War in Ukraine
Russian railway company "RZD" plans to cut investments by a quarter by 2026 due to the collapse of freight traffic. This indicates deep structural risks for the Russian economy.
Since the beginning of December 30, 142 combat engagements have taken place on the front. The enemy launched three missile and 34 air strikes, carried out 2574 shellings and 2759 kamikaze drone attacks.
In 2025, the aviation of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine carried out over 2,100 flights and 1,060 flight hours, eliminating the consequences of enemy attacks and extinguishing fires. Thanks to aeromedical evacuation, 435 lives were saved, and a new rapid response unit "Delta" was also created.
France expresses doubts about Ukrainian drone attacks on Vladimir Putin's residence, as there is no compelling evidence. Russian authorities provide conflicting information about the incident.
In Luhansk region, unknown drones attacked an oil depot in Rovenky. Fuel tanks are on fire, as confirmed by local Telegram channels.
The number of vehicles and military personnel does not prove that the missile system has actually entered combat duty.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has authorized search operations in Ternopil and Volyn regions. This is a continuation of research in the territory of the former village of Puzhnyky and the colonies of Ostrivky and Volya Ostrovetska.
In December 2025, demand for "female beauty" services in Russia decreased by 25–30%, which was the worst indicator in a decade. This is due to the rising cost of living, increased tax burden, and the impact of the war against Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced contact with the US regarding the alleged attack by Ukrainian drones on Putin's residence. Negotiating groups concluded that it was a fake.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported 109 downed drones from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Moscow time. The largest number - 80 aircraft - were allegedly shot down over the Bryansk region.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced discussions with Donald Trump on Ukraine's economic recovery, including a threefold increase in salaries. This is part of the "Prosperity Package" which envisages attracting American business.
Japan has transferred approximately 47. 7 million euros for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The funds will be directed to support humanitarian demining, maintenance of energy infrastructure, and restoration of water supply systems.
In 2026, tax rates for individual entrepreneurs will not increase, but the increase in the minimum wage and living wage will lead to an increase in deductions. The changes will affect the single tax, military levy, and unified social contribution, as well as annual income limits.
Over 500,000 people in the Moscow region were left without electricity after drone sounds. Part of occupied Melitopol was also de-energized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Donald Trump's visit to Ukraine would be beneficial, especially if he flies directly to Ukraine by plane. The President of Ukraine emphasized that this would indicate the possibility of a ceasefire.
Ukrzaliznytsia has prepared 100 "Invincibility Carriages" as mobile heating points in response to power outages. These carriages are equipped with heating, charging devices, microwaves, refrigerators, and Starlink, and can be moved at the request of local authorities.
Zelenskyy sharply reacted to the statements of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who claimed that he wanted to see Ukraine "successful. "
On December 31, most regions of Ukraine will have weather-related power outage schedules and power restrictions for industrial consumers. This is due to the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with US President Donald Trump the provision of missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine. Trump promised to help, and Ukraine is ready to purchase missiles through the PURL mechanism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not want to hold a referendum because it does not want to ensure security. The Kremlin will constantly look for excuses to avoid a ceasefire.
President Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is discussing the deployment of US troops as part of security guarantees, but the decision will be made by America. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Umerov noted that Ukraine and the US have made progress in developing a peace framework and security guarantees.
President Zelenskyy reported on the daily work of Ukraine and the United States, despite Russian attempts to disrupt negotiations. He also announced upcoming meetings of advisors on January 3 in Ukraine and leaders on January 6 in France.
As a result of a repeated Russian attack on the port infrastructure of Odesa region, oil tanks caught fire at one of the port enterprises. There were no casualties, and the fire was promptly extinguished by rescuers.
Ukrainian military personnel, as part of Operation INTERFLEX in Great Britain, are sharing their experience in using drones, training representatives of the Australian Defence Force and the Swedish Armed Forces. FPV drones and related technologies are massively involved in the training, which allows for improving the training program for Ukrainian soldiers.
Soldiers of the Kodatska Territorial Defense Brigade captured a group of Russian occupiers with the help of drones, escorting them to the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Defense Forces of Ukraine called on Russian servicemen to surrender, guaranteeing compliance with the Geneva Conventions.
National security advisors from the "coalition of the willing" countries and Ukraine will meet on January 3 in Ukraine. After that, a meeting at the level of leaders will take place in France on January 6.
Ukrainian military personnel defending Kupyansk published photographs of the city destroyed by Russian occupiers. Soldiers of the 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade continue to defend the city.
Russians cannot capture Zaporizhzhia, and for the city there are only air threats, not infantry ones. Putin's illusion of a rapid front collapse is supported by Chief of General Staff Gerasimov.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhiy Tikhyi, stated that Russia invented the mystification about the attack on the residence – all they needed was to create a false justification for Russia's rejection of peace efforts.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has served another notice of suspicion to former People's Deputy from OPZZh, Oleh Voloshyn. He is accused of high treason for spreading propaganda and intentionally failing to submit declarations.