Politics
Mass protests in Iran: doctor in Tehran says more than 200 dead, human rights activists record dozens of victims
Protests continue in Tehran and other Iranian cities, which began on 28 December amid the economic crisis and have escalated into political demands. According to human rights activists, at least 62 people have been killed and about 2,300 detained, while a doctor in the capital told TIME about 217 deaths in just six hospitals.
US and Ukraine prepare $800bn deal for post-war reconstruction
Ukraine and the US plan to sign a massive $800bn reconstruction deal in Davos, along with agreements on post-war security guarantees.
The Rada received submissions and applications on personnel changes in the government and the SSU
The Verkhovna Rada received the President's motion to dismiss the head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, as well as resignations from Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal and First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Zelensky calls on Trump to sign free trade agreement with Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is discussing a possible zero-tariff free trade agreement with the US as part of a package to help Ukraine recover from the war.
The EU is accused of financing Russia's war by importing Russian LNG
Despite the promise to ban Russian liquefied natural gas by 2027, in 2025 the EU increased its imports of LNG from Yamal. Human rights activists estimate that the Kremlin received at least €7.2 billion from this.
Ukraine and the UK agree on defence cooperation for 2026 and the launch of mass production of Octopus drones
A roadmap for the development of the centenary defence partnership between Ukraine and the UK has been signed in Kyiv. The document envisages strengthening air defence, joint defence projects, and the start of production of one thousand Octopus drones per month starting in February 2026.
Ukraine gives a large lithium deposit to a consortium of Trump-linked investors for development
A Ukrainian government commission has selected the winner of a tender to develop the state-owned Dobra lithium deposit. Investors include billionaire Ronald S. Lauder, a longtime acquaintance of Donald Trump, and TechMet, a company partially affiliated with the US government investment agency.
Sweden reveals details of the effectiveness of Archer howitzers at the front in Ukraine
Ukrainian artillerymen have called the Swedish Archer one of the most effective systems in the fight against Russian troops, capable of hitting targets tens of kilometres away.
Czech Republic confirms continuation of 'shell initiative' during visit of Foreign Minister to Kyiv
The newly appointed Czech Foreign Minister confirmed further military support for Ukraine and readiness to deepen defence cooperation.
Prime Minister of Scotland declares readiness to send troops to Ukraine in case of peace
Scottish Prime Minister John Swinney said he was ready to support the deployment of Scottish troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission, provided a peace agreement is acceptable to Ukrainians. He also expressed concern about the future of NATO.
Trump hints at US readiness to defend Ukraine - but with an important condition
The US President said he could support security guarantees for Ukraine, but only if Russia does not dare to invade again.
Pope Leo XIV calls on the world to continue efforts for peace in Ukraine
The pontiff delivered a strong moral message to the international community, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
