Russian oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since the start of the war, as sanctions deepen the discounts the country's oil industry is forced to offer. Exporters are receiving just over $40 a barrel, down 28% compared to the last three months, while global benchmark oil prices are also falling.
The Kharkiv region was switched to emergency power outages in the morning, and consumers in the Donetsk region were completely de-energized due to night attacks by the Russian Federation. In total, more than 700,000 consumers in the Odesa and Donetsk regions remain without electricity.
The cost of a New Year's table for a family of four in Ukraine in 2026 will be about 3980 hryvnias. This is 10.7% more expensive than last year, according to data from the Institute of Agrarian Economics.
In Odesa region, energy workers restored electricity supply for about 330,000 families after a massive shelling. However, 288,000 families still remain without electricity, although critical infrastructure is powered.
The US is offering Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5, but with an implicit ultimatum to accept them now. This offer is an attempt to accelerate a peace agreement and allay fears of a future Russian attack.
Chinese automaker BYD has significantly extended the battery warranty coverage for its electric vehicles in Europe to 8 years or 250,000 km. This new policy exceeds industry standards and puts pressure on competitors.
Ukraine and the United States supported German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for a Christmas truce. President Zelenskyy emphasized that the implementation of this idea depends on Russia's political will.
Ukraine expects five documents of the "peace plan" approved by the US Congress, after which Zelenskyy will meet with Trump. The documents provide for support in Ukraine's recovery and the creation of a fund to compensate Ukrainians for damages.
Glaciers in the European Alps will reach their fastest melting rate within the next eight years, with over 100 of them disappearing by 2033. This is one of the most obvious manifestations of the climate crisis caused by anthropogenic global warming.
Over the past day, 140 combat engagements took place on the front, Russia launched 60 airstrikes and used 3,445 drones. The highest activity of the occupiers was recorded in the Pokrovsk direction with 36 attacks.
Trump invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to visit the United States in mid-2026. The visit is related to the signing of an intergovernmental agreement that could pave the way for the American company Westinghouse to participate in a nuclear power plant project worth 13-15 billion euros.
Ukrenergo announced the application of hourly power outage schedules for household consumers and power limitations for industrial enterprises on December 16. The reason cited was the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany will provide Ukraine with over 11 billion euros in aid in 2026. Since February 2022, Germany has already provided Ukraine with 40 billion euros in military aid and 36 billion euros in civilian aid.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that all Ukrainian power plants have been affected by Russian strikes. He emphasized the importance of continued German support for the restoration of the energy system.
The European Union has imposed sanctions against Pakistani oil tycoon Murtaza Lakhani and Azerbaijani businessman Etibar Eyubov. This happened as part of a new package of measures against Russia over its war against Ukraine.
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.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the damage to the Astrakhan Gas Processing Plant on the night of December 15. Explosions and a powerful fire were recorded on the plant's territory, and the extent of the damage is being clarified.
SBU long-range drones hit the oil platforms of Lukoil-Nizhnevolzhskneft in the Caspian Sea for the third time this week. Equipment at the Korchagin field was damaged, halting production processes.
India is reducing Russian oil imports to 800,000 barrels per day this month. This is due to tighter controls to comply with Western sanctions and attempts to conclude a trade deal with the United States.
On December 14, a drone hit a warship in occupied Feodosia, causing a fire. The consequences of the strike and the extent of the damage remain unknown.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are rapidly increasing sales, displacing gasoline cars. In the US, 22% of passenger cars sold in the first quarter of this year were hybrids, and in Europe they are already the most popular, occupying 35% of the market.
Massive Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure threaten a complete power outage, especially in the east of the country.
About 430,000 consumers in the south remain without electricity, and extended blackout schedules are being applied in Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions.
Ukraine has announced the winners of the educational grant program "Community Leaders School 2. 0", implemented by MHP and the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation in partnership with Mariupol State University. 11 projects from 13 regions received grant support totaling UAH 10 million for youth development, veteran policy, and energy efficiency.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against 9 individuals and entities supporting Russia's "shadow fleet" that transports oil. This decision aims to limit Russia's revenues and targets companies associated with "Rosneft" and "Lukoil" that use illegal shipping practices.
A KMIS poll showed a significant drop in Ukrainians' trust in NATO and the US, while trust in the European Union and President Zelenskyy remains stable. Only 9% of citizens support elections during the war.
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.
More than 430,000 consumers in Odesa region remain without electricity after a massive Russian attack. Due to new Russian strikes, there are power outages in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, where an energy worker was injured.
A KIIS poll showed that 72% of Ukrainians are ready for peace with a frozen front and security guarantees. Most Ukrainians reject the Russian peace plan and are ready to endure the war for as long as necessary.
Thailand halted fuel shipments to Laos via the Chong Mek border crossing, fearing diversion to Cambodia. This decision is linked to the border conflict and intelligence reports of fuel supplies to Cambodian troops.
