War in Ukraine
On the night of December 25, Russia attacked Ukraine with 131 drones, mostly Shahed. Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 106 enemy UAVs, and hits were recorded in 15 locations.
US President Donald Trump discussed Santa Claus's travels, which are tracked by the NORAD program, with children. During the conversation, he mentioned Ukraine along with China and Russia.
As a result of the night attack by Russians on the port and industrial infrastructure of Odesa region, one person was killed and two more were injured. Administrative, production, and warehouse premises were damaged, and fires broke out.
Over the past day, 151 combat engagements took place on the front, with the hottest spots being the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions. The invaders launched 1 missile and 80 air strikes, used 3 missiles and dropped 193 guided aerial bombs.
On December 24, Russian troops lost 860 soldiers and 600 UAVs. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 25.12.25 amount to 1,201,230 personnel.
ISW analysts believe that the Kremlin will have to compromise on its demands that are incompatible with the peace plan. Russia is not interested in a compromise-based settlement, as evidenced by its constant references to the 2024 demands.
Russian media are actively promoting the "Black Book on the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis in Donbas," published by the Russian Military Historical Society. This book contains no objective evidence, only propagandistic theses comparing "Ukrainian neo-Nazis" with German Nazis.
The enemy equipment was located in the area of the settlement of Kulbaky, 7 km from the border with Ukraine. The enemy used this self-propelled artillery unit to carry out artillery strikes on the territory of the Sumy region.
The Russian authorities are actively militarizing the education system, involving "SVO veterans" in the upbringing of children. History teachers are advised to organize children's search for "SVO veterans" as part of extracurricular activities.
As part of a recent operation, Lasar's Group pilots burned another TOS-1A "Solntsepyok". The target was operating against the advanced positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that the war in Ukraine could end within the next 90 days. He emphasized that the Trump administration is working towards peace and will pressure both sides to end the conflict.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 130 combat engagements since the beginning of December 24, 28 of which were enemy attacks in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched one missile and 52 air strikes, and used 3274 kamikaze drones.
The Russian ruble has strengthened by 45% since the beginning of the year, trading at around 78 rubles per dollar, which is the strongest growth since 1994. This poses a threat to the country's war economy, despite falling oil prices and new sanctions.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the full combat readiness of Estonian services to give armed resistance to any Russian provocations. Tallinn will no longer tolerate the appearance of soldiers without insignia on its territory.
In Russia, the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center predicts the end of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2026. 70% of respondents consider 2026 to be more successful, and 55% associate this with the possible end of the war.
Representatives of the embassies of Great Britain, Germany, and France presented a joint creative greeting for the winter holidays, performing Mykola Leontovych's legendary composition in the Kyiv subway. The recording took place at the Zoloti Vorota station with the participation of Ukrainian musicians.
German Federal President Steinmeier congratulated citizens on Christmas, choosing overcoming challenges as the central theme. He emphasized that supporting Ukraine will not be a short-term task and will require significant efforts from German society.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the interception and destruction of 132 Ukrainian aircraft-type UAVs from 13:00 to 20:00. The drones were allegedly shot down over 10 regions and occupied Crimea.
Soldiers of the Rubizh brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine celebrated Christmas Eve at the front line. Hot tea and kutia were on the tables, symbolizing the connection with generations and native homes.
In Sumy region, 5 people were injured in shelling on Christmas Eve. The enemy attacked civilian cars and launched a missile strike on Okhtyrka district.
French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. Consultations on security assistance will begin in early 2026 in Paris.
Due to an enemy attack on the energy infrastructure, Chernihiv is partially without power. Security measures are being strengthened in the city, and traffic controllers are working at the most difficult intersections.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have regained control over most of Kupiansk, pushing the occupiers to the northeastern outskirts. Russian Z-channels report on the critical condition of their units, and the Center for Countering Disinformation confirmed the success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On December 25, hourly power outage schedules and power restrictions for industry will be applied in all regions of Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
President Trump's new envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, announced his intention to initiate a dialogue with the island's residents regarding its development. This contradicts Trump's previous statements about the need for US control over Greenland.
Cherkasy Mayor Anatoliy Bondarenko reported that Russian troops shelled the local cemetery and the Alley of Heroes. As a result of the attack, monuments were damaged.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas, emphasizing that Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on the same date, as one big family. He noted that everyone has one dream - peace and victory, as well as the day when everyone will gather at home in the first peaceful year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the Pope's disappointment over Russia's refusal of a Christmas truce. He noted that Russia not only rejected the proposal to stop the killings but also launched a massive missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian energy system.
The Hungarian Prime Minister believes that Brussels allegedly "does not want peace between Russia and Ukraine. "
China may be interested in the continuation of the war, as it weakens Russia and exhausts Europe. This allows Beijing to draw individual European countries into its dependence through investments.