In 2025, the number of initial asylum applications in Germany decreased by 51% compared to 2024, reaching 113,236 applications. This is explained by increased border controls, the suspension of family reunification, and a change of regime in Syria, as well as a 20% increase in deportations.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally observed the test of a new hypersonic missile on January 4. He emphasized the need to improve offensive weapons and nuclear deterrence.
At least 25 people have died after a passenger boat capsized on the Yobe River in Nigeria. Of the 52 passengers, 13 have been rescued and 14 are missing.
A meeting in Damascus between representatives of the interim Syrian government and the SDF leadership regarding the unification of Kurdish formations with the national army did not yield tangible results. The parties did not reach an agreement on the format of integration but agreed to continue consultations.
A fan died at Elland Road stadium before the Leeds vs Manchester United match on January 4. Medics were unable to save the man, despite emergency assistance.
Vilnius Airport's operations were hampered by abnormal snowfalls on January 4, leading to flight delays. This was due to the thickest snow cover in 15 years and the need for additional runway clearing.
High-ranking Venezuelan officials declare unity and support for Nicolás Maduro after his capture by a US special unit. Maduro is being held in a New York detention center on charges of drug trafficking.
On January 4, 2026, during the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV called for solidarity with peoples suffering from wars. The Pontiff expressed concern about the situation in Venezuela, emphasizing the priority of the people's well-being and calling for a return to the rule of law.
Finnish police are investigating damage to a telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Tallinn. The cargo ship Fitburg, en route from St. Petersburg, dragged its anchor along the seabed, severing the communication line.
Greek airspace was blocked for several hours due to an unprecedented aviation radio frequency failure. The incident caused lengthy delays for thousands of passengers in the middle of the holiday season.
Tensions in Venezuela and Donald Trump's statements regarding Iran have provoked expectations of rising oil prices. Venezuelan oil exports have almost stopped due to the US embargo, which led to a reduction in PDVSA's production.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen criticized the Trump administration for renewing claims on Greenland, stating that the US has no right to annex territories of the Kingdom of Denmark.
On December 4, 154 combat engagements took place on the front, the Russian army carried out over 3,000 shellings and used 4,663 kamikaze drones. The highest intensity of fighting is concentrated in the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions, where 47 and 53 attacks were repelled, respectively.
The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has published clarifications regarding the procedure for planning employee vacations for 2026. The vacation schedule is mandatory for all employers, including individual entrepreneurs, and must be agreed upon with the trade union.
On the night of January 4, 2026, Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine with 52 attack drones. The Defense Forces shot down or suppressed 39 enemy targets, including about 40 "Shaheds."
Over the past day, the enemy engaged in 211 combat clashes and used over 4,800 kamikaze drones for attacks. More than 2,700 shellings of Ukrainian troop positions and peaceful cities were recorded.
Fraudsters in Ukraine have invented a new way to extort personal data from users under the guise of parcels that allegedly got lost at the post office.
The death toll in Gaza has risen to 71,384 as of January 4, 2026, with 171,251 injured. Since the ceasefire agreement came into effect, 418 people have been killed and another 1,171 injured.
Ukrainian footballer Roman Yaremchuk won the Greek Super Cup with Greek club Olympiacos. This trophy is Yaremchuk's third during his time with the club.
The Ukrainian partisan movement ATESH recorded emergency measures to increase security at the facilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Novorossiysk. The command of the occupation forces switched to an intensified camouflage regime for logistics centers after a series of successful strikes by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The US has lifted restrictions on flights in Caribbean airspace, imposed after overnight strikes on Venezuela. Airlines have already begun to resume flights, but full stabilization is expected in a few days.
Over the past day, the Defense Forces of Ukraine eliminated 900 occupiers. The total enemy losses as of the morning of January 4, 2026, amount to over 1.2 million people.
Myanmar's military government has pardoned 6,134 prisoners, including 52 foreigners, on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of independence. This happened amid preparations for the 2026 elections and ongoing armed confrontation.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that the Russian capital was attacked by more than two dozen drones late on Saturday evening. The capital's airports temporarily suspended operations.
On January 4, Ukraine is expected to experience a deterioration in weather conditions due to an atmospheric front, which will bring wet snow, rain, and black ice. Air temperatures will range from 5-10°C below zero in the North to 1-6°C above zero in the South.
Venezuelan President Maduro, captured during a military operation, has arrived at a detention center in Brooklyn. He is accused of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and illegal possession of weapons.
Grok, integrated into X, generates sexualized images of real people, including minors. xAI denies the accusations, and Elon Musk responds with a laughing-crying emoji.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called on security forces to brutally suppress protests, calling the demonstrators "rioters. " According to human rights activists, the death toll has risen to 15 people.
K-pop group BTS will return to the stage as a full group on March 20, 2026. This will happen after an almost four-year hiatus, during which all members completed their military service.
Former world champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK after a car crash in Nigeria that killed his trainer Sina Gami and personal coach Latif Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries, and the driver has been charged.
