Lena Shepel, a personal and business finance advisor, shared tips on how to avoid financial traps during the holidays. She emphasized the importance of budget planning, avoiding self-blame, and creating a financial safety net.
On December 23, temperatures around zero are expected in Ukraine, with light snow in the west, north, and occasionally in the center. No precipitation is expected in the south and east.
The European Union has extended economic sanctions against Russia for another six months, until July 31, 2026. These measures, introduced in 2014 and expanded since February 2022, cover trade, finance, energy, and other sectors.
Alexander Stubb stated that Russia occupied less than 1% of Ukraine's territory in a thousand days of full-scale war. He noted that the Russian economy is in a bad state due to sanctions, which are a strong blow to the aggressor country.
Two NATO intelligence agencies believe Russia is working on a new anti-satellite weapon capable of attacking Starlink. It could form orbital 'clouds' of debris that could potentially disable satellites and pose a threat to other space systems.
The SBU has completed its investigation into a 41-year-old resident of Pustomyty who was preparing a terrorist attack in Lviv on the orders of the FSB. The indictment has been sent to court, and the perpetrator faces life imprisonment.
Volkswagen is preparing to launch a new compact electric car, the ID. Polo, which will compete with the Renault 5 E-Tech, with an expected price of around 25,000 euros. The production car, positioned as an urban electric hatchback, is expected to go on sale in the spring of next year.
The Ministry of Energy reports that fuel imports to Ukraine are carried out via road, rail, and sea. The supply situation remains stable and controlled.
Christmas week began with massive Russian attacks on Ukraine; Russia attacked energy infrastructure in 5 regions. As of morning, a significant portion of Odesa residents are without electricity. Schedules are in effect, but efforts to reduce them continue by freeing up capacity.
Shipments of liquefied natural gas from Russia to China more than doubled compared to last year, reaching 1. 6 million metric tons in November. This allowed Russia to overtake Australia and become the largest supplier after Qatar, offering the cheapest LNG among 12 suppliers.
Security guarantees for Ukraine are not only in the hands of the United States but also the Russian dictator. This is due to the failure of the Budapest Memorandum and ongoing negotiations.
In November, more than 60% of new passenger car sales in Ukraine fell on five regions. Kyiv remains the leader, and regional buyer preferences vary significantly by model.
Over the past day, 223 combat engagements took place on the front, more than a third of which were in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions. The enemy launched missile and air strikes, used kamikaze drones, and carried out numerous shellings.
On the night of December 22, Russia attacked Ukraine with 86 attack UAVs, 58 of which were shot down/suppressed. 26 drones hit 12 locations and debris fell in one location.
The Ministry of Defense's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported the damage to enemy Su-30 and Su-27 fighter jets at a Russian military airfield near Lipetsk. The operation, carried out by a representative of the resistance movement, disabled two aircraft worth up to $100 million.
A car exploded in a Moscow parking lot, injuring, according to Russian media reports, Major General Fanil Sarvarov of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Witkoff held parallel meetings with Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Four key documents were discussed, including the updated "20-point plan" and a framework agreement on security guarantees.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine updated data on Russian losses as of the morning of December 22. Over the past day, 1,120 occupiers were eliminated, and the total personnel losses reached 1,197,860 people.
The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Dmitriev, concluded two days of informal consultations in Miami, discussing the American peace plan for Ukraine. He met with Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
J. D. Vance stated that the White House administration prioritizes supporting American retirees over providing financial aid to Ukraine. Funds should be directed to domestic social programs, particularly through tax breaks for the elderly.
Oil prices rose after the US tightened its naval blockade of Venezuela and Ukrainian drones attacked a Russian tanker. Brent rose to $61, WTI to $57.
Silver prices surged to a record $67. 55 per ounce, marking its largest annual gain since 1979. Gold neared its peak, hovering around $4363, driven by geopolitical chaos and expectations of Fed rate cuts.
Moscow believes that Ukraine's and Europe's amendments to the American proposals for ending the war worsen the document. Putin's advisor, Yuri Ushakov, stated that Russia does not see any chances for achieving stable peace in these changes.
Senator Graham suggested that Donald Trump forcibly seize vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" if Moscow refuses peace talks on Ukraine. He also proposed imposing "crippling" tariffs on countries that finance the Russian war machine.
200 combat engagements, over 2,500 shellings, and 1,779 kamikaze drones were recorded in 24 hours. The highest intensity of attacks was in the Pokrovsk direction, where the enemy stormed the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine 47 times.
Rustem Umerov reported on the results of negotiations in Florida with Donald Trump's special envoys and representatives of the White House. The parties agreed on a 20-point plan, multilateral and bilateral security guarantee agreements, and an economic development plan.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the launch of a program to create a new generation aircraft carrier (PANG), which is to replace the Charles de Gaulle in 2038. The project, worth 10 billion euros, will be implemented by Naval Group SA, involving hundreds of enterprises, despite financial uncertainty in the country.
Starmer held talks with Trump in Florida on finding ways for a "just and lasting end" to the war in Ukraine. A key topic of discussion was the work of the "Coalition of the Willing" and its readiness to facilitate a peace agreement.
The Ukrainian negotiating team in Florida is meticulously working on documents concerning the end of the war, security guarantees, and the reconstruction of Ukraine. Possible timelines for solutions are also being discussed with representatives of US President Donald Trump.
President Zelenskyy stated that the allocation of a 90 billion euro interest-free loan to Ukraine for two years is a real financial security guarantee. The funds will be disbursed at 45 billion euros annually for two years and will be repaid from Russian assets.
