Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine cannot be sure of the return of all children abducted by Russia. He emphasized that partners and journalists are raising this issue, and it is very important, because otherwise Russia will do everything to make it forgotten.
The Cabinet of Ministers plans to consider Ihor Zelinskyi's candidacy for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, lobbied by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. This personnel decision raises serious questions given Zelinskyi's decisions made during his work in the leadership of the aviation regulator.
President Zelenskyy outlined the stages of peace negotiations: a meeting of advisors in Kyiv, then with European leaders, and the final stage – a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the accelerated pace of negotiations.
President Zelenskyy stated that the negotiation process is not easy, and Ukraine openly rejects proposals that do not meet its interests. This demonstrates the country's independence, for which it is fighting.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the presence of international forces in Ukraine will strengthen the security mechanisms proposed by partners. This will give confidence to citizens, businesses, and investors regarding the absence of repeated aggression by the Russian Federation.
Three participants in the scheme of seizing electricity without actual payment have been notified of suspicion. As a result of these actions, PJSC "NEC "Ukrenergo" suffered damages of UAH 168 million.
Two former officials of KP "Odesmiskelektrotrans" and a private company have been notified of suspicion. Their actions led to damages exceeding UAH 10 million due to inflated electricity prices.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the absence of a detailed concept for a free economic zone in Donbas, promising public discussion. He also noted that Russia seeks the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbas, but Ukraine will act in accordance with its interests.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for parliaments of the Coalition of the Willing countries to ratify security guarantees for Ukraine. These guarantees must be supported by the US Congress and become part of the plan to end the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy answered a question about further steps and the possible existence of a "plan B" if Russia rejects proposals at peace talks.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine will conduct an unscheduled inspection of Medical House "Odrex" LLC, one of the legal entities of the Odrex clinic, which is involved in criminal proceedings regarding possible fraudulent activities. This is not the first inspection by the Ministry of Health of structures associated with the Odrex clinic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements with Donald Trump regarding security guarantees, economic support, and progress on the 20-point plan. An economic support package involving American businesses and a free trade agreement were discussed.
Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that a call between Kremlin head Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is expected "in the near future" following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Peskov also noted that the Kremlin agrees with Trump's assessment that peace in Ukraine has become significantly closer.
Marta Levchenko, the founder of "City of Goodness," thanked Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko for introducing the position of a deputy specializing in the protection of children's rights. As a token of gratitude, Kravchenko received a personalized "golden brick" from the organization.
The SBU detained an agent in Kyiv who worked for Russian and Belarusian special services, adjusting attacks on the capital's energy facilities and spying on the Defense Forces. The perpetrator, recruited via Telegram, was preparing to flee Ukraine but was detained and is in custody.
President Zelenskyy stated that partners will provide technical monitoring of the ceasefire in Ukraine. He noted that the issue of a free economic zone is currently being discussed, and a demilitarized zone is not yet on the agenda.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on holding a nationwide referendum to approve a peace plan. He noted that Russia's actions indicate a lack of desire for a ceasefire, despite US efforts.
Snow is observed in most regions of Ukraine, in some places up to 30 cm. The situation is difficult in Prykarpattia, traffic on the R-24 highway is blocked, and traffic on the T-02-3 highway in Vinnytsia region is complicated.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not agree to a referendum due to the need for a 60-day ceasefire. Ukraine has agreed with the United States on security guarantees, which must be supported by the US Congress and the Ukrainian parliament, and also plans bilateral agreements with European countries, which will be confirmed by the European Parliament.
President Zelenskyy outlined the sequence of actions to coordinate steps to end the war. A series of meetings are planned to take place in January, after which a meeting with the Russian side is possible.
In 2025, the educational ecosystem "Mriya" covered over 2,800 schools and 420,000 users in all 24 regions of Ukraine. It has become a key tool for the digitalization of education, uniting schools, students, parents, and teachers in a single digital environment.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Donald Trump told him about the content of his conversation with Putin. It was about discussing 20 points of a peace plan that Putin is ready to discuss.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that martial law would be lifted only after Ukraine receives security guarantees. And it will also require the consent of the army command.
After large-scale Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, over 9,000 consumers in Kyiv region remain without electricity. The Ministry of Energy and NEC "Ukrenergo" reported on the implementation of blackout schedules and emergency blackouts on the left bank of Kyiv and in certain districts of Kyiv region.
Employees of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Main Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine stopped the activities of a group involved in illegal arms and ammunition deals. A 43-year-old resident of Poltava region, the organizer of the group, was detained, and an arms cache was discovered.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held telephone conversations with the presidents of the United States and Ukraine, discussing the peace process and security guarantees. She emphasized the importance of partner unity and Russia's responsibility in the negotiations.
Due to bad weather, power outages have been recorded in Cherkasy, Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Khmelnytsky, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi regions. This was reported by the State Emergency Service.
The flagship train "Hutsulshchyna" No. 95/96 Kyiv - Yasinya extended its route to Rakhiv from December 28, adding the Kvasy station. Ukrzaliznytsia implemented this innovation at the request of passengers, opening the way to the resorts of high-mountain Transcarpathia.
Over the past day, 209 combat engagements took place on the front line, a quarter more than the day before. A quarter of all combat engagements were recorded in the Pokrovsk direction.
The average price of a cup of espresso in Ukraine increased by 17% over the year, reaching UAH 41 in December 2025. The most expensive coffee is in Lviv region (UAH 47), the cheapest is in Khmelnytskyi region (UAH 33).