War in Ukraine
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.
President Zelenskyy outlined the sequence of actions to coordinate steps to end the war. A series of meetings are planned to take place in January, after which a meeting with the Russian side is possible.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Donald Trump told him about the content of his conversation with Putin. It was about discussing 20 points of a peace plan that Putin is ready to discuss.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that martial law would be lifted only after Ukraine receives security guarantees. And it will also require the consent of the army command.
After large-scale Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, over 9,000 consumers in Kyiv region remain without electricity. The Ministry of Energy and NEC "Ukrenergo" reported on the implementation of blackout schedules and emergency blackouts on the left bank of Kyiv and in certain districts of Kyiv region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense continues to claim control over Kupyansk, distributing videos that actually prove the retreat of Russian troops. The Armed Forces of Ukraine control about 90% of the city, refuting the statements of Russian propaganda.
Employees of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Main Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine stopped the activities of a group involved in illegal arms and ammunition deals. A 43-year-old resident of Poltava region, the organizer of the group, was detained, and an arms cache was discovered.
President Zelenskyy announced that the US would provide Ukraine with security guarantees for 15 years with the possibility of extension. He discussed with the American president the desire to extend the term of the guarantees to 30-50 years.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held telephone conversations with the presidents of the United States and Ukraine, discussing the peace process and security guarantees. She emphasized the importance of partner unity and Russia's responsibility in the negotiations.
The Prosecutor General's Office has launched an investigation into the execution of two Ukrainian prisoners of war by representatives of the Russian Armed Forces on December 27, 2025, in the village of Shakhove, Pokrovsk district. The occupiers forced them to undress and then shot them, which is a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Over the past day, 209 combat engagements took place on the front line, a quarter more than the day before. A quarter of all combat engagements were recorded in the Pokrovsk direction.
The average price of a cup of espresso in Ukraine increased by 17% over the year, reaching UAH 41 in December 2025. The most expensive coffee is in Lviv region (UAH 47), the cheapest is in Khmelnytskyi region (UAH 33).
In temporarily occupied Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, four Russian occupiers with a "Ural" were blown up. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Talks between Trump and Zelenskyy could pave the way for Zelenskyy's first call with Putin in over five years. This would be a diplomatic victory for Trump, who is considered the most successful mediator.
On the night of December 29, Russia attacked Ukraine with 25 Shahed-type attack UAVs. Defense forces destroyed or suppressed 21 enemy drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
US President Donald Trump said that Russia would not agree to a ceasefire if Ukraine had to hold a referendum on parts of a peace agreement.
Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine Oleksandr Pivnenko showed a video of the combat work of the "Typhoon" unit during the assaults on Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. The unmanned systems unit destroys Russian armored vehicles used in mechanized assaults.
Ukrainian marines eliminated enemy armored vehicles in the Pokrovsk direction. Pilots of the 88th separate battalion of the 35th separate marine brigade detected and destroyed the targets.
As of December 29, 2025, the Defense Forces of Ukraine have eliminated 1,205,690 Russian occupiers. The enemy has also lost over 11,000 tanks and 23,000 armored combat vehicles.
JATEC representatives took part in the final phase of NATO exercise Loyal Dolos 2025, which assessed the combat capabilities of an Alliance unit. Ukrainian experts for the first time practiced the mechanisms of Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
Citizens of Ukraine who adopt children can receive social assistance from the state. Payments are made until the end of their studies, but no longer than 23 years, in the amount of the difference between 100% of the subsistence minimum and the average monthly total income of the family.
The manuscript contains over 268 pages with detailed diagrams and drawings, some of which were written before the Battle of Poltava in 1709.
The US President said that these Americans died "in a foreign war" and that he was "ashamed. "
Russian air defense allegedly shot down two targets. Relevant videos appeared online.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a "coalition of the willing" will gather in Paris in early January 2026. The goal is to finalize the agreement on specific contributions of countries to security guarantees for Ukraine.
The President of Finland reported on negotiations in the US involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and other European leaders, including Macron and von der Leyen. The discussions lasted over an hour, focusing on concrete steps to end the war and achieve lasting peace.
On the night of December 29, residents of Maykop, the capital of the Republic of Adygea, heard explosions. The Khanskaya military airfield, where air defense operations were recorded, came under attack.
US President Donald Trump stated that Russia allegedly "wants success" for Ukraine, especially in energy and selling resources at a low price. This came after his talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where details were also discussed.
The President of the European Commission announced significant progress in peace talks, emphasizing the importance of reliable security guarantees. She held talks with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders, where peace agreements were discussed.