United States
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.
Donald Trump announced the start of construction of an Arc de Triomphe in Washington, modeled after the Parisian one, within two months. The monument is planned to be unveiled by July 4, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The US held a productive discussion with national security advisors from the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The next steps in the peace process and security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed.
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.
In 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made about 60 foreign visits and hosted almost 100 heads of foreign states. He also held 20 international video calls and over 230 phone conversations, working on a 20-point peace plan and security guarantees.
Donald Trump's TMTG corporation is launching a new digital token that will be distributed among the company's investors. Token holders will receive rewards, discounts, and bonuses related to products within the Trump Media ecosystem.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the leaders of these countries would express deep concern about Russia's real attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine and solidarity with Ukraine, against which Russia has been waging an unjustified and unprovoked aggression for the fourth year.
Political scientist Stanislav Zhelikhovsky highlighted the key events of the year: Trump's return, resumption of negotiations, creation of the "Coalition of the Willing", allocation of 90 billion euros to Ukraine, and the PURL mechanism. The expert also mentioned the elections in Poland and Zelenskyy's visit.
In his New Year's address, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced that the country had reached "new heights" in economy, technology, and defense. He emphasized the inevitability of Taiwan's annexation and reaffirmed the course for an internal party purge.
Residents of Australia and New Zealand welcomed the New Year 2026, thousands of people took to the streets of cities, including Canberra and Wellington. In Sydney, where a terrorist attack previously occurred, about 1 million people watched the fireworks under close police supervision.
The US Coast Guard has suspended its pursuit of the tanker Bella 1, suspected of violating sanctions against Venezuela. The ship's crew painted a Russian flag on board, complicating the seizure operation.
Two trains collided near Machu Picchu, killing the driver and injuring at least 40 people. Among the injured are citizens of the United States and Great Britain, 20 of whom are in serious condition.
The publication notes that Kellogg found himself at the center of an internal conflict within the US administration due to disagreements on Ukraine policy.
Relations between Trump and Zelenskyy improved after the Oval Office scandal on February 28. Trump noted the beauty of Ukrainian women, which defused the atmosphere between the leaders.
Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday but are expected to fall by more than 15% over 2025. This is due to fears of oversupply, despite wars, tariffs, and sanctions.
The Federation Council of the Russian Federation approved a resolution codifying the Kremlin's foreign policy course for long-term confrontation with the West. The document provides for the reorientation of foreign relations to Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The United Nations has approved a 7% budget cut to $3. 45 billion for 2026, which is $270 million less than the current budget. This decision is due to a financial crisis caused by US debt and involves cutting 2,900 positions.
In France, a ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing dangerous "forever chemicals" PFAS comes into force. The French law, approved in February, prohibits the production, import or sale of such products from January 2026, with the exception of some industrial textiles.
Romania has contributed 50 million euros to the PURL initiative, aimed at purchasing American weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This step, according to Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu, will strengthen regional security and is in line with Romania's NATO commitments.
The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay $10 million in civil penalties to settle allegations of violating federal laws regarding the collection of children's data. The U.S. Department of Justice alleged that Disney failed to label some of its YouTube videos as child-directed, which allowed for the unlawful collection of children's personal information without parental consent.
Protests in Iran are in their third day, sparked by a strike of shop owners over the record fall of the rial. The protests have spread to a number of cities, with police using tear gas.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that Russia's claims about Ukraine's attack on Putin's residence may not be true. He emphasized the need to review data from US intelligence agencies regarding the incident.
Venezuela has begun shutting down wells in the Orinoco region, home to the world's largest oil fields, due to the blockade by the administration of US President Donald Trump. PDVSA aims to cut production in Orinoco by at least 25% to 500,000 barrels per day.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced contact with the US regarding the alleged attack by Ukrainian drones on Putin's residence. Negotiating groups concluded that it was a fake.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced discussions with Donald Trump on Ukraine's economic recovery, including a threefold increase in salaries. This is part of the "Prosperity Package" which envisages attracting American business.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Donald Trump's visit to Ukraine would be beneficial, especially if he flies directly to Ukraine by plane. The President of Ukraine emphasized that this would indicate the possibility of a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with US President Donald Trump the provision of missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine. Trump promised to help, and Ukraine is ready to purchase missiles through the PURL mechanism.
President Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is discussing the deployment of US troops as part of security guarantees, but the decision will be made by America. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Umerov noted that Ukraine and the US have made progress in developing a peace framework and security guarantees.
President Zelenskyy reported on the daily work of Ukraine and the United States, despite Russian attempts to disrupt negotiations. He also announced upcoming meetings of advisors on January 3 in Ukraine and leaders on January 6 in France.
Russians cannot capture Zaporizhzhia, and for the city there are only air threats, not infantry ones. Putin's illusion of a rapid front collapse is supported by Chief of General Staff Gerasimov.