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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris for the summit of Ukraine's allies. He will hold talks with Emmanuel Macron, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Paris for a leaders' summit. Security guarantees will be discussed there, including multinational forces for Ukraine, with the participation of Trump's special envoys.
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.
Representatives from 35 countries will meet in Paris for a summit on security guarantees for Ukraine. This will be preceded by a reception for French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
More than 27 leaders, including the President of Ukraine, and high-ranking US negotiators are gathering in Paris to coordinate contributions to future security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting aims to form a common position on supporting Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
President Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 20/2026, which introduced Kyrylo Budanov to the National Security and Defense Council as the Head of the President's Office. At the same time, O. Ivashchenko was removed from the Council.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not take diplomatic efforts seriously, striking civilian targets. Russia is prolonging the war, trying to inflict as much damage as possible on Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard a report from Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on diplomatic work in 2025 and the main tasks for this year. Rotations in the diplomatic corps were also discussed; the minister will present candidates.
US President's Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will participate in a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" in France on January 6, where security guarantees for Ukraine will be discussed. This information was confirmed by Axios journalist Barak Ravid.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with Mykhailo Fedorov the format of work of the Ministry of Defense, emphasizing the technological aspect of defense. Fedorov will present draft decisions regarding changes in the Ministry of Defense within a week.
Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko believes that the personnel changes initiated by President Zelenskyy are aimed at renewing power, strengthening the defense sector, and demonstrating his key role. The appointments of Budanov and Fedorov are aimed at forming a new defense strategy and technologizing production.
President Zelenskyy met with SBU Brigadier General Denys Kylymnyk, whom he awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine last summer. They discussed the results of the SBU's work in the war and the possible development of the Service.
President Zelenskyy met with SBU Major General Oleksandr Poklad. Specific tasks and operations to strengthen counterintelligence work were discussed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Yevhen Khmara as the acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine. Khmara is the head of the SBU's Special Operations Center "A".
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with SBU Colonel Vasyl Kozak, who develops active Ukrainian operations. The head of state awarded him the title of Hero of Ukraine for his combat results.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Yuriy Boyko and Yaroslav Shlyakhov from the National Securities and Stock Market Commission. The relevant decrees are published on the website of the President's Office.
The duties of the head of the SBU will be temporarily performed by the head of the Special Operations Center "A" Yevhen Khmara, said Advisor to the President of Ukraine Dmytro Lytvyn.
President Zelenskyy met with Yevhen Khmara, head of the SBU's Special Operations Center "A". The possibilities for the systemic development of the SBU and future special operations were discussed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. They discussed the information and political situation around Ukraine and agreed on further cooperation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Vasyl Malyuk, thanking him for his combat work. The head of state instructed Malyuk to focus on Ukrainian asymmetric operations against the occupier to make this direction the strongest in the world.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed Russian strikes on Ukraine with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and received a promise of assistance. The parties also mentioned the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach, where Ukrainians died.
The law expands the list of bodies maintaining the Unified State Register of Conscripts, Persons Liable for Military Service, and Reservists. This will allow the recruitment centers of the Armed Forces to more effectively recruit for military service under contract.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, as a non-staff advisor on economic development. She has significant experience in attracting investments and implementing economic transformations.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by decree of January 5, officially appointed Serhiy Kyslytsya as First Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. The Cabinet of Ministers dismissed him from the post of First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
According to a KMIS poll, 59% of Ukrainians trust President Zelenskyy. The majority of respondents (59%) believe that elections are only possible after the complete end of the war and the signing of a peace agreement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the need for assistance from partners after Russia's night attack on a hospital in Kyiv, which resulted in one death and damage to the inpatient facility. He emphasized that Ukraine needs air defense, funds for interceptor drones, and equipment for energy, and announced work with European and American partners.
Head of the SBU Vasyl Malyuk submitted his resignation at Zelenskyy's request. General Yevhen Khmara is likely to be appointed as acting head of the SBU.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed changes in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine with Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko. This happened after Valeriy Vavryniuk was appointed interim head of the SBGS on January 4.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of leadership at the local level and announced the appointment of new heads of regional state administrations next week. A meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will be held tomorrow.
