As a result of the strikes, equipment elements of the oil loading terminal, the liquefied hydrocarbon gas pier, and the port infrastructure were damaged, causing a large-scale fire.
Law enforcement officers uncovered an underground workshop in the Lviv region that produced counterfeit clothing of famous Italian brands. Property worth almost UAH 14 million was seized, including over 2,000 units of clothing and over UAH 1 million in cash.
In Odesa, police launched a criminal investigation into the death of two kittens in a cat cafe. Some of the animals in the establishment were in a sickly condition.
Ukraine received 2. 3 billion euros from the EU under the Ukraine Facility, of which 2.1 billion euros are loan funds and 200 million euros are a grant. This is the sixth regular tranche intended to finance the state's priority social and humanitarian expenditures.
On the eve of the holidays, there is a significant increase in passenger and transport traffic at the border with Ukraine. In one day, 15,000 more people entered Ukraine than left.
Deputy head of the Central Election Commission Serhiy Dubovyk stated that elections in Ukraine are possible only under peaceful conditions and with appropriate legislative changes. He emphasized the need to review the current legislation, which is designed for peacetime.
By the end of the year, Ukraine is preparing a number of sanction decisions against Russian entities and those who assist in the aggression, including individuals from China. It is also planned to synchronize sanctions with partners, in particular regarding the 20th package of EU sanctions and a new package from Canada.
After the resumption of traffic on the Odesa-Reni highway, border guards are recording an increase in passenger and transport flow on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. No checkpoint stopped working, despite the complications of movement after the Russian attack on the bridge near Mayaky.
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.
