Ukraine

On December 16, a new postage stamp “Usyk. The world loves the strong”. All proceeds from the sale will go to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the Usyk Foundation.

About a thousand Ukrainians have returned to the temporarily occupied territories. Out of 4.9 million IDPs, 29,000 people have returned to their previous places of residence, most of them to conditionally safe areas.

President Biden approved another package of military aid to Ukraine, which will include air defense, artillery, drones, and armored vehicles. The White House confirmed that it will continue to provide assistance until the end of the administration's term.

The head of the OP, Andriy Yermak, announced consultations with the team of US President-elect Trump before the inauguration. The main topic of discussion is ending the war on the terms of a just peace and international law.

BBC Ukraine has announced the winners of the 20th BBC Book of the Year 2024 literary award in three categories. Each winner will receive a prize of £1000, and publishers will be able to use the award logo.

The head of the OP, Andriy Yermak, said that there is currently no peace plan from the Trump team, and the Ukrainian side has not seen it. Yermak also expressed hope for fruitful cooperation with the newly appointed special representative Keith Kellogg.

There are 27226 foreign students enrolled in Ukrainian universities, most of them from China - 10735 people. The most popular specialty among foreigners is medicine, and most students study at KNUTD.

Yermak said that Zelenskyy plans to discuss with Biden the possibility of inviting Ukraine to NATO. The president wants to use the last opportunity while Biden is in office.

Mobile pharmacies for villages without stationary pharmacies have been launched in Myronivska community in Kyiv region. The project is being implemented by MHP-Community and Ukrvaktsyna, and 120 people from 10 villages used the services in the first three days.

The President of Ukraine inspected the aftermath of the December 10 missile attack on Zaporizhzhia by Russia, which killed 11 people. Zelensky ordered to find new premises for the affected hospital and help with equipment.

The IAEA Board of Governors has adopted a resolution on the security of energy infrastructure proposed by Ukraine. Russia and China voted against it, 22 countries supported the document, 10 abstained.

The Brovary community has introduced a program of free medical examinations to detect cancer. The local authorities also provide IDPs and privileged categories of the population with free medicines and dental services.

A traditional Christmas meal in 2024 will cost Ukrainians UAH 1,365, up 41% from last year. The most expensive dishes will be fried fish, kutia and borscht with beans.

DIU cyber specialists established control over the web servers of the State Duma and the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. A banner “The country of Russia does not exist” appeared on the State Duma website, and the website of the Constitutional Court was blocked.

Expert Oleh Posternak revealed the details of the HACC scandals, including the massive failure of IQ testing among judicial candidates. He also revealed facts of judges' luxurious life and dependence on NABU-SAPO.

The declaration of firearms continues in Ukraine, with citizens declaring 640 units and 42,000 rounds of ammunition in the first two weeks. The declaration procedure is simplified, and the number of weapons is not limited.

The Minister of Agrarian Policy announced the creation of an EU-style payment agency for transit distribution of funds. The project is planned to be implemented in 2025 as part of the integration requirements.

The President chaired a meeting of the Staff on air defense and frontline stabilization in Zaporizhzhia region. Zelenskyy also inspected the equipment in the 27th Rocket Artillery Brigade.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief reported enemy losses of about 400 people daily in the Pokrovsk sector in December. Syrskyi noted that this area remains one of the most difficult.

Donald Trump Jr. posted a video on Instagram with the cover of Time, where his father kicks Zelenskyy. This happened after Time magazine announced Donald Trump as the Person of the Year 2024.

A woman who extorted money from the wife of a captured Azovstal defender was detained in Kyiv region. The offender promised to help with the return of the soldier for UAH 1 million, using fake connections in a Russian prison.

The European Court of Human Rights has recognized the ban on the public wearing of the St. George's ribbon in Ukraine as legal. The court dismissed the complaint filed by Yuriy Borzykh, who challenged the ban.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says Warsaw has no plans to send troops to Ukraine, despite media speculation. During his meeting with Macron, the two discussed security and support for Ukraine.

There were 138 combat engagements on the frontline, most of them in the Kurakhove, Pokrovske and Vremivske sectors.

Ukraine plans to launch a unified electronic system to automate the process of obtaining business permits and licenses by 2026. The project aims to simplify the regulatory environment and is a condition for EU funding.

The head of ARMA, Olena Duma, asks for more staff, but cannot effectively manage the existing staff. The agency has high staff turnover and a scandal involving fake disability certificates.

43% of Ukrainians read for self-development, while 45% do not read because they lack time. The study showed low awareness of the eBook program - 65% of respondents heard about it for the first time.

The President of Ukraine inspected the equipment of the 27th Rocket Artillery Brigade and listened to a report on the operations. The soldiers were awarded the Bohdan Khmelnytsky and “For Courage” orders.

Hetmantsev created a club for business with preferences, but assures that the rules are the same for everyone.

The share of Ukrainian-language books among the titles read increased from 57% to 76% in 2024. The main reason for this was the restriction on the import of Russian books, and the majority of readers (53%) prefer the Ukrainian language.