International Relations
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.
China deploys more than 130 aircraft and 22 ships in Taiwan blockade drills
During large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, China deployed more than 130 combat aircraft and 22 ships. The manoeuvres simulated a blockade of the island and a possible invasion, and Taipei put its defence forces on high alert.
Dozens of balloons with contraband flew from Belarus to Poland
On Christmas Eve, 59 weather balloons flew from Belarus to Poland. Some of them were carrying cigarettes, others had GPS trackers. The services found 13 balloons with cargo and five packages, and one incident caused damage to the power grid
Trump to host Netanyahu in Florida to discuss second phase of Gaza plan
After talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. The two sides will discuss the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, as well as the situation around Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.
Students in Serbia rally support for early elections, hoping to unseat Vucic
In Serbia, students across the country collected signatures in support of early parliamentary elections. The action was the next stage of pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic amid ongoing protests and corruption allegations.
