War in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump said that Vladimir Putin told him about an attack on his residence, noting that he did not like it. Trump was unaware of the attack, and Putin informed him about it in the morning.
The Cabinet of Ministers has postponed the mandatory use of payment terminals for individual entrepreneurs of the 1st group until the end of martial law and for another three months after its cancellation. This decision was made in response to appeals from small businesses to reduce financial pressure.
President Zelenskyy, after a conversation with Finnish President Stubb, emphasized the importance of real information for global intelligence agencies. He noted that Russia is spreading fakes to justify attacks on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, thanking him for his support. Zelenskyy informed him about his meeting with Trump and his work with the American team, and also invited Rinkēvičs to visit Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin informed Donald Trump about the alleged drone attack on his residence in the Novgorod region. According to Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the head of the Kremlin, Trump "was shocked" by the news.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported the killing of seven civilians in Pokrovsk by Russian soldiers on the night of December 21. The occupiers shot a family in the basement after they were refused alcohol.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The results of the meeting with President Trump and the Russian fake, which is trying to disrupt diplomacy, were discussed.
On December 30, scheduled power outages and power restrictions for industrial consumers will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
The White House said Trump had a "positive conversation" with Putin on Ukraine. Details are not yet known.
President Zelenskyy called Ukraine's attack on Putin's residence a lie, noting that Russia is preparing strikes on Kyiv and government buildings. He urged people to be vigilant, as there could be strikes on the capital.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that Ukraine attacked the state residence of the Russian president in the Novgorod region with 91 drones. He threatened that Moscow would review its negotiating position, despite having no intention of withdrawing from the negotiation process with the United States.
Negotiations between Zelenskyy and Trump in Miami did not yield decisions on key issues such as territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, but Trump is ready to present security guarantees for Ukraine to Congress. This is the only serious breakthrough that could become an international treaty, not a political commitment.
Russia is aggressively forcing citizens to use the state messenger Max, which is becoming a tool of control. Schoolchildren and students face threats for refusing to install the application, and in the occupied territories, Max only works with Russian and Belarusian SIM cards, isolating Ukrainians.
Soldiers of the 19th Army Corps refuted Russian claims of control over part of Kostiantynivka, emphasizing the destruction of the enemy on the approaches to the city. The military calls for verifying information and not succumbing to Russian disinformation.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 89 combat engagements on the front until 4:00 PM on December 29. In the Pokrovsk direction, the enemy carried out 28 attacks.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed on further contacts and steps with US President's Special Representative Steve Witkoff. The conversation took place while Umerov was en route to Ukraine; he is also constantly in touch with European advisors.
Under the state affordable mortgage program "eOselia", 22. 5 thousand Ukrainian families have purchased housing. Of these, 7,642 Ukrainians used the program in 2025, receiving preferential mortgages totaling UAH 14.56 billion.
The first critical infrastructure operators in the energy and defense industries have already installed electronic warfare equipment to protect their facilities. The Ministry of Defense is implementing this initiative by decision of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that peace talks in Russia's war against Ukraine are still far from over. He considers the US statement about participating in security guarantees for Ukraine a success.
At a meeting with the military, Putin heard about the "liberation" of 334 settlements and the advance to Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Orikhove. He also ordered the expansion of the "security zone" until 2026.
An interactive installation "Heart in an Ice Block" has been installed on Sofia Square in Kyiv, which will be open until January 6, 2026. It symbolizes the importance of emotional support and human warmth during the war, allowing visitors to melt the ice with their touches.
The teams from Ukraine and the US have made significant progress in developing a peace framework, security guarantees, and the sequence of further steps. An agreement has been reached to continue consultations and prepare for the next stages of dialogue, including leaders' meetings in Washington in January.
South Korean automaker Hyundai is unable to buy back its former plant in Russia, despite a buyback option that expires next month. The reason is the war in Ukraine and the associated sanctions, which make it impossible for the company to return to the Russian market.
In Kyiv Oblast, energy workers continue to eliminate the consequences of Saturday's attack. Emergency blackouts continue in Boryspil and Brovary districts, and more than 9,000 families in Vyshhorod district remain without electricity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is interested in receiving reparations from Russia for the restoration of the state. He announced that the issue of funds for reconstruction has already been resolved with the Europeans, and the first 100 billion dollars will arrive in equal tranches over two years.
President Zelenskyy stated that the 20-point plan is 90% complete, with two issues still remaining. These concern the functioning of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the issue of territory.
The housing rental market in Ukraine is sensitive to events in the country, with a seasonal "lull" in December-January and May-June, which are the most favorable periods for searching. One-room apartments in new buildings remain the most expensive, and western regions show a price peak due to the war.
Brent crude futures rose 2. 1% to $61.91, while WTI gained 2.3% to $58.03. This came amid talks between the Ukrainian and US presidents on ending the war and potential oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot be sure of the return of all children abducted by Russia. He emphasized that partners and journalists are raising this issue, and it is very important, because otherwise Russia will do everything to make it forgotten.
The Cabinet of Ministers plans to consider Ihor Zelinskyi's candidacy for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, lobbied by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. This personnel decision raises serious questions given Zelinskyi's decisions made during his work in the leadership of the aviation regulator.