Since the beginning of the day, 53 combat engagements have been recorded at the front. Russian troops are actively attacking in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions, where 19 and 12 attacks took place, respectively.
Ukraine received 114 civilians, including 5 Ukrainians and Belarusian political figures such as Maria Alexandrova and Viktor Babariko. The exchange took place with the assistance of American partners and the Coordination Headquarters.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated the need to complete the formation of the Cyber Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the end of the year. He also discussed issues of fortifications, restoring the combat capability of brigades, and stabilizing the situation in threatened areas.
Odesa utility workers have eliminated the consequences of the enemy attack; damaged facilities are being inspected to determine the terms for restoring heat, water, and electricity. 428 invincibility points have been deployed in the city, 16 pump rooms and 16 water distribution points are operating, and another 32 are planned to be deployed by evening.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the GUR and other services to intensify efforts to free Ukrainian prisoners of war before the New Year. This instruction concerns the Russian direction.
The Zaporizhzhia NPP switched to diesel generators for over an hour due to damage to power lines during the Russian attack on December 13. Vitaliy Zaichenko, Chairman of the Board of Ukrenergo, emphasized the danger of such incidents for all of Europe.
Five Ukrainians who were in Belarus are returning to freedom thanks to a special operation by the GUR with the participation of the United States. President Zelenskyy instructed to intensify work on the release of prisoners of war from Russia before the new year.
The US is lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash, as announced by special envoy John Cole after a meeting with Alexander Lukashenka. This decision is part of the normalization of relations between the countries, which could lead to further lifting of restrictive measures.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has canceled a planned visit to the United States to participate in European discussions on the peace process in Ukraine. He will join talks in Berlin, where other European leaders and high-ranking officials will also be present.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after talks with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, hopes to discuss a peace plan between Ukraine and Russia with US President Donald Trump, adding that "peace is not far off. "
Foreign policy advisers from the US, Ukraine, Germany and other countries will continue talks on a peace plan for Ukraine in Berlin. The talks will take place ahead of a summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
Claims by Russian military commanders of full control over Siversk and Pokrovsk are likely inaccurate. Ukrainian forces continue to fight for the western parts of Siversk and maintain a limited ability to raid Pokrovsk.
North Korea held a welcoming ceremony for sappers who returned from Russia's Kursk region after demining. Kim Jong Un thanked the troops for their safe return, noting the loss of nine lives.
Petr Fiala, the outgoing head of the Czech government, announced that the goal of supplying 1. 8 million large-caliber shells to Ukraine has been met. The new Czech government may discontinue this initiative, despite the president's support.
Pulmonologist Rostyslav Liubevych spoke about the hidden symptoms of bronchial asthma and the importance of timely diagnosis. He provided recommendations for first aid during an attack and disease prevention.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is starting payments in case of death or injury of journalists while performing their professional duties. The first payment will be received by the father of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity. The program is provided for in the state budget for 2026.
On the night of December 13, Russia attacked Ukraine with 30 missiles and 465 drones, of which 13 missiles and 417 drones were shot down or suppressed. The main direction of the attack was Odesa region.
Over a million subscribers in Ukraine are without electricity after Russia's night attack on energy infrastructure. Missile and drone attacks were recorded in five regions, and five people were injured.
Despite infrastructure shelling, reserve diesel locomotives are operating on de-energized sections in Odesa region. Some trains are delayed, and suburban routes No. 6401 and No. 6341 have been temporarily canceled.
After a massive night attack by Russia on energy infrastructure, power outage schedules are not in effect in Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions due to a significant number of disconnected consumers. In other regions of Ukraine, hourly schedules and restrictions for industrial consumers remain in effect.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine published footage of assault operations by special forces in the Pokrovsk direction in November 2025. The operation improved the tactical position of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine, using over 450 attack drones and 30 missiles, with the main strike targeting the energy infrastructure of the south and Odesa region. Thousands of families were left without electricity in 7 regions, and two people were injured in Odesa region.
European officials are concerned that a new US-initiated peace deal in Ukraine could allow Russia to use a demilitarized zone to re-invade Donbas. Moscow demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, while Kyiv refuses to cede territory.
Throughout the night, Russia attacked Odesa region with drones and missiles, damaging port and energy facilities, including grain storage facilities of the Odesa seaport. This led to a lack of electricity, water, and heat supply in parts of Odesa and other regions.
As a result of massive Russian strikes on Ukraine, part of the Kherson region, including the city of Kherson, has been de-energized. The consequences are being investigated.
The enemy launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kirovohrad region, targeting energy infrastructure. Currently, 19 settlements are without electricity, and relevant services are eliminating the consequences.
Italy, Belgium, Malta, and Bulgaria have opposed the EU's plan to transfer 210 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. They are calling on the European Commission to consider alternative options for financial assistance, such as joint EU debt.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi visited the positions of Ukrainian military personnel in Donetsk region, where the situation remains difficult due to Russia's transfer of reserves for the offensive. He clarified tasks for commanders and outlined steps to strengthen defense, including logistics and coordination.
Negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine from the US and Europe have made significant progress. The US is ready to provide guarantees based on NATO's Article 5, approved by Congress, with legal force.
As a result of a massive enemy attack on Odesa, energy infrastructure facilities were de-energized, and most of the city is without heat and water supply. Two casualties have been reported, and information is being clarified.
