It has been the 671 th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression.
What happened in Ukraine today:
Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 6 pm:
The enemy is actively using tactical aircraft and FPV quadcopters, conducting assault operations with the support of armored vehicles. The number of artillery attacks has increased.
During the day of December 26, there were 59x combat engagements. The enemy launched 5x missile and 21x air strikes, carried out 38x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the russian terrorist attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.
The operational situation in the east and the south of Ukraine remains difficult.
Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.
Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the adversary maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. The enemy continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. The invaders launched an air strike in the vicinity of Varvarivka settlement (Kharkiv oblast). More than 20x settlements came under enemy artillery and mortar fire, including Arkhypivka, Bleshnya, Hirs’k (Chernihiv oblast), Volfyne, Ryasne, Volodymyrivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Vovchans’k, Ambarne (Kharkiv oblast).
Kup’yans’k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled x attacks in the vicinity of Syn’kivka and northeast of Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). The occupiers launched an air strike near Sobolivka (Kharkiv oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Syn’kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).
Lyman axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 11x attacks in the area of Serebryans’ke forestry (Luhansk oblast) and Vesele (Donetsk oblast). In the area, the occupiers, with air support, made unsuccessful attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. The invaders launched air strikes near the settlements of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast) and Dibrova (Donetsk oblast). The enemy fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs’ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Serebryanka, Verkhn’okam’yans’ke, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).
Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 3 attacks of the adversary near Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, New York (Donetsk oblast).
Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x enemy attacks east of Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and 13x more attacks in the vicinities of Pervomais’ke and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Novokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Pervomais’ke (Donetsk oblast).
Mar’inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the vicinities of Novomykhailivka and Pobjeda (Donetsk oblast), where the enemy, with air support, conducted 5x failed attacks on Ukrainian positions. The occupiers launched an air strike near Oleksandropil’ (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Heorhiivka, Mar’inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka were under artillery and mortar fire of the occupiers.
Shakhtars’ke axis: the enemy conducted no offensives. The adversary fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Staromaiors’ke (Donetsk oblast).
Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 4x adversary attacks west of Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). In that area, the adversary made failed attempts to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Malynivka, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne, P’yatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under enemy artillery and mortar fire.
Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: the adversary fired artillery at the city of Kherson, the settlements of Tyahynka, Mykil’s’ke, Sadove, Stanislav (Kherson oblast). Also, the invaders launched an air strike in the vicinity of Krynky settlement (Kherson oblast).
The occupiers do not abandon their intention to drive Ukrainian units out of their footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro. Thus, during the day, the enemy made 14x unsuccessful assaults. The attacks were repelled and the enemy suffered significant losses. The Ukrainian troops are holding the line, continue to retain their positions and fire for effect on the enemy.
During the day of December 26, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 17x concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 5x air defense systems of the occupiers.
Air defense destroyed 2x Kh-59 guided missiles and 1x reconnaissance UAV. Moreover, tactical aviation of the Ukrainian Air Force launched a successful strike on Novocherkassk, a Ropucha-class landing ship of the russian Black Sea fleet.
The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x concentration of troops, weapons, and military equipment, 1x command post, 1x artillery system and 3x other important targets of the russian invaders.
Ukraine will strengthen the protection of adopted children who ended up in the TOT or were deported to the Russian Federation. It is noted that contact with many families whose children are being raised has been lost, and the fate of the children is unknown. Guardianship and guardianship authorities cannot ensure proper control over the conditions of their living and upbringing. It is also impossible to trace their likely further movement. This was reported in the Ministry of Reintegration.
Ukraine plans to introduce compensation for damaged housing during the occupation. Plans of the Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure for 2024, including the introduction of the possibility of receiving compensation for damaged housing located in temporarily occupied territories. This was reported by the Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine.
589 religious institutions have been transferred to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The largest number of churches changed their patriarchate in Kyiv region – 138, Khmelnytskyi – 125 and Vinnytsia – 67.
Recent war events in the east of Ukraine
Kharkiv oblast
According to Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, over 15 settlements of Kharkiv oblast were under artillery and mortar attack yesterday, including: Veterynarne of Kharkiv region, Ivashky, Udy of Bohodukhiv region, Vovchansk, Budarky of Chuhuiv region, Ambarne, Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove of Kupiansk region.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled 6 enemy attacks near Synkivka, Kupiansk region.
Around 02:30, the enemy attacked Podoly village, Kupiansk region. A private house was damaged. There was no information on casualties.
Yesterday at about 10 am. the enemy shelled Vovchansk. A private house and outbuildings were damaged. There were no casualties.
At 11 am, the enemy attacked Pishchane village, Kupiansk region. A 63-year-old resident was injured, he received an explosive trauma and shrapnel wounds. The victim was hospitalised.
Around 11:30 am. a private house was damaged as a result of russian shelling in Kozacha Lopan village. There were no casualties.
Combined teams of pyrotechnics demined 2.4 hectares of territory in Kharkiv oblast, destroying 177 explosive ordnance. Mine clearance is ongoing.
Synkivka, which is being stormed by russians daily towards Kupiansk, is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is a “grey zone”.
The press service of the regional power company informed that the first consumers in de-occupied Tsupivka, Derhachi region, have been supplied with electricity as there has been no power in the village since the beginning of russian invasion. According to power engineers, the grid is 70% damaged. In order to fully power the village, it is necessary to replace transformers, poles and wires and the power engineers cannot predict the completion date.
Donetsk oblast
The Regional Prosecutor’s Office informed that russian troops shelled Toretsk with artillery, killing a 67-year-old woman in her own yard and a 74-year-old man near the local hospital around 8 am.
At the same time, a 73-year-old man was killed during the shelling of Pivnichne of Toretsk community and a 62-year-old resident injured near a private house.
Vitalii Barabash, Head of Avdiivka City Military Administration, reported that a man was killed in a shelling and his wife was taken to hospital in a critical condition. A woman injured a few days ago by russian troops died in hospital on 25 December. 1203 people remain in Avdiivka.
The press service of Donetsk police said that the invaders shelled 7 settlements in Donetsk oblast, injuring two civilians. Avdiivka, Kurakhove cities, Velyka Novosilka, Hrodivka settlements, Berdychi, Bohoiavlenka and Orlivka villages were under attack The enemy used Smerch multiple rocket launchers and artillery. Police documented 8 russian war crimes over the day. Five civilian objects were damaged: three houses, an outbuilding, and a power line.
In Avdiivka, russians hit a private house. Two residents were injured, an 86-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman.
Also russian troops shelled Bohoiavlenka with artillery, damaging two houses.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported that Ukrainian troops are on the outskirts of Marinka and have prepared a defensive line outside the town. Shtupun,
Spokesman of the joint press centre of the Defence Forces towards Tavriisk, added that the town was completely destroyed but it was incorrect to talk about “the complete capture of Marinka”. Earlier today, russian media reported that russian Defence Minister shoigu reported to President putin about the so-called complete capture of Marinka.
Dmytro Lazutkin, Spokesman of the 47th Brigade, stated that russian troops have not been advancing towards Avdiivka for a long time. If they do advance a few hundred metres, these positions are either hit or repelled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Luhansk oblast
According to Luhansk Regional Military Administration, the invaders open fire on Nevske and nearby villages almost every day. Recently, they hit the settlement with four KAB-500 aerial bombs. Another residential building was destroyed, there were no casualties. Also russians shelled Nevske and Bilohorivka with mortars and artillery. The enemy stormed Ukrainian military positions in Bilohorivka and Serebrianka forest two dozen times. The enemy attacked there with the support of aviation.
A year ago, russians allowed the exchange of Ukrainian car licence plates in the so-called “lpr” without the vehicle insurance procedure. However, a few weeks ago, they decided to forbid the movement of cars with Ukrainian licence plates from January 2024 and not from 2026 as previously planned. All those, who have already made the exchange but have not obtained insurance, have been forbidden from entering the territory of russia. The relevant law was adopted by the President of russia. Starting in January, the occupation administrations will not issue new entry/exit passes to owners of cars with Ukrainian licence plates but re-issue them only with a russian passport.
What is happening now in the north of Ukraine
Kyiv oblast
The map of shelters in the capital now includes heating points in the Kyiv Digital app. You can find the nearest shelter, plot a route to it, and select the nearest heating point. You can view the map without the internet if you have previously downloaded it.
From December 25 to 28, security exercises are being held in different parts of the capital. They involve the deployment of temporary checkpoints, installation of restrictive signs and elements of engineering barriers. The conditions of the exercise include checking vehicles, documents, checkpoint security elements, and certain demonstration, search and counter-sabotage activities. The exercise is being conducted by the Kyiv Defence Forces and Facilities Grouping in cooperation with the Kyiv City Military Academy, the Patrol and National Police, and other structural units.
Vitalii Klychko, the mayor of Kyiv, reported that Kyiv has handed over 20 new MAN 4×4 trucks to the 241st separate territorial defence brigade. They are already on their way to the hot spots of the frontline.
Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of the Kyiv RMA, reported that on Christmas Eve, more than five hundred drones were handed over to the Heroes of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians. 500 FPV drones were purchased at the expense of the oblast, and another 50 were donated by the community of Bila Tserkva. In addition, two MAN trucks were also handed over to the military.
In Kyiv, the KINO42 cinema will present a documentary about children who have suffered because of the full-scale war. The film will be screened for the first time on December 28. The documentary will premiere in 2024. The film Beware: Children tells the stories of Ukrainian children who had to grow up abruptly after the start of the full-scale invasion.
In Kyiv, a mosaic panel dedicated to air defence and the Pack the Sky – Upgrade Air Defence project was installed near the funicular. This is a joint collection of the Come Back Alive Foundation and Nova Poshta. The work on the panel lasted 3 weeks. It involved 25 studio students and two benefactors.
The Network of Inclusive Vocational Education project is being implemented in eight educational institutions in Kyiv oblast. The goal is to provide free access to quality education for war veterans and people with limited mobility. For this purpose, retraining courses will be created on the basis of existing vocational education institutions. Educational institutions in Ukrainka, Vasylkiv, Boryspil, Brovary, Bila Tserkva, Borodianka and Katiuzhanka were selected for this purpose. Preparatory work has already begun in 6 of them.
Reconstruction of damaged housing continues in the Kyiv oblast. Work is underway in Irpin (reconstruction of an apartment building), Makariv (a new residential building is being built on the site of a destroyed one), and Buchansky district (an educational institution).
Construction of a new protective structure has started on the territory of a kindergarten in Slavutych. The work is being carried out at the expense of the Fund for the Elimination of the Consequences of Armed Aggression. Currently, excavation and pit development are underway at the site.
Zhytomyr oblast
Vitaliy Bunechko, Head of Zhytomyr RMA, reported that in Zhytomyr oblast, 33 more vehicles are to be put on combat duty for mobile air defence groups by the end of the year. Communities should be provided with machine guns to shoot down drones. A total of 54 mobile firing groups are being created. Pick-up trucks and equipment have been purchased for them. 21 vehicles have already been put on combat duty. The oblast continues to strengthen its air defences.
In Zhytomyr, 50 FPV kits with goggles, control panels and antennas were purchased and delivered to a separate infantry battalion. The unit also received four AUTEL Evo Max 4Ts. The soldiers are performing combat missions in the Kupiansk area. The vehicles were also loaded with bacon, insoles, socks and a warm blanket to keep the defenders warm.
A Secret Santa campaign has been launched in Zhytomyr to increase the number of blood donors in the oblast. It will last for two weeks. It will help save wounded soldiers.
A meeting of the Coordination Centre for Civilian Support was held. The participants discussed the state of implementation of the veteran policy and development priorities for 2024, as well as a pilot project to introduce a comprehensive social service for building resilience.
Sumy oblast
According to the Sumy RMA, during the day on December 25, the enemy fired four times at the border areas and settlements of Sumy oblast. There were 15 explosions. The Yunakivka and Bilopillia communities were shelled. A russian drone was also shot down in the Sumy oblast.
On the night of December 26, the russians shelled the Krasnopillia community. There were five explosions. A private house was damaged in Uhroidy.
Seven defenders of Ukraine were posthumously awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the Hero City of Okhtyrka. In addition, 8 residents of Shostka were posthumously awarded the commemorative insignia For Exemplary Service. They were presented to the families of the Heroes.
Chernihiv oblast
According to the North operational command, the invaders continue to shell the border areas of Chernihiv oblast. There were two attacks (10 explosions) from various types of weapons during the day. There is no information about dead or wounded among the local population.
Liubov Plonsak, the senior press officer of the Chernihiv border guard detachment, yesterday, russians fired at Yeline and Hirsk of Snovsk community in the Chernihiv oblast border area.
According to the Koriukivka RMA, on December 25, more than two thousand customers lost power due to the impact on the energy structure.
Valentyna Martyshevska, Head of the Education Department of the Bobrovytsia City Council, during two charity fairs, students of the Bobrovytsia educational institution raised almost UAH 180 thousand, which will be used to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Velokoliada charity event in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was held in Mena. The participants managed to raise 7040 UAH by exchanging them for sweets, biscuits, smiles and wishes for peace.
Recent events in the central regions of Ukraine
Dnipropetrovsk oblast
In the evening the enemy attacked Nikopol with artillery. There were no casualties or damage.
During the day the enemy shelled Marhanets community of Nikopol district with artillery three times. About a dozen shells were fired. 2 private houses, 2 farm buildings and a greenhouse were damaged. There were no casualties.
Mykola Lukashuk, Head of RMA announced that two enemy missiles over Dnipro region were shot down Air Force soldiers.
According to RMA 8 special purpose vehicles worth more than a million USD were delivered to the region. Emergency and rescue, fire and medical. They will strengthen the fleet of emergency services. Rescuers working in Nikopol, Marhanets and Kryvyi Rih district. Equipment from benefactors from Korea. The Embassy of Ukraine in Korea helped to transport it over thousands of kilometers.
Vinnytsia oblast
Over a thousand services were provided by veterans’ assistants in Vinnytsia in three months. Currently, 12 veterans’ assistants work to support defenders and their families. The pilot project in the community is financed by the Vinnytsia City Council, while the government continues to form a budget to pay for their work. According to the decision of the session, starting in the new year, the following positions will be introduced to the staff of the department: one deputy director-head of the Department of the Service Office for Veterans Affairs and 12 positions of war veterans’ support specialists and demobilized people – the official name of veterans assistants in the professions classifier.
Kirovohrad oblast
Andrii Raikovych, Head of RMA reported that Air Defense worked in Kirovohrad oblast at night. There were no injuries or damage.
Poltava oblast
Poltava oblast lost soldiers Oleksandr Shevchenko and Yevhen Otreshko who were killed in the war. Oleksandr Shevchenko was 36 years old, he had the rank of soldier. The soldier was killed in action on December 22 near Klishchivka village, Bakhmut district, Donetsk region.
Yevhen Otreshko had the rank of sailor. A 34-year-old soldier was killed during a combat mission on December 9 near Krynky village, Kherson oblast.
Cherkasy oblast
Kateryna Binusova, Deputy Director of the Social Policy Department of the Cherkasy City Council, announced that immigrants who have settled in Cherkasy have the right to receive financial assistance which will compensate for the payment of housing rent. It is not enough to be an IDPs to receive housing allowance.
Serhii Matviichuk, Red Cross representative reported that in Cherkasy region the Red Cross humanitarian organization distributed 24 metal stoves for heating houses to IDPs free of charge. Boilers are issued throughout the region so that people have an alternative to gas heating.
Ihor Taburets, Head of RMA announced that Shpola community sent 7 pickup trucks to the anti-aircraft machine gun battalion. In the future these cars will be equipped with everything necessary. In particular, to counter the Shaheds.
Latest news from the front of the southern regions of Ukraine
Zaporizhzhia oblast
Zaporizhzhia RMA reported that on December 25, russian forces launched 84 strikes on towns and villages in Zaporizhzhia oblast. Among these strikes, 69 were artillery attacks targeting Hulyaipole, Levadne, Temyrivka, Poltavka, Bilohirya, Preobrazhenka, Kamianske, Piatykhatky, Stepove, and Plavni.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine conveyed that on December 25 the Defense Forces successfully repelled seven attacks conducted by russian forces near Robotyne and to the west of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia oblast.
Mykolaiv oblast
The Military Administration reported that during the night of December 26, the Air Defense Units successfully neutralized four “Shahed 131/136” drones. Concurrently, russian forces deployed a “Shahed 131/136” drone to conduct targeted strikes on an industrial site, resulting in damage to warehouse structures. Additionally, at 14:03 on December 25, russian forces executed artillery shelling on Solonchaky village in Kutsurub community. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Vitaliy Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv RMA, conveyed, during the conclusive press conference held on December 26, that in 2023, Mykolaiv oblast received significant financial aid totaling 105.5 million euros from international partners. The largest portion of this financial assistance, amounting to 75.5 million euros, was secured through a collaborative partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark. This funding was allocated specifically for the restoration of infrastructure in both Mykolaiv city and oblast. Additionally, other partners contributed 30 million euros toward various projects in Mykolaiv oblast.
Odesa oblast
The Southern Operational Command reported that last night, russian occupying forces launched attacks on southern regions of Ukraine from temporarily occupied Crimea and the eastern coast of Azov Sea. Despite the two waves of attacks, Air Defense Units successfully destroyed four “Shahed” drones in Odesa oblast. In Odesa district, the enemy targeted an infrastructure facility in an open area, resulting in a fire that was promptly extinguished without any casualties.
SES reported that at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ in Odesa, prayers were held for pyrotechnicians, rescuers, and military personnel. Archpriest Teodor Orobets blessed Christmas kalach and kutia and presented them to Odesa sappers currently involved in liberating the de-occupied areas of Kherson oblast.
Kherson oblast
Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the Kherson RMA reported that on December 26, Mykilske in Darivka community of Kherson oblast was targeted several times, resulting in the deaths of two elderly men and the injury of one woman.
As a result of the shelling of Shyroka Balka in Kherson oblast, a 50-year-old man was injured and hospitalized. Casualties were also reported in Stepanivka.
Chornobaivka suffered from a russian strike, causing injuries to four individuals. Two men and a woman were hospitalized in moderate condition, while another man remains in critical condition.
Central district of Kherson was bombarded by russian forces, resulting in a 56-year-old man being injured. Tiahynka also faced shelling, leading to the death of one individual.
russian forces deployed an explosive from a drone in Beryslav, Kherson oblast, causing a man to sustain a forearm fracture.
According to the Ministry of Energy, efforts were made to reconnect 361 consumers to the power supply in Kherson. However, almost 500 consumers remain without electricity due to recent shelling by russian forces.
The Southern Defense Forces, situated on the left bank of Kherson oblast, destroyed two tanks, three cannons, a boat, the “Murom-M” video surveillance complex, and four units of armored vehicles. They also eliminated 34 russian military personnel.
Kherson RMA reported that on December 25, russian forces bombarded Kherson oblast 74 times, specifically targeting a critical infrastructure object in Kherson district. As a consequence, one person was injured.
Latest news for today in the western regions of Ukraine
Volyn oblast
From December 11 to 26, six internally displaced persons came to the region. In total, 79 004 displaced people have arrived in Volyn since the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine. 47 601 people have the status of IDPs. These are 34 310 families, in which 13 386 are children. Among the IDPs: 2 154 people with disabilities, 6 848 pensioners, 90 families with many children and 12 families with single parents.
Zakarpattia oblast
RMA representatives visited the soldiers of the 3rd separate assault brigade, who are currently performing combat tasks in direct contact with the enemy. The soldiers of the unit who defend the country from the occupier were awarded with the President’s award “For the Defense of Ukraine”. Special vehicles and FPV drones were handed over to destroy the enemy in the direction of concentration of the enemy’s main efforts.
Ivano-Frankivsk oblast
The Ivano-Frankivsk community spent 1.5 million hryvnias in 11 months of 2023 on the rehabilitation of military children and children of privileged categories. We organized 8 trips for 312 child defenders abroad to partner cities (Debrecen, Niredhaza, Rybnik and Trakai). 104 children were able to recover in the institutions of the region and Ukraine. Also, 236 students of grades 1-9 from families of defenders of Ukraine received certificates for the purchase of school supplies.
Lviv oblast
Last week, the head of the oblast signed the budget of Lviv oblast for the next year. The key emphasis is on supporting soldiers, veterans and their families. In 2024, the volume of the regional budget is planned to be UAH 6.2 billion. This is UAH 3.8 billion or 38% less compared to the expected implementation in 2023.
On the eve of Christmas, the family of the deceased defender from Sambir region was awarded with the “Cross of the Brave” award. The family of Ivan Makar, soldier from the village of Torchynovychi, received an award from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The defender was killed on March 6, 2022 in a battle with russian invaders near the city of Popasna in Luhansk oblast.
Rivne oblast
Starting next year, measures to protect educational institutions will be strengthened in schools in Rivne oblast. At the first stage of the project, 15 educational institutions in the regional center and 22 in the border areas will be provided with physical security.
Ternopil oblast
Representatives of Ternopil City Council visited the military personnel on the front line and handed over equipment, namely: 10 DJI Mavic 3 Fly More Combo quadcopters and a Volvo truck.
Ternopil City Council reported that the community sent 7 quadcopters to the front.
Khmelnytskyi oblast
Within the limits of Khmelnytskyi oblast, the air defense forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine neutralized 1 UAV of the Shahed type during a night air alert. There was no information about casualties or destruction.
Chernivtsi oblast
RMA representatives together with volunteers visited the combat medics in Orihiv, Mariyin, Avdiiv, Bakhmut and Lyman-Kupian region. They brought medicines, medical products and medical backpacks that will help to carry out small resuscitation measures directly on the battlefield, medical folding stretchers, and a Starlink satellite modem. In addition, they brought a printer, which was purchased for them by Chernivtsi regional organization of the trade union of healthcare workers at their request.
In Bukovyna, the Christmas Valley tournament was held in honor of the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine among boxers of all age groups. About 150 athletes from Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi oblasts took part in the competition.
International support of Ukraine in the russian-Ukrainian war (russia’s invasion of Ukraine)
In Britain, the first group of Ukrainian pilots underwent basic training of the Royal Air Force. Now the pilots, of whom there are six, will learn to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. Another ten trainee pilots remain in Britain to continue basic flight training and learn aviation medicine and centrifuge training.
Clement Beaune, Minister of Transport of France, announced that the country sent another pilot ship to Ukraine, which will help the country export grain.
Taiwan‘s Ministry of Economy has expanded the list of banned goods for russia and its ally belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine to prevent the use of Taiwanese high-tech goods for military purposes. The list includes semiconductor equipment, in which Taiwan is a world leader, as well as some chemicals and drugs, complementing previous measures that targeted the chip industry.
South Korea‘s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has added another 682 items related to heavy construction equipment, batteries, aviation components, machinery and more to the list of goods prohibited from being sent to russia and belarus.
Athletes from russia and belarus were not allowed to compete in equestrian sports at the 2024 Olympics.
Grant Shapps, Minister of Defense of Britain, after the Air Force of Ukraine destroyed the large amphibious ship of the russian Black Sea Fleet “Novocherkask” in the area of occupied Feodosia, stated that in the last 4 months, 20% of the russian Black Sea Fleet was destroyed.
In 2024, 24 CT scanners will be operational in Ukrainian medical institutions. The medical equipment of General Electric (GE) was purchased for specialized health care institutions. The purchase of CT took place in 2023 as part of the Emergency Response to COVID-19 and Vaccination in Ukraine joint project of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the World Bank.
In Christmas message, the Pope asked for peace for Ukraine. On Christmas Day, tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in the square in front of the basilica. Among the flags, there are also Ukrainian flags. “With my eyes fixed on the baby Jesus, I am begging for peace for Ukraine. Let us renew our spiritual and human closeness with her suffering people, so that through the support of each of us they may feel the concreteness of God’s love,” the Pope urged, addressing the faithful from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The Wprost Polish magazine once again dedicated the cover of it’s Christmas issue to Ukrainian defenders. It depicts the maze of trenches in the form of a Christmas tree and servicemen of the Defense Forces with candles. “Ukraine is signaling its rapprochement with the West, while at the same time it is slowly separating from the East. This emphasizes the sad fate of our neighbor, because who likes to be alone at Christmas,” says the description for the issue of the magazine. Last year the publication also used an illustration for the Christmas cover, which shows that because of the war, many separated families do not
A “non-holiday Christmas tree” was installed at the Embassy of Ukraine in Portugal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Uanimals installed an installation with a burnt Christmas tree in the Embassy. It symbolizes the Ukrainian Christmas during the war and reminds of the environmental crimes that russia still commits against people, animals and entire ecosystems of Ukraine. During the full-scale invasion, russia committed more than 2,9K environmental crimes. 30K square km of forests are subject to shelling, chemical pollution and fires.
Materials compiled by Tetiana Kliuchnyk-Horobets, Tetyana Pidgorna, Olena Reka, Yana Hushchyna, Tamara Moshkovska, Sofia Ratynska, Ioanna Kryvenko, Liudmyla Stadnykova, Аnna Efremova, Albahachiieva Helena
Translated by Tetyana Pidgorna, Yana Hushchyna, Liudmyla Stadnykova, Viktoriia Pushyna, Marharyta Koval, Tetiana Kurbatova, Olga Shalya
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