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.
This refers to advanced weapon systems, including ballistic missiles and drones, for cryptocurrency. This would allow Tehran to circumvent Western financial restrictions.
In Iran, demonstrations caused by the deteriorating economic situation have spread to rural provinces, claiming the lives of at least seven people. These deaths may indicate increased measures by the Iranian authorities in response to the protests.
Chinese company BYD reported a 28% increase in EV sales last year, exceeding 2. 25 million units. This allowed it to overtake Tesla for the first time, which, according to analysts, sold about 1.65 million cars during the same period.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in his New Year's address, called on Europe to follow his country's example. He highlighted the secure eastern border, strict asylum policy, and the largest modern army in the EU.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he would only sign a strong agreement on security guarantees, rejecting the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk agreements. He emphasized that the agreement must be ratified by partners to ensure lasting peace.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks peace, but not at the cost of its own statehood. He emphasized that only pressure can force Russia to end the war, which has been ongoing for 1407 days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the peace agreement is 90% ready, and the remaining 10% will determine the fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe. He emphasized that these 10% are necessary to save millions of lives and maintain unity.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the war in Ukraine is part of Russia's plan against the whole of Europe, directly threatening Germany's freedom and security. He emphasized that Germany is subjected to sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks from Russia every day.
The first to welcome 2026 were Oceania and Asia, where celebrations are accompanied by pyrotechnic shows and traditional rituals. New Zealand greeted the year with a five-minute fireworks display over Sky Tower, while Sydney honored the victims of the terrorist attack with a minute of silence and projections on the Harbour Bridge.
Lithuania has updated its national security strategy, warning of an existential threat from Russia, which could start a war against NATO by the end of the decade. The new strategy emphasizes armed defense, societal resilience, and allies.
According to Morgan Stanley's forecast, European banks could cut 10% of their staff due to AI by 2030, with 212,000 jobs at risk. This applies to back-office, risk management, and compliance roles to increase efficiency by 30%.
Several European states have developed plans to ensure a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Between 10,000 and 15,000 servicemen from European countries could be deployed during the first six months.
Law enforcement officers uncovered a large-scale network of fraudulent call centers in Kyiv and Odesa, which operated under the guise of international financial companies. The operations of 27 offices were shut down, whose victims included citizens of Ukraine, Europe, and Asia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the Russian-Ukrainian war is part of the Kremlin's plan against other European countries. He emphasized that this aggression directly threatens the freedom and security not only of Germany but of all of Europe.
Ukraine has provided Europe with a list of all companies that supplied spare parts for the Russian "Oreshnik" complex. Now, Western partners are expected to make administrative decisions regarding sanctions against these firms.
Russian pipeline gas exports to Europe in 2025 decreased by 44% to 18 billion cubic meters, which is the lowest figure since the mid-1970s. This happened after the closure of the Ukrainian route and the cessation of fossil fuel imports from Russia.
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.
George Clooney, his wife Amal, and their two children have been granted French citizenship, confirmed by an official decree. The actor previously expressed his admiration for French privacy laws, which protect his family from paparazzi.
President Zelenskyy, after a conversation with Finnish President Stubb, emphasized the importance of real information for global intelligence agencies. He noted that Russia is spreading fakes to justify attacks on Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The results of the meeting with President Trump and the Russian fake, which is trying to disrupt diplomacy, were discussed.
Beyoncé has become a dollar billionaire, according to Forbes, thanks to earnings from her successful Cowboy Carter tour and her own company, Parkwood Entertainment. Her pre-tax income in 2025 is estimated at $148 million, making her one of the highest-paid musicians in the world.
President Zelenskyy outlined the stages of peace negotiations: a meeting of advisors in Kyiv, then with European leaders, and the final stage – a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the accelerated pace of negotiations.
After large-scale Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, over 9,000 consumers in Kyiv region remain without electricity. The Ministry of Energy and NEC "Ukrenergo" reported on the implementation of blackout schedules and emergency blackouts on the left bank of Kyiv and in certain districts of Kyiv region.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced 90% agreement on the 20-point peace plan and 100% agreement on security guarantees and the military dimension. This became known after a meeting with US President Donald Trump, who estimated the plan's agreement at 95%.
Negotiations between the US and Ukrainian presidents focus on security guarantees and territories.
According to a US official, "Trump is ready to present US-backed security guarantees to Congress," calling the package the "platinum standard" of what Washington can offer Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump went to play golf in Palm Beach before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump on December 28. Topics of discussion will include Ukraine's security, receiving 100 billion dollars for the country's reconstruction, and more.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia demonstrates a desire to continue the war and will not stop, despite any agreements. Peace is a priority for Ukraine, but this requires the support of the world.
