Politics
Putin cancels public declaration of officials' income from 2026
Russia will stop publicly declaring the income of officials in 2026. The authorities are replacing open reporting with closed anti-corruption control under full state supervision.
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.
DPRK reports launching two strategic cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea
North Korea announced the test launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles. The flight lasted almost three hours, and the launch took place under the control of Kim Jong-un.
Zelenskyy on peace talks with the US and Europe: security guarantees, timing of the war and format of dialogue with Russia
Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up the talks with Donald Trump and his partners. They talked about security guarantees for 30-50 years, a 20-point peace plan, the role of the United States and Europe, possible meetings with Russia, and the issue of reparations.
China launches large-scale military exercises around Taiwan with live firing
The Chinese army has begun a two-day Just Mission 2025 exercise near Taiwan with live-fire exercises. Beijing calls the manoeuvres a defence of sovereignty amid rising tensions and arms supplies to Taipei from the United States.
Italy has provided Ukraine with military assistance worth more than 3 billion euros
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Italy has provided Ukraine with more than €3 billion worth of weapons and equipment and is preparing to approve the 12th military aid package
Poland prepares €2bn anti-drone air shield on eastern border
Poland plans to create a drone countermeasure system along its eastern border within two years. The project, worth more than €2 billion, is intended to strengthen defence amid threats from Russia.
