Ukraine Invasion: Part 59

[MagicFox]

Well, it’s thread 59.

Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

D. Please keep on topic

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Two explosions occurred near a military unit in the Russian city of Ussuriysk, according to sources in the GUR (Main Directorate of Intelligence).
The incident took place on the morning of December 24 at the parking lot of military unit 19288 — the 80th Vitebsk Red Banner Management Brigade.
Local media are reporting a "bang from a welding machine," but eyewitnesses are publishing photos and videos from the scene showing a large presence of police, FSB officers, and firefighters.
Soldiers from the 80th Management Brigade have taken an active part in the war against Ukraine; they are implicated in war crimes and the shooting of civilians in temporarily occupied territories, including children.

In occupied Donetsk, a man armed with an AK-47 opened fire during a confrontation with police inside a supermarket.
Russia and Kazakhstan have postponed the maiden launch of the "Soyuz-5" rocket.
The launch was reportedly delayed to conduct additional checks on the rocket's onboard systems and ground equipment. At the same time, Roscosmos stated that the project is in the final stages of production.
The "Soyuz-5" rocket was scheduled to launch by the end of 2025 from the "Baiterek" complex at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Now, the exact date will be determined after testing is complete. Kazakhstan expects the launch to take place in the first quarter of 2026.

A man who lost his wife and child in a Russian shelling last year has once again been left homeless due to a drone strike.
After the death of his wife and four-month-old son, Serhiy Haidarzhy moved with his daughter to a house provided by a church community.
He had only just begun to settle in when, on December 13, during a massive attack on Odesa, a Russian drone struck his home again.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-26-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov reiterated that the Kremlin will not sign any peace agreements to end the war in Ukraine “right now.”
2. Ryabkov and other Kremlin officials are trying to exploit the lack of clarity about the outcome of the US-Russian Alaska Summit in August 2025 to claim that the summit achieved a joint US-Russian understanding and agreement to end the war in Ukraine — contrary to US accounts of the summit.
3. Ryabkov demanded that any peace agreement must completely address the ultimatums that Russia issued to the West in late 2021, demonstrating how Russia is demanding a radical restructuring of the security architecture in all of Europe.
4. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with US President Donald Trump on December 28 to continue talks to finalize the US-Ukrainian-European 20-point peace plan.
5. Ukrainian forces continue to make tactical gains in Kupyansk, and Russian milbloggers are increasingly acknowledging Ukrainian successes.
6. Russian milbloggers continued to blame Russia’s deteriorating situation in Kupyansk on the widespread Russian practice of sending false reports up the chain of command.
7. The scale of Russian milblogger complaints about Kupyansk, including from milbloggers whom the Kremlin has largely coopted in recent years, demonstrates the scale and egregiousness of the Russian military command’s lies about Kupyansk.
8. The situation in the Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole directions continues to show how Russian forces are able to make gains when they concentrate forces on a specific sector, but often at the expense of other areas.
9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian forces are using Belarusian territory to intensify Russian drone strikes against railway infrastructure in western Ukraine.
10. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov appears to be trying to replicate the Ukrainian model with the Russian Unmanned Systems Forces (USF).
11. The Russian military command continues efforts to integrate new drone units into the Russian military.
12. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk and Oleksandrivka, and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, western Zaporizhia Oblast, and near Siversk and Hulyaipole.

Police released footage showing the aftermath of the attack on Kyiv.
At least 19 people were injured, including adults aged 25 to 75 and two children aged 9 and 16.

Ukrainian drone operators have learned to strike Russian cavalry with precision, killing the rider while leaving the horse unharmed.
^https://t.me/United24media/38506^

These two are quite the contrast, aren't they?

I am still a bit unconvinced by "cavalry". Men riding horses, yes, sure, but are they riding them actually in combat, in groups? Or are they simply for transport, used more or less as packhorses?

The reports that I've seen indicate mostly pack horses and some for getting from a to b, not cavalry as such.

Good, then, because the horses are less at risk; and even less if the Ukrainians have started to aim to kill the riders and spare the horses. Which somehow seems a very Ukrainian way to behave.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-27-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian forces are currently unable to build out a strategic reserve and will therefore likely be constrained to grinding, slow advances at their current rate and scale in the coming year.
2. Russian forces conducted another large-scale combined missile and drone strike against Ukrainian critical infrastructure overnight on December 26 and 27, primarily targeting Kyiv City and Kyiv Oblast.
3. A high-ranking Kremlin official explicitly stated that Russia will not deviate from its war demands “one bit.”
4. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) is intensifying its efforts to cover up recent Russian failures in Kupyansk amid ongoing widespread criticism from Russian milbloggers.
5. There is ample evidence to indicate that Ukrainian forces have liberated most of Kupyansk, however.
6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with Western partners ahead of his December 28 meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida.
7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk. Russian forces recently advanced near Hulyaipole.

@PerkingFaintly, the Bradley is perfectly suited for that mission. There's plenty of room inside and the 25mm autocannon will provide ample offensive protection.

Regarding the Russian "cavalry" units, they are not cavalry in any traditional sense, which involves highly mobile units that provide scouting and combat power. The Russians are rather trying to make up for the loss of armored vehicles in any way they can. Modern cavalry units are composed chiefly of tanks and IFVs like the Bradley.

How are you doing @MissConductUS ? I hope you are healing fast.

The generally-cautious ISW thinks that Ukraine has retaken most of Kupyansk (the word 'liberated' seems inappropriate in the face of the ruins). This seems quite an achievement.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Zelensky set to meet Trump in Florida (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-a-peace-proposal-to-end-russias-war) to discuss peace proposal to end Russia's war (LIVE).
A source close to the Ukrainian delegation told the Kyiv Independent that they are unsure how the meeting will unfold and are prepared for "all scenarios."

⚡️Update: Zelensky holds call with European, NATO leaders (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-security-guarantees-top-priority-in-peace-talks-with-trump/) ahead of Trump talks.

⚡️Russia preparing (kyivindependent.com/russia-to-proclaim-elections-rigged/) to proclaim future Ukrainian elections rigged, Zelensky says, citing intelligence.
As Ukraine is beginning to prepare for a belated presidential election, Russia is already preparing to proclaim it rigged, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

⚡️Canada to provide $1.8 billion in economic aid (kyivindependent.com/canada-to-provide-1-8-billion-in-economic-aid-to-ukraine/) to Ukraine.
Canada will provide Ukraine with $2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) in economic aid to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Dec. 27.

⚡️Russia's Syzran Oil Refinery (https://kyivindependent.com/russias-syzran-oil-refinery-under-attack-by-ukrainian-drones-media-reports/) under attack by Ukrainian drones, media reports.
The refinery was attacked multiple times in the night, residents claimed. An electrical substation in Syzran was also hit, causing blackouts in the city.

⚡️Ukrainian lawmakers exposed getting cash for votes (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-lawmakers-exposed-taking-bribes-for-votes-anti-corruption-agency-says/), anti-corruption agency says.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies exposed a criminal group involving lawmakers who received cash in exchange for parliamentary votes, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Dec. 27.

Beyond emergency aid — How Austrian ERSTE Foundation became Ukraine’s cultural partner (kyivindependent.com/how-does-ukrainian-culture-survive-war-one-austrian-foundation-has-a-long-term-answer/)
Amid daily attacks, occupation, and displacement, many of the country’s most remarkable cultural projects continue — thanks to steadfast support from ERSTE Foundation, one of the most consistent international partners in Central and Eastern Europe.
For more than two decades, the Vienna-based institution has been deeply engaged in promoting art and culture across the region.

This place in Ukraine keeps birds safe from the war (kyivindependent.com/free-wings-sanctuary-offers-refuge-to-birds-in-war-torn-ukraine/)
Shelvinsky, a 48-year-old veterinarian, has built the Free Wings (Vilni Kryla) rehabilitation center around his house on the outskirts of Lviv. He takes care of approximately 470 birds — some found injured in nature, and others entrusted to Shelvinsky’s care by their owners due to the circumstances of war.
The well-tended sanctuary, filled with lively chirps and green shrubs — even in the dreary December weather — stands as a testament to humanity in wartime Ukraine.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — DEC 27, 2025
■ Engagements and casualties well above the 7-day average; no confirmed area change
■ Notable losses of armored vehicles; unarmored vehicle losses also well above average
■ Visually confirmed batch: 65 🇷🇺 : 60 🇺🇦 (after corrections) — 0.9× in the last 90 days (1.2x in 2025)
■ Overview of overnight attacks not available at the time of writing; a major wave reported
■ Heavy 🇷🇺 strikes; the 30-day strike ratio rises

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🇱🇹 Lithuania has officially withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the country completed the withdrawal process on December 27.

Kyiv is “torpedoing” negotiations on the U.S. peace plan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov claimed.
Russia accused Ukraine of disrupting talks after Kyiv presented a revised version of the U.S. proposal to end the war. According to Ryabkov, the new document “radically differs” from the text Moscow had been discussing with Washington in recent weeks. He made the statement on Russian television.
He also stated that by 2026 Russia intends to “combat neocolonialism and protect Russian-speaking people, regardless of distance.”

The new 2S22 Bohdana on the Tatra Force 8×8 chassis, equipped with an armored cabin from Czech company Tatra Defence Vehicle, has been delivered to the newly formed 50th Separate Artillery Brigade.
The system features additional protection, including metal grilles and a folding mesh at the rear.

Latvia has delivered another batch of aid to Ukraine: 34 vehicles and humanitarian cargo.
The convoy included 21 four-wheel-drive vehicles from Augstsprieguma tīkls, transport provided by Uzņēmēji Mieram, two vehicles for evacuating the wounded, and another vehicle from the Latvian Saeima.

😠 In Mariupol, the occupiers destroyed a neighborhood without residents’ consent and now plan to build mortgage housing, the city council said.
In the spring of 2022, Russian forces destroyed dozens of buildings in the “Stadium” district of Mariupol. After the occupation, the area was completely demolished without the consent of residents, leaving people without homes for almost four years.
Now, instead of the promised compensatory housing, the occupiers are constructing mortgage high-rise buildings and offering residents so-called “municipal” apartments taken from other Mariupol residents. People are demanding that the promises be fulfilled and that new homes be built for them.

Russia itself is illegitimate, so it will send corresponding messages to Ukraine, President Zelenskyy said.
According to him, Russia has already set the task of organizing voting for Ukrainians in Russia and in the occupied territories.
“The goal is to raise this issue — to claim that a large number of people live there who have the right to vote, and then to declare that Russia does not recognize the elections in Ukraine. As you can see, Russia doesn’t care how it conveys the message about the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian government,” the president said.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Kyiv has been plunged into darkness as a massive blackout grips the capital after intense Russian shelling.

Russian forces ventured another mechanized breach (www.kyivpost.com/post/67014) of Ukrainian defenses in the Dobropillya sector – and failed, according to video footage of vehicles getting blasted.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇵🇱 Poland will complete a new line of anti-drone fortifications on its border in approximately two years, The Guardian reports.
The structures are being erected along the eastern border due to the threat from the Russian Federation. These new fortifications will be integrated into the old defense line built over a decade ago. The project's cost exceeds €2 billion.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk stated that the first elements of the system will be ready within 6 months. They will include machine guns, cannons, missiles, and drone jamming systems.
The country is also reinforcing its borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Logistic centers will be established in border towns and villages to store border-blocking equipment that can be rapidly deployed in the event of an invasion.
▪️In September, over a dozen Russian drones crossed into Poland. Their debris damaged buildings, leading Poland to scramble fighter jets and close several airports. In late September, the European Union agreed on a three-part plan to protect the Eastern Flank.

Overnight, Russian forces launched nearly fifty drones at Ukraine
Here are the key details of the attacks:
🔴Drone Strikes: The Russian army launched 48 drones, including 30 "Shahed" UAVs. Ukrainian Air Defense neutralized 30 drones; the remaining ones struck 9 different locations.
🔴Odesa: A drone strike caused a fire in a residential building, and a local lyceum was also damaged. No casualties or injuries were reported.
🔴Kherson: Russian forces targeted the city with MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems). Private residential houses caught fire, and a woman was injured. Part of the city was left without power.
🔴Kyiv: Rescuers have completed the recovery operations following the Russian attack on December 27. The strike resulted in one fatality and 32 injuries.

💔 Due to damage to the ice arena caused by a strike in Bila Tserkva, the All-Ukrainian tournament in memory of Oleksandr Koloniuk — a hockey player and warrior who died at the front at age 19 — was prematurely terminated.

I'm doing okay, @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar, thanks for asking.

Trump gets his instructions.

https://bsky.app/profile/chadbourn.bsky.social/post/3mb2sqr2cbs2p

This is exactly what always happens, Putin sets the tone.

Depressing to watch them go round the same loop. Poor Ukraine and Zelenskyy. Victims of the grandiosity of stupid, power-hungry, callous old men.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

President Zelenskyy: The 20-point peace plan is 90% agreed.
• Security guarantees from the U.S.: 100%
• Guarantees from the U.S. and Europe: 90%
• Military dimension: 100%
• Prosperity plan (Ukraine’s restoration) is being finalized

In January, Trump will host Ukrainian and European leaders in Washington. Ukraine is ready for peace, President Zelenskyy said.
He added that the Ukrainian and U.S. teams will finalize all issues discussed today next week.

A final cessation of hostilities requires Kyiv to make a political decision on Donbas, and Ukraine must do so without delay given the current situation on the front, said Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov.
▪️ The conversation between Putin and Donald Trump took place at the initiative of the U.S. president. They are expected to speak again after Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
▪️ The call lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes and was described as friendly, cordial, and businesslike.
▪️ Putin emphasized to Trump the importance of adhering to the understandings reached in Anchorage and during previous bilateral contacts.
▪️ Trump listened to Russia’s assessment of the prospects for a settlement and was convinced of Moscow’s commitment to a political and diplomatic solution. He intends to take this into account during his talks with Zelenskyy.
▪️ Putin agreed with Trump’s proposal to continue work on a settlement through two specially created working groups — one on security and one on economic issues.
▪️ Trump said there are significant prospects for U.S.–Russian economic cooperation if the war in Ukraine ends.

The intensity of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s port infrastructure has doubled over the past year, said Oleksiy Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.

Delivered from Australia, the M1A1 AIM “Abrams” is now in service with the tank company of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment “Skelia”
The tank is equipped with extensive additional armor, including folding nets and Kontakt-1 reactive armor blocks (mounted in a wedge configuration on the turret), as well as extra protective plates on the upper frontal hull. It can be easily distinguished from the American M1A1SA-UKR by its original Australian camouflage.

😡 Dancing on Bones: Russians Open “Restored” Drama Theater in Mariupol — After Destroying It
A Russian airstrike in March 2022 killed hundreds of people there, mostly women and children who were sheltering from the fighting and posed no threat.
The exact number of victims has never been established. The remains of those killed under the rubble were simply covered with concrete by the occupiers.

Ukrainian Inguar-3 armored personnel carriers fitted with extensive additional armor made of metal grilles.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump holds call (kyivindependent.com/trump-holds-call-with-putin-just-before-scheduled-meeting-with-zelensky/) with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky.

Talks between the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Florida have concluded after approximately two hours. https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-a-peace-proposal-to-end-russias-war/

⚡️Update: Zelensky, Trump conclude meeting (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-a-peace-proposal-to-end-russias-war/) in Florida aimed at discussing an end to Russia's war.
"They're going to be helping. Russia is going to be helping," U.S. President Donald Trump said when asked if Moscow would have any responsibility for Ukraine's reconstruction.
"It sounds a little strange, but I was explaining to (Zelensky). President Putin was very generous in his feeling toward Ukraine succeeding, including supplying energy, electricity, and other things at very low prices," Trump said. [what planet does this guy live on? and how did Zelensky keep a straight face? thank God he used to be an actor]

⚡️Russia, Ukraine agree temporary ceasefire (kyivindependent.com/russia-and-ukraine-agree-to-temporary-ceasefire-near-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-for-power-line-repairs-iaea-says) near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant for power line repairs, IAEA says.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked "both sides" for agreeing to a temporary "window of silence," which is "part of ongoing efforts to prevent a nuclear accident during military conflict."

⚡️Explosions reportedly rock Russia's Khanskaya military airfield (https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reportedly-rock-russias-khanskaya-military-airfield/).

⚡️Trump says another call (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-trump-in-florida-to-discuss-a-peace-proposal-to-end-russias-war/) with Putin will take place after meeting with Ukrainian delegation, comments on Russia attacking Kyiv amid peace talks.
When asked whether recent Russian attacks on Kyiv showed that Putin was not serious about peace, Trump rejected the suggestion.
“No he’s very serious,” Trump replied.
“I believe Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also. And I don’t say that negatively. You probably have to."

⚡️Russia strikes (kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-kherson-heating-plant-crucial-for-tens-of-thousands-of-residents) Kherson thermal plant, cuts residents from heating.
Russian troops opened artillery fire against the Kherson Thermal Power Plant (TPP), causing significant damage, head of Ukraine's Naftogaz said on Dec. 28.

⚡️Ukraine, Russia publish videos from Myrnohrad, claim control (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-forces-hold-key-positions-in-myrnohrad-in-donetsk-oblast-as-russians-attempt-infiltration-to-claim-propaganda-victory)of front-line town.
Ukrainian and Russian troops have been publishing conflicting claims and videos about who controls the front-line town of Myrnohrad, located just northeast of the embattled town of Pokrovsk.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky said that Ukraine and the United States are developing a long-term roadmap for Ukraine’s prosperity (www.kyivpost.com/post/67047) through 2040 using a number of different funds.

After Trump talks with Putin and meets with Zelensky, Kremlin insists Kyiv should abandon Donetsk (www.kyivpost.com/post/67073) “without delay”, while Trump says that is for the invaders and defenders to “iron out”.

Europe will be responsible for most of the security guarantees, while the United States will provide support, Trump said.

Zelensky said that if a peace agreement is reached today, US security guarantees would be in place for 15 years, with the option of extension.
He added that options for guarantees lasting 30, 40, or even 50 years could also be considered.

Martial law will end once Ukraine receives security guarantees that include monitoring and the presence of partner forces, Zelensky said.

Ukrainian drones have struck the headquarters of Russia’s GRU Brigade (www.kyivpost.com/post/67082) near Mariupol in a nighttime attack, killing 51 Russian troops and wounding 76 others.

Explosions rocked a Russian military airbase (www.kyivpost.com/post/67093) near the city of Maykop in the northern Caucasus Mountains, marking another strike on a facility previously targeted by Ukrainian forces in October.

Over the past week, Russia has launched more than 2,100 attack drones, 800 guided aerial bombs, and over 94 missiles at Ukraine, Zelensky said.
He added that he plans to speak with partners [...] about strengthening sanctions against Russia, supplying Ukraine with air defense missiles, and steps to end the war and guarantee security.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Putin did not agree to a ceasefire during a referendum in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump stated at a press conference.
According to Trump, Putin does not want to find himself in a situation where he halts fire only to have to restart it again. Trump mentioned he understands this perspective but believes the issue can be resolved.

Zelenskyy and Trump Briefing Summary:
Donald Trump:
🔴It was a great meeting; the war in Ukraine is the largest since WWII.
🔴Security guarantees for Ukraine are very close (95% ready).
🔴Free trade zone in Donbas is not yet agreed upon, but we are close.
🔴Russia wants all of Donbas; Ukraine is against it. Positions must be aligned.
🔴One or two complex issues remain unresolved.
🔴Putin’s "big step" is that he does NOT bomb the Zaporizhzhia NPP [real statement].
🔴"I have settled 8 wars, but this one is very difficult."
🔴We will see in a few weeks if the peace plan works.
🔴"I’d rather just close the deal than visit Ukraine, but I’ll go if it helps."
🔴It’s a shame we can’t trade with Russia; they have many resources.
🔴Russia wants to sell energy to Ukraine.
🔴100 Americans died fighting for Ukraine; it's disgraceful they died for a foreign country.
🔴"Russia wants to see a successful Ukraine; Putin wants Ukrainians to do well" [real statement].
🔴A Trump-Zelenskyy-Putin summit may happen "at the right time."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy:
🔵We had a substantial conversation.
🔵The 20-point peace plan is 90% agreed upon.
🔵Security guarantees for Ukraine are 100% agreed upon.
🔵Territorial concessions are painful and may be decided via a referendum.
🔵Ukrainians abroad will also participate in the referendum.
🔵Meetings with European leaders will follow.
🔵"I hope for decisions as early as January."

Russian military forces executed two Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in the Donetsk region, the Prosecutor General's Office reports.
The incident occurred on December 27, 2025, during an assault on positions in the village of Shakhove, Pokrovsk district. Russian forces captured two Ukrainian soldiers who were performing a combat mission at one of the positions.
Threatening them with firearms, the Russians forced one of the soldiers to partially undress before shooting both unarmed defenders. After the Ukrainian soldiers were killed, the Russians also stripped the clothing off the second defender.

Putin did not agree to a ceasefire during a referendum in Ukraine, U.S. President Donald Trump stated at a press conference.
According to Trump, Putin does not want to find himself in a situation where he halts fire only to have to restart it again. Trump mentioned he understands this perspective but believes the issue can be resolved.

Putin invaded Ukraine. What perspective says it's ok for him to restart killing people and destroying infrastructure if he stops?

I don't even know where to start with that statement. Words fail me, other than it reads more like a Putin Trump statement.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
Get well soon @MissConductUS

And on with the round up!

Kyiv Independent:
⚡️Ukraine, Russia publish videos from Myrnohrad, claim control of front-line town.

Ukrainian and Russian troops have been publishing conflicting claims and videos about who controls the front-line town of Myrnohrad, located just northeast of the embattled town of Pokrovsk.

⚡️Russia, Ukraine agree temporary ceasefire near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant for power line repairs, IAEA says.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi thanked "both sides" for agreeing to a temporary "window of silence," which is "part of ongoing efforts to prevent a nuclear accident during military conflict."

⚡️Russia strikes Kherson thermal plant, cuts residents from heating.

Russian troops opened artillery fire against the Kherson Thermal Power Plant (TPP), causing significant damage, head of Ukraine's Naftogaz said on Dec. 28.

Freedom of speech in 2026: Between Brussels' demands and the realities of war

"In 2026, we will continue working to free journalists from Russian captivity, protect the rights of media professionals, and support free media. This is the foundation of Ukrainian democracy on its path toward the European Union," writes Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Ukrainian MP and chair of the parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech, in this op-ed.

⚡️Trump holds call with Putin just before scheduled meeting with Zelensky.

“I just had a good and very productive phone call with President (Vladimir) Putin of Russia prior to my meeting with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky of Ukraine,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

This was the ninth call between the two leaders since the start of 2025.

⚡️'I have no deadlines' — Zelensky, Trump take questions from journalists before meeting begins

U.S. President Donald Trump said there was “no deadline” for reaching a peace deal and added that he believed both Russian and Ukrainian leaders want an agreement.

He also claimed that Ukraine would see "great economic benefits" after a potential deal is made.

⚡Trump says another call with Putin will take place after meeting with Ukrainian delegation, comments on Russia attacking Kyiv amid peace talks.

When asked whether recent Russian attacks on Kyiv showed that Putin was not serious about peace, Trump rejected the suggestion.

“No he’s very serious,” Trump replied.

“I believe Ukraine has made some very strong attacks also. And I don’t say that negatively. You probably have to."

"There have been some explosions in various parts of Russia," he added. "I don't think it came from the Congo. I don't think it came from the United States of America. It possibly came from Ukraine."

Ukraine war latest: Zelensky, Trump hold talks in Florida to discuss an end to Russia's war; Trump holds call with Putin before meeting with Ukrainian delegation

Zelensky met with Trump in Florida on Dec. 28, as the two leaders are expected to discuss the latest peace efforts; Trump said on Dec. 28 that he held a phone call with Putin ahead of his scheduled meeting with Zelensky; and more.

⚡️Zelensky, Trump peace plan talks at Mar-a-Lago conclude.* *

Talks between the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Florida have concluded after approximately two hours.

⚡️Update: Zelensky, Trump conclude meeting in Florida aimed at discussing an end to Russia's war.

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed," adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "working with Ukraine" to open the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power plant.

⚡️Update: Zelensky, Trump conclude meeting in Florida aimed at discussing an end to Russia's war.

"They're going to be helping. Russia is going to be helping," U.S. President Donald Trump said when asked if Moscow would have any responsibility for Ukraine's reconstruction.

"It sounds a little strange, but I was explaining to (Zelensky). President Putin was very generous in his feeling toward Ukraine succeeding, including supplying energy, electricity, and other things at very low prices," Trump said.

⚡️Explosions reportedly rock Russia's Khanskaya military airfield.

Explosions reportedly rocked the Khanskaya military airfield near the southern Russian city of Maykop as air defenses were engaged early on Dec. 29.

⚡️US security guarantees set for 15 years, with Ukraine pushing for extension, Zelensky says.

"I told (Trump) that we would like to consider guarantees for 30, 40, or even 50 years, and that would be a historic decision by president Trump. The president said he would think about it," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Dec. 29, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.