Ukraine

Over the last day, 104 combat engagements took place in various frontline areas. In the Pokrovsk sector, the enemy tried to force the Ukrainian Armed Forces out of their positions in the vicinity of 10 settlements, 23 attacks were repelled.

The NEURC has approved new tariffs for the Ukrainian GTS Operator for 2025-2029. The tariff for direct consumers will increase from UAH 124.16 to UAH 501.97 per 1000 cubic meters per day excluding VAT.

On December 30, 1975, Oleg Blokhin received the Ballon d'Or as the best footballer in Europe. The Dynamo Kyiv striker was ahead of Beckenbauer and Cruyff in the voting, scoring 122 points.

The United States has provided Ukraine with $3. 4 billion in direct budget support, subject to reforms. The aid came at a critical time when Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure were intensifying.

Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General's Office has announced cooperation with Russia in the investigation of the Embraer 190 plane crash. Investigators from four countries are conducting a large-scale investigation into the causes of the crash.

Joe Biden believes he could have defeated Donald Trump in the election if he had not dropped out. Democrats have criticized his decision to stay in the race for a long time, which has complicated Harris' campaign.

Starting January 1, 2025, the MSEC will be liquidated and replaced by expert commissions in cluster hospitals. All previous decisions of the MSEC will remain in force, and the new system of assessing the functioning of individuals will be implemented in stages.

The Accounting Chamber has identified serious problems in the management of seized assets by the ARMA. Only 1% of the seized property has been transferred to management, and assets worth UAH 39.4 billion remain unmanaged.

Ukrainian ministers pay an official visit to Damascus on behalf of President Zelensky. Ukraine will provide Syria with 500 tons of wheat flour, which will provide food for 33,000 Syrian families.

The government reduced funding for three educational programs totaling over UAH 430 million. Instead, the educational subvention to local budgets was increased to UAH 1.02 billion.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister held talks with the Syrian leadership in Damascus. The head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation explained the importance for Ukraine of building new relations with Syria, pointing out that everyone would benefit from a weakened Russia in the Middle East and Africa.

According to a Rakuten Viber survey, 63% of Ukrainians regularly donate to support the Armed Forces, and 27% help in other ways. The majority (53%) learn about the collection from friends and acquaintances.

After the release of S. T.A.L.K.E.R.. 2 on November 20, stores recorded a sharp increase in sales of gaming laptops and accessories. Monitors, consoles, and other gaming equipment were in particular demand during Black Friday.

The educational app Mriya plans to introduce artificial intelligence in the first half of 2025. AI will help students with educational content and reduce the bureaucratic burden on teachers.

The Investigative Department identified Artem Tareev, the commander of the 234th Air Assault Regiment of the Russian Federation, who ordered the shooting at civilians in Bucha. On his orders, 13 civilians were killed, including Irina Filkina with a “red manicure.

The Cabinet of Ministers is improving the mechanism for calculating subventions for educational projects through the DREAM system. UAH 6.2 billion will be allocated for the construction of shelters, UAH 960 million for canteens, and an additional UAH 500 million for fire protection.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation is planning to add the ability to provide feedback on the work of government agencies through a voice assistant to Diia. Fedorov said that the system will use AI to categorize citizens' appeals.

Russian invaders have twice unsuccessfully tried to repair the damaged shunt reactor at ZNPP. Energoatom warns of risks due to unskilled actions of the occupiers.

Ukraine will have mostly no precipitation from December 31 to January 2, with rain possible only in the west. Temperatures will range from +12° during the day to -3° at night, with fog and winds in some places.

U. S. President Joe Biden announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine. The total amount of the new package is nearly $2.5 billion.

The former head of the Khmelnytsky Oblast Tax Service claimed that Hetmantsev systematically interfered with the work of the State Tax Service. The lawyer confirmed the illegality of such actions and called on the NABU and the SBI to launch an investigation.

The separatist authorities of Transnistria have cut off gas supplies to 12 state institutions due to the upcoming cessation of transit from Russia. “Gazprom plans to stop gas exports to Moldova on January 1 due to debts.

The Kremlin has rejected proposals to deploy a European peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine. Germany and other Western countries are considering sending peacekeepers if a consensus is reached.

The United States will provide Ukraine with $15 billion from frozen Russian assets through the World Bank. The funds will be used for social and humanitarian spending under the PEACE in Ukraine project.

More than 20 trucks with Ukrainian flour will arrive in Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program. The aid will provide food for 33,000 Syrian families for a month.

“Kyivstar has signed an agreement with Starlink to provide satellite mobile services in Ukraine. The SMS service is scheduled to launch in Q4 2025, followed by voice and data services.

The DPRK's leader announced the strengthening of anti-American policy during the five-day plenary session of the Workers' Party. Experts believe that it is unlikely that Kim and Trump will resume talks because of the DPRK's support for Russia's war against Ukraine.

Five chemical companies owned by Russian billionaires under sanctions provide 75% of the supplies for Russian explosives factories. Reuters uncovered the supply chain by analyzing railroad cargo.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga visits Damascus and meets with Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa. Ukraine is ready to restore diplomatic relations and expand cooperation with the new Syrian government.

Brent and WTI oil prices declined amid expectations of new economic data from major consumers. Traders are analyzing the demand outlook after China's record stimulus and the reduction in US inventories.