Ukraine

Ukrainian troops faced serious challenges in the Kursk region due to exhaustion and demoralization. Russia has deployed 50,000 troops, including North Korean units, resulting in the loss of 40% of the captured territory.

The occupants attacked the settlements of Zaporizhzhia region using 198 UAVs of various types. There were also 5 attacks from multiple rocket launchers and 128 artillery strikes.

In the Kupiansk sector and near Vovchansk, the enemy conducted offensive actions that were repelled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A civilian was killed in Dvorichna by an enemy drone attack.

Over the last day, 158 combat engagements took place, most of them in the Pokrovsk sector - 54 attacks. The enemy made 4,600 attacks and used 2,181 kamikaze drones.

German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz admits the possibility of sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, subject to a consensus with Russia. He also supports providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released new data on the losses of the Russian army over the past day. The occupiers lost 1730 soldiers, 5 tanks, 11 armored personnel carriers and other equipment.

There is one Russian Kalibr carrier in the Black Sea, but no missiles. There are 8 Russian ships in the Mediterranean, 3 of which have 26 cruise missiles on board.

Ukraine has declared the first level of danger due to fog with visibility of 200-500 meters in the western, northern and central regions. Air temperatures will range from -2 to +6°C, with no significant precipitation.

IBF and IBO lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko suffered a serious back injury during a training session. The boxer will undergo an MRI scan, the results of which will determine his future career and a possible fight in 2025.

The DPRK's political meeting decided on the “toughest” strategy to counter the United States. North Korea plans to develop relations with “friendly” countries and strengthen its defense capabilities.

Greece has approved the transfer of 24 Sea Sparrow missiles to Ukraine, which have been in use for almost 40 years. The assistance also includes artillery shells and ammunition, without reducing Greece's defense capabilities.

russian president signs laws to increase the penalty for armed rebellion to life imprisonment. A new strategy for countering extremism with a focus on “threats from the territory of Ukraine” is approved.

There were 149 combat engagements in the frontline, the hottest spot was in the Pokrovsk sector with 48 attacks. Ukrainian defenders destroyed 425 occupants and enemy military equipment.

Russia changed its tactics of missile attacks in the second half of 2024, accumulating stockpiles between strikes. The last large-scale strike on December 12-13 included about 90 missiles and 180 kamikaze drones.

Since the beginning of the year, 341 cases of arson of military vehicles have been recorded in Ukraine. In 219 cases, suspicion has already been announced, and 184 people are being held accountable.

The Russian government has banned the use of IP telephony for calls to landline and mobile numbers. The ban does not apply to instant messengers, but the authorities are considering blocking international calls.

Ukraine's President discussed the downing of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane with Aliyev and instructed him to pass on the intelligence to his partners. According to the Ukrainian side, the plane was shot down by a Russian air defense missile.

The Government has approved a new mechanism for issuing residence permits to foreigners who help the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The document strengthens the protection of foreign soldiers and volunteers who have been at the front for at least 6 months.

Over the past 20 years, Ukraine's state budget deficit has gone from surplus to record levels. Economic crises, political changes, and global challenges have significantly affected the country's financial stability.

The DPRK military involved in the war in Ukraine by Russia has problems with the language barrier and lack of experience in modern warfare. More than 3,000 North Korean mercenaries are being trained at training grounds in the Kursk region of Russia.

Russia has shifted to stockpiling supplies between attacks instead of frequent small strikes. During the attack on December 12-13, about 90 missiles and 180 UAVs were used.

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has starred in the Ukrainian comedy Train to December 31. This was announced by TV presenter Yuriy Gorbunov, who thanked the politician for participating in the filming.

Russian troops shelled settlements in the Kherson region with artillery and drones. The attacks resulted in 13 civilian casualties, including two children, and damaged residential buildings and infrastructure.

President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of important personnel decisions and future decrees. Today, the government approved the dismissal of Ruslan Kravchenko, head of the Kyiv RMA. According to media reports, Ruslan Kravchenko is the main candidate for the post of Prosecutor General.

Olga Altunina, a representative of citizens' rights, reported on the scale of the loss of housing by Ukrainians due to Russian aggression. At the meeting with U.S. representatives, they discussed social protection programs for IDPs and support for vulnerable groups.

The President instructed government officials to work with the EU to maintain the stability of the energy system. Ukraine is looking for alternatives to Slovak electricity imports, which currently account for 19% of the total.

Galushchenko appealed to the EU because of Slovakia's intention to stop supplying electricity to Ukraine. The minister said he was ready to replace Slovak imports with supplies from other neighbors.

In 2024, Ukrainian enterprises produced more than 1. 5 million FPV drones and other types of drones. According to Defense Minister Umerov, 96.2% of all UAVs for the Armed Forces are Ukrainian-made.

The Road of Life project on the site of the destroyed Romanivskyi Bridge in Irpin won the LIT Lighting Design Awards. The installation became part of the large-scale project “Kyiv Region. Places of Memory”.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has responded to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's statement about a possible suspension of electricity supplies. The Ministry reminded that Ukraine pays for electricity and accused Fico of acting in the interests of Russia.