The Japanese government will provide 1 trillion yen ($6. 34 billion) in support over five years for the development of its own artificial intelligence. A new company will be founded by about 10 firms, including SoftBank Group Corp., to create the country's largest AI foundational model.
Witkoff held parallel meetings with Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Four key documents were discussed, including the updated "20-point plan" and a framework agreement on security guarantees.
The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Dmitriev, concluded two days of informal consultations in Miami, discussing the American peace plan for Ukraine. He met with Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
US President Trump has appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the US special envoy to Greenland, underscoring intentions to strengthen US influence in the Arctic. This decision raises questions, as Landry only took office as governor of Louisiana in January 2024.
J. D. Vance stated that the White House administration prioritizes supporting American retirees over providing financial aid to Ukraine. Funds should be directed to domestic social programs, particularly through tax breaks for the elderly.
The head of one of Turkey's most titled football clubs, Sadettin Saran, was interrogated in a drug case. He is suspected of providing and facilitating drug use, and has been placed under "forced supervision."
Oil prices rose after the US tightened its naval blockade of Venezuela and Ukrainian drones attacked a Russian tanker. Brent rose to $61, WTI to $57.
Silver prices surged to a record $67. 55 per ounce, marking its largest annual gain since 1979. Gold neared its peak, hovering around $4363, driven by geopolitical chaos and expectations of Fed rate cuts.
Samsung Biologics has acquired its first plant in the US, buying 100% of the shares of Human Genome Sciences Inc from GSK for $280 million. The deal will significantly strengthen its position in the pharmaceutical market and avoid lengthy construction.
Senator Graham suggested that Donald Trump forcibly seize vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" if Moscow refuses peace talks on Ukraine. He also proposed imposing "crippling" tariffs on countries that finance the Russian war machine.
Rustem Umerov reported on the results of negotiations in Florida with Donald Trump's special envoys and representatives of the White House. The parties agreed on a 20-point plan, multilateral and bilateral security guarantee agreements, and an economic development plan.
Starmer held talks with Trump in Florida on finding ways for a "just and lasting end" to the war in Ukraine. A key topic of discussion was the work of the "Coalition of the Willing" and its readiness to facilitate a peace agreement.
US President Donald Trump is preparing to tighten immigration policies in 2026, anticipating billions of dollars in new funding. This comes amid growing public opposition and declining approval ratings for his policies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte explained that the United States has a direct interest in maintaining its membership in the Alliance. He named three key reasons why NATO is important for US security.
The United States has detained the Panamanian-flagged tanker Bella 1 near Venezuela. This happened amid an intensified oil blockade of the Nicolás Maduro regime. The vessel was en route to Venezuela for loading.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov announced the continuation of negotiations with US representatives in Miami. The Ukrainian delegation expects further progress and practical results.
France agreed to the Kremlin's proposal regarding Putin's readiness to talk with Macron. The Élysée Palace announced that the conditions for possible negotiations would be determined in the coming days.
Swedish customs officers detained the Russian cargo ship Adler, whose owner exports weapons to Russia. The vessel anchored on December 20 due to an engine malfunction, and on December 21, an inspection of the cargo began. M Leasing LLC, the company that owns Adler, is under US and EU sanctions for transporting North Korean ammunition to the Russian Federation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the need for consultations with European partners after diplomatic work in the USA. He emphasized that genuine signals from Russia remain negative, despite constructive negotiations.
Over the week, Russia launched about 1,300 attack drones, almost 1,200 guided aerial bombs, and nine missiles of various types at Ukraine, with the Odesa region being particularly affected. Ukraine is countering this Russian terror by receiving financial and security assistance from international partners.
33-year-old engineer Mihaela Benthaus became the first person with a disability to make a suborbital flight with Blue Origin. The flight lasted 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 65 miles to the Kármán line.
Kremlin aide Yuriy Ushakov stated that no one seriously discussed the initiative for a trilateral meeting of experts from Russia, the US, and Ukraine. He also noted that the changes to the peace plan, introduced by Ukrainians and Europeans, do not contribute to reaching agreements.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commented on the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The US will continue maritime interdictions as part of Operation "Southern Spear" to eliminate illegal criminal networks.
A massive power outage left 130,000 homes and businesses in San Francisco (California, USA) without electricity. This led to the closure of restaurants, shops, and significant disruptions to transport links.
Special envoy of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, assessed the negotiations between the delegations of Russia and the US in Miami as constructive. "Discussions" with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will continue on Sunday.
The United States of America has seized an oil tanker in international waters off the coast of Venezuela. This happened after US President Donald Trump announced a "blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the United States has enough power to force Russia to end the war against Ukraine. He emphasized that this could be a "diplomatic victory" for the US, and President Trump is "strong enough to do it."
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin personally chose Steve Witkoff, a special representative of US President Donald Trump, as a key intermediary to promote his vision for settling the war against Ukraine. Witkoff suits the Kremlin due to his lack of political past and institutional ties, as well as his experience working with authoritarian regimes.
French President Emmanuel Macron believes that European countries should directly engage in dialogue with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of fighting for the United States of America as an ally.
Amazon and Netflix have struck a surprise content licensing deal. James Bond films, "Rocky," and the series "The Man in the High Castle" will become available on Netflix starting January 15.
