Africa
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha will focus on promoting peace and working with African countries. Dialogue with Turkey and the Global South is a priority.
The Pontiff in Cameroon condemned politicians for using religion for their own purposes. He spoke of billions spent on weapons instead of education and reconstruction.
Fatih Birol stated that the recovery of energy infrastructure in the Middle East would be prolonged. The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz and the destruction of terminals will delay supplies.
The President of Ukraine accepted the prestigious Four Freedoms Awards for his courage in the struggle. He called on the world to create a tribunal and punish Russia.
The President stated Ukraine's ability to transfer the war to enemy territory. The country is increasing the production of drones, missiles, armored vehicles, and electronic warfare systems.
Ajay Banga warned of an employment crisis for 1. 2 billion people in developing countries. The World Bank is focusing on investment and infrastructure.
Rustem Umerov reported on the requests of Gulf countries and others for Ukrainian expertise, including in air defense and maritime security. Deeper security agreements with partners in Europe are also being prepared.
A two-week ceasefire helped airline stocks rise, but fuel shortages will last for months. The cost of flights will remain high.
The astronauts of the Artemis II mission shared their impressions after the first day in orbit. The crew will make a 10-day flight around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft.
Donald Trump's statement about possible strikes on Iran provoked a rise in Brent and WTI prices. US fuel exports reached a record amid supply shortages.
Brent's value rose by 58% in a month due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatens to destroy Tehran's oil wells in case of escalation.
Russia has recruited at least 2,427 Africans to fight against Ukraine. Dozens of citizens from 15 countries are in captivity, and 314 people have already died.
Last year, Russia sold stolen grain in Africa, Asia, and Europe to finance the war. About 40% of the illegally exported products went to Egypt.
The war in Iran has blocked the supply of 600,000 barrels of oil daily. African countries are depleting reserves and trying to find alternative fuel sources.
Russia spreads disinformation about terrorist attacks and NATO's weakness through 110 resources. More than 50% of foreign-language news about Ukraine is part of Russian influence operations.
Experts consider the scenario of a full-scale Russian invasion of the Baltics unlikely due to a lack of resources. Only hybrid provocations and pressure are possible.
Escalation in the Middle East has closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to halt the export of 5 million tons of grain. This will lead to a surplus of products and a drop in prices.
Ukrainian businesses face undue pressure from law enforcement agencies, which damages their reputation and ability to operate in international markets. Fabricated criminal proceedings, even without official suspicions, lead to reputational losses and foreign partners refusing cooperation.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports that Russia is increasing its influence in Africa, combining humanitarian initiatives with covert military recruitment. By the end of 2025, over 1.4 thousand citizens from 36 African states will be fighting on Moscow's side.
The Kremlin has turned the Russian Orthodox Church into a soft power tool to solidify its position in Africa. Through the Patriarchal Exarchate, Moscow is luring clergy and spreading propaganda.
A migrant boat heading to Europe sank off the coast of Libya. 53 people died, including two infants; only two women were rescued.
A truck carrying passengers was involved in an accident in northern Nigeria due to reckless driving. At least 30 people died, and several more were injured.
Security experts in Europe say two Russian spacecraft, Luch-1 and Luch-2, have intercepted messages from at least a dozen key satellites over the continent. This jeopardizes confidential information and could allow manipulation of trajectories or even lead to accidents involving European satellites.
This week, a full moon, known as the Snow Moon, can be observed, peaking on Sunday at 5:09 PM ET. It will also appear full on Saturday and Monday.
The WHO has expressed concern over the emergence of hybrid forms of schistosomiasis parasites, which affect internal organs and could spread globally. The waterborne disease has already been recorded in 78 countries.
Indian refiners are changing their oil import strategy, reducing purchases from Russia and increasing supplies from the Middle East. This could help New Delhi conclude a trade deal with the United States and lower tariffs.
Donald Trump's threats regarding Greenland have caused outrage in Europe, which could lead to a "divorce" from America. European officials are considering creating a new alliance without the US, using a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine as a basis.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister has called for sanctions against Russia's "shadow" grain fleet, which has stolen over 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain. Intelligence has identified 45 vessels involved in the theft, and Ukraine has already imposed sanctions on 43 of them.
Actor Idris Elba has been awarded a knighthood for his services to youth. He founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which provides grants to organizations in the UK, USA, and Africa.
New Year on the planet lasts almost a day, starting from the Line Islands in the Pacific Ocean and ending in Samoa. Find out the exact time of the 2026 New Year celebration in different countries of the world according to Kyiv time.