Exclusives
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Russia adopts fleeing tanker mid-chase, tells US to back off. Marinera now registered in Sochi. Moscow demands the US back off. |
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Belarus boasts of tactical nukes that can reach four European capitals. Russian specialists supposedly working to equip adapted Chinese launchers with nuclear warheads. |
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Ukraine’s economy adapts to war, but hits a ceiling money can’t break (INFOGRAPHICS). Record December confidence, yet forecasters still cap growth at 2%. |
Military
Frontline report: Russian energy system begins failing on its own as Ukraine's deep-strike campaign exhausts repair capacity. The fire at the Saratov refinery, which occurred without a new strike, is one of the clearest signs of how degraded Russia's refining system has become.
Russia switches to one-by-one infiltrations near Pokrovsk, hoping to slip past unnoticed. A Ukrainian officer says single-man movements are now standard as Russia shifts away from large assaults.
Russia seized 4,336 km² of Ukraine in 2025, nearly double 2023-2024 combined losses. Nearly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory now sits under Russian occupation, with Donetsk Oblast reaching 78.1% captured by the start of 2026.
Ukraine starts 2026 with strikes on Russian oil, Shahed depot, and command post in Krasnodar and Tatarstan. Ukraine strikes Russian drone storage used for attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Frontline report: Ukraine fields army of robots as Russia falls back on horses. Ukraine is fielding over 40 ground-drone models this year while Russia, hemorrhaging vehicles, sends soldiers on horseback against machines with thermal sensors.
Two more Patriots online: Ukraine's hypersonic missile shield just got stronger with new delivery from Germany. Deployment follows 17 December €1.2bn defense deal signing.
Frontline report: Australian Abrams tanks enter combat at Pokrovsk, bolstering Ukrainian counterattacks. Ukraine's armored forces received a major boost as all 49 Australian-donated Abrams tanks arrived and immediately joined the fight.
Russia lost over 418,000 troops in Ukraine during 2025 – General Staff. Russia lost 1,816 tanks and 77,322 drones in 2025.
Massive New Year drone attack leaves 100,000 without power in Volyn Oblast (PHOTOS). Russia launched 205 drones in a New Year's assault, striking strategic rail hubs in Kovel and port equipment in Odesa and Izmail.
Intelligence and technology
Ukraine intelligence warns Russia plans mass-casualty false flag attack around Orthodox Christmas. Churches or symbolic sites may be targeted, with Western drone fragments planted to blame Kyiv.
Belarus transferred over 31 wagons of equipment to Russia in 2025: What was in them?. Oreshnik on display, tank transfers in the background.
International
Ukraine receives record $45 billion in security aid in 2025, up 30% from previous year – Shmyhal. Defense industry investments and frozen Russian asset profits fuel record support.
Xi vows "reunification" with Taiwan — just weeks after NATO warned China attack could trigger Russian assault on Europe. Xi's New Year threat to Taiwan comes day after 200-aircraft military drill.
Don't wait for Russian "equipment with Z on it" in European streets to aid Ukraine's fight, says Zelenskyy. When Putin says "we don't plan to attack," that's the first bell.
Finland seizes suspected sabotage ship – and finds sanctioned Russian steel in its hold. Fitburg vessel detained after suspected telecom cable damage off Estonia.
Ceasefire prospects in 2026 depend on Ukraine surviving next two months, says former foreign minister. Ukraine must first prove Russia "cannot break Ukrainians" through energy terror.
Humanitarian and social impact
Ukraine orders forced evacuation of 3,000 children from frontline areas as security deteriorates in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts. More than 80,000 temporary accommodation places prepared for displaced.
"Horrific" Russian strike on Kharkiv kills child, injures 30 including infant (UPDATED / PHOTOS). Two Russian missiles hit residential buildings in Ukraine's second-largest city.
Russia bombs Kharkiv zoo on first day of 2026: Most birds killed, lions wounded, volunteer in hospital after assault. The Russian bomb hit the building with tranquilizers.
Political and legal developments
Foreign Intelligence Service head shifts to military intelligence as Budanov moves to President's Office. President Zelenskyy appointed Oleh Ivashchenko as the new head of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
BREAKING: Zelenskyy appoints Ukraine's spy chief Budanov as his new head of presidential office. It follows the dismissal of Andriy Yermak over the backdrop of searches by NABU at Yermak's residence as part of an investigation into embezzlement at Energoatom.
Border guards detained 1,400 people attempting illegal crossing into Belarus in 2025. About 1,400 people were caught attempting to cross Ukraine's border with Belarus in 2025, part of more than 13,000 total detentions for border violations nationwide.
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