Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin is synonymous with war, recalling conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, African countries, and Ukraine. He emphasized that Putin does not recognize the value of human life and human rights.
In January 2026, Georgia exported 4. 1 million liters of wine, which is 3.3% less than in January 2025. Export revenues fell to $12.1 million, while sales to Russia increased to $8 million.
The program for the voluntary return of compatriots to Russia recorded an anti-record in 2025, relocating only 27. 6 thousand people. The number of resettlers has been constantly decreasing since the beginning of Russia's "SMO," which deepens the demographic crisis in the country.
Law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova conducted operation "Rubicon", liquidating a transnational drug network. 104 people were detained, 34 drug laboratories and 74 warehouses were uncovered.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports that the Kremlin uses passportization as a lever of influence in the occupied regions of Georgia. Support depends on the loyalty of local elites.
Georgia's "friendliness" rating towards Russia increased from 15 to 19. 4 points over the year, according to a study by a Russian institute. The country is now in the category of "Relatively friendly/unfriendly communication regimes."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that allowing an aggressor to take anything is a big mistake. He emphasized that Putin cannot be stopped with kisses or flowers.
The Ukrainian national football team will play in Group B2 of the 2026/2027 Nations League against Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland. The tournament is linked to Euro 2028 qualification.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the IOC's disqualification of Vladyslav Heraskevych due to his "helmet of memory," stating that it is not about the principles of Olympism. He emphasized that sport does not mean oblivion, and the Olympic movement should help stop wars.
Georgia is patiently awaiting the restoration of relations with the United States after US Vice President J. D. Vance visited Armenia and Azerbaijan, bypassing Tbilisi. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia is ready to restore the partnership without preconditions.
The European Commission has unveiled its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting energy, financial services, and trade. For the first time, the sanctions include third-country ports – Kulevi (Georgia) and Karimun (Indonesia) – for handling Russian oil exports.
Baku military court sentenced former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Among them are the ex-president, commander of the armed forces, and other high-ranking officials.
Georgia does not plan to impose sanctions against Russia, said Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. The appointment of Ukraine's ambassador will not affect the country's position on sanctions and sending troops.
Georgia's leading opposition party expressed support for Yulia Tymoshenko.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Mykhailo Brodowich as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Georgia. Brodowich is a Ukrainian diplomat and an honorary doctor of the Precarpathian National University.
The Foreign Intelligence Service reports that the US initiative to build communications in the South Caucasus deprives Russia of its position as a key player. The TRIPP project involves the construction of infrastructure and communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia's wars, including the war against Ukraine, are a consequence of the indifference of leading world states. He emphasized that history punishes those who stand aside.
Countries that have been waiting for years to join the EU are divided over plans to become members without full voting rights. Some insist on all the benefits, while others are happy to be at the negotiating table.
Colonel Sergei Karasyov, suspected of war crimes in the Kyiv region, has been appointed deputy mayor in Samara. He will be responsible for supporting participants in the war with Ukraine and their families.
Former Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has been sentenced to 5 years in prison and a fine of one million lari for legalizing illegal proceeds. He fully admitted his guilt and entered into a plea bargain with the prosecutor's office.
The NGO believes that the complaint prepared by the ruling Georgian Dream party contradicts both the Constitutional Court's position on the role of political parties in ensuring political pluralism and the established practice of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), the principles of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and the recommendations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Finnish police are investigating damage to a telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Tallinn. The cargo ship Fitburg, en route from St. Petersburg, dragged its anchor along the seabed, severing the communication line.
Ghanaian law enforcement officers arrested self-proclaimed prophet Evans Eshun for deceiving the public about the end of the world on December 25, 2025. The arrest took place on December 31, 2025, after his prophecy failed to materialize, causing mass psychosis and social tension.
Finnish police detained the cargo ship "Fitburg", which was en route from St. Petersburg to Israel. It is suspected of sabotaging an underwater telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Estonia.
Poland is suffering from heavy snowfalls and strong winds, which have caused massive traffic jams, especially in the northern regions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk is coordinating actions, and ministers are calling for caution and strengthening transport control.
The Coca-Cola New Year's caravan, which has been traveling through Georgia since December 19, was unable to complete its planned route due to heavy snowfall and unfavorable weather conditions. Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia announced that safe movement of the caravan proved impossible in the western regions of the country, and it did not reach Batumi and a number of other settlements.
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.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has extended the provision of free medical services to Ukrainians until April 1, 2026. Ukrainian refugees will have access to the same list of services as Georgian citizens under state insurance.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated the need to normalize relations with the EU, expecting changes within the European Union. He believes that the difficult situation in the EU will force Brussels to seek closer cooperation with Tbilisi.
The City Hall of the Georgian municipality of Zugdidi fined activist Rosto Zarandia 2,000 lari for the inscription MEGOBARI Act. He made it with a tractor on state land, sowing the plot with clover.
