United States
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.
Precious metals resumed their rally at the beginning of the new year, continuing the unprecedented growth of 2025, supported by geopolitical tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts. Gold rose 1.4% to $4372.35 per ounce, silver rose 3.6% to $73.79 per ounce.
This refers to advanced weapon systems, including ballistic missiles and drones, for cryptocurrency. This would allow Tehran to circumvent Western financial restrictions.
Law enforcement officers have dismantled an international cocaine supply channel to Ukraine, organized by a group of citizens from Ukraine, Armenia, the Czech Republic, and Germany. The organizer, who had previously served a sentence for drug offenses in the US, planned to import up to 2 kg of cocaine weekly, with the value of a single shipment exceeding $200,000.
US President Donald Trump has threatened the Iranian authorities with "actions" if peaceful protesters are killed, he wrote on the Truth Social social network. He added that Washington is ready for "actions."
The Donald Trump administration is trying to expedite the review process for the White House ballroom project to get final approval as early as March. This would allow construction to begin a month later, despite lawsuits and criticism.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine warns of the Kremlin's preparation of an armed provocation with significant human casualties. It may occur on the eve or during Christmas according to the Julian calendar, likely in a religious building or another symbolic object.
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.
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has stated his readiness for dialogue with the United States on combating drug trafficking and oil. This comes amid increased American pressure on his government, including attacks on vessels and port infrastructure.
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.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose by 35 and 34 cents respectively on the first trading day of 2026. This followed the largest annual decline since 2020, caused by drone attacks on Russian oil facilities and US sanctions against Venezuela.
A poll by The Economist/YouGov showed that 49% of Americans disapprove of Donald Trump's actions regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine. Only 30% of respondents support his approach.
The US calls on China for restraint and dialogue after large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. The State Department believes that China's military actions are unnecessarily escalating tensions in the region.
Trump has abandoned plans to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. This decision comes after a series of lawsuits blocked the administration's initiatives.
The Russian Federation officially appealed to the US State Department with a demand to stop pursuing the oil tanker Bella 1, which the American authorities consider a stateless vessel. The tanker, en route from Iran to Venezuela, is currently trying to evade the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has vowed to defend the island's sovereignty, citing China's expansionist ambitions. This came after Beijing concluded live-fire military exercises off Taiwan's coast.
Mamdani became New York's first Muslim mayor, taking the oath of office on January 1. He used the Quran for the ceremony, a first in the city's history.
Russia stated that it had decrypted a file from a Ukrainian drone, which, it claims, indicates that the target was the residence of the Russian dictator. These materials will be handed over to the American side through established channels.
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.
Donald Trump told reporters about his health and that he relies on his "good genetics" and often does not follow doctors' recommendations.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov in Ankara. The meeting took place on the eve of the talks between national security advisers of the "coalition of the willing" countries on January 3.
Automakers Ford and Honda are reorienting their model lineups towards hybrid cars by 2026 due to declining demand for electric vehicles. Honda plans to introduce a new generation of hybrid technologies by 2030, and Ford is expanding its hybrid lineup amid weak EV sales.
President Zelenskyy reacted to Russia's massive drone attack on at least 7 regions on New Year's Eve. He emphasized the need for partners to supply air defense systems without delay.
The CIA assessed that Ukraine did not attack Putin's residence during a recent drone attack, refuting the Russian leader's claims. CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on the assessment.
US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from several cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles. This decision was made after the US Supreme Court did not allow Trump to use troops to maintain law and order in the regions.
Ukraine has strengthened its air defense by receiving two more Patriot systems thanks to agreements with Germany. These systems are capable of destroying aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including hypersonic ones, at a distance of up to 160 km and an altitude of up to 24 km.
A federal judge in California has invalidated the Trump administration's decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 60,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. This ruling will allow TPS holders from these countries to legally work in the US and avoid deportation.
The Trump administration sanctioned four companies from Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as associated oil tankers, accusing them of evading sanctions against Venezuela. These measures are aimed at cutting off financial flows supporting the regime of Nicolas Maduro.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia will have to end the war as soon as they find one more reason for peace than to fight. He emphasized that today everyone adds: "To be one step ahead, one hour faster, one decision braver."