The Diplomat
The international community is discussing a boycott of the 2026 World Cup due to Trump's statements about military operations in Mexico. This caused outrage, as Mexico is a partner in organizing the tournament.
Following Ukraine, Latvia will initiate a UN Security Council meeting due to intensified Russian shelling near EU and NATO borders and Russia's use of the "Oreshnik" missile.
Delcy Rodriguez, appointed as interim president of Venezuela, announced the start of a diplomatic dialogue with the Donald Trump administration. This comes despite official condemnation of US actions, which Caracas calls the "illegal kidnapping" of Nicolas Maduro.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the damage to its embassy building in Kyiv as a result of shelling, without mentioning Russia. Diplomats and staff were not injured.
The Ukrainian delegation and the President of Ukraine are ready to travel to the US to continue negotiations on achieving a just peace. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced progress after talks in Paris.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's use of the 'Oreshnik' missile is an escalation against Ukraine and a warning to Europe and the US.
US President Donald Trump has released two Russian citizens from the crew of the tanker Marinera at the request of the Kremlin. The Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed this decision, having previously called the seizure of the tanker an "illegal forceful action."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine offered assistance to Qatar after its embassy in Kyiv was damaged by a Russian strike. This is a gross violation of the Vienna Convention, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry states.
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka arrived in Ukraine to meet with Andriy Sybiha. His trip was delayed due to Russian missile attacks, which he criticized.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the appointment of Anka Feldhusen as the new business ombudsperson. She will assume office on February 1, 2026.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said President Trump is considering all options regarding Greenland, examining what is in the best interests of the United States. She emphasized that diplomacy has always been the president's first option.
Former Donald Trump adviser Fiona Hill stated that the Kremlin offered the White House "a free hand" in Venezuela in exchange for the US "turning a blind eye" to events in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy heard a report from Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on diplomatic work in 2025 and the main tasks for this year. Rotations in the diplomatic corps were also discussed; the minister will present candidates.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed Russian strikes on Ukraine with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and received a promise of assistance. The parties also mentioned the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach, where Ukrainians died.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, as a non-staff advisor on economic development. She has significant experience in attracting investments and implementing economic transformations.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys recalled that Nicolás Maduro's regime supported Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Lithuania did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
Delcy Rodríguez called Nicolás Maduro the "only" legitimate president of the country. She called for his immediate release and emphasized Venezuela's sovereignty, rejecting US statements about its intention to govern the country.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas reacted to the events in Venezuela, where the government of Nicolas Maduro was overthrown. The EU calls for restraint, emphasizing adherence to international law and the protection of EU citizens.
Delcy Rodriguez arrived in Russia after the US President announced the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez's brother, the head of the National Assembly, is in Caracas.
Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha supported the Ukrainian ambassador after criticism from the Czech Foreign Ministry, calling the diplomat's actions professional and justified. Sybiha emphasized that the ambassador's reaction was a response to unacceptable attacks against Ukraine.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced the strengthening of critical infrastructure after damage to underwater cables between Estonia and Finland. The EU will invest in new cables, enhance surveillance, and counter Moscow's shadow fleet.
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.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas said that Russia's statements about Ukraine's attack on government facilities are a deliberate distraction. She emphasized that Moscow seeks to disrupt the progress of Ukraine and its Western partners towards peace.
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.
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.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha commented on Russia's statements about an alleged attack on Putin's residence. He noted that Russia has still not provided any credible evidence for its accusations, and there was no attack.
The European Union has called for the preservation of Somalia's unity and territorial integrity after Israel officially recognized the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. This decision has provoked a strong reaction from African and Middle Eastern countries and international organizations.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, representatives of President Trump. Significant details of work and ideas for achieving lasting peace were discussed.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced a ban on entry for 14 Russian citizens. This decision was made ahead of the Luge World Cup stage in Sigulda, which the International Federation allowed "neutral athletes" from Russia to participate in.
US Democratic senators have urged Donald Trump not to recall nearly 30 career ambassadors, warning of a threat to national security. They believe this would create a vacuum that Russia and China would fill, leaving more than 100 embassies without leadership.