Russia planned to build 2062 vessels by 2035, but funding has been secured for only 593, casting doubt on over 1500 projects. Ship construction in Russia is 2.5–3 times more expensive than in China due to low labor productivity and technological backwardness.
On the night of December 24, Russia attacked Ukraine with 116 attack UAVs, 60 of which were neutralized. 48 drones hit 19 locations, including a critical infrastructure facility in Chernihiv region.
On December 23, Russian troops lost 1090 soldiers and 1031 UAVs in the war with Ukraine. The total combat losses of the enemy since 24.02.22 exceeded 1 million 200 thousand people.
On December 24, Ukraine will be cloudy with clearings, with no precipitation in most of the territory. The daytime temperature will be 1-6°C below zero, and 0-5°C above zero in Zakarpattia and the south of the country.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong another Russian attack and emphasized the importance of international solidarity. The parties coordinated further steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, noting a new package of military aid from Australia.
The Pentagon claims that China is undertaking a "historic" military buildup, making the US more vulnerable. This casts doubt on Trump's plans for limiting the nuclear arsenals of the US, China, and Russia.
From December 24, ice phenomena are expected to appear and intensify on Ukrainian rivers and in the shallow waters of the Kyiv, Kamianske, and Dnipro reservoirs. Rescuers urge Ukrainians to be careful near bodies of water and not to go out on the ice.
The US wants to reach a final agreement on ending Russia's war against Ukraine, President Zelenskyy said. Kyiv is in constant contact with the US and expects further cooperation, working on realistic documents.
President Zelenskyy stated that new direct support programs for Ukrainian citizens will be implemented in 2026. Almost 18 million Ukrainians have applied for this year's winter support.
The Ministry of Defense has identified the comprehensive renovation of the military rehabilitation system as a priority area of work, which requires about UAH 8 billion. Next year, the state budget will allocate over UAH 700 million for the development of the network of military hospitals, and the NATO project "RENOVATOR" has already accumulated 80 million euros.
In November, 731 occupiers, 121 pieces of military equipment, and 59 other targets were destroyed on mine-explosive barriers installed by engineering units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The strikes were mostly carried out by remote mining using unmanned aerial vehicles.
The enemy launched a combined night attack on Ukrnafta's production facilities, resulting in serious damage and a halt in operations. There were no casualties, and Naftogaz specialists are working to restore the infrastructure.
Brigadier General Andriy Biletskyi stated that Ukraine must systematically approach the creation of modern field fortifications. He noted that drones have changed the battlefield, and a modern defensive line should be a flat, unobstructed field for effective UAV operation.
Energy workers are stabilizing the situation in Ukraine after Russia's massive attack on energy infrastructure. Restoration work is underway in Rivne, Ternopil, and Odesa regions, with consumption restrictions applied in all regions.
Projects by the Ukrainian bookmaker recognized among the best sports marketing cases of 2025.
On December 24, hourly power outage schedules and power limitations for industrial consumers will be applied in all regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Journalist Mykhailo Tkach refuted Ihor Kolomoisky's statement that Timur Mindich is his neighbor in Israel. This also confirms the falsity of Kolomoisky's previous statement about an assassination attempt on Mindich.
Kenyan authorities are investigating a network that recruited Kenyans to participate in hostilities on the side of the Russian Federation under the guise of employment. At least 200 citizens were lured to Russia with promises of work and then sent to war in Ukraine.
The CEC has resumed the work of the State Register of Voters, which is a basic condition for holding elections. This will allow updating the register taking into account demographic changes during the war, Arakhamia said.
In Germany, representatives of centrist parties accused the right-wing Alternative for Germany party of collecting data that is of interest to Russian special services.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They discussed the decision on 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine for 2026-2027, adopted on December 19.
In 2025, assets dependent on the end of the war showed rapid growth, but investors are acting cautiously due to risks to the Ukrainian economy. US activation in the peace process and a loan from the EU stimulated optimism, but large funds remain skeptical about the terms of the agreement.
On December 19, the European Union approved €90 billion in funding for Ukraine, which the country will repay after receiving reparations from Russia. Journalists found out how this process took place.
Ihor Zelinsky, who is being lobbied for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, blocked the operation of the Ministry of Defense's Il-76MD military transport aircraft. This decision made it impossible to use critically important aviation equipment for the logistical needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the war.
The Finnish Ministry of Interior has announced stricter criteria for obtaining a permanent residence permit, which will come into force on January 8, 2026. The changes include extending the period of residence to six years, mandatory proficiency in the state language, and stable employment history.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul believes that Russia could use a ceasefire in Ukraine to prepare for an attack on NATO. He emphasizes the need for reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, especially from the United States, in the event of territorial concessions.
Former Head of the State Judicial Administration Oleksiy Salnikov stated that NABU fabricated criminal cases to seize control over the State Judicial Administration. He claims that a provocateur with Russian citizenship, who is on an international wanted list, was used for this purpose.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported on the forced reduction of electricity production at two Ukrainian nuclear power plants. This happened due to targeted attacks on electrical substations, which creates risks for the stability of the energy system.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled a mechanized assault by Russian occupiers in the Kostiantynivka direction on December 22. Soldiers of the 28th separate mechanized brigade destroyed enemy infantry and tanks.
Ukraine has officially requested Poland to extradite Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, suspected of illegal excavations in Crimea. His activities caused Ukraine losses of over 200 million hryvnias.
