Washington, D.C.
Chinese officials are reviewing Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI platform Manus over potential export control violations. This could give Beijing leverage over the deal, which is a rare instance of an American company acquiring a Chinese AI startup.
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.
European leaders and US officials are seeking to finalize a security guarantee agreement that includes the possibility of a US troop presence in post-war Ukraine. Talks in Paris are focused on integrating capabilities offered by Washington with the plans of Ukraine's allies.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that leaders will discuss the details of the "Paris Declaration" to confirm European-American cooperation. Final decisions regarding support for Ukraine and its reconstruction are expected in Washington.
The Trump administration plans meetings with oil company executives to discuss increasing oil production in Venezuela after Maduro's removal. Companies deny prior consultations, and analysts warn of the need for billions in investment.
The leaders of China and South Korea have agreed to intensify trade cooperation and protect regional stability. The visit of South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung took place against the backdrop of North Korea's ballistic missile tests.
US special forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, depriving Vladimir Putin of an ally and strengthening US oil influence. Moscow views this as an attempt to control Venezuela's oil wealth and a possible sign of the Monroe Doctrine's revival.
The US State Department stated that the Western Hemisphere is a zone of Washington's interests. President Trump will not allow threats to US security in this hemisphere.
In Ohio, an unknown person broke windows at the residence of US Vice President J. D. Vance. The assailant has been detained; Vance's family was not present during the incident.
A man was arrested after he broke windows at the home of US Vice President J. D. Vance in Ohio and damaged a Secret Service vehicle. Vance and his family were not home at the time of the incident.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is considering fleeing to Moscow with his entourage if protests in Iran intensify. This plan follows the example of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Donald Trump threatened Colombia with a military operation, accusing President Gustavo Petro of facilitating drug trafficking. This happened after the detention of Nicolás Maduro, which indicates increased US pressure on Latin American leaders.
Donald Trump stated that he does not believe the reports of a Ukrainian attack on Vladimir Putin's residence. He noted that the available information does not confirm the fact of a targeted strike.
Protests against President Donald Trump's military operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro took place in the United States. In major cities such as Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, crowds of up to 100 people marched, chanting anti-war slogans.
Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the powers of head of state. This happened after the detention of Nicolás Maduro by American special services.
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.
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.
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.
Meta Platforms has agreed to acquire Singaporean AI startup Manus, which conducts in-depth research and performs tasks for paying users. The deal is valued at over $2 billion, with Manus maintaining independent operations while integrating its agents into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
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.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Ukrainians residing in Russia should participate in voting in Ukraine's presidential elections. He claims that the mandate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expired in May 2024.
The teams from Ukraine and the US have made significant progress in developing a peace framework, security guarantees, and the sequence of further steps. An agreement has been reached to continue consultations and prepare for the next stages of dialogue, including leaders' meetings in Washington in January.
Following the meeting with the US President, the President of Ukraine stated that the parties discussed all aspects of the peace framework and achieved significant results, as well as discussed the sequence of further actions.
The presidents of Ukraine and the United States will meet in Florida to discuss a plan to end the war, including Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of Russian air attacks and disagreements on key issues.
The historic FBI headquarters building in Washington will be decommissioned, and employees will move to a facility previously occupied by the disbanded U. S. Agency for International Development. This decision, announced by FBI Director Kash Patel on December 26, will save taxpayer money and better meet the Bureau's needs.
Russia criticized US actions in the Caribbean, calling the pressure on Venezuela a return to banditry. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow supports Nicolas Maduro.
The Kremlin believes it can gain more by continuing hostilities while using negotiations as a foreign policy tool. Russian dictator Putin insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the exclusion of Ukraine's possibility of NATO membership.
The Trump administration announced tariffs on Chinese semiconductor imports due to Beijing's pursuit of dominance, but postponed their implementation until June 2027. This decision is a result of an investigation into China's unfair trade practices.
The US Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's proposal to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, despite objections from local and state officials. The court noted that the president's authority to federalize the National Guard applies only in "exceptional" circumstances.
Donald Trump has officially invited the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the G20 summit in Miami. This decision is driven by the strategic interests of the United States in strengthening ties and diversifying supply chains of critical minerals.