loud explosions were heard in Sevastopol, likely in the area of Shturmove village, near the Balaklava TPP. Air defense activity was also reported in Feodosia and shooting at the Belbek airfield.
The price of Russian Urals oil has fallen to $34 per barrel, while Brent remains at $61. This drop may indicate the impact of US sanctions and negatively affect the Kremlin's revenues.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the US campaign, including strikes on drug-trafficking vessels and interception of oil tankers, aims to deter illicit activities and demand the departure of Nicolás Maduro from power. Since early September, approximately 100 people have died as a result of the strikes.
The European Commission will investigate Czech state aid for the construction and operation of two new nuclear power units in Dukovany. This initiative aims to accelerate decarbonization and eliminate electricity supply shortages, with planned commissioning in 2036 and 2037.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a Staff meeting dedicated to the situation at the front, strengthening the air defense of Odesa region, and the strategy of long-range strikes against the Russian Federation. The head of state announced a change in the leadership of the "South" Air Command to increase the effectiveness of air defense.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded specialists in the energy sector on their professional holiday. He emphasized that every operating energy facility is the result of superhuman efforts by repair crews who restore what has been destroyed under the constant threat of shelling.
On December 23, hourly shutdown schedules and power limitation schedules will be applied in most regions of Ukraine. This is a consequence of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Russian natural gas exports to China via pipeline are expected to grow by a quarter this year, reaching 38. 6-38.7 billion cubic meters. However, this will not compensate for the drop in revenues from the loss of the European gas market.
J. D. Vance stated that there is progress in negotiations regarding Ukraine, but he is not confident about achieving a peaceful resolution. Issues such as the territories of Donbas, the South, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and the fate of ethnic Ukrainians and Russians in both countries are being discussed.
Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba is lobbying for the appointment of Ihor Zelinsky to the post of head of the State Aviation Service, despite his involvement in decisions that could have harmed Ukrainian aviation and effectively played into the hands of the Russian Federation. Zelinsky's appointment could become a strategic mistake for the state and obviously carries risks for national security in wartime.
Gold and silver prices soared to all-time highs, surpassing previous records. This surge is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts in the US.
Researchers have developed a biological mechanism, ReForm, that converts formate from CO2 into acetyl-CoA, a basic building block for living cells. This system allows for the production of raw materials for cosmetics, food products, and bioplastics, functioning more efficiently than natural organisms.
The European Commission has successfully transferred a thermal power plant from Lithuania to Ukraine. This will provide electricity to approximately 1 million Ukrainians, restoring critical energy capacities.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in the Krasnodar Krai and a naval base in Crimea. An enemy ammunition depot and a UAV launch site in Donetsk Oblast were also hit.
As a result of the strikes, equipment elements of the oil loading terminal, the liquefied hydrocarbon gas pier, and the port infrastructure were damaged, causing a large-scale fire.
Preparing Olivier salad in 2025 will cost 10 hryvnias less than in 2024. The total cost of the dish for a family of 4 people will be 355 hryvnias, which is 3% less compared to last year.
The Miami talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia on ending the war were productive but without clear breakthroughs. The gap between the parties remains huge, and Zelenskyy calls for increased pressure on Moscow.
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.
The European Union has extended economic sanctions against Russia for another six months, until July 31, 2026. These measures, introduced in 2014 and expanded since February 2022, cover trade, finance, energy, and other sectors.
In Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, as a result of an attack by Russian Shahed UAVs, the "I-VETERAN" Administrative Service Center was destroyed. The main "Viza" ASC was also significantly damaged; both centers will not be operating on December 22.
Four Ukrzaliznytsia employees were injured as a result of a Russian drone attack on the Zhytomyr region. Restoration work on the railway infrastructure is underway, and train traffic will be restored.
In Odesa region, Russia attacked energy infrastructure and the port of Pivdennyi overnight, where about 30 containers with flour and oil caught fire. Over 120,000 subscribers in the region were left without electricity, and emergency crews are working to restore power.
The Ministry of Energy reports that fuel imports to Ukraine are carried out via road, rail, and sea. The supply situation remains stable and controlled.
Christmas week began with massive Russian attacks on Ukraine; Russia attacked energy infrastructure in 5 regions. As of morning, a significant portion of Odesa residents are without electricity. Schedules are in effect, but efforts to reduce them continue by freeing up capacity.
Shipments of liquefied natural gas from Russia to China more than doubled compared to last year, reaching 1. 6 million metric tons in November. This allowed Russia to overtake Australia and become the largest supplier after Qatar, offering the cheapest LNG among 12 suppliers.
On the night of December 22, Russian occupiers attacked the energy and industrial infrastructure of Odesa region. An energy facility and a warehouse building were damaged, and one person was hospitalized.
During the night, the enemy attacked Zhytomyr region, damaging critical infrastructure facilities. A freight train derailed near Korosten, injuring the driver and assistant.
As a result of two night attacks on Odesa on December 22, a critical infrastructure facility was damaged. Part of the district was left without electricity, and a 30-year-old man was hospitalized with moderate shrapnel wounds.
Chinese energy storage manufacturers are experiencing an unprecedented surge thanks to reforms in the domestic electricity market and the global construction of data centers for AI. This year, battery exports from China have already exceeded $65 billion, and the volume of lithium-ion cell supplies could increase by 75%.
Oil prices rose after the US tightened its naval blockade of Venezuela and Ukrainian drones attacked a Russian tanker. Brent rose to $61, WTI to $57.
