War in Ukraine
On December 25, Russian troops lost 840 soldiers and 537 UAVs. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 26.12.25 are estimated at 1,202,070 personnel.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China did not distance itself from Moscow, but turned the Russian Federation into its raw material appendage. The head of the CPD, Andriy Kovalenko, noted that Russia is an instrument of strategic pressure for China.
Operators of the "Prime" strike unmanned aerial vehicle company of the 5th border detachment destroyed a D-30 cannon, an electronic warfare system, communication equipment, and shelters of Russian invaders in the Northern Slobozhansky direction. As a result of the operation, Russian troops suffered personnel losses.
On December 25, during an air raid alert, the enemy attacked a critical infrastructure facility in Volyn. There were no casualties or deaths.
Great Britain, France, Germany, and Turkey are ready to send a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine after the war ends. This was confirmed by Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the President's Office, who emphasized the need for international participation in deterring Russia.
A number of US senators issued a joint statement condemning Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities on Christmas. They emphasized that Putin rejected the Christmas truce.
Russian troops attacked Zaporizhzhia district with four KABs on December 25, injuring three women aged 80, 65, 57, and a 71-year-old man. All victims are receiving medical care, and private homes have been damaged.
In his New Year's address, Putin thanked Kim Jong Un for the participation of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine. He emphasized strengthening ties and further cooperation between the countries.
Putin claims that Moscow is discussing joint management of the ZNPP with the United States. He also stated that the American side is interested in cryptocurrency mining at the plant and supplying electricity to the territory controlled by Ukraine.
During December 25, 115 combat engagements, 50 air strikes, 4060 kamikaze drones, and 2792 shelling attacks were recorded. The highest intensity of fighting was in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy carried out 26 attacks.
A court in the Russian Federation found Sergei Udaltsov, leader of the Left Front movement, guilty of justifying terrorism and sentenced him to six years in prison. Udaltsov denied the charges, calling them fabricated, and announced a hunger strike.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk and a number of MPs registered a draft resolution proposing to approve updated orthography, introduce a single font for Verkhovna Rada acts, and block pro-Russian content. The document aims to further establish the Ukrainian language as the state language.
Russian troops launched four guided aerial bomb strikes on the Zaporizhzhia district on the evening of December 25. Four civilians were wounded: three women (80, 65, 57 years old) and a 71-year-old man.
Russians plan to create tourist sites, so-called "places of military glory," in the occupied Donbas and attract investments there for "tourism development. "
The 3rd assault battalion of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment liberated five villages in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: Orestopil, Novoselivka, Sosnivka, Khoroshe, and Vorone. The operation lasted over 100 days in the autumn of 2025 with the support of the 20th Army Corps.
The SES has completed emergency search operations in Chernihiv after a Russian drone hit a residential building. One person died, nine were injured.
As a result of the Russian attack on Chernihiv, 10 people were injured, including three children. An 80-year-old woman died.
In Lviv, on Christmas Day, the "Homin" choir sang mournful carols dedicated to Ukrainians who died in the war. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi announced this event.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged Russians to refrain from traveling to Germany unless absolutely necessary. The reasons for this appeal are not given.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard a report from Pavlo Palisa on strengthening front-line positions and the army. The head of state announced the strengthening of combat units and the drone component, and also signed decrees on awarding Ukrainian soldiers with state awards.
In Chernihiv, 40 rescuers and 7 units of State Emergency Service equipment continue emergency rescue operations after the enemy strike that destroyed floors of a residential building. State Emergency Service psychologists provided assistance to 100 victims.
British monarch Charles greeted the world for Christmas; he did not mention specific countries in his speech, but he included the Ukrainian carol "Shchedryk" in the video sequence.
The White House has released a photo card featuring US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The couple smiles and holds hands, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
On December 26, hourly power outage schedules and power limitations 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.
National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov will meet with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. President Zelenskyy hopes the conversation will be a step towards peace.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representatives of President Trump. Significant details of work and ideas for achieving lasting peace were discussed.
The Ministry of Defense has launched a pilot project using photo and video recording during the acceptance of rear property for the needs of the Armed Forces. This will ensure the objectivity of procedures and create an evidence base to minimize corruption risks.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine extended the ban on the import of goods from Russia until December 31, 2026. This decision has been renewed annually since 2015 as a countermeasure to economic pressure.
Frontline Robotics and German Quantum Systems are scaling up production of the Lens drone for tactical reconnaissance and target destruction. This bomber drone can carry up to 2 kg of payload over 10 km and is equipped with a gyro-stabilized camera.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced a ban on entry for 14 Russian citizens. This decision was made ahead of the Luge World Cup stage in Sigulda, which the International Federation allowed "neutral athletes" from Russia to participate in.