Ukraine returned 189 defenders from Russian captivity

As a result of another exchange, through the mediation of the UAE, the military returned home: the defenders of "Azovstal", Mariupol, ChNPP, Snake Island and other directions. Among them are soldiers, sergeants, officers, National Guardsmen, "Azovs," border guards, Teroboronov, and soldiers of the Navy, and Armed Forces.

Among them are soldiers, sergeants, officers, National Guardsmen, "Azovs," border guards, Teroboronov, and soldiers of the Navy and Armed Forces.

Zelensky appointed human rights activist Olha Reshetylova as first military ombudsman

President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed prominent human rights activist Olha Reshetylova as Ukraine’s first military ombudsman, a position created to safeguard the rights of service members. Announced on Dec. 30, the role was established by Ukraine's Defense Ministry earlier this year to address complaints, provide legal assistance, and investigate rights violations affecting soldiers and their families. Reshetylova brings extensive experience to the position, having co-founded the Media Initiative for Human Rights, which has investigated war crimes since 2016, and Come Back Alive, a major civilian fundraising organization supporting Ukraine’s military since 2014.

In his statement, Zelensky praised Reshetylova’s dedication to human rights and emphasized the importance of her new role in strengthening institutional support for service members. He outlined her first priority as collaborating with the Defense Ministry and civil society to draft legislation solidifying the military ombudsman’s authority and operational framework. Calls to fill the position intensified following recent allegations of abuse within the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade, underscoring the urgency of systemic protections for Ukraine’s armed forces.

Ukraine received over $41 billion in international aid in 2024

Ukraine's Finance Ministry secured $41.7 billion in international aid in 2024, enabling the government to maintain full social payments despite heavy defense spending, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko announced on Dec. 30. The funding ensured the continued disbursement of pensions, salaries in education and healthcare, and support for the humanitarian-social system.

Additionally, U.S. support played a critical role in bolstering Ukraine's resilience. Following Russia's mass attack on Christmas Day, President Joe Biden directed the Pentagon to increase weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Reports suggest the U.S. will announce a $1.25 billion military aid package on Dec. 30. Moreover, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted the receipt of $485 million in humanitarian aid from USAID, distributed under the World Bank's PEACE in Ukraine program to offset social and humanitarian budgetary needs.

US to provide Ukraine with US$15 billion from frozen Russian assets

The United States has pledged $15 billion to Ukraine, backed by future proceeds from frozen Russian assets, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The agreement was formalized between Ukraine's Finance Ministry and the World Bank.

Shmyhal noted that the funding is part of the PEACE in Ukraine project, which includes $20 billion pledged by the U.S. under the G7 initiative. The allocated funds will primarily address Ukraine's social and humanitarian needs.