All News from Ukraine and Bilohorodska Community
Complete news archive of Bilohorodska community and Ukraine. Current events, politics, economy, culture
Politics
Santa at the Border: Festive Symbolism or a Message about 'Security Guarantees'
Zelensky: talks with the US continue despite the Kremlin's information attack
"Z" symbol painted on parliament column in Tallinn; 32-year-old detained, case opened
War
Kyiv and Odesa Without Outage Schedules: How Attacks on Energy Infrastructure Are Turning This Winter into an Ordeal
Over 9,000 customers without power after Russian strikes: how crews are working and what it means for the Kyiv region
Power outage schedules for Dec. 29: DTEK publishes timetable for Kyiv, Kyiv region and Dnipropetrovsk region — what it means for residents
After the attack: utility crews restored heat to nearly 400,000 homes — what it means for Kyiv
Community
Kyiv Metro changes schedule Jan. 1–2 to accommodate holiday demand
Tram services in Kyiv restored after power outage — what it means for residents
Service on Kyiv metro's Red Line restored — schedule changes due to energy blockades and what it means for residents
Ferris wheel in Podil to be dismantled despite positive expert assessment — what this means for Kyiv
Trailer for the 'Strange Wonders' finale: premiere on New Year's Eve and hints at character losses
Netflix has released the trailer for the final episode of "Stranger Things." Briefly — when to watch in Ukraine, what was shown on screen, and why it matters for the fan community and the industry.
€30m from Sparkasse in Gelsenkirchen: a heist that casts doubt on the security of bank vaults
Robbers drilled a hole through the concrete wall of a garage and removed valuables from more than 3,000 safety‑deposit boxes — an incident that should be analyzed not only as a criminal case but also in terms of customer security.
From Paperwork to EKIS: How an Online Procedure Will Speed Up the Opening of Interregional Bus Routes
The Ministry of Regional Development has approved a digital procedure (Order No. 1473). From idea to the launch of a route — now up to two months; we examine what this will mean for passengers and carriers during the war.
Zaporizhzhia restores five-story apartment building after strike — 96 residents return home
A building damaged during heavy shelling in October 2022 has been rebuilt from scratch: 59 apartments were renovated, work began in November 2023, and the financing combines state tenders and European aid.
Economy
Tractors roll into Brussels: why European farmers are protesting a deal with Latin America
Netherlands to allocate an additional €700 million to Ukraine
Ukraine begins process to restructure $2.6bn of GDP warrants
Ukraine imposes new sanctions on Rosneft and aligns restrictions with the US
World
Digital protection: British Parliament debates new safety measures for the escort industry
Bundestag president Julia Klöckner called the country "Europe's brothel" and demands a ban on buying sex
Ukrainian Armed Forces continue clearing operations in Pokrovsk, despite Russia claiming control of the city
Musk predicted 12 years of Republican rule in the US
Technologies
Artem Shevchenko leaves monomarket: how three years of leadership changed Ukrainian e-commerce
Temporary heating outage in Teremky: Kyivteploenergo carrying out maintenance — restoration expected by day's end
Samsung updates Galaxy S26 Ultra cameras — what's changing and why it matters
Amazfit Active Max for €169: 25-day battery life, bright display and enhanced sports features
100 "Wagons of Invincibility": How Ukrzaliznytsia Turned Out-of-Service Railcars into Mobile Starlink Hubs
Ukrainian Railways (UZ) has retrofitted 100 railcars into autonomous heating, communications and aid points — with no budgetary expenditure. This is not PR, but a tool of local resilience during attacks and energy crises.
Mukachevo’s “Mriya” is being turned into a residential complex: what the city will lose and what it could gain
The city council has approved the development of a detailed plan for 4.1 hectares occupied by a knitwear factory. The sale of the company, production cuts, and unstable financial results explain why the owner envisions residential development there — but the decision carries consequences for jobs and urban space.
Suspected embezzlement of UAH 1.2 million during Hydropark repairs: what it means for trust in Kyivzelenbud
Heads of a municipal enterprise and a private contractor have been accused of collusion and inflating cost estimates. We examine what the investigation uncovered, which charges are being brought, and why this matters for taxpayers and the city’s infrastructure.
Idris Elba — knighted for services to youth: how his foundation became a model of impactful philanthropy
Actor Idris Elba has been named to the United Kingdom's New Year Honours list — not for a role, but for his work with young people. Why is this important right now, and what lessons can the Ukrainian civic sector learn?
50 years since the Ballon d'Or: how Oleh Blokhin edged out Beckenbauer and what it meant for Ukrainian football
A piece of history: at the end of 1975, Oleg Blokhin became the first Ukrainian to win the Ballon d'Or. We explain why that award was more than an individual triumph and what legacy it left in Ukrainian sport.
Deposit Guarantee Fund puts assets of five banks worth UAH 98.6 million up for sale — what it means for creditors and the market
Auctions December 29–January 2: lots small in value but important for returning funds to creditors. We explain who is selling what and how this fits into the broader context of the banking sector.
Premises returned to Dragomanov University in central Kyiv — court ruled the restaurant lease illegal
The Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office, through the Commercial Court, returned to the university part of the central building on Ivana Franko Street that had been used as a restaurant since 2019. The decision is a signal of strengthened protection for municipal property and educational spaces.
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense allows Armed Forces units to buy drone components from the general fund — how this will affect the front
From January 1, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be allowed to spend funds from the general fund on drone parts and upgrades. We explain why this is not just a budgetary issue, but a matter of operational advantage and transparency.
China Is Effectively Displacing Foreign Suppliers of Semiconductor Equipment — Implications for Global Supply Chains and Ukraine
Beijing is informally demanding that, when new production capacities are brought online, at least 50% of the equipment be domestically produced. This is a reordering of forces in the global semiconductor industry with direct consequences for security and the defense industries. We examine why this happened and what comes next.
$52.4 billion in 2025: how international aid sustained payments to citizens and reinforced defense
Partners increased funding by 25%. We break down who provided the money, where the payments went, and what risks remain — in plain terms about the key figures and the consequences for Ukraine.
Strike on the ports of Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk: storage tanks and a grain ship damaged — what it means for Ukraine's logistics
Russia struck key port hubs in the Odesa region. We explain exactly what was damaged, the consequences for exports and energy supply, and how the country is adapting its logistics.
Dovbyk in the crosshairs: how the winter window could determine the future of the Ukrainian forward
The future of Artem Dovbyk at Roma remains in doubt — after January the forward could leave. Gianluca Di Marzio names several suitors; we examine why this matters for the player's career and for the image of Ukrainian football in Europe.
The Army's Digital Kitchen: How a New System Automates Food Supply for Ukraine's Armed Forces
The Armed Forces of Ukraine are validating the SKP UPPS program in real-world conditions — it automates food inventory, generates requisitions, and compiles menus and reports. This is a step toward a unified digital logistics ecosystem that could improve rear-area responsiveness and reduce resource losses.
Ministry of Culture renames Tchaikovsky Academy: a symbolic step toward decolonization and university reform
This is not just a change of signage: the Ministry of Culture’s decision follows new laws banning Russian imperial symbolism and establishes a legal precedent for other cultural institutions. We explain precisely what was adopted and what practical consequences the new name will have.
Ukraine risks losing €2.3bn in 2025 — which indicators the Rada is stalling and why it matters
Analysis by the RRR4U consortium: nine Ukraine Facility indicators were not met in Q4 — a total shortfall of €3.6 billion for 2025. Parliament's decisions will now determine whether these funds will go to reconstruction or be lost due to deadlines.
India Cuts Russian Oil Imports to a Three-Year Low — What It Means for the Energy Sector and Pressure on the Kremlin
Deliveries of Russian crude oil fell to approximately 1.1 million barrels per day in December 2024. This is not just a statistic — it is a signal that U.S. sanctions are reshaping supply chains and intensifying economic pressure on Moscow. We analyze the implications for markets, India, and our security.
Crash involving Anthony Joshua on the Lagos–Ibadan highway: boxer hospitalized, two killed — investigation ongoing
The British boxer is in stable condition, but the tragedy on the high-speed road raises questions about road safety and accountability — we explain the main facts and consequences.
Citigroup exits Russia with $1.1bn loss — what it means for sanctions pressure and markets
One of the "big" U.S. banks has confirmed the timing for the sale of its Russian subsidiary. We analyze the losses, risks to capital, and the implications for the isolation of Russia's financial system.
Oleksii Zozulia heads RIEL: how retail experience can accelerate scaling of the Lviv-based developer
Former Foxtrot CEO with more than 20 years of managerial experience has been named head of Lviv’s largest developer. We examine why this matters for the housing market, jobs, and investment in the region.
Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai — exhibition match with new rules that tested players' adaptability
Nick Kyrgios defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 6–3 in the exhibition "Battle of the Sexes" in Dubai — more than a show, it was a test of tactics and stamina under modified rules. We examine why the result matters beyond mere spectacle.
Cabinet of Ministers prematurely ended Shurma’s mandate on Naftogaz’s supervisory board — what it means for energy security
The state representative on the board stepped down at his own request amid a plan to renew management. This is not just a personnel decision — it's a signal to the market, oversight systems and international partners.
Cabinet postpones POS for first‑group sole proprietors: support for small business during the war and what's next
The government has postponed the mandatory installation of payment terminals for the smallest entrepreneurs until three months after the end of martial law — the decision gives them time to prepare but raises questions about the pace of the shift to cashless payments.
NBU publishes stress tests: 12 banks require no recapitalization; others face restructuring programs
Stress tests covered more than 90% of the banking system’s assets. We explain what the results mean for depositors, state financial institutions, and market stability.
National Commission names five signs of a Ponzi scheme — what every Ukrainian should know
The regulator has published criteria to safeguard citizens' savings. In brief: how to spot a scam and what steps to take today.
The Elephant House returns: the café where Rowling wrote "Harry Potter" reopens after 4½ years
The reopening of a venue in central Edinburgh is more than just local news for its fans: it’s an example of restoring cultural memory after destruction. We examine what happened and why it matters beyond Instagram posts.
Crash involving Anthony Joshua near Lagos: two killed and questions about road safety in Nigeria
British champion injured in a traffic accident while visiting Nigeria — what is known so far, why it matters for the diaspora, and which systemic issues the incident highlights.
YouGov: The West Sees a Pension Time Bomb but Rejects Reforms — A Lesson for Ukraine
A YouGov poll reveals a paradox: citizens recognize the risk of systemic breakdowns but do not support unpopular measures. Why this matters for Ukraine and how to act so as not to pass the problem on to the next generation.
From January 1, buy Kyiv city electric train tickets in advance — how it will affect trips
Ukrzaliznytsia is shifting Kyiv City Express to a metro-style ticketing model: a few clicks instead of buying on the train. We explain why this is more than just convenience — and what it will mean for Kyiv during the war.
NBU issues gold coin "Archangel Michael" — a symbol of support for defenders and a new numismatic relic
A 20-hryvnia coin made of 900‑fine gold: what its design means, why it’s more than a souvenir, and how it’s connected to the earlier 2024 silver issue.
Cleanup under way: oil pollution along Odesa's coast eases after strikes on the port
Monitoring on December 27–28 showed: seven key beaches are clean. Small patches remain at the Inclusive Beach and Santorini — but containment booms and specialized equipment are operating. What this means for safety and restoring confidence in the coastline.
Heart in an ice block on St. Sophia Square — an installation that preserves human warmth during the war
An interactive art installation has appeared on Saint Sophia Square in Kyiv that will be on display until January 6, 2026: an ice "heart" responds to touch — the ice melts and music about the defenders grows louder. We explain why this is more than holiday décor.
602 amendments, three taken into account: how the "шаг" law became a political test for the Rada
Hundreds of amendments delayed the vote and revealed how painful even a technical change to a national monetary tradition can be. We examine what happened and why it matters to everyone.
112 premises from seized and non-core assets will be transferred for IDP resettlement — housing could be available as early as Q1 2026
The Cabinet of Ministers is launching a fast mechanism to convert idle state-owned facilities into housing for internally displaced persons — cost-effectively, swiftly and under oversight. We break down how it will work and which questions remain open.
Fuel prices in Russia are rising faster than inflation — intelligence forecasts market instability in 2026.
Retail prices for gasoline and diesel in Russia have risen faster than official inflation. We analyze why Moscow is imposing administrative restrictions and what risks this creates for the region and for Ukraine.
46 Projects and UAH 562 Million: How State Support Is Sustaining Ukrainian Cinema During the War
The State Film Agency reports: in 2025, 46 film projects were completed (35 films and 6 TV series) — an important marker of the industry's resilience, its economic weight, and its ability to shape the narrative about Ukraine.
Oil rose about 2% after U.S.–Ukraine talks and an escalation in the Middle East — what it means for Ukraine
Prices jumped by more than $1 amid assessments of peace talks and risks of supply disruptions. We examine how this will affect the economy, inflation, and defense logistics.
McDonald's opened 12 restaurants in 2025 — an investment in everyday life and the Ukrainian economy
The chain opened its 120th operating outlet in Ukraine: a new restaurant near the "Bukovina‑West" bus station in Chernivtsi — a sign of investor confidence and a step toward a return to normal life.
'Hutsulshchyna' heads further: train No. 95/96 extended to Rakhiv — Carpathians now more accessible from Kyiv
Ukrzaliznytsia has, as of December 28, extended the Kyiv–Yasinya train route to Rakhiv, adding a stop at Kvasy. What does this mean for travelers, the regional economy, and the new 2025/2026 timetable?
22-km dam in the Bristol Channel: a British 2.5-GW project and a lesson for Ukraine's energy security
The architect of the London Eye has proposed an £11‑billion tidal power complex with 125 underwater turbines — we explain why this matters not only for Britain and what Ukraine could learn from it.
Anka Feldhusen — new business ombudswoman: diplomatic capital for Ukrainian business
The former German ambassador is returning to Ukraine not as a diplomat but as a mediator between business and the authorities — an appointment that could bolster investor confidence and accelerate the resolution of administrative disputes.
Brigitte Bardot Dies at 91: From Film Icon to Voice for Animal Protection
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced on December 28 the death of the actress who became a symbol of the 1950s–60s and later an activist for animal rights. Why her passing matters for European culture and animal protection movements — briefly and analytically.