IAEA head Rafael Grossi stated that the situation in Ukraine's energy system is the worst since September 2024, when substation monitoring began. Constant instability in the power grid undermines nuclear safety, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has lost external power supply 12 times.
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.
Meteorologist Natalka Didenko reported that the upcoming weekend in Ukraine will pass without significant precipitation, with fogs. From December 25, on Christmas, a cold snap will begin.
According to the State Emergency Service, "Points of Invincibility" are operating around the clock in Odesa fire stations: light, heat, water, and assistance to those who need it.
Russia once again attacked Odesa region, targeting energy and transport infrastructure. As a result of the strikes, the Odesa-Skhidna railway station was damaged, an employee was injured, 74.5 thousand subscribers were left without electricity, and 85 thousand without heating.
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.
On the night of December 19, explosions occurred in a number of Russian regions. A thermal power plant was attacked in Oryol, and an ammonia production plant in Tolyatti.
In Odesa, an energy facility and a residential building were damaged, and one person was injured. Residents of one of the largest residential areas were left without electricity, water, and heat supply.
As a result of the Russian attack on Odesa, a critical infrastructure facility and residential buildings were damaged, and part of the district was left without utility services. One person was injured and taken to a medical facility.
The Ministerial Council of the Energy Community has allowed Ukraine to operate large combustion plants without complying with strict environmental emission standards until the end of 2028. This decision will support the energy system during the war and ensure supply stability.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a deficit of certain missiles for air defense systems. He noted that partners provide licenses, missiles, or financial assistance.
According to a Razumkov Center poll, 92% of Ukrainians trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while 76% distrust the Verkhovna Rada. 32.5% of respondents believe that events in Ukraine are developing in the right direction.
On December 17, a 600 mm cold water supply pipe was damaged in the Dniprovskyi district of Kyiv. An emergency team from Kyivvodokanal is working at the site of the rupture, and public transport is operating as usual.
Over 17 million Ukrainians have applied for the "winter thousand", of which 13 million have already received payments. The funds can be used until the end of June next year for utility services, medicines, groceries, books, charity, or postal services.
The occupation administration of the Kherson region has admitted that gasification of the left bank reaches only 27%, leaving about 38,000 facilities without connection. This is happening despite promises of integration into Russian systems, and a significant part of the gas lines are not functioning or are in disrepair.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that all Ukrainian power plants have been affected by Russian strikes. He emphasized the importance of continued German support for the restoration of the energy system.
In Odesa Oblast, about 80 settlements remain without electricity after massive Russian attacks. In Odesa, heat and water supply have been restored, and work is underway to restore electricity supply.
Ukraine has announced the winners of the educational grant program "Community Leaders School 2. 0", implemented by MHP and the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation in partnership with Mariupol State University. 11 projects from 13 regions received grant support totaling UAH 10 million for youth development, veteran policy, and energy efficiency.
Stabilization measures continue in Odesa region after massive Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. All services are working 24/7, and almost 19,000 people have visited the invincibility points.
Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported a missile strike on the city on December 14, which damaged engineering facilities and shattered windows of buildings. Local residents report a strike on a thermal power plant, which led to power outages.
Russian troops launched over 1,500 drones, almost 900 guided aerial bombs, and 46 missiles at Ukraine in a week. This resulted in damage to energy infrastructure and left hundreds of thousands of families without electricity.
The Cabinet of Ministers has updated the indicators of the average cost of repair works for calculating compensation for damaged housing within the framework of the eRecovery program. The resolution comes into force on January 5, 2026, which will allow for a more accurate accounting of current market prices and will increase the amount of compensation.
Odesa utility workers have eliminated the consequences of the enemy attack; damaged facilities are being inspected to determine the terms for restoring heat, water, and electricity. 428 invincibility points have been deployed in the city, 16 pump rooms and 16 water distribution points are operating, and another 32 are planned to be deployed by evening.
Throughout the night, Russia attacked Odesa region with drones and missiles, damaging port and energy facilities, including grain storage facilities of the Odesa seaport. This led to a lack of electricity, water, and heat supply in parts of Odesa and other regions.
As a result of a massive enemy attack on Odesa, energy infrastructure facilities were de-energized, and most of the city is without heat and water supply. Two casualties have been reported, and information is being clarified.
The G7+ Coordination Group on Energy for Ukraine is ready to strengthen the protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure from air and missile attacks. Member countries will also supply necessary energy equipment and ensure sufficient volumes of gas and electricity for the winter.
A couple and their 11-year-old daughter were found lifeless in a townhouse in Bilohorodka. Their 4-year-old son is in critical condition. The probable cause of the tragedy is carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty boiler.
In temporarily occupied Dniprorudne, boiler house No. 1 is ceasing operations due to a voltage drop in the network to 160V, which leads to overheating of pump motors. This leaves residential buildings and social institutions without heating.
In 2026, utility tariffs in Russia are expected to increase by an average of 18%, and in some regions by more than 40%. The increase will take place in two stages: 1.7% from January 1 and the main jump from October 1.
In 2026, utility tariffs in Russia will increase by almost 18% on average, and in some regions by more than 40%. This is due to the fact that the Kremlin can no longer cope with financing the war.
