The Kremlin believes it can gain more by continuing hostilities while using negotiations as a foreign policy tool. Russian dictator Putin insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the exclusion of Ukraine's possibility of NATO membership.
As a result of the night attack by Russian drones on the port infrastructure of Odesa region on December 25, the head of the guard was killed. Two more people were injured and received medical assistance.
Over the past day, 151 combat engagements took place on the front, with the hottest spots being the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions. The invaders launched 1 missile and 80 air strikes, used 3 missiles and dropped 193 guided aerial bombs.
ISW analysts believe that the Kremlin will have to compromise on its demands that are incompatible with the peace plan. Russia is not interested in a compromise-based settlement, as evidenced by its constant references to the 2024 demands.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to withdraw Ukrainian troops from parts of eastern Donetsk Oblast to create a demilitarized zone. This is a potential condition for peace talks, although Russia has not shown willingness to withdraw its troops.
The case of the terrorist attack in Odesa, which injured an employee of a defense enterprise, has been sent to court. A 23-year-old resident of Zaporizhzhia region is accused of blowing up a car, having received instructions from enemy special services.
The Ministry of Development has decided on the mandatory evacuation of children from 19 settlements in Donetsk Oblast. About 200 people with limited mobility are also being evacuated from Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
President Zelenskyy has called for a meeting with US President Trump to resolve sensitive issues of a future peace agreement with Russia, such as territorial control. The Ukrainian and American delegations have come closer to finalizing a 20-point negotiation plan.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has for the first time unveiled 20 points of a "basic document on ending the war. "
Over the past day, 126 combat engagements took place on the front, with the highest activity in the Pokrovsk, Huliaipole, and Kostiantynivka directions. The enemy launched two missile and 65 air strikes, using 39 missiles and 160 guided aerial bombs.
ATESH has uncovered systematic alcohol consumption by the command staff of Russia's 74th Motorized Rifle Regiment in the Zaporizhzhia direction. This has led to significant personnel losses and a complete loss of control over the units.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 205 combat engagements over the past day, 58 of them in the Pokrovsk direction and 31 in the Kostiantynivka direction. The enemy launched 14 airstrikes, used 4563 drones, and carried out 3857 shellings.
Over the past day, 190 combat engagements took place, the enemy is actively using equipment and aviation. The most difficult situation is in the Pokrovsk direction, where 56 attacks have been recorded.
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.
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.
On December 20, 235 combat engagements were recorded at the front. The enemy launched 70 air strikes, dropping 166 guided bombs, and carried out 3609 shellings.
The Minister of Defense heard a report on the construction of fortifications in six regions. 2,130 platoon strongholds and over 3,000 km of anti-tank ditches have already been built.
Over the past day, 165 combat engagements were recorded on the front line, the enemy launched three missile and 55 air strikes. The hottest situation is in the Kostiantynivka, Huliaipole, and Pokrovsk directions.
In the Zaporizhzhia direction, 255 km of non-explosive barrier strips, 340 km of anti-tank ditches, and over 2. 1 km of the "Egoza" barrier line have been built. Major General Oleksandr Yakovets reported to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal on the high pace of fortification construction.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, at an away meeting in Zaporizhzhia, reallocated budget funds. Over UAH 700 million was directed to the restoration of medical facilities, energy autonomy of universities, safety of schoolchildren, and aid to affected regions.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office reported suspicion to two deputies of the Volyn region for receiving 30,000 dollars. The funds were intended for making decisions regarding the construction of an apartment building in Lutsk.
The occupation administration of Zaporizhzhia Oblast is "gifting" homes of Ukrainians to families of Russian ZNPP employees. This is happening under the pretext of the New Year, using the homes of Ukrainians who have been killed, deported, or forced to leave.
A former official of the Main Department of the State Emergency Service in Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been notified of suspicion of illicit enrichment of almost UAH 13 million. He acquired unjustified assets, including elite cars registered to his wife and a trusted person.
Due to Russian attacks on energy facilities in five regions of Ukraine, consumers have been cut off from power, with over 99,000 of them in Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Blackout schedules remain in effect, but additional capacities have been freed up to shorten them.
Over the past day, 193 combat engagements were recorded, the enemy launched 74 air strikes and carried out 4281 shellings. The Defense Forces hit three areas of personnel concentration and eliminated 1220 occupiers.
Russian troops advanced in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, according to DeepState. The enemy has made gains near Dronivka, Nykonorivka, Pankivka, and in Huliaipole.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of a number of enemy targets in the temporarily occupied territories, including the 55Zh6 "Nebo-U" radar in Crimea and a fuel and lubricants depot in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A UAV depot in Makiivka was also hit, and two S-400 air defense system launchers in Belgorod Oblast were destroyed.
At night, Russia attacked 5 regions, blacking out over 180,000 consumers, most of whom have already been reconnected. In Odesa region, 12,000 subscribers remain without electricity, and the cancellation of outage schedules is impossible.
The Russian dictator confirmed his intention to seize territories that he considers "historical lands of Russia. " This primarily refers to the south and east of Ukraine.
Over the past day, 134 combat engagements took place on the front line, which is half as many as the day before. The greatest activity was observed in the Pokrovsk direction, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled 38 enemy attacks.
