The Kremlin is actively promoting the forced mobilization of reservists to participate in hostilities in Ukraine, as Russia suffers disproportionately high losses. Dictator Putin signed a decree allowing the deployment of reservists to training camps from 2026 to protect critical facilities.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Russia's claims about Ukraine's attack on Putin's residence may not be true. He emphasized the need to review data from US intelligence agencies regarding the incident.
Russian railway company "RZD" plans to cut investments by a quarter by 2026 due to the collapse of freight traffic. This indicates deep structural risks for the Russian economy.
In 2025, the aviation of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine carried out over 2,100 flights and 1,060 flight hours, eliminating the consequences of enemy attacks and extinguishing fires. Thanks to aeromedical evacuation, 435 lives were saved, and a new rapid response unit "Delta" was also created.
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the experimental project "National Check," which will allow Ukrainians to receive electronic checks in banking applications starting in 2026. The service will be implemented in stages, initially with selected retail chains and banks.
The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has authorized search operations in Ternopil and Volyn regions. This is a continuation of research in the territory of the former village of Puzhnyky and the colonies of Ostrivky and Volya Ostrovetska.
In December 2025, demand for "female beauty" services in Russia decreased by 25–30%, which was the worst indicator in a decade. This is due to the rising cost of living, increased tax burden, and the impact of the war against Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced contact with the US regarding the alleged attack by Ukrainian drones on Putin's residence. Negotiating groups concluded that it was a fake.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced discussions with Donald Trump on Ukraine's economic recovery, including a threefold increase in salaries. This is part of the "Prosperity Package" which envisages attracting American business.
Japan has transferred approximately 47. 7 million euros for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The funds will be directed to support humanitarian demining, maintenance of energy infrastructure, and restoration of water supply systems.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported that Santa crossed the border, bringing gifts and "security guarantees. " A Ukrainian border guard stopped Santa, who confirmed that he was bringing gifts not only for children.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Donald Trump's visit to Ukraine would be beneficial, especially if he flies directly to Ukraine by plane. The President of Ukraine emphasized that this would indicate the possibility of a ceasefire.
Ukrzaliznytsia has prepared 100 "Invincibility Carriages" as mobile heating points in response to power outages. These carriages are equipped with heating, charging devices, microwaves, refrigerators, and Starlink, and can be moved at the request of local authorities.
Zelenskyy sharply reacted to the statements of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who claimed that he wanted to see Ukraine "successful. "
On December 31, most regions of Ukraine will have weather-related power outage schedules and power restrictions for industrial consumers. This is due to the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with US President Donald Trump the provision of missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine. Trump promised to help, and Ukraine is ready to purchase missiles through the PURL mechanism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not want to hold a referendum because it does not want to ensure security. The Kremlin will constantly look for excuses to avoid a ceasefire.
President Zelenskyy reported on the daily work of Ukraine and the United States, despite Russian attempts to disrupt negotiations. He also announced upcoming meetings of advisors on January 3 in Ukraine and leaders on January 6 in France.
Ukrainian military personnel, as part of Operation INTERFLEX in Great Britain, are sharing their experience in using drones, training representatives of the Australian Defence Force and the Swedish Armed Forces. FPV drones and related technologies are massively involved in the training, which allows for improving the training program for Ukrainian soldiers.
Soldiers of the Kodatska Territorial Defense Brigade captured a group of Russian occupiers with the help of drones, escorting them to the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Defense Forces of Ukraine called on Russian servicemen to surrender, guaranteeing compliance with the Geneva Conventions.
National security advisors from the "coalition of the willing" countries and Ukraine will meet on January 3 in Ukraine. After that, a meeting at the level of leaders will take place in France on January 6.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhiy Tikhyi, stated that Russia invented the mystification about the attack on the residence – all they needed was to create a false justification for Russia's rejection of peace efforts.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has served another notice of suspicion to former People's Deputy from OPZZh, Oleh Voloshyn. He is accused of high treason for spreading propaganda and intentionally failing to submit declarations.
FBK investigators discovered a new palace of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in occupied Crimea, built on the site of Viktor Yanukovych's former "dacha. " The cost of the object is estimated at 10 billion rubles, its area is 9 thousand square meters, and the territory includes a pier, an artificial beach, and a helicopter pad.
The Ministry of Defense has started testing military registration through the "Reserve+" application. Men who turn 17 in 2026, or those aged 25 to 59, are invited to participate in the testing.
Attackers who inflicted bodily harm on folk ensemble artists to be tried in Lviv region.
Law enforcement officers served a notice of suspicion to a lawyer and his assistant for seizing 100 thousand US dollars from one of the developers. They fraudulently obtained funds for allegedly assisting in avoiding additional tax charges.
Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykola Trofymenko announced that 48 universities in Ukraine have agreed to launch "winter admission" to the zero course. This is a preparatory stage for the main admission.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine states that Russia is spreading fake news about a 91-drone attack on Putin's residence in response to successful negotiations between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States. This information operation is aimed at disrupting agreements, justifying future attacks on Ukraine, and discrediting the Ukrainian leadership.
A military unit commander in Donetsk region and his subordinate are suspected of appropriating over 17 tons of fuel. The perpetrators transported the stolen fuel to Zaporizhzhia region.
