Ukraine
Discounts on Russian oil at export terminals again approached historical highs, reducing margins and leading to losses. More than half of Russian oil companies are eligible for zero or reduced mineral extraction tax rates.
On the night of December 31, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 127 attack UAVs of various types. Defense forces shot down or suppressed 101 enemy drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official exchange rate of the dollar at 42. 39 hryvnias and the euro at 49.86 hryvnias for December 31. The euro on the interbank market already costs more than 50 hryvnias.
On December 30, Russian troops lost 1,000 soldiers and 552 UAVs in the war with Ukraine. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 31.12.25 are estimated at 1,207,910 personnel.
On December 31, cloudy weather with clearings, light snow, and gusty winds is expected in Ukraine. The air temperature during the day will be 2-7°C below zero, in the south of the country from 4°C below zero to 1°C above zero.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows ignoring sentences of international criminal institutions if Russia did not participate in their creation. This law is an attempt to protect the Kremlin leadership from international responsibility for war crimes.
Ukraine has provided Europe with a list of all companies that supplied spare parts for the Russian "Oreshnik" complex. Now, Western partners are expected to make administrative decisions regarding sanctions against these firms.
In December 2025, Ukraine carried out at least 24 attacks on Russian oil refineries, tankers, and pipeline infrastructure. These actions increased pressure on Russian exports and contributed to a reduction in petrodollars, a key source of war financing.
Technicians successfully restored a power line near the ZNPP under security guarantees provided by both sides of the conflict. This allowed the resumption of electricity transmission between the ZNPP and the Zaporizhzhia TPP, which is a key route for power supply.
On the night of December 31, the enemy attacked the Kyiv region with drones. In Bila Tserkva, an apartment building was damaged, windows were blown out and balconies from the first to the sixth floor were damaged, explosions thundered in Kyiv.
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.