In 2025, 2,514 civilians were killed and 12,142 injured in Ukraine, a 31% increase compared to 2024. Most casualties were recorded in government-controlled territory, especially in frontline areas.
The violation of state sovereignty and norms of international law, initiated by the annexation of Crimea in 2014, is becoming a dangerous global trend. International institutions, particularly the UN, are losing their ability to effectively prevent conflicts.
Iran has declared three days of mourning for security forces killed during two weeks of unrest. Human rights activists report over 500 civilian deaths and 10,000 arrests.
Sudan's military government has returned to the capital Khartoum after three years of war. Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced the start of work of the "government of hope" to restore basic services.
Finland officially withdrew from the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines on January 10, following similar steps by other countries. This decision allows Finland to once again use anti-personnel mines in its military arsenal.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has called on Europe to create its own army and integrate its defense industry. This would allow the continent to act independently of third countries, strengthening security and condemning Russian aggression.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the damage to its embassy building in Kyiv as a result of shelling, without mentioning Russia. Diplomats and staff were not injured.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed regret over the US decision to withdraw from dozens of UN organizations. Most of the 31 organizations are funded from the regular budget, and the UN has not yet received official notifications from Washington.
The StopOdrex website has become a public space for documenting the stories of people who consider themselves or their relatives to have been harmed by treatment at the private Odesa clinic Odrex. It stores stories that, according to the authors, disappeared from other review platforms. During its existence, the StopOdrex website has already been twice targeted for blocking by companies associated with the clinic. Activists are convinced: it is these stories that are annoying the Odrex clinic.
Military expert Oleh Zhdanov explained that a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is only possible with the consent of both sides of the conflict. He emphasized that without clear mandates and a willingness to use force, peacekeepers will not be truly effective.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. Cyprus will make Ukraine a central priority of its presidency of the EU Council.
The Nordic countries stated that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland should only be resolved by Denmark and Greenland. This is in response to Trump's proposal to transfer the island to US control.
China reaffirmed its consistent position on the war in Ukraine, emphasizing respect for state sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China advocates for peace and dialogue, promoting a political settlement of the crisis.
A number of European leaders have signed a statement warning the US that they "will not stop defending" Greenland's territorial integrity. The document states that the US is an "important partner" in Arctic security.
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.
For the first time, quotas for medical cannabis-based substances have been determined, and the needs of the opioid substitution therapy program and codeine export have been taken into account.
The US special operation in Caracas and the detention of Nicolás Maduro caused a resonant reaction from world leaders. The international community was divided in its assessment of the legality of Washington's actions, from full support to harsh condemnation.
On Monday, the UN Security Council will hold an urgent meeting over the US military operation in Venezuela. Colombia initiated the meeting, which was supported by Russia and China.
The Trump administration justifies the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the 1989 US invasion of Panama, citing a legal opinion on the president's authority to involve the FBI in arresting individuals, even if it violates international law. However, experts consider this a gross violation of the UN Charter.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas reacted to the events in Venezuela, where the government of Nicolas Maduro was overthrown. The EU calls for restraint, emphasizing adherence to international law and the protection of EU citizens.
Rain and snowfall caused widespread flooding in several regions of Afghanistan, killing 17 people and injuring 11. The disaster affected 1,800 families, damaging homes and infrastructure.
A UN team visited Al-Fashir in Sudan after its capture, confirming a catastrophic humanitarian situation and signs of mass killings. Hundreds of people remain in the city without access to water, medicine, and food.
Several European states have developed plans to ensure a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Between 10,000 and 15,000 servicemen from European countries could be deployed during the first six months.
The United Nations has approved a 7% budget cut to $3. 45 billion for 2026, which is $270 million less than the current budget. This decision is due to a financial crisis caused by US debt and involves cutting 2,900 positions.
The Danish postal service PostNord has stopped delivering letters due to a sharp decline in their use. The number of letters sent by mail in the country has decreased by more than 90 percent since 2000.
While searching for the "best candidate" for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba settled on Ihor Zelinskyi – a former deputy head of this body with a controversial legacy. Kuleba's relevant deputy commented on this choice and shifted all responsibility to the Cabinet of Ministers.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported the killing of seven civilians in Pokrovsk by Russian soldiers on the night of December 21. The occupiers shot a family in the basement after they were refused alcohol.
The Vetëvendosje party won 50. 8% of the votes in Kosovo's parliamentary elections, securing a third term for leader Albin Kurti. This is the party's fourth consecutive election victory.
Myanmar's pro-military party is leading in the first stage of elections held by the junta. Human rights advocates have warned that these votes will only solidify the military's power after the 2021 coup.
US President Donald Trump accused the UN of inaction on global conflicts, including the Russian-Ukrainian war. He emphasized that the US plays a key role in resolving conflicts, while the UN has failed to deal with the war between Russia and Ukraine.
