Ukraine

In 2024, the number of displaced people in the world increased by 5 million compared to last year. The biggest crisis is in Syria, where 13.8 million people have become refugees inside and outside the country.

The commander of the 211th Pontoon and Bridge Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleh Poberezhniuk, has been served a new suspicion notice for inaction. He did not respond to the facts of abuse of servicemen from February to July 2024.

Ukrainians criticized Dasha Kvitkova's performance in a Christmas musical because of her singing. The blogger explained that in the video, she does not sing, but speaks to the music.

Over the past week, Russia has attacked Ukraine with more than 370 attack drones, 280 guided missiles, and 80 missiles of various types. The attacks continued even on Christmas night, President Zelensky said.

More than 150,000 people crossed the border of Ukraine every day before Christmas, 80% of whom were Ukrainians. Currently, passenger traffic is at the level of 100-115 thousand people per day, with a preference for leaving the country.

The 114th Separate Tank Brigade received 7 Toyota Hilux pickup trucks, 31 quadcopters and generators from Kyiv Oblast. This year, the total amount of assistance to the military from Kyiv region exceeded UAH 1 billion.

Presidential elections have begun in Croatia, with 8 candidates running for the post. According to polls, incumbent President Zoran Milanovic is leading, but a second round is almost inevitable.

Russia attacked Ukraine with 6 S-300/S-400 missiles and 10 Shahed drones from Crimea and Belgorod region. Ukrainian forces shot down 9 UAVs over Mykolaiv region.

The house of Oleh Poberezhnyuk, commander of the 211th Pontoon and Bridge Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was searched. The officer is being charged with inaction by the military authorities after a scandal involving abuse of soldiers and illegal construction.

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.