Russia's Christmas attack on Ukraine continued affecting Kharkiv's infrastructure, with 500,000 homes remaining without power. By afternoon, evidence emerged that Russian forces had accidentally shot down an Azerbaijan Airlines civilian aircraft in Kazakhstan, killing 38 passengers. Moscow's denials faced increasing scrutiny as U.S. intelligence confirmed anti-aircraft involvement.
In domestic politics, new Justice Minister Darmanin outlined prison reforms, proposing smaller facilities and extending detention periods for sexual violence cases to 72 hours. Prime Minister Bayrou announced his first official visit to cyclone-hit Mayotte, scheduled for Sunday with ministers Borne and Valls.
Intelligence reports revealed North Korean military presence in Ukraine, with approximately 11,000 soldiers deployed near Kursk, marking an escalation in foreign involvement in the conflict.
