The official Russian and Persian language accounts of the US State Department called President Trump a "man of action" after the special operation in Venezuela. They warned against playing games with him, emphasizing his determination.
Russia at the UN condemned US actions against Venezuela, calling them an act of international aggression. Russia calls for the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, detained during Operation "Absolute Resolve" in Caracas.
US President's Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will participate in a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" in France on January 6, where security guarantees for Ukraine will be discussed. This information was confirmed by Axios journalist Barak Ravid.
Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko believes that the personnel changes initiated by President Zelenskyy are aimed at renewing power, strengthening the defense sector, and demonstrating his key role. The appointments of Budanov and Fedorov are aimed at forming a new defense strategy and technologizing production.
An ex-MP, suspected of stock market manipulation and legalizing over UAH 20 million, has been detained in Germany. He was declared internationally wanted in October 2024 after a preventive measure was chosen.
The Odesa TCR denied information about a man being injured in Ovidiopol, calling it fabricated. No events described in social networks were recorded on the territory of the Odesa district TCR.
The head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, appeared in public for the first time since late December – with a cane.
An earthquake was recorded near Sochi at about 13:00 Moscow time. There were no casualties or damage to infrastructure.
A large-scale power outage in the southwestern part of Berlin left 45,000 households and more than 2,000 commercial facilities without electricity. The cause of the outage was the arson of vital power lines by the left-wing extremist group "Vulkangruppe."
As a result of the Russian shelling of Kharkiv, the death toll has risen to five. Another body fragment was found at the search and rescue operation site.
In Kyiv on January 4, 2026, a device exploded while opening a car trunk, injuring a serviceman. The prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the terrorist act.
In Korenovsk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, on December 26, 2025, at about 07:40, an explosion occurred at the entrance to the deployment site of the 47th Missile Brigade. As a result of a mine-explosive strike, a military Kamaz truck carrying personnel caught fire, and there were losses among the occupiers.
A US operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians. US military aircraft struck radar and air defense batteries, and helicopters with special forces came under fire.
According to the results of 2025, Russia's foreign trade continued to degrade due to falling world energy prices and oil production quotas. The share of fuel and energy goods in exports decreased to 54.9%, and imports of investment goods decreased by 8.7%.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys recalled that Nicolás Maduro's regime supported Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Lithuania did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against 95 individuals and 70 legal entities, most of whom are citizens and residents of the Russian Federation. The restrictions apply to individuals and companies that produce communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, and microelectronics for the Russian military-industrial complex.
An SUV exploded in the Obolon district of the capital, resulting in injuries. Law enforcement, cynologists, and explosives experts are working at the scene.
Protests against President Donald Trump's military operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro took place in the United States. In major cities such as Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, crowds of up to 100 people marched, chanting anti-war slogans.
He is being prepared for a notice of suspicion for violating safety rules, which led to serious consequences.
On January 3, Russian troops killed one person in Sloviansk and wounded another in Donetsk region. The total number of victims of Russian aggression in the region reached 3865 dead and 8747 wounded.
Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha supported the Ukrainian ambassador after criticism from the Czech Foreign Ministry, calling the diplomat's actions professional and justified. Sybiha emphasized that the ambassador's reaction was a response to unacceptable attacks against Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a change in the format of the Ministry of Defense's work, proposing Mykhailo Fedorov to head it. Denys Shmyhal remains in the team; he has been offered another important area of state work.
People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak announced the probable replacement of the head of the SBU, noting that Vasyl Malyuk may be offered another vacant position. According to him, this decision looks strange, and the potential candidate for replacement has not yet been confirmed.
The finale of "Stranger Things" grossed over $25 million, and possibly even $30 million, in cash from cinemas for screenings on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Of this amount, $15 million was earned by the No. 1 cinema chain, AMC Theaters, from an attendance of 753,000 people.
The body of an unidentified woman was found near the Syrets River in the Shevchenkivskyi district of the capital. No signs of violent death were found, and a criminal investigation has been launched.
The U. S. Department of State has updated its recommendations for citizens planning to travel to Russia, urging them to prepare wills and funeral wishes. This is due to the danger of the ongoing war, the risk of persecution, and the limited ability of the U.S. government to provide assistance.
Ukraine handed over lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war and missing persons to the Chief Ombudsman of Turkey, Mehmet Akarca. This was done for verification and repatriation, including the seriously ill and civilians.
Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov will head the Presidential Office to strengthen defense and contacts with the United States. This appointment moves one of Ukraine's most prominent generals into a political role.
A new quarter of the "Veteran Sports" program has started in Ukraine, providing veterans with UAH 1,500 to pay for gyms. Applications are accepted until January 20, said Mykhailo Fedorov.
Oleh Ivashchenko, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, will lead the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. This will happen after Kyrylo Budanov accepts the President's offer to head the Presidential Office, according to MP Zhelezniak.
