Restoration work at the Zaporizhzhia NPP has been completed, and the external power transmission line has been connected to the power system. The IAEA confirmed stable radiation levels and safe operation of the plant.
German military equipment exports in 2025 decreased to 8. 4 billion euros, significantly lower than in the previous two years. The reason was a reduction in arms supplies to Ukraine to 1.14 billion euros.
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.
Ukrainian and American delegations prepared a package of solutions for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic growth on December 28. It includes financing, investment mechanisms, reforms, and cooperation with American businesses.
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.
Abramovich's representatives stated that the funds from the sale of Chelsea cannot be transferred to a charitable foundation to support Ukraine until the government of Jersey stops its investigation against him. This refers to 1.4 billion pounds sterling frozen in the account of Fordstam Ltd.
In Vyshhorod, Kyiv region, SES specialists installed and connected powerful generators near residential buildings. This will ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity, light, and heat to residents.
The Lithuanian authorities decided to extend until January 2, 2027, temporary restrictions on the transit by road of certain dual-use goods. This is done to prevent their use in the war against Ukraine and to strengthen European security.
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.
The Italian government has decided to provide Ukraine with a new package of military aid. This is the 11th extension of Italian aid, approved despite resistance from the right-wing League party.
Since the beginning of the day, 136 combat engagements have been recorded at the front, the enemy launched 31 air strikes and carried out 3202 kamikaze drone attacks. The most active enemy actions are observed in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Oleksandrivka directions.
Starting in September 2026, students in grades 1-11 across the country will receive free meals. The government has allocated almost UAH 6 billion for the first phase of the program, and a total of UAH 14.4 billion is provided in the State Budget for 2026.
DTEK explained the absence of power outage schedules in Odesa region after massive Russian attacks, which led to significant destruction. The company noted that it is currently impossible to predict the date of return to schedules.
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.
The Cabinet of Ministers has postponed the mandatory use of payment terminals for individual entrepreneurs of the 1st group until the end of martial law and for another three months after its cancellation. This decision was made in response to appeals from small businesses to reduce financial pressure.
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.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported the killing of seven civilians in Pokrovsk by Russian soldiers on the night of December 21. The occupiers shot a family in the basement after they were refused alcohol.
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.
On December 30, scheduled power outages and power restrictions 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.
The White House said Trump had a "positive conversation" with Putin on Ukraine. Details are not yet known.
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.
Negotiations between Zelenskyy and Trump in Miami did not yield decisions on key issues such as territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but Trump is ready to present security guarantees for Ukraine to Congress. This is the only serious breakthrough that could become an international treaty, not a political commitment.
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.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 89 combat engagements on the front until 4:00 PM on December 29. In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy carried out 28 attacks.
