French President Emmanuel Macron announced a possible contact with Vladimir Putin in the coming weeks. The goal of the dialogue is peace.
President Zelenskyy believes that the US has tools to pressure Russia, similar to the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. He suggested conducting a similar operation against Ramzan Kadyrov so that Putin would consider ending the war.
Vladimir Putin celebrated Christmas with servicemen and their families, stating that they are fulfilling a “sacred mission of defending the homeland. ” The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine notes that the Kremlin presents aggression as a “holy war,” militarizing Russian society.
Great Britain and France plan to establish military centers and deploy their troops in Ukraine after the signing of a peace agreement, said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This agreement paves the way for the creation of a legal framework under which British, French, and partner forces could operate on the territory of Ukraine.
Jared Kushner stated that Trump relies on conversations with Putin when developing security guarantees for Ukraine. Most issues regarding Ukraine's security guarantees have been resolved in Trump's negotiations with Zelenskyy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the world is closer to peace than ever, but warned of future difficulties. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between European and American allies.
A wave of repression began in Venezuela after the US arrested Nicolás Maduro. Delcy Rodríguez, the country's new leader, is trying to consolidate her power.
A resident of Shebekino, Belgorod region, emotionally reacts to the appointment of Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. She calls him an "inhuman" and a "fascist," fearing negative consequences for the Kremlin regime.
A 53-year-old Italian, who expressed pro-Russian views and justified Russia's aggression, was not allowed into Ukraine. He was banned from entering the country for three years after an incident on a bus where he called Ukraine a "bad country."
European leaders and US officials are seeking to finalize a security guarantee agreement that includes the possibility of a US troop presence in post-war Ukraine. Talks in Paris are focused on integrating capabilities offered by Washington with the plans of Ukraine's allies.
The story of Rocco, an Italian who declared his love for Putin on a bus to Ukraine, has gained widespread attention. Daria Melnychenko's post about the incident garnered over a million views, sparking a strong reaction and a wave of memes on social media.
Italian Rocco, who was traveling by bus to Ukraine, declared his respect for Putin and called Ukraine a "bad country. " Passengers of the bus stated that they would not allow him to enter the country.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhiy Tykhyi and head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council Andriy Kovalenko commented on a Reuters publication in which a high-ranking Russian source claims that after the US military operation in Venezuela, "Russia also has its own sphere of influence. "
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of a humanitarian energy catastrophe in Ukraine due to Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure. He emphasized that Russia's actions bear the hallmarks of war crimes, and lasting peace is only possible with effective security guarantees for Ukraine.
US special forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, depriving Vladimir Putin of an ally and strengthening US oil influence. Moscow views this as an attempt to control Venezuela's oil wealth and a possible sign of the Monroe Doctrine's revival.
A Russian strike severely damaged a civilian sunflower oil production plant in Dnipro, owned by the American company "Bunge". Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that it was a deliberate attack, not a mistake.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is considering fleeing to Moscow with his entourage if protests in Iran intensify. This plan follows the example of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Russia claims that Ukraine has been attacking Moscow daily with drones since the beginning of 2026, considering it an escalation. By January 4, 437 drones were allegedly shot down over Russia, including 57 over the Moscow region, causing flight delays at Moscow airports.
Donald Trump stated that he does not believe the reports of a Ukrainian attack on Vladimir Putin's residence. He noted that the available information does not confirm the fact of a targeted strike.
US President Donald Trump said he was not thrilled with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. This statement was made during a White House press conference.
Vladimir Putin remains steadfast in his maximalist demands, despite Western sanctions and Ukrainian drone strikes. His stubbornness has frustrated Trump, who believed a deal was possible.
Russian troops continue to use drones at low altitudes, attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure. This is part of Russia's strategy to prolong the war and delay peace negotiations.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kovalenko, believes that the Russians pursued two goals in this way. One of them is to create a rift between Ukraine and the United States.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine warns of the Kremlin's preparation of an armed provocation with significant human casualties. It may occur on the eve or during Christmas according to the Julian calendar, likely in a religious building or another symbolic object.
The head of the Russian GRU handed over to the representative of the US military attaché materials with decrypted routing data of a Ukrainian drone. Russian special services claim that the target of the attack was Putin's residence in the Novgorod region.
Russia stated that it had decrypted a file from a Ukrainian drone, which, it claims, indicates that the target was the residence of the Russian dictator. These materials will be handed over to the American side through established channels.
The commander of the "Russian Volunteer Corps", Denis Kapustin, is alive, and the Russian special services paid $500,000 for his elimination. The GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine conducted a special operation, saving Kapustin's life and receiving funds that will strengthen special forces.
Explosions were heard in Kharkiv on January 1; preliminarily, Russian occupiers launched a KAB attack on the suburbs. One person is known to have been injured as a result of the strike.
The CIA assessed that Ukraine did not attack Putin's residence during a recent drone attack, refuting the Russian leader's claims. CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on the assessment.
US national security officials said Ukraine did not attack Putin or his residence, refuting Moscow's claims. The CIA confirmed that Ukraine attempted to strike a military target in the same region, but not near it.
