"No one can guarantee that the shelter facility will remain standing after that. That is the main threat," plant director Serhii Tarakanov said.

A Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Belgorod Oblast killed one person and injured three others, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed late on Dec. 23.

Hello, this is Kateryna Hodunova reporting from Kyiv on day 1,399 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story: Ukrainian forces struck Russia's sole Il-38N reconnaissance aircraft in the Black Sea on the eve of a submarine's destruction during the Dec. 15 operation, a source from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent on Dec. 23. Ukrainian underwater drones, known as "Sub Sea Baby," struck a 636.3-class submarine, Varshavyanka — classified as a Kilo-

The attack comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukrainians should brace for mass Russian missile and drone strikes over the Christmas period.

Buffett received a state award from President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2024, naming him a "National Legend of Ukraine."

"Updating the voter register is one of the fundamental conditions for holding any elections," said David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People faction. "The war has had a significant impact on demographic indicators, and this must be reflected in the register."

This year saw Donald Trump's return to the presidency, a shouting match with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, and the famed U.S.-Ukraine "minerals deal." There were talks in Istanbul, Alaska, Miami, Geneva — almost Budapest — and peace plans of all shapes and sizes. Meanwhile, Russian troops steadily advanced westwards, encircled Pokrovsk, hunted civilians with drones in a "human safari," and claimed to have taken the front-line city Kupiansk as the year came to a close — only

The suspect was arrested in Switzerland in May. Two other participants of the alleged plot were also arrested in Germany the same month.

Editor's note: The names of some of those from Russian-occupied Ukraine have been changed for security reasons. With one decree, Russian President Vladimir Putin this month effectively legalized property theft in Ukraine's occupied territories. The new law allows the occupational authorities to seize residential premises that "show signs of being ownerless." In reality, the owners have usually fled, or been killed by, Russia's full-scale invasion. "I'm in utter despair that the Russians are t

The 24-year-old unemployed man was recruited by Belarusian State Security Committee (KGB) to spy on Ukraine's northern borders.

Ukrainian soldiers withdrew from the settlement "in order to save lives and maintain the combat capability of units."

Serbia and Russia have not yet agreed on a long-term gas supply contract. The previous three-year contract expired earlier this year.

About the author: Mariana Hirniak is a journalist and public speaker on Ukrainian culture and history. In early 1919, when Ukraine's pleas for recognition were falling on largely deaf ears, it dispatched not only diplomats to Europe, but also a choir. Led by conductor Oleksandr Koshyts, the Ukrainian Republican Capella became an unexpected yet powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy. Its greatest triumph was Shchedryk, arranged by composer Mykola Leontovych — a song that would later cross th

According to Russian state media, one person was killed as a result of the incident.

Under martial law, Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60 are subject to conscription and are forbidden from leaving the country except under a certain number of specific circumstances.

Ukraine's General Staff previously said that the plant produces drone components, composite materials, body parts, seals, and insulation for various types of Russian military equipment.

According to preliminary information, on Dec. 18, Russian forces illegally detained about 50 civilians — residents of the village of Hrabovske — holding them without access to communication or adequate conditions. On Dec. 20, they were forcibly taken to Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at an event in Palm Beach, Florida on Dec. 22, said talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine are ongoing, but offered few specifics on progress, next steps, or deadlines.

Hello, this is Chris York reporting from Kyiv on day 1,398 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story so far: The situation near Siversk, Donetsk Oblast, is "extremely difficult" as Russian forces continue to attempt crossings  the Siverskyi Donets River, Ukraine's 7th Air Assault Corps said on Dec. 22. Russia’s renewed offensive on the front-line city of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast has sparked weeks of heavy fighting, even as Moscow has claimed that the city has already fall

It’s been nearly a month since President Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to oust his right-hand man. Unable to immediately find a due successor, the president is now running the country alone. Being second only to the president, former President's Office Head Andriy Yermak has gathered unprecedented powers over the years, having a say in who becomes the country's prime minister and general prosecutor, and heading Ukraine's delegation in the U.S.-led peace talks. According to a source in the Pres

"In principle, the ammunition initiative has certainly been a good thing; the question is whether it has occurred without corruption," Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said.

‌‌‌Earlier this year, the Kyiv Independent launched its “How to Help Ukraine” newsletter — a membership benefit created in direct response to our community’s requests for more ways to help Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion. ‌‌In the first six months since the newsletter’s launch, our community has raised over $105,300, according to the organizations we featured. ‌‌

Russian attacks have plunged Odesa Oblast into darkness and cold just days before Christmas, cutting power to more than 120,000 residents after strikes on three energy facilities on Dec. 22. Russia has stepped up attacks in Odesa Oblast this December, targeting ports, roads, energy infrastructure, and homes. Frequent strikes have caused widespread power outages and delayed repairs, leaving some residents without electricity and entire areas cut off due to disrupted transportation networks. "I

Drone debris hit a pipeline at a terminal in Volna, a village in the region's Temryuk district, the Krasnodar Krai Emergency Headquarters said. A fire broke out as a result of the attack.

"I think that we've made progress, but sitting here today, I wouldn't say with confidence that we're going to get to a peaceful resolution," U.S. Vice President JD Vance said.

As 2025 draws to a close, Ukraine once again finds itself at a critical juncture. In the last few months alone, Ukrainians have faced pressure from seemingly every side: a renewed push from the U.S. for an unfavorable peace with Russia, a major political corruption scandal, and Moscow’s continued advances east, north, and south. As a result, 2026 is poised to be a year that presents significant challenges in terms of diplomacy, internal cohesion, and on the battlefield. With this in mind, we a

The attack targeted an airfield near the city of Lipetsk, about 340 kilometers (210 miles) from the Ukrainian border, and caused two military aircraft to catch fire.

The Kremlin had earlier signaled it was preparing for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's arrival.

Russian LNG deliveries to China more than doubled year-on-year to 1.6 million metric tons last month, Bloomberg reported.

An explosive device attached to the underside of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov's car detonated on Yaseneva Street in Moscow on Dec. 22.

The talks focused on a revised 20-point plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine, a framework for security guarantees, and economic development, according to Rustem Umerov, the head of the Ukrainian delegation.

"If Putin says no, we need to dramatically change the game, including giving Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine to hit the drone and missile factories that exist in Russia. I would go all in if Putin says no," U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on Dec. 21.