Ukraine

The belarusian dictator pardoned more than 200 participants in the 2020 protests. Analysts believe that this is an attempt to ease Western sanctions, especially on Belavia and potash fertilizers.

A Ukrainian artist presented Pope Francis with a dove of peace painted on a piece of stained glass from the Church of St. Nicholas in Kyiv. The church suffered from a Russian attack on December 20, 2024.

Over the past day, 248 combat engagements took place in various sectors, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelling most of the occupiers' attacks. The enemy launched missile and air strikes and used 640 kamikaze drones on the territory of Ukraine.

In Arkhangelsk, an unknown person threw a Molotov cocktail at the United russia office where humanitarian aid was stored. The arson damaged the premises and burned part of the cargo for the occupiers.

The National Qualifications Agency of Ukraine has registered the professional standard “Military Registration Officer”. The document defines the requirements for military registration specialists at all Ukrainian enterprises.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command has announced the appearance of Santa's sleigh over Ukraine. Santa Claus is making a Christmas trip from the North Pole on a sleigh with nine reindeer.

The occupants intensified their assaults and started using equipment in the Toretsk, Kramatorsk and Siversk directions. In Toretsk, 11 assaults took place overnight, and the fight is on for every house.

An 18-year-old orphanage inmate from Kherson region committed suicide after being illegally taken to Russia. The Prosecutor General's Office has launched a war crime investigation into the death of the Ukrainian teenager.

The government has automatically extended existing reservations for mobilization for one month due to a cyberattack on state registers. The decision applies to reservations that were valid as of December 19, 2024.

A 31-year-old drunken man threw a grenade at his sister and her friend during a conflict in the village of Havronshchyna. The explosion injured three people, including the attacker, who was detained by police.

A Russian missile strike on a residential building in Kryvyi Rih killed 1 person and injured 13. The 32-apartment building, shops and cars were damaged, and people may be trapped under the rubble.

On December 28, the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life of Ukraine will host a festive event with carols. Visitors will be able to hear authentic caroling and performances by folk groups from Kyiv region.

The President of Ukraine congratulated Ukrainians on Christmas and emphasized the importance of unity. In his address, he emphasized that Ukrainians want to live peacefully on their land, to see the sun and Christmas stars instead of missiles.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has awarded the developer of S. T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 the title of Honorary Ambassador in the field of digital diplomacy. The game has become a symbol of resilience and sold over 1 million copies in the first 36 hours.

Revenues of the restaurant industry in Ukraine increased by 120% in 2023, reaching UAH 31. 6 billion. McDonald's became the market leader with revenues of UAH 12.9 billion, and Kyiv generated 72% of all industry revenues.

The occupiers engage students to clean up fuel oil on the Black Sea coast after the accident of two Russian tankers. Dangerous work is carried out without protective equipment, and dead Red Book whales are found on the shore.

Russian propaganda has shifted its focus from justifying aggression to undermining Ukrainians' belief in victory. KIISE warns of hidden narratives aimed at discrediting the government and weakening Western support.

The Biden administration is planning to impose large-scale sanctions on the Russian energy sector and the “dark fleet. ” The goal is to weaken Russia's export revenues and create leverage for the future Trump administration.

The State Ecological Inspectorate found 142 violations during inspections of Christmas tree harvesting and sales before the holidays. 40 people were brought to administrative responsibility, and 97 cases were referred to court.

Snow is expected in the Carpathian regions and rain in the south on Christmas Day. Temperatures will range from -3 to +12 degrees, and no significant weather changes are expected on New Year's Day.

Defense Minister Umerov announced that stable supplies of military aid for 2025 will be ensured. The United States provides 50% of the aid, European partners more than 40%, and the rest comes from other countries and Ukraine's own contributions.

U. S. Ambassador Bridget Brink wished Ukrainians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, wearing a dress with embroidery. She emphasized the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine at this historic moment.

President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Christmas Eve. The parties discussed support for Ukraine and the possibility of achieving a just peace by 2025.

Russians are holding “round tables” for high school students to teach them how to identify pro-Ukrainian citizens. In the occupied territories, boxes for anonymous denunciations are being set up in schools.

There were 179 combat engagements in the frontline, with the most active fighting in the Pokrovsk sector - 45 attacks. The enemy also fired at settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

Defense Minister Umerov announces preparations to receive French Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, as announced by the French Minister of the Armed Forces.

The head of the Ukrainian Security Center called mobilization and involvement of civilians in the army the main challenges of 2025. To counter Russian attacks, Ukraine needs a large-scale supply of anti-personnel weapons.

Ukraine has received the first tranche of $1 billion from the United States from frozen Russian assets. This is part of a G7 initiative totaling $20 billion to be allocated by the United States.

The Center for Assistance to Ukrainian Refugees in Zagreb was founded by the Favbet Foundation team at the beginning of the war. Here, migrants can still receive legal and psychological support, and children can attend educational events and sections.

In 2022, during the retreat from Kherson, Russian troops abducted 48 children under the age of three. Most of the children were taken to Crimea, while the rest were deported to Russia.