Russian propaganda
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has decided to rename the P. I. Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine. From now on, the institution is called the National Music Academy of Ukraine.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Russia's reports of an attack on Putin's residence a false flag operation. This was done to justify possible strikes on Ukraine and disrupt agreements in Mar-a-Lago.
The Belarusian dictator signed a decree pardoning people whom official propaganda calls "extremists," and independent human rights activists call political prisoners.
Fighting continues near the settlements of Yunakivka, Andriivka, Yablunivka, Varachyne, Kindrativka. The settlement of Khotyn in Sumy region remains under the control of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday, with Brent futures down 2 cents to $61. 92 and WTI down 5 cents to $58.03. This followed a 2% rise.
Russian propaganda has launched a campaign to discredit Bulgaria's accession to the eurozone, scheduled for January 1, 2026. Bulgarian special services have uncovered a network of accounts spreading false claims and manipulations, fostering fears of rising prices and loss of sovereignty.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he does not trust Putin and sees no signs of his desire for peace, as Russia continues its attacks. He emphasized that pressure on Russia from the United States is necessary for peace negotiations.
The Russian authorities sharply increased digital control over citizens in the first half of 2025, and state requests for personal data of Yandex users increased. The company transferred data in 42.3 thousand cases, which is 44% more than last year.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukrainians residing in Russia should participate in voting in Ukraine's presidential elections. He claims that the mandate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expired in May 2024.
The Bring Kids Back UA and Save Ukraine initiative announced the successful evacuation of a group of children from the temporarily occupied territories. Among those rescued are teenagers with congenital disabilities, former territorial defense fighters, and those who were forcibly attempted to be mobilized into the Russian army.
In temporarily occupied Luhansk, first-year medical students are being recruited as junior medical personnel due to a staffing crisis. This creates risks for patients, as the students lack basic knowledge.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that on December 29, 18 drones were intercepted over the Novgorod region before 7:00 AM and another 23 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Also, 49 UAVs were intercepted over the Bryansk region and one over the Smolensk region, allegedly en route to the residence.
US President Donald Trump said that Vladimir Putin told him about an attack on his residence, noting that he did not like it. Trump was unaware of the attack, and Putin informed him about it in the morning.
President Zelenskyy, after a conversation with Finnish President Stubb, emphasized the importance of real information for global intelligence agencies. He noted that Russia is spreading fakes to justify attacks on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, thanking him for his support. Zelenskyy informed him about his meeting with Trump and his work with the American team, and also invited Rinkēvičs to visit Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin informed Donald Trump about the alleged drone attack on his residence in the Novgorod region. According to Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the head of the Kremlin, Trump "was shocked" by the news.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The results of the meeting with President Trump and the Russian fake, which is trying to disrupt diplomacy, were discussed.
President Zelenskyy called Ukraine's attack on Putin's residence a lie, noting that Russia is preparing strikes on Kyiv and government buildings. He urged people to be vigilant, as there could be strikes on the capital.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that Ukraine attacked the state residence of the Russian president in the Novgorod region with 91 drones. He threatened that Moscow would review its negotiating position, despite having no intention of withdrawing from the negotiation process with the United States.
Russia is aggressively forcing citizens to use the state messenger Max, which is becoming a tool of control. Schoolchildren and students face threats for refusing to install the application, and in the occupied territories, Max only works with Russian and Belarusian SIM cards, isolating Ukrainians.
Soldiers of the 19th Army Corps refuted Russian claims of control over part of Kostiantynivka, emphasizing the destruction of the enemy on the approaches to the city. The military calls for verifying information and not succumbing to Russian disinformation.
At a meeting with the military, Putin heard about the "liberation" of 334 settlements and the advance to Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Orikhove. He also ordered the expansion of the "security zone" until 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot be sure of the return of all children abducted by Russia. He emphasized that partners and journalists are raising this issue, and it is very important, because otherwise Russia will do everything to make it forgotten.
The Cabinet of Ministers plans to consider Ihor Zelinskyi's candidacy for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, lobbied by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. This personnel decision raises serious questions given Zelinskyi's decisions made during his work in the leadership of the aviation regulator.
Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that a call between Kremlin head Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is expected "in the near future" following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Peskov also noted that the Kremlin agrees with Trump's assessment that peace in Ukraine has become significantly closer.
The SBU detained an agent in Kyiv who worked for Russian and Belarusian special services, adjusting attacks on the capital's energy facilities and spying on the Defense Forces. The perpetrator, recruited via Telegram, was preparing to flee Ukraine but was detained and is in custody.
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.
Russian air defense allegedly shot down two targets. Relevant videos appeared online.
Donald Trump announced lengthy negotiations regarding the launch of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which, according to him, is in good condition. He noted that Vladimir Putin is interested in putting the plant into operation.
Fierce fighting continues in Huliaipole, with part of the city under the control of Russian troops. The occupiers are actively storming positions, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding a significant part of the city, inflicting tangible losses on the enemy.