War in Ukraine
Fighting continues near the settlements of Yunakivka, Andriivka, Yablunivka, Varachyne, Kindrativka. The settlement of Khotyn in Sumy region remains under the control of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Ukraine's government bonds rose on Monday after positive signs in peace talks to end the war. Some bonds reached their highest level since the sovereign debt restructuring.
On the night of December 30, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with two ballistic missiles and 60 attack UAVs. Air defense forces shot down one missile and 52 drones; hits were recorded.
Mykola Shevchenko, an officer of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and a public figure from Dnipro, died in battles with the Russian occupiers. He joined the defense of his homeland in 2022.
Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday, with Brent futures down 2 cents to $61. 92 and WTI down 5 cents to $58.03. This followed a 2% rise.
Over the past day, 151 battles took place on the front, with the most active clashes recorded in the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions. The enemy launched 47 air strikes, dropping 129 guided aerial bombs, and carried out 3651 shelling attacks.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official exchange rate of the US dollar for December 30 at UAH 42. 21, which is 15 kopecks more. The euro rose by 10 kopecks, reaching UAH 49.65.
Over the past day, December 29, the Russian army lost 1220 servicemen and dozens of pieces of enemy equipment. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 30.12.25 amounted to approximately over 1.2 million personnel.
Russian troops attacked Zaporizhzhia on the night of December 30, damaging an industrial infrastructure facility. As a result of the shelling, a fire broke out and a woman was injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian advance of 3,000 kilometers over the past year cost Russia hundreds of thousands of casualties. He noted that the number of mobilized in Russia now equals irreversible losses, indicating a halt in the growth of the Russian army.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that without weapons from the United States, Ukraine would not be able to win the war, especially in air defense. He emphasized that Russian forces are massively using drones and missiles, and the available air defense systems are insufficient for complete protection.
Ukraine received ambulances from Kazakhstan as part of humanitarian aid. The cost of the ambulances exceeded 9 million hryvnias, and they are equipped with modern equipment for emergency medical care.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he does not trust Putin and sees no signs of his desire for peace, as Russia continues its attacks. He emphasized that pressure on Russia from the United States is necessary for peace negotiations.
Latvia has officially completed the construction of 280 km of engineering barriers on the border with Russia. This is the first stage of a comprehensive protection system, which is supplemented by modern video surveillance and technical monitoring systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions contradicts the law and public opinion. The issue of territories remains a key disagreement in peace talks, despite 90% agreement on a 20-point plan.
Restoration work at the Zaporizhzhia NPP has been completed, and the external power transmission line has been connected to the power system. The IAEA confirmed stable radiation levels and safe operation of the plant.
German military equipment exports in 2025 decreased to 8. 4 billion euros, significantly lower than in the previous two years. The reason was a reduction in arms supplies to Ukraine to 1.14 billion euros.
The Russian authorities sharply increased digital control over citizens in the first half of 2025, and state requests for personal data of Yandex users increased. The company transferred data in 42.3 thousand cases, which is 44% more than last year.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukrainians residing in Russia should participate in voting in Ukraine's presidential elections. He claims that the mandate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expired in May 2024.
Ukrainian and American delegations prepared a package of solutions for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic growth on December 28. It includes financing, investment mechanisms, reforms, and cooperation with American businesses.
The Bring Kids Back UA and Save Ukraine initiative announced the successful evacuation of a group of children from the temporarily occupied territories. Among those rescued are teenagers with congenital disabilities, former territorial defense fighters, and those who were forcibly attempted to be mobilized into the Russian army.
In temporarily occupied Luhansk, first-year medical students are being recruited as junior medical personnel due to a staffing crisis. This creates risks for patients, as the students lack basic knowledge.
Abramovich's representatives stated that the funds from the sale of Chelsea cannot be transferred to a charitable foundation to support Ukraine until the government of Jersey stops its investigation against him. This refers to 1.4 billion pounds sterling frozen in the account of Fordstam Ltd.
In Vyshhorod, Kyiv region, SES specialists installed and connected powerful generators near residential buildings. This will ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity, light, and heat to residents.
The Lithuanian authorities decided to extend until January 2, 2027, temporary restrictions on the transit by road of certain dual-use goods. This is done to prevent their use in the war against Ukraine and to strengthen European security.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that on December 29, 18 drones were intercepted over the Novgorod region before 7:00 AM and another 23 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Also, 49 UAVs were intercepted over the Bryansk region and one over the Smolensk region, allegedly en route to the residence.
The Italian government has decided to provide Ukraine with a new package of military aid. This is the 11th extension of Italian aid, approved despite resistance from the right-wing League party.
Since the beginning of the day, 136 combat engagements have been recorded at the front, the enemy launched 31 air strikes and carried out 3202 kamikaze drone attacks. The most active enemy actions are observed in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Oleksandrivka directions.
Starting in September 2026, students in grades 1-11 across the country will receive free meals. The government has allocated almost UAH 6 billion for the first phase of the program, and a total of UAH 14.4 billion is provided in the State Budget for 2026.
DTEK explained the absence of power outage schedules in Odesa region after massive Russian attacks, which led to significant destruction. The company noted that it is currently impossible to predict the date of return to schedules.