The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, called the state's inability to effectively encourage the population to mobilize the biggest failure of the information front. He noted that Ukraine demonstrates daily progress at the technological and intelligence levels.
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.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russia is preparing for an open conflict with Europe, moving the possible attack date from 2030 to 2027. Moscow considers the European community "weak and divided."
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, joined negotiations with the American Trump delegation, expressing optimism. He spoke of positive shifts and a focus on strong security guarantees.
The total number of combat engagements on the front reached 100, 33 of which were in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy was also active in the Kostiantynivka and Orikhiv directions.
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.
Over 2000 veterans have already applied for car insurance compensation in Diia for a total of over UAH 4 million. The service is available to combatants and persons with disabilities due to war who concluded a contract after January 1, 2025.
Viktor Trehubov, head of the communications department of the Joint Forces Group, stated that the forced removal of about 50 residents of the village of Hrabovske, Sumy region, is a planned provocation. The occupiers use civilians as a "human shield" for manipulation on the battlefield and in the information space.
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.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia is ready to sign a legal agreement on non-aggression against Western countries. This includes no intentions to attack the European Union and NATO.
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.
The "Army+" application has been updated, adding a digital ID for defenders and a "Pulse" feed. The expanded Army ID allows confirming the status of a serviceman/servicewoman via QR code, and the "Pulse" feed provides information about rights and opportunities. The application's design and navigation have also been updated.
Russians have massively encountered problems using the WhatsApp messenger, with reports of a 70-80% slowdown in its operation by Roskomnadzor. In less than a full day on December 22, over 2,100 complaints about the app's performance were received from 20 regions of Russia.
Restoration work continues near Korosten after a locomotive was hit by an enemy UAV. A number of passenger trains are running on a bypass route with delays of up to 7 hours.
As a result of a special operation at a military airfield near Lipetsk on the night of December 20-21, 2025, two enemy Su-30s were successfully hit. Earlier, it was reported that an Su-30 and an Su-27 were hit.
Ukraine received 2. 3 billion euros from the EU under the Ukraine Facility, of which 2.1 billion euros are loan funds and 200 million euros are a grant. This is the sixth regular tranche intended to finance the state's priority social and humanitarian expenditures.
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.
The head of the "Servant of the People" faction, David Arakhamia, announced the formation of a working group in the Verkhovna Rada. It will address the issue of holding possible presidential elections in Ukraine during martial law.
Deputy head of the Central Election Commission Serhiy Dubovyk stated that elections in Ukraine are possible only under peaceful conditions and with appropriate legislative changes. He emphasized the need to review the current legislation, which is designed for peacetime.
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.
After the resumption of traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway, border guards are recording an increase in passenger and transport flow on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. No checkpoint stopped working, despite the complications of movement after the Russian attack on the bridge near Mayaky.
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.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the creation of a single electronic database of manufacturers and suppliers of goods, works, and services for defense purposes. This Register minimizes corruption and security risks, making competition fair in the defense industry.
Alexander Stubb stated that Russia occupied less than 1% of Ukraine's territory in a thousand days of full-scale war. He noted that the Russian economy is in a bad state due to sanctions, which are a strong blow to the aggressor country.
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.
Two NATO intelligence agencies believe Russia is working on a new anti-satellite weapon capable of attacking Starlink. It could form orbital 'clouds' of debris that could potentially disable satellites and pose a threat to other space systems.
The SBU has completed its investigation into a 41-year-old resident of Pustomyty who was preparing a terrorist attack in Lviv on the orders of the FSB. The indictment has been sent to court, and the perpetrator faces life imprisonment.
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.
