Exclusives
 |
China: “Correct mistakes” after Zelenskyy announces sanctions on Chinese nationals. Beijing vows to “resolutely safeguard” citizens helping Russia’s war machine. |
Military
Ukraine took out Russia's only submarine-hunter aircraft before historic Kilo-class sub strike (VIDEO). Air-burst drone took out Il-38N patrol aircraft at Yeysk base.
"Every meter of the town was costly for them": Ukraine withdraws from Siversk after bleeding Russia for 41 months. General Staff says withdrawal preserves combat-ready units.
Lukoil petrochemical plant in flames after second Ukrainian long-range drone strike in six weeks (VIDEOS, MAP). Stavrolen plant 600km from Ukraine makes polymers for military equipment components.
Myrnohrad defense holds as Russians are eliminated on approach, military says. Ukrainian troops are reportedly conducting search-and-assault operations against Russian forces in the northern part of Pokrovsk.
100 Russian troops storm Hrabovske as fighting erupts in border village where 50 civilians were deported. Russian troops entered the village of Hrabovske in Sumy Oblast in what Viktor Trehubov of the Joint Forces Group called a "sudden attack," hours after about 50 civilians were forcibly deported to Russia from the same settlement.
Frontline report: Ukraine strikes deep into Russia's 'untouchable' Caspian Sea, disabling oil platforms and military barges. Ukrainian drones reached Russia's most protected maritime zone, forcing the shutdown of over 20 oil wells and damaging vessels Moscow assumed were beyond reach.
Russian attack triggers emergency shutdown at Zaporizhstal, hits ports in Odesa and Reni.
Ukraine shoots down 587 drones as Russia launches 673-target night assault. Russia launched 673 missiles and drones at Ukrainian critical infrastructure during the night of 23 Dec., using Shahed drones from multiple launch sites and cruise missiles fired from Vologda and Kursk oblasts.
Frontline report: Russia's invasion kills over a million of its men — and its future with them. While the Kremlin boasts of endless manpower, the loss of a generation is already reshaping Russia's destiny.
Intelligence and technology
Less than 1% of Russian officials have relatives fighting in Ukraine — UK intelligence. Moscow deliberately targets economically desperate communities for recruitment while shielding cities where people have political influence, per the report.
Ukrainian strike shatters plant making specialized drills, exposing hidden Western roots of Russia's Sukhoi fighter jet production. A new RUSI report details a crumbling supply chain.
Ukrainian ground robot takes over trench duty, holds line for 45 days straight (VIDEO). In a first-of-its-kind reported mission, a Ukrainian combat robot entirely replaced infantrymen while holding its position under fire.
Russia's covert influence operation now outpaces state media in spreading Ukraine war falsehoods. Storm-1516 produced more false claims in 2025 than RT and Sputnik combined.
International
Frontline report: Kazakhstan cuts off key supply route for Russia's war machine with new export controls. New restrictions on dual-use goods and defense exports deal a significant blow to Moscow's sanctions evasion network, threatening production delays for Lancet drones, Kalibr missiles, and other weapons systems.
"A matter of survival": Estonia sends €2 million to Ukraine's battered energy grid. Contribution backs repairs amid regular Russian attacks on power plants.
France to send newest air defense to Ukraine for first combat deployment in 2026: the SAMP/T NG. Kyiv becomes first operational deployment under decade-long security agreement.
EU extends Russia sanctions through July 2026 amid continued invasion of Ukraine. The bloc emphasized that violations of the UN Charter leave no grounds for lifting the measures.
Serbia secures only three-month Russian gas deal after hopes for long-term contract fall through. As US sanctions shut down Serbia's largest refinery, Gazprom is negotiating to sell its 56.2% stake in NIS to Hungary's MOL by 15 January, President Vucic confirmed.
Nearly half of Ukraine's artillery shells could be at risk as Czechia reconsiders key supply program. New Czech PM Andrej Babiš has vowed to cut financial aid to Ukraine and is now putting the country's signature ammunition procurement program under scrutiny.
"These crimes will not go unanswered": Estonian FM condemns Christmas-period attack on Ukraine. Estonia's foreign minister has demanded the international community escalate pressure on Russia after Moscow launched a combined missile and drone attack across Ukraine on 23 Dec.
Humanitarian and social impact
"I want to come back home": South African men promised jobs in Russia, sent to trenches in Ukraine – Reuters. Government treats recruitment as suspected crime against the state.
Ukrainian investigators identify Russian prison guard who beat civilian POW to death. Nikita Pushkarev practiced his combat moves on starving prisoners "like live punching bags."
Wolves from Russia migrate to Finland: why Finnish reindeer became victims of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Wolves killed approximately 1,950 reindeer in Finland in 2025 alone—70% more than last year.
Pregnant woman sculptures destroyed at Ukrainian war exhibition in Copenhagen. A vandal destroyed three sculptures at a Ukrainian war art exhibition in Copenhagen on 22 December, attacking works that depicted pregnant women and memorial themes.
Political and legal developments
Ukraine reopens voter register for first time since Russian invasion. Officials say elections still impossible during martial law.
No receipts in Nice: France detains Ukraine's ex-prosecutor over gold bars and luxury watches. Piskun couldn't explain €1 million in assets at his Nice villa.
Ukraine prepares draft documents on security guarantees and war framework after Florida talks. Ukraine has prepared draft documents covering security guarantees, reconstruction, and a framework for ending the war following three days of meetings with American and European partners in Florida, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Read our previous daily review here.
