The Russian ruble has strengthened by 45% since the beginning of the year, trading at around 78 rubles per dollar, which is the strongest growth since 1994. This poses a threat to the country's war economy, despite falling oil prices and new sanctions.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the full combat readiness of Estonian services to give armed resistance to any Russian provocations. Tallinn will no longer tolerate the appearance of soldiers without insignia on its territory.
In Russia, the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center predicts the end of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2026. 70% of respondents consider 2026 to be more successful, and 55% associate this with the possible end of the war.
Representatives of the embassies of Great Britain, Germany, and France presented a joint creative greeting for the winter holidays, performing Mykola Leontovych's legendary composition in the Kyiv subway. The recording took place at the Zoloti Vorota station with the participation of Ukrainian musicians.
German Federal President Steinmeier congratulated citizens on Christmas, choosing overcoming challenges as the central theme. He emphasized that supporting Ukraine will not be a short-term task and will require significant efforts from German society.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the interception and destruction of 132 Ukrainian aircraft-type UAVs from 13:00 to 20:00. The drones were allegedly shot down over 10 regions and occupied Crimea.
Soldiers of the Rubizh brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine celebrated Christmas Eve at the front line. Hot tea and kutia were on the tables, symbolizing the connection with generations and native homes.
In Sumy region, 5 people were injured in shelling on Christmas Eve. The enemy attacked civilian cars and launched a missile strike on Okhtyrka district.
French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. Consultations on security assistance will begin in early 2026 in Paris.
Due to an enemy attack on the energy infrastructure, Chernihiv is partially without power. Security measures are being strengthened in the city, and traffic controllers are working at the most difficult intersections.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have regained control over most of Kupiansk, pushing the occupiers to the northeastern outskirts. Russian Z-channels report on the critical condition of their units, and the Center for Countering Disinformation confirmed the success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On December 25, hourly power outage schedules and power restrictions for industry will be applied in all regions of Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
President Trump's new envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, announced his intention to initiate a dialogue with the island's residents regarding its development. This contradicts Trump's previous statements about the need for US control over Greenland.
Cherkasy Mayor Anatoliy Bondarenko reported that Russian troops shelled the local cemetery and the Alley of Heroes. As a result of the attack, monuments were damaged.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas, emphasizing that Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same date, as one big family. He noted that everyone has one dream - peace and victory, as well as the day when everyone will gather at home in the first peaceful year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the Pope's disappointment over Russia's refusal of a Christmas truce. He noted that Russia not only rejected the proposal to stop the killings but also launched a massive missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian energy system.
The Hungarian Prime Minister believes that Brussels allegedly "does not want peace between Russia and Ukraine. "
China may be interested in the continuation of the war, as it weakens Russia and exhausts Europe. This allows Beijing to draw individual European countries into its dependence through investments.
The Ministry of Education and Science provided detailed information on "winter admission" and preparation for the main admission for applicants.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that institutions hosting IDPs will receive compensation for utility services. The changes include compensation without IDP status, accounting for the actual period of stay, simplifying expense verification, and increasing the norm for social housing area.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine extended the operational period of large combustion plants until December 31, 2028. This decision was made to ensure energy security and fulfill Ukraine's international obligations.
Ukrposhta presented a new postal issue "Christmas Angel".
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 52 combat engagements on the front as of 4:00 PM on December 24. Russian troops attacked in a number of directions, carried out artillery shelling and airstrikes.
Analysts warn that tariffs imposed by Donald Trump will slow global GDP and overload European ports. This will also lead to a massive review of supply chains by companies.
Political expert Petro Oleschuk claims that Petro Poroshenko has joined Ihor Kolomoisky to destabilize the situation in the country. This is done with the calculation of avoiding criminal responsibility for state treason.
Russia views the US 20-point peace plan as a starting point, demanding more restrictions on Ukraine's military forces and guarantees regarding NATO. Ukraine and the US have disagreements on territorial issues and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but negotiations are nearing completion.
President Zelenskyy reported a correlation between Chinese satellite imagery of Ukraine's territory and Russian strikes on energy facilities. Ukraine views this as a factor prolonging the war.
The Russian FSB killed an alleged saboteur who collaborated with Ukraine and planned terrorist attacks on Russian territory.
President Zelenskyy received a report from the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivashchenko, on Russian attempts to circumvent sanctions and the deployment of "Oreshnik" complexes in Belarus. The report also covered the state of Russian military production and cooperation with Chinese companies that provide space intelligence data.
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.
