Yuri Zoria

Russia struck central/southern Ukraine using 46 launched suicide drones overnight, air defenses intercepted 32 drones but falling wreckage still killed 2 civilians in Odesa.

Russian offensive operations pressure Ukrainian defenses in eastern Ukraine, forcing possible limited tactical retreats to preserve personnel as marginal Russian gains accumulate amid continued heavy casualties, ISW says.

Kharkiv Oblast chief asserts Ukraine retains control over Synkivka village near Kupiansk, despite intensive Russian efforts to seize settlement.

Russian artillery struck Kherson railway station as civilians awaited evacuation train, killing police officer and wounding two officers and two civilians, per official reports. The station building and trains were damaged.

The EU is working on a 20 billion euro backup aid package for Ukraine using a debt structure that avoids needing Hungary's approval, after a proposed 50 billion euro four-year package was vetoed by Hungary, as per FT sources.

UK Defense Secretary says 20% of Russia's Black Sea fleet has been destroyed over 4 months, and those claiming stalemate in the Russo-Ukrainian war are incorrect.

Russia's defense ministry says Ukrainian missile attack "damaged" the Russian Navy's Novocherkassk landing ship, but a photo from occupied Feodosia shows its submerged wreckage.

Over 3,700 trucks stranded at Ukraine-Poland border as Polish truckers continue their blockade of key checkpoints, Ukraine's Border Guard Service reports.

Six Ukrainian combat pilots have concluded their basic training in the UK and are now progressing to F-16 training in Denmark, according to the UK government.

Foreign shareholders in Russian Arctic LNG-2 project, including TotalEnergies and Chinese firms, declare force majeure and suspend involvement, prompted by US sanctions on Russia's Novatek, Russian media says.

After reported explosions and fire in occupied Crimea's Feodosia port, Ukraine's Air Force commander says Ukrainian pilots destroyed Russia's Novocherkassk large landing craft.

Ukraine's Air Force commander says air defenders downed the Russian Su-34 bomber and possibly the Su-30 fighter jet on Christmas Eve.

Ukraine is rapidly boosting drone production to fulfill military requirements, with a focus on efficiency and diversification of drone models, as per Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

In their Christmas addresses, President Zelenskyy and Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi reflect on the unique significance of the holiday during a full-scale war. They emphasize unity, hope, and the importance of defending Ukraine, expressing gratitude to soldiers and praying for peace.