In his New Year's address, Putin thanked Kim Jong Un for the participation of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine. He emphasized strengthening ties and further cooperation between the countries.
Celine Dion posted a festive video on Instagram, where she appeared as the Grinch. The artist combined humor with a vocal performance of an excerpt from her song "All By Myself," demonstrating optimism despite her illness.
British monarch Charles greeted the world for Christmas; he did not mention specific countries in his speech, but he included the Ukrainian carol "Shchedryk" in the video sequence.
The White House has released a photo card featuring US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The couple smiles and holds hands, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
Prince Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, appeared at the Christmas service in Sandringham without their father. Prince Andrew was absent due to his ties to convicted Jeffrey Epstein and the deprivation of military ranks and royal titles.
On the eve of Christmas, Iceland recorded its highest December temperature ever, reaching +19. 8°C in the town of Seyðisfjörður. This warming is attributed to tropical air masses and the peculiarities of the local landscape.
Mykola Leontovych's score of "Shchedryk" has been exhibited at New York's Carnegie Hall. This became possible after the facsimile was transferred to the Carnegie Hall archive.
The Kardashian family held their annual Christmas party in an intimate format, foregoing a lavish celebration. Khloé Kardashian explained that this was due to her mother Kris Jenner's recent 70th birthday.
A Christmas tree, adorned with a Firebird made in Ternopil, has been installed on Downing Street, near the office of the head of the British government. This ornament is a special product of Ukrainian craftsmen.
Pope Leo XIV delivered his Christmas message from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. In his address, he mentioned Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned Ukraine in her Christmas greetings. She expressed hope for a just and lasting peace, as well as for Ukraine's secure future in the EU.
Turkish authorities have detained 115 people suspected of involvement with the "Islamic State," who were planning attacks during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Istanbul police conducted searches at 124 locations, seizing weapons.
On New Year's Eve, a warming trend is expected in Ukraine with temperatures above zero during the day, but after the holidays, the weather will change sharply again. January will be variable with frequent waves of heat and cold, and there will be little snow for the holidays.
Snowfalls have begun in the Carpathians, which will allow the ski season to open, which usually starts at the end of November. However, despite the late start of the season, housing prices remain unchanged, and demand is lower than last year.
The rapper deleted her Instagram account amid a wave of criticism following her appearance at the AmericaFest conference.
American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has donated $1 million to Feeding America, $1 million to the American Heart Association, and contributed to the MusiCares fund. These funds are aimed at combating hunger, preventing heart disease, and supporting musicians in need.
US President Donald Trump discussed Santa Claus's travels, which are tracked by the NORAD program, with children. During the conversation, he mentioned Ukraine along with China and Russia.
Representatives of the embassies of Great Britain, Germany, and France presented a joint creative greeting for the winter holidays, performing Mykola Leontovych's legendary composition in the Kyiv subway. The recording took place at the Zoloti Vorota station with the participation of Ukrainian musicians.
Cherkasy Mayor Anatoliy Bondarenko reported that Russian troops shelled the local cemetery and the Alley of Heroes. As a result of the attack, monuments were damaged.
According to Flightradar, Santa has already visited Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Sweden. He continues his journey across Europe.
Nutrition expert Natalia Dubovyk told how to avoid overeating during the holidays, especially after fasting, and support digestion. She advises limiting the number of dishes, choosing healthy foods, and not ignoring the body's signals of satiety.
Ukrposhta presented a new postal issue "Christmas Angel".
Santa Claus and his reindeer have embarked on a round-the-world journey to deliver gifts, having already made stops in New Zealand and Australia. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is tracking his route.
AB InBev Efes Ukraine has launched its annual campaign "Drank? Don't drive!" with interactive activations using "drunk" Drunk Busters goggles at WOG gas stations. The program reminds drivers about the dangers of driving after consuming alcohol and covers Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, and Odesa highways.
Svitlana Onyshchuk, head of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Military Administration, appealed to law enforcement agencies to check the operation of entertainment venues. This happened after the death of an 18-year-old boy as a result of a fight near one of the venues in Ivano-Frankivsk.
Audi USA posted a short video on Instagram where die-cast car models drift in the snow instead of flying reindeer. In the video, miniature versions of famous Audi cars, including production, racing, and classic models, have fun in a winter landscape.
Pope Leo XIV called for a global Christmas ceasefire, expressing sorrow over Russia's rejection of the request. The Pontiff hopes for 24 hours of peace worldwide.
Ukrzaliznytsia is assigning 16 additional trains, attaching carriages, and increasing the frequency of regular services for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Priority is given to the Carpathian direction to ensure recreation and rehabilitation for military personnel and families with children.
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.
California was hit by severe winter storms, bringing abnormal precipitation and gusty winds, disrupting Christmas travel for millions. Authorities declared an evacuation, and forecasters warn of critical danger from landslides and infrastructure damage.
