International Relations
Sandu accuses Russia of disrupting peace talks and attacking civilians in Ukraine
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that Russia is sabotaging peace talks with false statements and continues to shell civilians in Ukraine, despite diplomatic efforts involving the United States.
Merz says the war against Ukraine is part of Russia's plan against the whole of Europe
In his New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Russia's war against Ukraine is part of a broader plan against Europe and directly threatens Germany's freedom and security.
The US imposes sanctions on companies and individuals from Iran and Venezuela over the supply of combat drones
The United States imposed sanctions on ten companies and individuals from Iran and Venezuela, which are linked to the supply of combat drones and support for Iranian missile programmes.
European leaders discuss Ukraine against the backdrop of Russia's hardening stance
European leaders held talks on Ukraine after the Kremlin announced that it was reconsidering its negotiating position. Ukraine called Russian accusations fake, while Poland said peace was on the horizon for the first time.
ISW finds no evidence of drone attack on Putin's Valdai residence
ISW analysts said there was no evidence of a Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence in Valdai. Local residents have not heard any air defence activity, and Russian statements contradict each other.
Security advisers from the Coalition of the Willing to meet in Kyiv on 3 January
National security advisers to the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing will meet in Kyiv on 3 January. This will be followed by talks at the level of leaders on 6 January in France.
Lithuania is preparing to blow up strategic bridges on the border with Russia and Belarus in case of an attack
Lithuania is strengthening the defence of its eastern border. The authorities are preparing engineering solutions for blowing up bridges, creating anti-tank lines and accumulating barriers amid the threat from Russia and Belarus.
Von der Leyen calls Ukraine's accession to the EU a key security guarantee
Ursula von der Leyen said after the meeting that Ukraine's accession to the European Union is critical for peace, security and reconstruction of the country.
For the first time, the United States declared its readiness to deploy troops in Ukraine as a security guarantee
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that for the first time, the United States had confirmed its readiness to contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine, including through the possible deployment of US troops after peace is reached.
Latvia completes construction of fence on the border with Russia
Latvia has completed about 280 kilometres of fencing on its border with Russia. The project is designed to strengthen the protection of the EU's eastern border and the capabilities of the border guard service.
Trump announces US strike on drug trafficking facilities in Venezuela
Donald Trump announced a US strike on Venezuela to combat drug trafficking. Officials in Washington and Caracas did not confirm the ground attack, while the US reported the destruction of a drug trafficking vessel.
Estonia: only increased pressure will make Russia take negotiations seriously
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tähkna said after a conversation with Ukraine's Foreign Minister that Russia was not ready for peace and that only increased pressure and support for Ukraine could force it to start real negotiations.
