Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed on further contacts and steps with US President's Special Representative Steve Witkoff. The conversation took place while Umerov was en route to Ukraine; he is also constantly in touch with European advisors.
Under the state affordable mortgage program "eOselia", 22. 5 thousand Ukrainian families have purchased housing. Of these, 7,642 Ukrainians used the program in 2025, receiving preferential mortgages totaling UAH 14.56 billion.
The first critical infrastructure operators in the energy and defense industries have already installed electronic warfare equipment to protect their facilities. The Ministry of Defense is implementing this initiative by decision of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that peace talks in Russia's war against Ukraine are still far from over. He considers the US statement about participating in security guarantees for Ukraine a success.
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.
An interactive installation "Heart in an Ice Block" has been installed on Sofia Square in Kyiv, which will be open until January 6, 2026. It symbolizes the importance of emotional support and human warmth during the war, allowing visitors to melt the ice with their touches.
The teams from Ukraine and the US have made significant progress in developing a peace framework, security guarantees, and the sequence of further steps. An agreement has been reached to continue consultations and prepare for the next stages of dialogue, including leaders' meetings in Washington in January.
South Korean automaker Hyundai is unable to buy back its former plant in Russia, despite a buyback option that expires next month. The reason is the war in Ukraine and the associated sanctions, which make it impossible for the company to return to the Russian market.
In Kyiv Oblast, energy workers continue to eliminate the consequences of Saturday's attack. Emergency blackouts continue in Boryspil and Brovary districts, and more than 9,000 families in Vyshhorod district remain without electricity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is interested in receiving reparations from Russia for the restoration of the state. He announced that the issue of funds for reconstruction has already been resolved with the Europeans, and the first 100 billion dollars will arrive in equal tranches over two years.
President Zelenskyy stated that the 20-point plan is 90% complete, with two issues still remaining. These concern the functioning of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the issue of territory.
The housing rental market in Ukraine is sensitive to events in the country, with a seasonal "lull" in December-January and May-June, which are the most favorable periods for searching. One-room apartments in new buildings remain the most expensive, and western regions show a price peak due to the war.
Brent crude futures rose 2. 1% to $61.91, while WTI gained 2.3% to $58.03. This came amid talks between the Ukrainian and US presidents on ending the war and potential oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.
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.
President Zelenskyy outlined the stages of peace negotiations: a meeting of advisors in Kyiv, then with European leaders, and the final stage – a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the accelerated pace of negotiations.
President Zelenskyy stated that the negotiation process is not easy, and Ukraine openly rejects proposals that do not meet its interests. This demonstrates the country's independence, for which it is fighting.
In 2025, with the support of the State Film Agency, the production of 46 film projects with a total cost of over UAH 562 million was completed, of which over UAH 319 million was state funding. Among them are 18 non-fiction, 17 feature films, 6 TV series, 4 non-fiction TV films, and 1 animated series.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the presence of international forces in Ukraine will strengthen the security mechanisms proposed by partners. This will give confidence to citizens, businesses, and investors regarding the absence of repeated aggression by the Russian Federation.
President Zelenskyy stated that Putin demonstrates contradictory messages regarding the war, telling the US President about his desire to end it, but publicly declaring its continuation. The Ukrainian side is ready for a meeting, but it is important that the actions and words of the Russian leader coincide.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the absence of a detailed concept for a free economic zone in Donbas, promising public discussion. He also noted that Russia seeks the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas, but Ukraine will act in accordance with its interests.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for parliaments of the Coalition of the Willing countries to ratify security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees must be supported by the US Congress and become part of the plan to end the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy answered a question about further steps and the possible existence of a "plan B" if Russia rejects proposals at peace talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements with Donald Trump regarding security guarantees, economic support, and progress on the 20-point plan. An economic support package involving American businesses and a free trade agreement were discussed.
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.
Marta Levchenko, the founder of "City of Goodness," thanked Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko for introducing the position of a deputy specializing in the protection of children's rights. As a token of gratitude, Kravchenko received a personalized "golden brick" from the organization.
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.
President Zelenskyy stated that partners will provide technical monitoring of the ceasefire in Ukraine. He noted that the issue of a free economic zone is currently being discussed, and a demilitarized zone is not yet on the agenda.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on holding a nationwide referendum to approve a peace plan. He noted that Russia's actions indicate a lack of desire for a ceasefire, despite US efforts.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not agree to a referendum due to the need for a 60-day ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed with the United States on security guarantees, which must be supported by the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament, and also plans bilateral agreements with European countries, which will be confirmed by the European Parliament.
