Protests in Iran are in their third day, sparked by a strike of shop owners over the record fall of the rial. The protests have spread to a number of cities, with police using tear gas.
Venezuela has begun shutting down wells in the Orinoco region, home to the world's largest oil fields, due to the blockade by the administration of US President Donald Trump. PDVSA aims to cut production in Orinoco by at least 25% to 500,000 barrels per day.
France expresses doubts about Ukrainian drone attacks on Vladimir Putin's residence, as there is no compelling evidence. Russian authorities provide conflicting information about the incident.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced discussions with Donald Trump on Ukraine's economic recovery, including a threefold increase in salaries. This is part of the "Prosperity Package" which envisages attracting American business.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Donald Trump's visit to Ukraine would be beneficial, especially if he flies directly to Ukraine by plane. The President of Ukraine emphasized that this would indicate the possibility of a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy sharply reacted to the statements of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who claimed that he wanted to see Ukraine "successful. "
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with US President Donald Trump the provision of missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine. Trump promised to help, and Ukraine is ready to purchase missiles through the PURL mechanism.
President Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is discussing the deployment of US troops as part of security guarantees, but the decision will be made by America. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Umerov noted that Ukraine and the US have made progress in developing a peace framework and security guarantees.
President Zelenskyy reported on the daily work of Ukraine and the United States, despite Russian attempts to disrupt negotiations. He also announced upcoming meetings of advisors on January 3 in Ukraine and leaders on January 6 in France.
National security advisors from the "coalition of the willing" countries and Ukraine will meet on January 3 in Ukraine. After that, a meeting at the level of leaders will take place in France on January 6.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine states that Russia is spreading fake news about a 91-drone attack on Putin's residence in response to successful negotiations between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States. This information operation is aimed at disrupting agreements, justifying future attacks on Ukraine, and discrediting the Ukrainian leadership.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War found no video footage or local reports of a possible Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence in the Novgorod region. The circumstances of this alleged attack do not match the pattern of observed evidence of Ukrainian strikes on Russia.
Ursula von der Leyen held talks with European leaders on support, security and reconstruction of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the country's accession to the EU.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that "peace is on the horizon" after leaders' talks on Ukraine. The US is ready to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine, including the presence of American troops.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced another round of coordination in the "Berlin format" with the participation of European and Canadian partners. He emphasized the advancement of the peace process and the need for transparency and honesty from all parties, including Russia.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated that Russia's appetites in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine are too great, and the Kremlin's lack of reaction indicates Moscow's unwillingness to end the war. He noted that the United States has leverage, but Moscow's appetites are currently "exorbitant."
The spokesman for the Russian dictator refused to provide evidence of a UAV attack on the residence of the Russian leader, calling it an "insane claim. " He urged to "take the Kremlin's word for it," stating that Russia's position on ending the war in Ukraine would become "more rigid."
European leaders will meet on Tuesday at 11:00 AM to discuss the situation in Ukraine. This conversation is part of high-level diplomatic talks that have been ongoing since November.
Polish President Karol Navrotsky emphasized the unreliability of Russians during a conversation with Donald Trump. This happened after his first official meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Warsaw.
The radical Palestinian group Hamas has confirmed the death of five leaders, including Mohammed al-Sinwar and Abu Obeida. This occurred during Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. Hamas revealed Abu Obeida's real name for the first time as Hudhayfa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout.
China calls for a new model of interaction with the US, seeking to solidify a warming in relations, but emphasizes its unchanged position on Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated his support for the "healthy, stable, and sustainable development" of relations, without compromising on issues of core interests.
Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday, with Brent futures down 2 cents to $61. 92 and WTI down 5 cents to $58.03. This followed a 2% rise.
The CIA launched a drone strike on a port facility on Venezuela's coast, marking the first known US attack on a target inside the country. The strike targeted a remote dock that the US government believed was being used by a Venezuelan gang to store and move drugs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that without weapons from the United States, Ukraine would not be able to win the war, especially in air defense. He emphasized that Russian forces are massively using drones and missiles, and the available air defense systems are insufficient for complete protection.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he does not trust Putin and sees no signs of his desire for peace, as Russia continues its attacks. He emphasized that pressure on Russia from the United States is necessary for peace negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions contradicts the law and public opinion. The issue of territories remains a key disagreement in peace talks, despite 90% agreement on a 20-point plan.
The US Department of Defense has signed an $8. 6 billion contract with Boeing to supply 25 new F-15 fighter jets to the Israeli Air Force, with an option to purchase 25 more aircraft. Work under the contract, which is part of the Foreign Military Sales program, is expected to be completed by the end of 2035.
Restoration work at the Zaporizhzhia NPP has been completed, and the external power transmission line has been connected to the power system. The IAEA confirmed stable radiation levels and safe operation of the plant.
Ukrainian and American delegations prepared a package of solutions for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic growth on December 28. It includes financing, investment mechanisms, reforms, and cooperation with American businesses.
Abramovich's representatives stated that the funds from the sale of Chelsea cannot be transferred to a charitable foundation to support Ukraine until the government of Jersey stops its investigation against him. This refers to 1.4 billion pounds sterling frozen in the account of Fordstam Ltd.
