Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukraine has a new public holiday to be celebrated annually on May 21. The President signed a decree establishing the Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity.
Ukraine's President said that photos and videos from the crash site of the Embraer 190 plane point to Russian responsibility. Azerbaijan Airlines reported “external interference” as the cause of the crash.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry announced that preparations for the Second Peace Summit have been completed and all thematic conferences have been held. The date of the summit is not yet known, but Ukraine plans to invite Russia.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced an increase in the volume and frequency of military support from the United States. Ukraine is also working with European partners to strengthen Europe's defense self-sufficiency.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry established its first ministerial-level contacts with the new Syrian government after the severance of diplomatic relations. Ukraine also sent 500 tons of flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program.
Starting from January 1, 2025, Ukraine will change the military duty rates for individual entrepreneurs and individuals. Individual entrepreneurs of the first, second, and fourth groups will pay UAH 800 per month, and those of the third group will pay 1% of their turnover.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed its readiness to consider the European Commission's request for energy supplies. However, as of January 1, the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine will be suspended.
A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia died a day after being taken prisoner. According to South Korean intelligence, the death occurred as a result of an exacerbation of his injuries.
Gas prices in Europe are up 5% after Putin cast doubt on the possibility of a new transit deal with Ukraine. EU countries are looking for alternative solutions, but Zelenskiy rejects options financed by Russia.
As part of the Grain from Ukraine program, 500 tons of wheat flour were shipped to Syria. The aid will reach 33,250 families, and each family will be able to feed itself for a month with a 15-kilogram package.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 84/USD, which strengthened the hryvnia by 2 kopecks. In banks, a dollar can be bought for 42.25 UAH, and a euro for 44.14 UAH.
The President held a meeting on creating economic and social incentives for the return of citizens to Ukraine. It is planned to discuss systemic solutions with representatives of Ukrainian business.
The President of Ukraine has appointed Yuriy Vitrenko as Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna by Decree No. 881/2024. This appointment is part of a large-scale diplomatic reshuffle in Ukrainian missions abroad.
The head of the UGCC said that the Pope's immediate plans do not include a visit to Ukraine in 2025. However, Francis may announce his arrival a month before the visit, as he “likes to make surprises.
The Presidential Administration is preparing to talk to Ukrainian business representatives about systemic solutions for the economy. They will discuss the return of Ukrainians and the creation of economic incentives for working in Ukraine.
Putin said that in 2021 Biden proposed to postpone Ukraine's accession to NATO for 10-15 years. The Russian dictator replied that it makes no difference to Russia whether it is now or in 10 years.
The Presidents of Ukraine and Serbia have a telephone conversation to discuss the development of bilateral relations and coordination of efforts on the path to the EU. Serbia provides financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine, but refrains from sanctions against Russia.
The President noted the effectiveness of long-range strikes on military targets in Russia. He thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the GUR and the intelligence service for the accuracy of their strikes on the enemy's military infrastructure.
On December 27, Ukraine will face power cuts due to the aftermath of the December 25 attack. From 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., half-time blackouts will be applied to households.
Slovakian Prime Minister Fico suggested that Russia hold talks with Ukraine on the territory of his country. Putin said that Russia was not against such a proposal.
The President of Ukraine awarded the military with the Golden Stars of Heroes of Ukraine and Crosses of Military Merit. The award ceremony took place the day after Christmas.
Beta testing of the Mriya educational app has been completed in Ukrainian schools, where teachers have given 560,000 marks. Fedorov announced the expansion of the app's functionality to preschool education and universities by 2025.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 86 UAH/USD and 43.51 UAH/€. In exchange offices and banks, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.82-42.34, and the euro at UAH 43.60-44.20.
President Zelenskyy talks with Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Japan will provide Ukraine with $3 billion from frozen Russian assets and additional assistance for energy equipment.
EU diplomats are skeptical about the possibility of deploying European peacekeepers in Ukraine without US involvement. The main obstacles are Russia's rejection and the difficulty of convincing the European population.
The President of Ukraine took part in the Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony together with the rabbis of Ukraine. The event was attended by chief rabbis from different cities of the country, and the menorah was presented by the President of Argentina.
The President of Ukraine and his wife visited the Alekseenko family, which is raising 10 foster children, and handed them the keys to their new home. The house was built as part of the Address of Childhood project by the Olena Zelenska Foundation.
Almost the entire island zone of the Dnipro River in Kherson region is under the fire control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Every day, the occupiers make 5-7 attempts to land on the islands, including Kozatsky Island, but without success.
The President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with the new Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba. They discussed Russian shelling, assistance and the DPRK's participation in the war against Ukraine.
British and U. S. diplomats condemned Russia's massive attack on Ukraine on Christmas Day, during which 184 missiles and drones were fired. The Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down 113 targets, but due to damage to power facilities, power supply restrictions were tightened.