The United States has deployed a significant number of special purpose aircraft, troops, and equipment to the Caribbean. This provides Washington with additional capabilities for potential military action in Venezuela.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged her office staff to get some good rest during the Christmas holidays, as next year will be tough. She noted that the past year was difficult, and the next one will be even worse.
Russia "strongly condemns" the US seizure of tankers off the coast of Venezuela and the imposed naval blockade. Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya called the US actions an act of aggression that could become a template for future forceful actions against Latin American states.
The US wants to reach a final agreement on ending Russia's war against Ukraine, President Zelenskyy said. Kyiv is in constant contact with the US and expects further cooperation, working on realistic documents.
The countries of the "Alliance of Sahel States" are preparing for large-scale military operations, having created a joint battalion of 5,000 personnel. The junta leaders emphasize sovereignty and a break with former Western partners, choosing Russia as their main security ally.
The US and Iran exchanged remarks at the UN Security Council regarding the resumption of nuclear talks. Washington is ready for direct negotiations, but Tehran rejects conditions related to uranium enrichment.
President Zelenskyy stated that new direct support programs for Ukrainian citizens will be implemented in 2026. Almost 18 million Ukrainians have applied for this year's winter support.
The Ministry of Defense has identified the comprehensive renovation of the military rehabilitation system as a priority area of work, which requires about UAH 8 billion. Next year, the state budget will allocate over UAH 700 million for the development of the network of military hospitals, and the NATO project "RENOVATOR" has already accumulated 80 million euros.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense denied the government's intentions to restore civilian settlements in the Gaza Strip, stating that the military presence would be purely for security purposes. This position contradicts the "Trump Plan" for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave.
Donald Trump has officially invited the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the G20 summit in Miami. This decision is driven by the strategic interests of the United States in strengthening ties and diversifying supply chains of critical minerals.
Former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Eli Feldstein stated that after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Benjamin Netanyahu sought ways to avoid responsibility. According to Feldstein, Netanyahu instructed him to develop a strategy to neutralize media criticism regarding security failures.
The Italian government has made adjustments to the performance of the national anthem, removing the traditional word "Sì!" from it at the end. The changes concern the final part of the anthem "Brothers of Italy", which ended with the phrase "We are ready to die, we are ready to die, Italy calls! Yes!".
Journalist Mykhailo Tkach refuted Ihor Kolomoisky's statement that Timur Mindich is his neighbor in Israel. This also confirms the falsity of Kolomoisky's previous statement about an assassination attempt on Mindich.
The CEC has resumed the work of the State Register of Voters, which is a basic condition for holding elections. This will allow updating the register taking into account demographic changes during the war, Arakhamia said.
In Germany, representatives of centrist parties accused the right-wing Alternative for Germany party of collecting data that is of interest to Russian special services.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They discussed the decision on 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine for 2026-2027, adopted on December 19.
In 2025, assets dependent on the end of the war showed rapid growth, but investors are acting cautiously due to risks to the Ukrainian economy. US activation in the peace process and a loan from the EU stimulated optimism, but large funds remain skeptical about the terms of the agreement.
On December 19, the European Union approved €90 billion in funding for Ukraine, which the country will repay after receiving reparations from Russia. Journalists found out how this process took place.
Ihor Zelinsky, who is being lobbied for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, blocked the operation of the Ministry of Defense's Il-76MD military transport aircraft. This decision made it impossible to use critically important aviation equipment for the logistical needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the war.
The Finnish Ministry of Interior has announced stricter criteria for obtaining a permanent residence permit, which will come into force on January 8, 2026. The changes include extending the period of residence to six years, mandatory proficiency in the state language, and stable employment history.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul believes that Russia could use a ceasefire in Ukraine to prepare for an attack on NATO. He emphasizes the need for reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, especially from the United States, in the event of territorial concessions.
Former Head of the State Judicial Administration Oleksiy Salnikov stated that NABU fabricated criminal cases to seize control over the State Judicial Administration. He claims that a provocateur with Russian citizenship, who is on an international wanted list, was used for this purpose.
The Cabinet of Ministers has allowed electricity distribution system operators to lease state-owned energy equipment without auctions. The monthly rent will be 1 hryvnia for each object, and the decision applies for the period of martial law and six months after its completion.
In 2025, the trend towards nationalization sharply intensified in Russia, with the authorities actively seizing private companies and subsequently reselling them to Kremlin-loyal investors. The total value of assets transferred to state ownership exceeded 3 trillion rubles, which is 4.5 times more than in 2024.
Rating agency Fitch upgraded Ukraine's long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to "CCC" from "restricted default. " This reflects the normalization of relations with commercial creditors and the restructuring of 94% of commercial external debt.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appealed to the NEURC regarding the postponement of planned changes in water tariffs. The government believes that water tariffs should remain unchanged throughout the war.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a package of decisions to strengthen the country's defense industry at the submission of the Ministry of Defense. A new experimental project is being launched for the Motor Sich enterprise, accelerating the design of new facilities and providing them with water, gas, heat, and electricity through a simplified procedure.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Russia's economy allows it to produce weapons and hire mercenaries, which enables the Kremlin to continue the war. He emphasized that Putin and his elites do not see Russia's future without Ukraine.
Ukraine ranked 40th among 195 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index 2025, moving up 14 positions. The country surpassed the US and Great Britain in some criteria, particularly in the digitalization of public services.
President Zelenskyy received a detailed report from Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov following meetings with the American team in Miami. Draft documents have been prepared regarding security guarantees, reconstruction, and a basic framework for ending the war.
