Users around the world are reporting problems accessing Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other Meta services. There are server failures and problems with access to websites.
Users report malfunctions in a number of applications Meta. We are talking about Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, reports UNN with reference to DownDetector.
According to the service, there are also problems with the Threads app.
The number of complaints about malfunctions is growing. Users report problems with access to the site and lack of communication with the server.
All flights have been suspended at Sochi airport since 19:30 due to the introduction of the “Carpet” plan. This comes amid a large-scale drone attack on Russian regions and occupied Crimea.
The airport in Sochi, Russia, has introduced the "Carpet" plan, probably due to a drone attack. Departing and arriving flights have been delayed, UNN reports with reference to the Baza Telegram channel.
According to Rosaviatsiya, the restrictions were introduced at 7:30 p.m.
Previously
Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Andriy Kovalenko reportedthat several regions of Russia and occupied Crimea are under attack by drones.
President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Dec. 11 following his hour-long call to Russian President Vladimir Putin during which the two discussed the war in Ukraine.
The call occurred earlier in the day after Orban's visit to Mar-a-Lago and meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Orban said on X that the call with Putin lasted an hour. The prime minister also mentioned that these weeks are the war's "most dangerous," adding that the parties are taking "all possible diplomatic steps" to promote a ceasefire and peace talks.
In response, Zelensky called for "not playing on one's own image at the expense of unity" but "for the common success." He added that discussions about the war in Ukraine cannot occur without its representatives.
"It is absolutely clear that achieving real peace and guaranteed security requires American determination, European unity, and the commitment of all partners to uphold the goals and principles of the U.N. Charter," the president added.
"We all hope that Orban at least won't call Assad in Moscow to listen to his hour-long lectures as well," Zelensky wrote on Telegram, referring to ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who fled to Moscow after rebels took over the Syrian capital Damascus on Dec. 9.
Zelensky also thanked Trump and European leaders with whom Ukraine "is already working together to find the right and strong solutions for real peace."
Orban responded to Zelensky's criticisms, claiming on X that Hungary had allegedly proposed "a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner exchange" to Zelensky, but that the Ukrainian president had ruled it out.
Hungary has retained warm diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow even after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, refusing to send military aid to Kyiv and vocally opposing EU sanctions on Russia, albeit eventually voting for every one of the packages.
Hungary's prime minister was the first EU leader to visit Putin in Moscow in July after taking the helm of the EU presidency despite Western attempts at isolating the Russian leader.
Presidential Advisor Daria Gerasymchuk held meetings with the Irish government on the return of deported children. The delegation presented the film “Stolen Childhood” and held a panel discussion on the reintegration of returned children.
A Ukrainian delegation headed by Daria Gerasymchuk, Advisor to the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation, visited Ireland to strengthen cooperation to return Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia. This was reported by the Office of the President of Ukraine, UNN reports.
Details
The visit was part of the Stolen Voices information campaign, which is part of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Bring Kids Back UA initiative.
Darya Gerasymchuk met with representatives of the Irish government, in particular with the Director of the European Neighborhood Division of the Political Department of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dervla Doyle, and the Director of the International and EU Affairs Division of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ronan Gargan.
Ukrainian children are witnesses to the crimes against humanity that Russia is trying to hide. Russians are kidnapping our children and trying to make them "Russian" by changing their names, identities and native language. We will not stop until every child returns home. We are grateful to Ireland for their support and willingness to join forces in this important cause
– emphasized the Presidential Advisor-Commissioner.
The Institute of International and European Affairs also hosted a panel discussion on the return of abducted Ukrainian children and the reintegration of those who were returned home.
Kira and Oleksandr, children who came with the Ukrainian delegation, spoke about their experiences. They are both from Mariupol. The girl's father was killed by the Russian occupiers, and the boy's mother disappeared after the filtration camp. The children were kidnapped and taken to a Donetsk hospital.
In addition, in Ireland, the Ukrainian delegation presented the documentary Stolen Childhood, about the real-life stories of children who were taken by Russia.
The visit was organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland in Ukraine with the support of the Embassy of Canada in Ireland.
Recall
From the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine 8 children aged 6 to 16 years were returned. Seven children returned with the help of Qatar, and one returned through the humanitarian corridor.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen believes that Donald Trump's future administration will not change the US$20 billion loan granted to Ukraine, which will be paid at the expense of the proceeds from frozen Russian assets, and that the loan does not involve the use of American taxpayer funds.
Source: Yellen in an interview with Bloomberg TV, as reported by European Pravda
Quote: "These loans will be paid off over time by the extraordinary windfall revenues that are being earned in Europe at Euroclear on the Russian assets that are being frozen there."
As a result, she believes that in this way Russia is literally assisting Ukraine in its military efforts.
"So I feel confident that this [loan – ed.] is something that can stay in place," Yellen added.
"And what we’re really trying to do is to strengthen Ukraine’s situation, its ability to defend itself, and, hopefully, at some point to come to the table to bargain with Russia for a just peace," she said.
Background:
On 10 December, the US Department of the Treasury announced the allocation of US$20 billion for Ukraine as part of the G7 initiative to utilise frozen Russian assets.
This is part of the G7 plan to provide Ukraine with €50 billion using Russian assets. The funds will formally be provided as loans but will be repaid through a tax on excess profits derived from frozen Russian assets.
Khalil Haqqani, an influential minister in the Taliban government, was killed in an explosion in Kabul. The Islamic State was behind the attack, and the United States offered $5 million for information about Haqqani.
Taliban government minister Khalil Haqqani was killed in an explosion in Kabul. The explosion took place on the territory of the ministry and killed several people.
This was reported by UNN with reference to Radio Liberty.
A Taliban spokesman later said that the Islamic State extremist group was behind the attack. Haqqani became the first senior member of the Taliban government to be killed in an explosion since seizing power in Afghanistan in August 2021.
What is known about Haqqani?
He had a reputation as one of the most influential and well-known figures in the Taliban leadership. In 2011, the United States designated Khalil Haqqani a global terrorist and announced a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
IDF eliminates Hezbollah's intelligence chief in SyriaNov 5 2024, 04:35 AM • 30900 views
Haqqani was known for his involvement in numerous terrorist attacks and cooperation with other radical groups. His death could have serious consequences for the Taliban's internal policy and the fight against terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
Note
Under the Taliban's rule, Afghanistan is experiencing difficulties in many areas. Since their return to power in 2021, the country has faced an acute humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by severe restrictions on women's rights and freedom of speech.
“The Taliban prohibits women from working in most fields, restricts their right to education, and is actively involved in repressions against activists and journalists. In addition, the country continues to be an important center for terrorist groups.
Israel destroys Hamas' secret command center in GazaOct 26 2024, 11:18 PM • 19942 views
The year 2024 proved to be another landmark for books about Ukraine and Ukrainian literature in translation, with a continued trend in publishing in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Unsurprisingly, Russia’s ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine was the most common topic among these works.
Whether through incisive on-the-ground reportage that captures the suffering and fortitude of the Ukrainian people or through reflections on the historical forces that shaped the present moment, Ukraine-related publications in 2024 offered a rich and multifaceted portrait of the country. Read together, these works of prose and poetry invite English-language readers to engage with the story of the Ukrainian people in all its depth, complexity, and urgency.
The Kyiv Independent has curated a selection of the 10 most compelling books on Ukraine from 2024. This list serves as a guide rather than a definitive ranking, offering readers a foundation to engage with the year's literary highlights while anticipating the Ukraine-related publications slated for 2025.
“The Ukraine” by Artem Chapeye Translated by Zenia Tompkins
A mix of fiction and creative nonfiction, the collective stories in Ukrainian author Artem Chapeye's "The Ukraine" deliver a colorful mosaic of contemporary Ukrainian life leading to the full-scale war. The title itself is a provocative rebuke of the common foreign misstep of referring to the country as “the Ukraine,” a phrasing that implies it is a borderland of Russia. Instead, Chapeye invites readers to discover the real Ukraine — his Ukraine. A perfect blend of humor and heartbreak, the collection portrays the everyday struggles of ordinary Ukrainians while also laying bare the historical and political divides that shape their world. Whether it’s the story of an elderly pensioner trying to sell vegetables on the street getting harassed by corrupt police or a western Ukrainian traveling to the east only to realize the country is not as divided as one would have them believe, each story unfolds as a microcosm of the Ukrainian people’s broader societal tensions and aspirations.
The characters in Chapeye’s stories are fully realized individuals that command a sense of dignity amid political uncertainty and systemic neglect. It offers a rare glimpse into the lives and dreams of those striving to reconcile a fractured past with an uncertain future, making it as timely as it is timeless.
“Forgottenness” by Tanja Maljartschuk Translated by Zenia Tompkins
The unnamed narrator of Ukrainian author Tanja Maljartschuk’s novel “Forgottenness,” grappling with an agoraphobic episode, becomes consumed by the past, reading old newspapers in search of understanding time's relentless passage. Her journey leads her to Viacheslav Lypynskyi, a forgotten figure in Ukrainian history whose life she believes intersects with her own in unexpected ways. As she uncovers his role in Ukraine’s centuries-long fight for independence, the narrator begins to confront the intergenerational trauma that weighs upon her family's history, particularly the horrors of the Holodomor and Soviet repression.
The novel explores themes of national identity, memory, and the struggle to preserve one’s voice against the overwhelming forces of time. Through vivid storytelling and historical depth, “Forgottenness” asks: Can one truly escape the past, or is it destined to consume us all?
Drawing on firsthand accounts from Ukrainian officials, soldiers, and civilians, Ukraine-born journalist Yaroslav Trofimov of the Wall Street Journal delivers a gripping chronicle of the full-scale war in “Our Enemies Will Vanish.”
From Russia’s unyielding refusal to negotiate to the world’s hesitation over Moscow’s so-called "red lines," the latter of which has consistently delayed critical military aid, Trofimov captures the extraordinary resolve of the Ukrainian people facing the threat of annihilation. With journalistic precision and deep empathy, Trofimov also documents some of the war’s darkest chapters, including the horrific mass executions uncovered in Bucha following Kyiv Oblast’s liberation and the bloody clashes in Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast.
Beyond the enduring scars of documented Russian crimes, Trofimov highlights pivotal victories for Ukrainian forces, such as the liberation of southern Kherson and eastern Kharkiv oblasts. Trofimov’s masterful reporting is a testament to the power and importance of fearless, on-the-ground journalism.
“The Language of War” by Oleksandr Mykhed Translated by Hanna Leliv
In “The Language of War,” Ukrainian author and soldier Oleksandr Mykhed delivers a searing account of the first year of Russia's full-scale invasion, blending personal reflections with reportages. With raw intensity and poetic precision, Mykhed examines how the war has not only upended Ukrainian lives but also reshaped the very fabric of language, compelling Ukrainians to forge new expressions for navigating unimaginable grief, loss, and anger.
From recounting his parents' ordeal in Russian-occupied Bucha to reflecting on the generational trauma that conflict imprints, Mykhed crafts a profound and sobering narrative of war’s emotional toll. Deeply rooted in the centuries-long history of Russian aggression against Ukraine, “The Language of War” also captures the enduring weight of the past, along with Mykhed’s stark awareness that this terror may resurface within his lifetime.
“Ukraine, War, Love: A Donetsk Diary” by Olena Stiazhkina Translated by Annie Fisher
Harvard’s Ukrainian Research Institute also published Ukrainian author Olena Stiazhkina’s novel “Cecil the Lion Had to Die” in 2024, but her diary chronicling the fall of Donetsk stands out as a deeply personal and vital testimony, shedding light on the roots of the current war from a local perspective.
Stiazhkina masterfully dismantles the Russian propaganda myth of a "people’s uprising against Kyiv," offering striking examples of how infiltrating Russians failed to convincingly pose as locals. Their unfamiliarity with the regional variations of spoken Russian in Donetsk compared to Russia exposed them as outsiders, as did their lack of knowledge about the city’s layout. The fall of Donetsk, Stiazhkina reveals, was not a sudden event but a creeping catastrophe, something many realized only when it was too late. Adding to this heartbreak was the betrayal of seeing former friends and neighbors align themselves with the enemy, deepening the wounds of occupation. Simultaneously, Stiazhkina's testimony is laced with dark humor — a hallmark of her writing and a shared sensibility among many Ukrainians who have endured over a decade of Russian aggression.
Scottish journalist Jen Stout delivers a timely and necessary account of her experience covering the war in Ukraine. Her journey begins in Moscow before the full-scale invasion and takes readers from her reporting on Ukrainian refugees in Romania to the front lines in Donetsk.
At its core, the book is a powerful tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who, despite relentless Russian bombardments, continue to find ways to survive — and even to thrive. Stout also delves into the cultural shifts in cities like Odesa and Kharkiv, the emotional toll of journalists reporting from war zones, and the extraordinary contributions of Ukraine's cultural community in the face of crisis. With remarkable empathy and insight, she paints a portrait of Ukrainian society where unlikely alliances emerge — such as between the LGBTQ+ community and football ultras — driven by a shared fight for survival against Russian aggression.
“Night Train to Odesa” is an eye-opening, deeply human exploration of the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.
“The God of Freedom” by Yuliya Musakovska Translated by Olena Jennings and the author
Poetry is one of the cornerstones of Ukrainian literature, with works about war holding particular weight and significance. In her collection “The God of Freedom,” Ukrainian author Yuliya Musakova delivers a powerful, haunting portrayal of life during wartime, where personal and collective struggles are inextricably linked. With vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poems navigate love, survival, and resilience against the relentless backdrop of war’s destruction. Musakova’s verses do not shy away from the harsh reality that spurred them; they boldly confront the wounds inflicted by war while capturing the quiet heroism of healing.
This collection is both a mournful reflection and a resilient testament — its voice rises from the chaos, grounded in the unwavering belief that hope can endure.
“Chernobyl Roulette” by Serhiy Plokhy
The site of one of the most catastrophic disasters of the 20th century, Chornobyl (Ukrainian historian Serhiy Plokhy distinguishes in the book between “Chornobyl” for the abandoned city and “Chernobyl” for the site of the nuclear disaster of 1986) once again made international headlines when the iconic nuclear power plant fell under Russian occupation at the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
Plokhy, widely regarded as the leading Ukrainian historian of our time, chronicles the harrowing events that unfolded as Russian forces advanced into Ukraine from Belarus. The nearly 300 personnel stationed at the plant — comprising firefighters, operators, and members of the National Guard — were taken hostage, forced to navigate a perilous new reality under the control of occupying forces. Compounding the danger, Russian troops dug trenches within the radioactive exclusion zone, seemingly oblivious to the grave health and environmental risks. Plokhy describes the temporary occupation of Chornobyl as an act of nuclear blackmail, serving as "a warning for the future” in a conflict-ridden world.
“Intent to Destroy” by Eugene Finkel
Ukraine-born historian Eugene Finkel's "Intent to Destroy" offers a compelling and nuanced examination of Russia’s war against Ukraine, tracing its origins beyond the full-scale invasion of 2022. The title itself is a reference to the definition of genocide, a topic which Finkel specializes in as a historian. The historian paints a chilling picture of the ongoing atrocities committed by Russian forces — murders of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, forced relocations of thousands of children, destruction of cultural heritage, and torture under occupation — all of which are part of a centuries-long campaign by Russia to subjugate Ukraine. The turning point in Ukraine’s history, marked by its push for a democratic future during the 2014 Euromaidan Revolution, posed an existential threat to Russia. Yet, despite the dire threats of annihilation it imposed upon Ukraine thereafter, Ukrainians have stood firm in their fight for independence. Finkel’s work underscores the profound stakes of this ongoing struggle, reminding readers of the human cost and the broader geopolitical implications of the war.
“My Women” by Yulia Iliukha Translated by Hanna Leliv
A series of poetic vignettes narrated by Ukrainian women who have endured the ravages of Russia’s war, Iliukha’s “My Women” is a testament to the scars inflicted upon Ukrainian society.
One woman, a lifelong speaker of Russian and lover of Russian culture, finds herself buried under rubble from a Russian attack — it is presented as a cruelly ironic fate that silences her without regard for her love of Russian authors like Alexander Pushkin or Mikhail Lermontov. Another woman scours a mass grave for her husband’s distinguishing features, finding him at last when she recognizes the haunting smile of his wolf tattoo. A third woman, concealing the abyss of grief within herself, dons red lipstick as a fragile armor of beauty, only to face the whispers of neighbors who brand her shameless while her husband remains missing.
Simple yet brutal, these vignettes capture the fragility of wartime day-to-day existence. Iliukha masterfully conveys through spare yet evocative prose an unflinching glimpse into lives forever altered by the war.
Hi, this is Kate Tsurkan, thanks for reading this article. There is an ever-increasing amount of books about Ukraine available to English-language readers, and I hope my recommendations prove useful when it comes to your next trip to the bookstore. Ukrainian culture has taken on an even more important meaning during wartime, so if you like reading about this sort of thing, please consider supporting The Kyiv Independent.
The head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation reported UAV attacks on several regions of Russia and Crimea. Explosions were heard in Sevastopol, which was confirmed by the city's Russian-appointed “governor.
Several regions of Russia and occupied Crimea are under attack. This was stated by the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Andriy Kovalenko, UNN reports.
"Russia is under attack by UAVs. Several regions at once. There are also strikes on Crimea," Kovalenko said.
Add
The information about the shelling of occupied Sevastopol was confirmed by the Russian-appointed "governor" of the annexed region, Mikhail Razvozhayev. Explosions were heard in the city, according to local public media.
De Bruyne has been regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, though he has been impacted by injuries in recent seasons.
The 33-year-old will be difficult to replace, but Wirtz has been mooted as a potential successor as he has sparkled for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
READ: Pep Guardiola’s latest Manchester City loyalty pledge sparks fresh concerns as dour endgame awaits
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the best young footballers in the world. This season, he has ten goals and five assists in his 23 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.
A report in Spain claims Bayer Leverkusen have ‘set an incredible asking price’ as they want 130 million euros amid interest from Man City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Wirtz is deemed the ‘big favourite’ to replace De Bruyne, who has ‘received some very attractive offers’ from the Saudi Pro League.
Head coach Guardiola is said to be ‘insisting on signing Wirtz’ and has ‘agreed to include two players’ in a cash-plus-player deal as Oscar Bobb and James McAtee could leave.
Man City reportedly ‘hope to get a head start on the auction and convince Wirtz as they have already started talks.
They are also trying to ‘land the player at a lower cost’ and ‘intend to include in the deal two players who have a clearly secondary role for Guardiola, and who are therefore completely dispensable’.
Regarding Man City’s intended ‘offer’ for Wirtz, the report adds.
‘This is the case of Oscar Bobb and James McAtee, who are two of the great talents that have come through the lower categories.
‘The incredible competition in the offensive area has caused them to be left without the opportunity to get minutes, and in Manchester they are willing to do without them to bring in Wirtz.
‘By including Bobb and McAtee in the deal for Wirtz, City hope Leverkusen will agree to a significant discount, lowering their demands from £130m to £80m. It could be one of the first bombshells of 2025.’
Famous Ukrainian Olympic athletes took part in a joint photo shoot with the military to create the calendar. The project involved 14 athletes, including Olga Harlan and Zhan Beleniuk.
A photo shoot of the Olympic champions and medalists of the 2024 Olympic Games together with Ukrainian defenders for the calendar took place, UNN writes with reference to the NOC of Ukraine and the Olympic team.
We took part in a photo shoot:
Ukrainian fencers Olga Harlan, Yulia Bakastova, Olena Kravatska, and Alina Komashchuk;
High jumpers Yaroslava Maguchikh, Iryna Gerashchenko, and shooter Serhiy Kulish;
The Kyiv IndependentOleksiy Sorokin
