Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia never ends wars of its own free will, only under external pressure. He emphasized that trusting the Kremlin's word is a death sentence for international security.
Starting January 1, 2026, Ukrainians in the EU will be able to use mobile communications and the internet at domestic rates. This became possible thanks to Law No. 4345-IX, which integrates Ukraine into the EU's "Roam Like at Home" policy.
US national security officials said Ukraine did not attack Putin or his residence, refuting Moscow's claims. The CIA confirmed that Ukraine attempted to strike a military target in the same region, but not near it.
In his New Year's address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's belief in peace and its struggle for it. He wished for the defenders to return home and emphasized the importance of unity.
Veteran Ruslana Danilkina and Pavlo Simakin became the winners of "Dancing with the Stars" after their performance on December 28. The couple scored a maximum of 40 points from the jury for their rumba.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia will have to end the war as soon as they find one more reason for peace than to fight. He emphasized that today everyone adds: "To be one step ahead, one hour faster, one decision braver."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he would only sign a strong agreement on security guarantees, rejecting the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk agreements. He emphasized that the agreement must be ratified by partners to ensure lasting peace.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks peace, but not at the cost of its own statehood. He emphasized that only pressure can force Russia to end the war, which has been ongoing for 1407 days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the peace agreement is 90% ready, and the remaining 10% will determine the fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe. He emphasized that these 10% are necessary to save millions of lives and maintain unity.
Ukraine was under enemy air attack for almost the entire year 2025.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the war in Ukraine is part of Russia's plan against the whole of Europe, directly threatening Germany's freedom and security. He emphasized that Germany is subjected to sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks from Russia every day.
President Zelenskyy has appointed Oleksiy Semeniuk as the head of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission. This happened after the dismissal of Ruslan Magomedov, who had headed the commission since 2021.
The US held a productive discussion with national security advisors from the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The next steps in the peace process and security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed.
The first to welcome 2026 were Oceania and Asia, where celebrations are accompanied by pyrotechnic shows and traditional rituals. New Zealand greeted the year with a five-minute fireworks display over Sky Tower, while Sydney honored the victims of the terrorist attack with a minute of silence and projections on the Harbour Bridge.
Trump reposted a NY Post article claiming that Russia is the only obstacle to ending the war. The material states that Putin systematically opposes Trump's policies, and his statements are a manipulation to disrupt peace initiatives.
Lithuania has updated its national security strategy, warning of an existential threat from Russia, which could start a war against NATO by the end of the decade. The new strategy emphasizes armed defense, societal resilience, and allies.
Estonia will chair the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) format from January 1, 2026, coordinating the efforts of eight countries. Key priorities include supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on the aggressor.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made 25 working trips across Ukraine in a year, focusing on the security situation, especially in frontline regions. He visited Kyiv, Donetsk, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, Odesa, and other regions.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov reported to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of telephone conversations with American and European partners. Positions were coordinated and further meetings were planned for January, including a meeting on January 3 with the participation of more than 10 countries and international organizations.
In 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made about 60 foreign visits and hosted almost 100 heads of foreign states. He also held 20 international video calls and over 230 phone conversations, working on a 20-point peace plan and security guarantees.
Ukrainian communities have handed over almost 40 buses to Odesa to solve problems with passenger transportation caused by massive Russian shelling and a difficult situation with electricity supply. This assistance will compensate for the impossibility of using 40% of the city's electric transport.
Border guards defending Ukrainian cities demonstrate the creation of a festive atmosphere. This happens even in places where the occupiers are trying to destroy all life.
All regions of Ukraine will face hourly power outages and power restrictions for industry on January 1. This is a consequence of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, and the situation may change.
Nine sailors, including two Ukrainian citizens, were released from pirate captivity on December 25, 2025. On December 3, a Portuguese-flagged vessel was attacked by pirates in the territorial waters of Equatorial Guinea, abducting 9 crew members.
The Center emphasizes that Russia needed more than two days to fabricate this 'evidence'. The photographs of metal fragments laid on the snow, published by the Russian Ministry of Defense, do not prove anything by themselves.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the leaders of these countries would express deep concern about Russia's real attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine and solidarity with Ukraine, against which Russia has been waging an unjustified and unprovoked aggression for the fourth year.
As reported by the General Staff, on the night of December 31, the Tuapse oil refinery, Tamanneftegaz, the Rosrezerv oil depot, and a number of other targets of the Russian occupiers were hit.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba summarized the results of 2025 in the transport industry, noting an increase in seats on international trains and the launch of the Eurotrack. The "transport visa-free regime" with the EU was extended, and digital systems such as eCherha and e-TTN were introduced.
The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine noted that the concern about the fabricated attack on Putin's palace is particularly surprising against the background of the absence of reactions from the respective countries to regular and real Russian strikes on civilians in Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Ruslan Mahomedov from the post of head of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission. He had headed the commission since February 2021, according to a presidential decree.
