Due to a systemic accident in Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the Chernihiv region is completely de-energized. The region is preparing for a complete transition to backup power if the situation does not stabilize.
The emergency situation in Ukraine's energy system occurred due to technological reasons on the lines between Ukraine and Moldova. This caused cascading outages, and power is promised to be restored in the coming hours.
Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu stated that electricity supply in the country will be restored within one to two hours. This happened due to the activation of the power grid protection system in Ukraine, which caused a partial blackout in Moldova.
President Zelenskyy reported an emergency situation in Ukraine's energy system due to technological reasons on the lines between the energy systems of Ukraine and Moldova. Energy Minister Shmyhal explained that a technological disruption between Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine caused cascading outages, nuclear power plant units were unloaded, and power will be restored in the coming hours.
A technological disruption with the disconnection of power transmission lines between Romania and Moldova and in Ukraine caused a cascading outage of the power system. Emergency shutdown schedules have been applied in Kyiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Kharkiv regions.
The government has decided to automatically recalculate utility payments if services were not provided or were of inadequate quality. Consumers do not need to submit additional applications; the recalculated amounts will be reflected in the January 2026 bills.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Romanian President Nicușor Dan discussed joint energy projects to enhance the energy security of both countries. The teams will continue discussions at the ministerial level.
The IAEA Board of Governors held an emergency meeting regarding nuclear risks from Russia's systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. IAEA head Rafael Grossi confirmed that these attacks fall under the organization's mandate and pose direct nuclear risks.
In Bukovyna, customs officers discovered a hidden cargo at the Dyakivtsi-Rakovets checkpoint. The driver attempted to smuggle a drone, cigarettes, and non-ferrous scrap metal worth over 10 million UAH into Romania.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki criticized Donald Trump's threats to cut support for Iraq if he returns to power. Trump stated that Maliki would be a "very bad choice," adding that the country descended into chaos when he was in power.
The Ukrainian fish market is adapting to war, blackouts, and more expensive logistics. Consumption has not fallen, but some types of fish may become more expensive.
According to the source, the 80-year-old former coach of Donetsk "Shakhtar" and Kyiv "Dynamo" suffered from a cold this winter. Despite Lucescu undergoing intensive treatment, his health failed him.
In Kyiv, a doctor was detained who offered to smuggle a conscripted man to Romania for 20,000 euros. He promised to arrange border crossing outside the checkpoint, dressing the client in a border guard uniform.
Azerbaijan has provided Ukraine with humanitarian aid in the form of electrical equipment worth USD 1 million. The cargo, including generators, transformers, and cables, was sent by order of President Aliyev.
Romania is strengthening its military presence on the border with Ukraine due to regular threats from Russian drones. The country is deploying additional units and equipment, including radars and Gepard anti-aircraft systems.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with his Romanian counterpart Oana Toiu at the World Economic Forum. Sybiha handed over a list of urgent needs for the restoration of energy supply and heating in Ukraine.
On the border with Romania, border guards rescued a man who fell through the ice while attempting to illegally cross the border. The offender was taken to the hospital, and his life is not in danger.
Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated that he would personally support unification with Romania, but as head of government, he is focused on EU integration. His statement drew accusations of treason from the opposition.
US Vice President J. D. Vance will not participate in this year's Munich Security Conference. Last year, he sharply criticized Germany at the conference.
Hungarian energy company Mol Nyrt. is nearing a takeover of Serbia's sole oil refinery as U.S. sanctions force Russia's Gazprom Neft PJSC to sell its controlling stake. Hungary will ask U.S. authorities to lift sanctions on the Serbian refinery.
The SBI exposed two TCC sergeants in Ivano-Frankivsk region who were illegally transporting men of conscription age to Romania for money. They charged 8,000 dollars for their services and ensured unhindered passage.
Donald Trump is once again showing interest in Greenland, calling it a "big real estate deal" and a matter of US strategic security. This has caused concern among Danish and European leaders, who see it as a threat to sovereignty and NATO's integrity.
Advisor to the President of Romania Dana Nicușor, MEP Eugen Tomac, announced readiness for negotiations on unification with Moldova. This decision depends on Chisinau's will and the support of partners.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that she would vote for unification with Romania if a referendum were held. She believes this would help protect the country's democracy from Russian pressure.
In Bukovyna, a driver of a foreign-registered Range Rover injured a border guard during an attempted border breach. The serviceman sustained severe injuries, but his life is not in danger. Six passengers have been detained.
People's Deputy Iryna Gerashchenko stated that Russia will try to interfere in Ukrainian elections using social networks and messengers. She proposed to start working on legislative changes, including a law on the de-anonymization of Telegram channels.
Border guards rescued a man from Dnipro who had been wandering in the mountains for five days, trying to illegally cross the border with Romania. He was found exhausted after a 12-hour search operation, provided with assistance, and an administrative protocol was drawn up.
The Honorary Consulate of Romania was officially opened in Lviv, headed by Rostyslav Vovk. The Lviv Regional Military Administration is committed to constructive partnership in various fields.
In Switzerland, 24 of the 40 victims of the bar fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort have been identified. Among the deceased are citizens of Switzerland, Italy, the UAE, Romania, France, and Turkey, aged between 14 and 39. A national day of mourning is scheduled for January 9, 2026, with a minute of silence and church bells ringing.
After the New Year holidays, the longest queues at the border are observed in the Polish direction, which complicates crossing for drivers and passengers. The State Border Guard Service advises taking into account the possible unstable operation of electronic systems of control services at checkpoints.
