Donald Trump proposed creating a "Peace Council" to replace the "ineffective" UN, inviting Putin to join it. This initiative is meeting with resistance from allies and disputes over its powers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the head of the ICRC Mission over a statement that equated the responsibility of Ukraine and Russia for human suffering. Representatives of the ICRC acknowledged the inappropriateness of such comparisons.
Dmytro Lubinets received an appeal from the wife of Serhiy Kuznetsov, suspected of sabotaging Nord Stream, regarding the improper conditions of detention in a German pre-trial detention center. The Ukrainian is not given winter shoes, is not allowed to make phone calls, and is kept in isolation.
Donald Trump stated that he would impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagne to force Emmanuel Macron to join his "Peace Council" initiative. France intends to reject the invitation, and Trump also invited Vladimir Putin to the council.
French President Emmanuel Macron declined Donald Trump's invitation to the "Peace Council. " The reasons were differences in diplomatic vision and a $1 billion contribution.
Donald Trump allegedly approached Alexander Lukashenka with a proposal for Belarus to become one of the founders of the Peace Council. Lukashenka's office has already stated that Belarus is ready to participate in the activities of this organization.
China's population decreased by 3. 39 million in 2025, reaching 1.405 billion, while the birth rate fell to 7.92 million, an all-time low. The death rate rose to 11.31 million, the highest since 1968.
The Trump administration is developing a 'Peace Council' project as an alternative to the UN. Countries can obtain permanent membership for a one-time payment of $1 billion.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has protested against the composition of the executive council for governing the Gaza Strip, which was unveiled by the White House. Israel did not approve this composition, which contradicts its official policy.
French President Emmanuel Macron reacted to the US decision to impose tariffs on European countries over their stance on Greenland. He stressed that Europe would act together if these measures were confirmed.
Iran's leader Ali Khamenei called for a harsh crackdown on rioters, accusing the US of instigating the protests. Russia accused the US of interference and is helping Iran suppress the protests.
Russia's Ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that the US is using the situation in Iran to destabilize the country. He accused the US of interfering in internal affairs and called for an end to the escalation.
The UN Security Council asked Secretary-General Guterres to provide monthly reports on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. In response, Russia suggested the Council monitor the Caribbean, where the US is striking drug traffickers.
The US is initiating the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, which includes disarming Hamas, rebuilding the territory, and establishing a civilian administration under US supervision. Witkoff reported that a government of Palestinian experts would be formed in Gaza, whose activities would be overseen by a "Peace Council" led by Trump.
The Kremlin is increasing pressure on Russia's indigenous peoples, combining repression, control over international discourse, and disproportionate involvement in the war. In December 2025, 17 representatives of indigenous peoples who defended the rights of their communities were detained.
The US has accused Russia of a "dangerous and inexplicable escalation" of the war in Ukraine, citing the launch of the "Oreshnik" missile. This comes amid attempts by the Trump administration to push for peace talks.
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.
