Italy
French farmers have blocked roads to Paris and landmarks, protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. They demand an end to government policies destroying cattle herds.
President of the European Council António Costa stated that the security guarantees agreement is a key step towards achieving a just peace in Ukraine. He also emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is an important security guarantee.
A clear US commitment to support Ukraine has been removed from the text of the joint statement adopted in Paris. Instead, the US commits to supporting forces in the event of an attack and providing intelligence and logistical assistance.
Ukrainian negotiators, led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, held consultations in Paris with national security advisors from France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, with the participation of the US, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council. The parameters of security guarantees, deterring Russian aggression, and the logic of further steps in the peace process were discussed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed lawmakers that President Trump plans to buy Greenland. The White House stated that the use of the American military is an option for acquiring the territory.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the deployment of Italian troops in Ukraine is not foreseen. This decision is in line with the principles of voluntariness and constitutional procedures for supporting Ukraine.
G7 foreign ministers will hold a conference call tonight. The discussion will focus on Venezuela and Ukraine.
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."
In Hungary, the burials of three elite warriors, approximately 1,100 years old, have been discovered, with DNA analysis confirming their paternal kinship. The men were buried in the 920s or 930s, likely after participating in military campaigns in Italy.
A number of European leaders have signed a statement warning the US that they "will not stop defending" Greenland's territorial integrity. The document states that the US is an "important partner" in Arctic security.
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.
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.
In Switzerland, 24 of the 40 victims of the bar fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort have been identified. Among the deceased are citizens of Switzerland, Italy, the UAE, Romania, France, and Turkey, aged between 14 and 39. A national day of mourning is scheduled for January 9, 2026, with a minute of silence and church bells ringing.
The US special operation in Caracas and the detention of Nicolás Maduro caused a resonant reaction from world leaders. The international community was divided in its assessment of the legality of Washington's actions, from full support to harsh condemnation.
National security advisers from European countries have arrived in Kyiv. They will hold consultations on security and economic issues, and coordinate further steps with partners.
Two avalanches struck the Italian Alps, killing two people and injuring several others. Strong winds hampered rescue efforts, limiting the use of helicopters.
Investigators suspect that sparklers on champagne bottles caused a fire in a bar at a Swiss ski resort. 40 people died, 119 were injured.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said that Russian athletes will not be able to represent their country at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. They will only participate as individual athletes without a national flag or anthem.
In Switzerland, investigators are identifying charred bodies after a bar fire that killed about 40 people at a New Year's Eve party. Among the first identified is a 16-year-old Italian golfer.
A five-day mourning period has been declared in Switzerland following a bar fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort on January 2. More than 40 people died, and 115 were injured, many of them teenagers and tourists.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a sharp reduction by the US of proposed tariffs for Italian pasta producers. The revision of rates occurred after accusations of selling at unfairly low prices, which affected La Molisana and Garofalo.
Bloomberg presented a review of the 11 most anticipated hotel properties scheduled to open in 2026. The list includes private island resorts and renovated historic palaces in major metropolises.
Ursula von der Leyen held talks with European leaders on support, security and reconstruction of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the country's accession to the EU.
The Italian government has decided to provide Ukraine with a new package of military aid. This is the 11th extension of Italian aid, approved despite resistance from the right-wing League party.
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 Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on holding a nationwide referendum to approve a peace plan. He noted that Russia's actions indicate a lack of desire for a ceasefire, despite US efforts.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held telephone conversations with the presidents of the United States and Ukraine, discussing the peace process and security guarantees. She emphasized the importance of partner unity and Russia's responsibility in the negotiations.
The President of Finland reported on negotiations in the US involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and other European leaders, including Macron and von der Leyen. The discussions lasted over an hour, focusing on concrete steps to end the war and achieve lasting peace.
After talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump named the European leaders with whom they communicated. He also recognized the war in Ukraine as the largest since World War II.