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.
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.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Russia is using Oreshnik missiles against Ukraine, particularly Lviv, to intimidate and deter support. He emphasized that NATO will not succumb to intimidation, and Ukraine's security is the Alliance's security.
The UN Security Council will convene on January 12 due to massive shelling of Ukraine with 'Oreshnik' missiles. Kyiv expects effective mechanisms to influence the aggressor.
A doctor and a paramedic from Iran told the BBC about overcrowded hospitals with victims of the protests. An ophthalmological hospital in Tehran has switched to crisis mode, and another hospital lacks surgeons.
The UN Security Council will convene on January 12 at Ukraine's request following massive Russian airstrikes and the use of the Oreshnik missile. Russia used the Oreshnik hypersonic missile on January 8-9 in western Ukraine, claiming it was a response to a "terrorist attack" against Putin's residence.
Following Ukraine, Latvia will initiate a UN Security Council meeting due to intensified Russian shelling near EU and NATO borders and Russia's use of the "Oreshnik" missile.
The SBU has located fragments of the Russian ballistic missile "Oreshnik," which the enemy used to strike the Lviv region on January 8-9, 2026. Among the found parts are a stabilization and guidance unit, engine components, fragments of the orientation mechanism, and nozzles.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's use of the 'Oreshnik' missile is an escalation against Ukraine and a warning to Europe and the US.
Ukraine initiates an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council and the Ukraine-NATO Council after Russia's statements about the use of the "Oreshnik" missile in the Lviv region. This strike near the borders of the EU and NATO poses a serious security threat.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the US military operation in Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro was arrested. Venezuela condemned the US actions as an illegal armed attack, while the US called it a law enforcement operation.
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.
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 meeting between the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, began with lunch at the latter's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. A peace plan, 90% of which has already been agreed upon, is being discussed at the meeting.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing sanctions with Great Britain against 8 individuals and 40 legal entities involved in the deportation of children and the supply of components for Russian weapons. Ukraine also imposed sanctions against 8 military leaders of South Sudan in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
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 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.
In Washington, the idea of creating a new Core 5 group (USA, China, India, Japan, and Russia) was discussed, which would bring traditional adversaries closer together. The White House categorically denies the existence of a document about Core 5, but experts consider it expedient for the current administration.
EU Permanent Representative Stavros Lambrinidis stated that Russia is escalating its attacks on Ukraine, destroying infrastructure and targeting civilians. He emphasized that the aggressor shows no desire for peace, and the EU will continue its diplomatic efforts.
Ukraine has returned 1,892 children abducted by Russia, intensifying diplomatic and legal pressure. The Ministry of Justice is processing over 20,000 reports of deportation, of which 9,221 have been verified.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. This strengthens international pressure mechanisms and creates a political mandate for further action; Ukraine has returned 1,892 children, and over 20,000 reports of deportation are being processed.
The UN Security Council will hold a new open meeting on Ukraine on December 9 at 10:00 local time. The initiative was supported by Denmark, France, Great Britain, Greece, and South Korea at the request of Slovenia, which chairs the Security Council.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Najat Shamim Khan stated that the investigation into Russian crimes cannot be stopped by peace talks but can be postponed by the UN Security Council. She added that efforts to establish justice must go hand in hand with peace efforts.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared the "irreversibility" of expanding negotiations with Israel to end the violence, while Hezbollah publicly criticized the move as a political mistake.
Former Syrian intelligence chief Kamal Hassan and billionaire Rami Makhlouf, who are in exile in Moscow, are spending millions of dollars to create rival combat forces. They are competing for control over a network of 14 underground command rooms and weapons caches.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that China would support a "winter" moratorium on strikes against critical infrastructure. This concerns Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry believes that using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine would not contribute to peace negotiations. Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions that violate international law.
French President Emmanuel Macron will make a three-day state visit to China this week to persuade Xi Jinping to influence the Kremlin to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. Paris also expects China to step up efforts to influence Russia and review trade imbalances with the EU.
The indictment against the former Minister of Internal Affairs during Yanukovych's time, who is hiding in Russia, has been sent to court. He is accused of treason and justifying Russian aggression, which included proposals to surrender territories and spread pro-Russian narratives.
