The Kremlin is preparing the Russian population for a rejection of peace, using Medvedchuk's statements about the absence of peace in Ukraine in 2026. This is happening against the backdrop of negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Europe.
The Russian military command is publicly disseminating false information about the battlefield. This is part of a cognitive warfare effort to influence US decisions regarding peace negotiations.
The global gold market is correcting after reaching historical highs, with prices falling by more than 1%. Investors are taking profits, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have eased.
Dictator Putin called on the government and the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation to involve wounded soldiers in the development, production, and operation of autonomous systems. He emphasized that the experience of these soldiers should be in demand in technological progress.
Gerhard Schröder refused to transfer documents about conversations with Putin to the German Federal Archives, keeping them at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. These documents concern his time in power from 1998 to 2005.
The Russian leadership positively received statements by the leaders of France, Italy, and Germany on resuming dialogue with Moscow. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it a "positive evolution" of the Europeans' positions.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Moscow shows no interest in peace. She rejected proposals to resume negotiations with Putin.
Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro, to disable heating and electricity supply systems. The goal of these actions is to undermine the morale of the population and force Ukraine to make concessions in peace negotiations.
Hungarian energy company Mol Nyrt. is nearing a takeover of Serbia's sole oil refinery as U.S. sanctions force Russia's Gazprom Neft PJSC to sell its controlling stake. Hungary will ask U.S. authorities to lift sanctions on the Serbian refinery.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Russian dictator, did not confirm Russia's consent to the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine with the participation of Chinese military personnel. However, according to him, Russia considers it relevant to continue dialogue with the United States on Ukraine.
The spokesman for the Russian dictator, Dmitry Peskov, announced that the Kremlin expects a new visit of US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Russia. He also noted that Russia considers it relevant to continue the dialogue with the United States on Ukraine.
Donald Trump told Reuters that he was unaware of a possible trip by special envoys to Moscow.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia's goals in Ukraine include Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions. This expands Russia's demands even beyond the 28-point US peace plan.
Donald Trump stated that Ukraine, not Russia, is hindering a peace agreement. He believes that Putin is ready to conclude one, while Zelenskyy is not in a hurry.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, envoys of Donald Trump, plan to visit Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin. The purpose of the visit is to promote a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
In Mariupol, a shootout occurred between Kadyrovites and Russian soldiers near a club. One Russian soldier was killed, and a 'Akhmat' fighter was seriously wounded.
Donald Trump is once again showing interest in Greenland, calling it a "big real estate deal" and a matter of US strategic security. This has caused concern among Danish and European leaders, who see it as a threat to sovereignty and NATO's integrity.
Russians are increasingly feeling the consequences of the Kremlin's bet on the defense-industrial complex to continue the "special military operation. " This leads to rising inflation and a decline in the quality of life. Putin has increased VAT, shifting the burden of war onto the population.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called on the EU to increase economic pressure on Russia. She proposed including in the 20th sanctions package a ban on maritime services for vessels transporting Russian energy resources, and strengthening restrictions on the export of Russian fertilizers.
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.
British Defense Minister John Healey stated that he would abduct Vladimir Putin and bring him to justice for war crimes in Ukraine. He mentioned the Bucha massacre and the abduction of Ukrainian children.
The head of British intelligence warned that Russians are preparing new hybrid attacks in Europe and that the "front line" is now everywhere, not just in war.
In 2025, Russia nationalized private assets worth over 3. 1 trillion rubles, and since 2022, this amount has reached 4.3 trillion rubles. Property was seized from large businesses and strategic enterprises.
Donald Trump is increasingly disappointed with Vladimir Putin, considering him a greater obstacle to peace in Ukraine than Zelenskyy. The American leader has changed his position on the Russian dictator.
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.
US President Donald Trump expressed his conviction that his contribution to establishing peace is unprecedented. He also stated that he saved NATO and justified the necessity of controlling Greenland.
Russia likely has only a few Oreshnik missiles, which is a variant of the Rubezh RS-26 ballistic missile. On January 8, 2026, Russia launched this missile at Lviv, covering a distance of 1622 km.
The Teatro del Maggio Musicale in Florence has canceled performances by Russian ballerina Svetlana Zakharova and her husband due to international tensions. Spectators can claim refunds for tickets until January 31, 2026.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni believes that it is time for Europe to talk to Russia about the war, but not arbitrarily. She supports the appointment of a special representative for Ukraine, considering Russia's entry into the G8 premature.
