Russia and Kazakhstan have postponed the first launch of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle as part of the joint Baiterek space project for additional system checks. The Baiterek program is in its final stages, and the launch was delayed due to falling behind schedule and sanctions.
On the morning of December 24, two explosions occurred in Ussuriysk in the parking lot of military unit 19288. Russian sources report a "welding machine pop," but a significant number of security forces were seen at the scene.
Emergency power outages have been implemented in certain regions of Ukraine due to a difficult situation in the energy system. Previously published hourly outage schedules are currently not in effect.
Russia attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight, leaving subscribers in Donetsk, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions without power. Due to constant attacks, electricity consumption restriction schedules are applied in almost all regions of Ukraine.
The Trump administration issued emergency orders to keep two coal-fired power plants in Indiana, which were slated for closure, operating until the end of the year. This decision supported the coal industry, citing the need to provide the population with reliable and affordable electricity.
As a result of Russia's night attack, elevators, warehouses, a barge, and vessels flying the flags of Slovakia, Palau, and Liberia were damaged in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions. There is also damage to the Lviv railway at Kovel station, including a locomotive and a freight car.
Gusts of wind of 15-20 m/s, blizzards, and ice are expected throughout the country, and a level I danger has been declared. On Mount Pip Ivan, as of the morning of December 26, the air temperature was -11°C.
Western sanctions have reshaped India's oil trade, reducing its reliance on Russian oil. Imports from Russia decreased by 17.8% in January-October 2025, while imports from the US increased by 83.3% and from the UAE by 8.7%.
On the night of December 26, drones attacked Lukoil's oil refinery in Volgograd, Russia.
Oil prices rose on Friday after the US increased economic pressure on Venezuelan oil supplies and launched airstrikes against militants in Nigeria. Brent futures rose to $62.30 and WTI to $58.41 amid low market activity due to the Christmas holidays and expectations of an annual price decline.
Russia has postponed plans to triple its annual liquefied natural gas production due to international sanctions. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that achieving the goal of producing 100 million tons of LNG per year would be delayed by several years.
On December 25, during an air raid alert, the enemy attacked a critical infrastructure facility in Volyn. There were no casualties or deaths.
The US naval blockade of Venezuela is disrupting oil exports, primarily bound for China. American forces are harassing tankers, forcing them to change course as part of an operation to pressure the Venezuelan government.
A number of US senators issued a joint statement condemning Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities on Christmas. They emphasized that Putin rejected the Christmas truce.
Putin claims that Moscow is discussing joint management of the ZNPP with the United States. He also stated that the American side is interested in cryptocurrency mining at the plant and supplying electricity to the territory controlled by Ukraine.
During December 25, 115 combat engagements, 50 air strikes, 4060 kamikaze drones, and 2792 shelling attacks were recorded. The highest intensity of fighting was in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy carried out 26 attacks.
India is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in a network of roads, tunnels, and airfields along its disputed border with China. This is a response to the bloody clashes of 2020, which exposed the Indian army's logistical vulnerabilities.
On December 26, hourly power outage schedules and power limitations for industrial consumers will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
President Zelenskyy had a warm conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, thanking him for his support of Ukraine. They discussed Russia's brutal attacks on Ukraine during Christmas and their "barbaric" nature.
The Serbian government has supported negotiations between NIS's Russian owners and Hungarian MOL regarding the sale of a controlling stake. The aim of the deal is to remove the country's largest energy company from under US sanctions.
Ukraine has successfully held its first joint auctions for allocating cross-border interconnection capacity with Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Electricity imports from the EU will become more predictable, and supplies will begin in January.
The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate has amended the license for the operation of Unit 2 of the South Ukrainian NPP. The operational life has been extended until December 31, 2035, confirming the safety of its functioning.
JSC "Ukrainian Defense Industry" has announced the selection of candidates for the positions of independent members of the Supervisory Boards of six key defense industry enterprises. Applications for participation in the selection will be accepted until the end of 2025.
In Lublin, Poland, a fire broke out in a church on Kunickiego Street on Christmas Day, causing services to be canceled. About 70 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is hampered by photovoltaic panels on the roof.
On December 25, in the afternoon, emergency power outages were introduced in a number of regions of Ukraine. The reason was damage to the energy system as a result of the Russian army's attack.
On December 25, units of the Ukrainian Air Force successfully struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in the Rostov region with Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Numerous explosions were recorded, and the extent of the damage is being clarified.
On the night of December 25, 2025, the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck the port of Temryuk, causing a fire in two oil product tanks. The military airfield in Maykop and a repair unit in Truzhenka were also hit.
Drones of the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center successfully hit the seaport of Temryuk and the Orenburg gas processing plant. This led to fires and the suspension of the technological process at the enterprise.
As a result of the night attack by Russian drones on the port infrastructure of Odesa region on December 25, the head of the guard was killed. Two more people were injured and received medical assistance.
As a result of Russian attacks on Christmas night, consumers in four regions were cut off from power, and emergency blackouts occurred in Odesa region. Restriction schedules are in effect throughout Ukraine around the clock.
