Ukraine is discussing the possibility of hosting US troops as part of peace talks with US president Donald Trump, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
He told reporters that a troop presence in Ukraine would be a major security boost for Kyiv.
"Of course, we are discussing this with President Trump and with representatives of the (Western) coalition (supporting Kyiv). We want this. We would like this. This would be a strong position of the security guarantees," he said in a WhatsApp chat with the media.
Russian attacks on Ukraine continued overnight with at least six people wounded in air strikes on the Odesa region. Three children and a 42-year-old man were injured in the attacks. Over 170,000 people have been left without power in the aftermath according to Ukraine’s energy ministry.
The White House had no comment on the issue of dispatching US troops to Ukraine under any peace settlement with Russia.
Mr Zelensky also reiterated his commitment to ongoing peace talks, saying that he is ready to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin “in any format”.
Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has entered active service
Putin raises stakes in peace talks with boast of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus
Russian losses in Ukraine rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
Cracks in Trump’s peace plan as Ukraine accuses Russia of lies over ‘attack on Putin residence’
Key Points
- Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles moved into Belarus
- Russian port, gas pipeline in Tuapse hit by Ukrainian drones
- Six people, including three children, injured in Russian strike
- Over 170,000 people left without power in Odesa
Putin amends law to officially let Russia ignore foreign criminal courts
13:15 , Nicole Wootton-CanePresident Vladimir Putin has formally enacted changes granting Russia the unilateral right to ignore judgments issued by foreign and international courts in criminal cases.
This controversial decision comes as Ukrainian and European nations continue their concerted efforts to impose penalties on Moscow for its ongoing actions in Ukraine.
The measure appears to be a direct counter to several international initiatives aimed at prosecuting Russian officials and military officers for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, claims which the Kremlin steadfastly denies.
You can read more below:
Putin amends law to officially let Russia ignore foreign criminal courts
Comment: This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
13:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
Pictured: Moscow claims Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence shot down
12:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Romania and Croatia join PURL initiative
12:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePresident Zelensky has thanked Romania and Croatia after the countries made their first contributions to the PURL initiative.
The scheme provides military aid to Ukraine, and has provided the country with $4.3bn since its inception in July 2025.
In a post on X, Mr Zelensky wrote: “Thank you to Romania and Croatia for joining the PURL initiative and announcing their first contributions to it. This is an important initiative that makes it possible to purchase American weapons and bolster our defence, including missiles for Patriots and other capabilities we need.
“The total amount of contributions has reached $4.3 billion, including nearly $1.5 billion in December alone. This has made it possible to form eight assistance packages already, and work is currently underway to fund two more. We thank everyone who helped Ukraine this year and those who will continue to support us in 2026.
“We are bringing closer peace and guaranteed security for Ukraine and all of Europe.”
Finland suspects ship of causing undersea cable damage, president says
11:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFinnish authorities have inspected a vessel suspected of causing undersea cable damage in the of Finland, President Alexander Stubb said on Wednesday.
Baltic Sea nations have been on high alert after a string of outages of power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
"Finland is prepared for security challenges of various kinds, and we respond to them as necessary," Stubb wrote on X.
Finnish authorities have inspected a vessel suspected of causing cable damage in the Gulf of Finland.
— Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) December 31, 2025
Thank you for efficient work and communication @rajavartijat, @SuomenPoliisi, @Puolustusvoimat, @TraficomFinland, @SuomenTulli, @Tukesinfo and @fingrid_oyj. We are monitoring…
Watch: Trump reacts to claims of drone strike on Putin’s home
11:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEU foreign policy chief says Russia drone attack claims are a 'distraction'
11:00 , Maira ButtThe European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said that Russian claims of a 91-drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s personal residence in Valdai are a “distraction” amid ongoing peace talks.
“Moscow aims to derail real progress towards peace by Ukraine and its Western partners,” Kallas wrote on X/Twitter on Wednesday.
“No one should accept unfounded claims from the aggressor who has indiscriminately targeted Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilians since the start of the war.”
Over 170,000 people left without power after Russian strikes
10:39 , Maira ButtUkraine’s energy ministry has reported that 170,000 people have been left without power after Russian strikes on energy infrastructure in the Odesa region.
In a statement on Wednesday, it said that emergency repairs were ongoing.
Four apartment buildings were damaged in the bombing. Six people were injured including three children.
Oleh Kiper, the regional head said the attacks “are further evidence of the enemy's terror tactics, which deliberately target civilian infrastructure.”
In pictures: Aftermath of a Russian strike in Odesa
10:30 , Maira ButtPictures show the destruction left in the aftermath of a Russian strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region, which left apartment buildings damaged.
At least six people, including three children, were injured.
Europe backs Ukraine over Russia's drone attack allegations
10:00 , Maira ButtEurope rallied behind Ukraine on Tuesday over Russia’s unproven accusations that Kyiv had assaulted the presidential residence in Novgorod with drones overnight into Monday.
The German government said it shares Ukraine's worry that the allegations could be used for further escalation.
A source close to French President Emmanuel Macron also said that there was no evidence to corroborate the accusations made by the Russian authorities.
"Ukraine and its partners are committed to a path of peace, while Russia has chosen to continue and intensify its war against Ukraine. This is in itself an act of defiance against President Trump's peace agenda," the source told Reuters.
Russian strikes cause 'significant' damage to Odesa energy facilities
09:30 , Maira ButtOvernight, Russian strikes on the southern Odesa region of Ukraine, caused “significant” damage to two of the area’s energy facilities, according to the country’s leading energy provider.
“The damages are significant,” DTEK said in a statement on Wednesday. “Restoring the equipment to working condition will take time," DTEK said in a statement.”
The warring nations have continued to attack their opponent’s energy infrastructure, leading to blackouts for civilian populations.
Four people including three children injured in Russian strike
09:00 , Maira ButtRussian drone strikes on Ukraine’s Odesa region have injured four people including three children, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Residential buildings and energy infrastructure were also damaged in the attacks, according to Oleh Kiper, governor of the region.
“Strike drones attacked residential, logistics and energy infrastructure in our region,” he said in a statement on Telegram on Wednesday.
One of the children injured in the attacks was a 7-month-old infant. A 42-year-old man is also one of the injured, according to authorities.
Putin orders expansion of buffer zone in 2026
08:29 , Maira ButtPresident Vladimir Putin has ordered the expansion of the buffer zone in the regions of Sumy and Kharkiv in Ukraine, near Russia’s border, according to Valery Gerasimov, Putin’s chief of general staff, reports RIA.
The region has been used as a way to push Ukrainian troops away from the birder, citing attacks on Belgorod and Kursk.
Kyiv has rejected the zone, accusing Russia of using the region to justify deeper incursions into Ukraine’s territory.
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
08:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPrisoners of war are being systematically executed by Russian forces, according to one of Ukraine’s most decorated soldiers.
Major Oleh Shyriaiev, who was awarded the top national decoration of Hero of Ukraine for his leadership on the battlefield, told The Times that he often intercepts transmissions in which orders to kill surrendering troops are given by Russian military leaders.
Combat observers say evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian troops has grown in recent months. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine even as peace talks continue between the US and European and Russian leaders.
More here.
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Trump reacts to claims of drone strike on Putin’s home
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDonald Trump said he is “very angry” after hearing reports that Vladimir Putin’s home was attacked.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that Kyiv launched a drone attack on Putin’s state residence on Sunday (28 December). Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has denied the allegations, dismissing them as “typical Russian lies”.
Speaking during a press conference with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (29 December), the US president said that he was not pleased by the reports. “It’s not the right time to do any of that”, he said.
More here.
Russian losses in Ukraine rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
06:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussian losses in the war in Ukraine have been growing at a faster rate than at any point so far since the invasion began in February 2022, new analysis suggests.
Analysis by the BBC found that 40 per cent more obituaries of soldiers were published in Russia this year compared with 2024.
The broadcaster, along with independent outlet Mediazona, compiled a list of named individuals using official reports, newspapers and social media, as well as new memorials and graves. In total, they were able to confirm the names of around 160,000 people who have been killed.
More here.
Russian losses in Ukraine rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
In pics: A drone view shows damaged apartment buildings in frontline town of Kupiansk
06:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Children among four injured in Russia's attack on Ukraine
05:55 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussia launched an overnight drone attack on Ukraine's Odesa region, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure and injuring four people, including three children, regional authorities said.
Odesa, a major Black Sea port, has been repeatedly targeted by Russian missiles and drones during nearly four years of war, with strikes frequently hitting energy, transport and port infrastructure as well as residential areas.
"Strike drones attacked residential, logistics and energy infrastructure in our region," Oleh Kiper, governor of the Odesa region, said.
In Odesa city, which is the administrative centre of the broader Odesa region, four people were injured, including a seven-month-old infant, two other children, and a 42-year-old man, Serhiy Lisak, the head of Odesa's military administration, said on Telegram.
He said that drone debris and direct hits damaged facades and windows of several high-rise apartment buildings.
Lisak posted images showing smoke billowing from a multi-storey apartment building at night, with flames visible in several windows and what appears to be a firefighter water jet aimed at the facade.
Putin orders 'buffer zone expansion' in Ukraine's Sumy, Kharkiv in 2026
04:48 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussian chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov, claimed Russian forces were advancing into Ukrainian defences and that president Vladimir Putin ordered the expansion of a buffer zone in Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv in 2026.
Gerasimov inspected the "North" grouping of troops and held a meeting at a command post, according to the reports.
Russia's "North" troop grouping, formed in early 2024, has operated in northeastern Ukraine, seeking to create a buffer along the border in Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv, pushing back Ukrainian forces and positioning for further advances.
Putin raises stakes in peace talks with boast of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus
04:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussia boasted it had deployed nuclear-capable missiles inside Belarus on Tuesday as Vladimir Putin sought to escalate tensions over Ukraine – just as peace talks appeared to be gaining momentum.
The intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 and are immune to interceptions, according to Putin; Russia’s missile forces chief, Sergei Karakayev, previously claimed the weapons “can strike targets across the entire territory of Europe”.
Tensions between the countries have soared after Russia accused Ukraine of attacking Putin’s personal residence with 91 drones.
More here.
Putin raises stakes and deploys nuclear-ready missiles in Belarus
Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles moved into Belarus
03:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service, the country’s defence ministry has announced, as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution to Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine.
The deployment of the advanced weapon system took place in neighbouring Belarus, its neighbouring ally, which also shares a border with Nato countries Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.
While the ministry confirmed the activation, it refrained from disclosing the number of missiles deployed or providing further specific details regarding the system’s capabilities or location within Belarus.
This move follows earlier remarks by Russian president Vladimir Putin in December, who stated the Oreshnik would be combat-ready this month.
During a meeting with senior Russian military officials, Putin had warned that Moscow intended to expand its territorial gains in Ukraine should Kyiv and its Western allies reject the Kremlin’s demands during peace negotiations.
Moscow first used the Oreshnik, which is Russian for “hazelnut tree,” against Ukraine in November 2024, when it fired the experimental weapon at a factory in Dnipro that built missiles when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union.
Putin has praised the Oreshnik’s capabilities, saying that its multiple warheads, which plunge toward a target at speeds up to Mach 10, are immune to being intercepted.
He warned the West that Moscow could use it against Ukraine’s Nato allies, who've allowed Kyiv to use their longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia.
Russian port, gas pipeline in Tuapse hit by Ukrainian drones
03:05 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA Ukrainian drone attack damaged port infrastructure and a gas pipeline in a residential area in Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse, the regional administration said this morning, adding no injuries were reported.
Emergency crews were dispatched to repair the damage, the operational headquarters of the Krasnodar region said on Telegram. The port's berth had been damaged, it added.
SHOT, a Telegram news channel with sources in Russia's security services, said a series of explosions was heard over Tuapse late last night and that residents in one district reported a fire.
Several Ukrainian media, including the RBC-Ukraine media outlet, posted photos on Telegram appearing to show a large fire burning in the distance at night, with a communications mast silhouetted in the foreground.
US ambassador to NATO casts doubt on Russian drone attack claims
03:00 , James ReynoldsMatthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO, cast doubt on Russia’s claim that Ukraine attacked President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Tuesday.
"It is unclear whether it actually happened," Whitaker told Fox Business "Varney & Co."
"It seems to me a little indelicate to be this close at a peace deal, Ukraine really wanting to get a peace deal done, and then to do something that would be viewed as reckless or not helpful," he said.
Whitaker said that he wants to see U.S. intelligence on the incident.
Europe backs Ukraine over Russia's drone attack allegations
02:00 , James ReynoldsEurope rallied behind Ukraine on Tuesday over Russia’s unproven accusations that Kyiv had assaulted the presidential residence in Novgorod with drones overnight into Monday.
The German government said it shares Ukraine's worry that the allegations could be used for further escalation.
A source close to French President Emmanuel Macron also said that there was no evidence to corroborate the accusations made by the Russian authorities.
"Ukraine and its partners are committed to a path of peace, while Russia has chosen to continue and intensify its war against Ukraine. This is in itself an act of defiance against President Trump's peace agenda," the source told Reuters.
This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
01:00 , James ReynoldsReports of an unlikely aerial raid on Putin’s residence remind us that the Russian president sees endless conflict and confusion as the best means to control, says MARK ALMOND – he fears victory over Ukraine almost as much as defeat:
This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
Putin raises stakes in peace talks with boast of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus
00:00 , James ReynoldsRussia said on Tuesday that it had deployed nuclear-capable missiles inside Belarus as Vladimir Putin sought to escalate tensions over Ukraine.
The latest threat came after the Kremlin accused Ukraine of targeting the Russian presidential residence in Novgorod without providing evidence - something Kyiv dismissed as “lies” intent on undermining progress in peace talks.
Read the latest:
Putin raises stakes and deploys nuclear-ready missiles in Belarus
Russia claims Ukraine striking Moscow
Tuesday 30 December 2025 23:42 , James ReynoldsRussia is now claiming that Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks against Moscow on Tuesday.
Authorities said one person was injured near the capital.
Russia's air defence units destroyed a total of 27 Ukrainian drones over three hours from 5pm GMT, according to the defence ministry.
It comes just a day after Russia accused Ukraine, without providing evidence, of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence - something US and European officials have expressed doubt over.
Are Ukraine and the US any closer to a workable peace deal?
Tuesday 30 December 2025 23:24 , James ReynoldsNatia Seskuria, associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) thinks not.
She told The Independent following the latest talks in Florida: “I believe it is premature, and in many ways exaggerated, to suggest that the parties are genuinely closer to peace when the most critical questions - above all the territorial settlement-remain unresolved.
“The core issue of the future of the occupied territories, including the remaining parts of the Donbas region under Ukrainian control, lacks any clarity, which severely limits how much weight can be attached to talk of ‘progress.’
“There is also no clear evidence that President Trump is exerting serious pressure on Russia to make substantive concessions, whereas Russian officials have repeatedly reaffirmed their determination to secure control over the entire Donbas region - a concession that Kyiv has consistently described as a red line it cannot cross.
“There has been some degree of progress on other problematic issues, such as the framework for security guarantees, but as long as the territorial question remains unresolved, it can easily derail the entire process.”
Watch: Trump reacts to unproven claims of attacks on Putin's residence
Tuesday 30 December 2025 23:01 , James ReynoldsZelensky hopeful for US boots on the ground in Ukraine
Tuesday 30 December 2025 22:00 , James ReynoldsZelensky said today that Ukraine was discussing the possibility of hosting US troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees.
He told reporters that a troop presence in Ukraine would be a major security boost for Kyiv.
"Of course, we are discussing this with President Trump and with representatives of the (Western) coalition (supporting Kyiv). We want this. We would like this. This would be a strong position of the security guarantees," he said.
The White House had no comment on the issue of dispatching US troops to Ukraine under any peace settlement with Russia.
US removes sanctions on former CFO of Russia's state-owned Sberbank
Tuesday 30 December 2025 22:00 , Maira ButtThe United States Treasury announced on Tuesday that it had removed sanctions on Alexandra Buriko, the former chief financial officer of Russia's state-owned Sberbank.
Buriko resigned from the Western-sanctioned company shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US targeted Buriko as part of a campaign against “individuals and entities critical to Russia’s ability to wage war against Ukraine.”
It included eight other current and recent senior executives at the time.
Russia opens rebuilt Mariupol theater more than 3 years after Moscow airstrike killed hundreds there
Tuesday 30 December 2025 21:00 , Maira ButtA historic theater in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol has opened its doors more than three years after it was pummeled in a Russian airstrike that killed hundreds of civilians sheltering inside.
Moscow-installed authorities marked the rebuilding of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater with a gala concert on the building’s new main stage Sunday night. Images shared by Russian state media outlets showed the building's marbled pillars and staircases, and dancers wearing traditional Russian headdresses known as kokoshniks performing.
The original theater was destroyed when it was targeted by a Russian airstrike on March 16, 2022, as Moscow’s forces besieged the city in the weeks after their invasion.
Russia opens rebuilt Mariupol theater more than 3 years after Moscow airstrike killed hundreds there
Germany shares Ukraine's concern over possible Russian escalation
Tuesday 30 December 2025 20:30 , Daniel KeaneThe German government has said it shares Ukraine's concern that Russia will use allegations of a drone attack on one of Vladimir Putin’s residences to escalate the war in Ukraine.
They pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's rejection of the Russian claims and his warning that Moscow might exploit the accusations.
"We share this concern," a German government spokesperson said in a statement.
What is Russia's Oreshnik missile?
Tuesday 30 December 2025 20:00 , Daniel KeaneRussia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.
Moscow first used the Oreshnik, which is Russian for “hazelnut tree,” against Ukraine in November 2024, when it fired the experimental weapon at a factory in Dnipro that built missiles when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union.
Russia claims that its multiple warheads, which plunge toward a target at speeds up to Mach 10, are immune to being intercepted.
Russia’s missile forces chief has also declared that the Oreshnik, which can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, has a range allowing it to reach all of Europe.
US ambassador to NATO casts doubt on Russian drone attack claims
Tuesday 30 December 2025 19:49 , James ReynoldsMatthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO, cast doubt on Russia’s claim that Ukraine attacked President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Tuesday.
"It is unclear whether it actually happened," Whitaker told Fox Business "Varney & Co."
"It seems to me a little indelicate to be this close at a peace deal, Ukraine really wanting to get a peace deal done, and then to do something that would be viewed as reckless or not helpful," he said.
Whitaker said that he wants to see U.S. intelligence on the incident.
Watch: Ukraine hits major Russian oil refinery with British missiles
Tuesday 30 December 2025 19:30 , Daniel KeaneWatch: Trump reacts to claims of drone strike on Putin’s home
Tuesday 30 December 2025 19:00 , Daniel KeanePutin raises stakes in peace talks with boast of Oreshnik missiles in Belarus
Tuesday 30 December 2025 18:30 , Maira ButtRussia bragged it had deployed nuclear-capable missiles inside Belarus on Tuesday as Vladimir Putin sought to escalate tensions over Ukraine – just as peace talks appeared to be gaining momentum.
The intermediate-range Oreshnik missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 and are reportedly immune to interceptions, according to Vladimir Putin.
He had previously warned that the weapons could be used against Nato’s allies in retaliation for supplying Ukraine with long-range weapons.
Putin raises stakes and deploys nuclear-ready missiles in Belarus
Coalition of the Willing to meet in early January, says Zelensky
Tuesday 30 December 2025 18:00 , Maira ButtUkraine and the so-called 'Coalition of the Willing' group of nations backing Kyiv plan to hold their next meetings at the start of January, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The countries' national security advisers will meet in Ukraine on 3 January and then leaders in France on 6 January.
Led by Britain and France, the group includes more than 3 nations.
No evidence Ukraine targeted Putin residence, says sourced close to Macron
Tuesday 30 December 2025 17:30 , Maira ButtA source close to French president Emmanuel Macron has said that there is no evidence that Kyiv targeted Russian president Vladimir Putin’s personal residence, according to Reuters.
“Ukraine and its partners are committed to a path of peace, while Russia has chosen to continue and intensify its war against Ukraine,” the source said. “This is in itself an act of defiance against President Trump's peace agenda.”
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Tuesday 30 December 2025 17:00 , Daniel KeanePrisoners of war are being systematically executed by Russian forces, according to one of Ukraine’s most decorated soldiers.
Major Oleh Shyriaiev, who was awarded the top national decoration of Hero of Ukraine for his leadership on the battlefield, told The Times that he often intercepts transmissions in which orders to kill surrendering troops are given by Russian military leaders.
Combat observers say evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian troops has grown in recent months. Moscow has intensified its attacks on Ukraine even as peace talks continue between the US and European and Russian leaders.
Read our full story below.
Ukrainian POWs ‘being systematically executed’ by Russia, says top commander
Comment: This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
Tuesday 30 December 2025 16:30 , Daniel KeaneReports of an unlikely aerial raid on Putin’s residence remind us that the Russian president sees endless conflict and confusion as the best means to control, says Mark Almond – he fears victory over Ukraine almost as much as defeat.
This mysterious ‘drone attack’ shows paranoid Putin will never be a peacemaker
Zelensky ready to meet Putin 'in any format'
Tuesday 30 December 2025 16:19 , Maira ButtUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his commitment to ongoing peace talks, saying that he is ready to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin “in any format”, according to Reuters.
He added that he had discussed the possibility of US troops stationed in Ukraine as part of peace talks.
Putin spoke to Iranian president about nuclear programme, Kremlin says
Tuesday 30 December 2025 16:00 , Daniel KeaneVladimir Putin discussed Iran's nuclear programme with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a phone call, the Kremlin press-service has said.
News of the discussion came hours after Moscow urged all parties to refrain from escalation after US President Donald Trump said Washington would support another strike on Iran, during a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump joined Israel’s 12-day bombing campaign on Iran in an attempt to thwart Tehran’s nuclear programme in June.
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Iran would respond “harshly” to any future military strike by the US.
Tehran is a key ally for Moscow and has supplied Russia with drones used in its war in Ukraine.
'Coalition of the Willing' to meet early January, says Zelensky
Tuesday 30 December 2025 15:31 , Daniel KeaneThe Coalition of the Willing will meet in early January to discuss the war in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
The group of 30 nations, all of whom support Kyiv’s war effort, will meet in France on January 6, the Ukrainian president confirmed.
It is not immediately clear which leaders will take part in the meeting.
Russian drones hit two ships transporting wheat to Ukrainian port
Tuesday 30 December 2025 15:30 , Daniel KeaneRussian attack drones hit two civilian vessels entering a Ukrainian Black Sea port to load wheat, the Ukrainian navy has said.
In a statement on Telegram, officials confirmed the name of the ships were Emmakris III and Captain Karan.
They added that such attacks "threaten the lives of civilians and undermine global food security".
Watch: Putin warns Russia will accomplish goals by force
Tuesday 30 December 2025 15:00 , Daniel KeaneRussia deploys nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile systems
Tuesday 30 December 2025 14:28 , Maira ButtRussia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service via deployment in Belarus, Russia’s ministry of defence said on Tuesday.
The precise number of missiles was not disclosed.
Putin has previously praised the Oreshnik’s capabilities, saying that its multiple warheads, which can reach speeds up to Mach 10, are immune to being intercepted.
Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has entered active service
The Independent View: Zelensky can buy Europe 15 years to finally get its act together
Tuesday 30 December 2025 13:56 , Maira ButtGiven the capricious nature of Donald Trump, a “security guarantee” for Ukraine envisioned as lasting 15 years is about as reliable as one lasting 150 years – or, for that matter, 15 minutes.
It is, in other words, entirely notional, if not theoretical. This is an “America first” administration, and that extends to everything – defence, trade, climate change, and even public health.
As America’s former friends and partners across the world have discovered during both Mr Trump’s terms of office, any security guarantee, any treaty commitment, and any solemn promise made by this administration, or even by its predecessors, can be rescinded with the stroke of a Sharpie.
Zelensky can buy Europe 15 years to finally get its act together
In pictures: Damaged apartment buildings in Kupiansk amid fighting
Tuesday 30 December 2025 13:25 , Maira ButtA drone view shows damaged apartment buildings, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, Ukraine in this handout picture released on Tuesday.
Russia attacks Ukraine's Black Sea ports, says Kyiv
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:55 , Maira ButtAttacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure have continued after a civilian ship and facilities were damaged in the Black Sea ports of Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said a civilian Panama-flagged ship, loaded with grains and oil storage tanks, was damaged.
One person was wounded, according to his statement posted on Telegram on Tuesday.
“This is yet another targeted attack by Russia on civilian port infrastructure,” Kuleba continued. “The enemy is trying to disrupt logistics and complicate shipping.”
'Peace on the horizon', says Polish PM
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:40 , Maira ButtPoland’s prime minister Donald Tusk says that peace is “on the horizon” after a call with European leaders took place on Tuesday.
“Peace is on the horizon, there is no doubt that things have happened that give grounds for hope that this war can end, and quite quickly, but it is still a hope, far from 100% certain,” Tusk told a government meeting.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was part of the discussions and called for “transparency and honesty” from all sides.
“Now we need transparency and honesty from everyone -including Russia,” he wrote on X on Tuesday.
Russian losses in Ukraine rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
Tuesday 30 December 2025 12:20 , Maira ButtRussian losses in the war in Ukraine have been growing at a faster rate than at any point so far since the invasion began in February 2022, new analysis suggests.
Analysis by the BBC found that 40 per cent more obituaries of soldiers were published in Russia this year compared with 2024.
The broadcaster, along with independent outlet Mediazona, compiled a list of named individuals using official reports, newspapers and social media as well as new memorials and graves. In total, they were able to confirm the names of around 160,000 people who have been killed.
Experts told the broadcaster that the figure is likely to be far higher, with the BBC's toll only likely to represent between 45 and 65 per cent of the overall total. This would mean that Moscow has suffered between 243,000 and 352,000 casualties since the war began.
Read the full story below
Russian losses in Ukraine rising faster than ever, finds new analysis
Indian PM offers support to Russia in aftermath of suspected drone attack
Tuesday 30 December 2025 11:30 , Maira ButtIndia’s prime minister Narendra Modi has expressed his concern about an alleged 91-drone attack by Ukraine on President Vladimir Putin’s personal residence. Ukraine has denied the claims vehemently with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling the accusations “lies”.
“Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation,” PM Modi wrote on X/Twitter on Tuesday.
“Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them.”
Russia and India have tightened their strategic allyship in recent weeks, with Putin visiting Delhi earlier this month.
Russia urges restraint as Trump supports possible Iran strike
Tuesday 30 December 2025 11:00 , Maira ButtThe Kremlin has urged de-escalation after US President Donald Trump said he would support another massive strike on Iran.
Joined by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the US leader said that Tehran could be working to restore its weapons. Iran has denied it has a nuclear weapons programme.
“I've been reading that they're building up weapons and other things, and if they are, they're not using the sites we obliterated, but possibly different sites,” Trump told reporters.
Mariupol theatre reopens three years after airstrike killed hundreds
Tuesday 30 December 2025 10:21 , Maira ButtMoscow-installed authorities reopened the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater in Mariupol this week, three years after a Russian airstrike is reported to have killed hundreds.
The theater was destroyed when it was targeted by a Russian airstrike on 16 March 2022.
An Associated Press investigation later found evidence that 600 people had been killed inside and outside of the building – figures that were nearly double early government estimates.
Kremlin says Russia will toughen stance on Ukraine after drone strikes
Tuesday 30 December 2025 09:56 , Maira ButtThe Kremlin says Russia will be toughening its stance on Ukraine after an alleged 91-drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Valdai .
“This terrorist action is aimed at collapsing the negotiation process," Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
“The diplomatic consequence will be to toughen the negotiating position of the Russian Federation.”
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called the claims “another round of lies”.
Peskov added: “We see that Zelenskiy himself is trying to deny this, and many Western media outlets, playing along with the Kyiv regime, are starting to spread the theme that this did not happen. This is a completely insane assertion.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybihia said that Russia had offered “no evidence” for the attack as it did not exist, on Tuesday.
Russian losses growing faster than at any other point in war, according to new analysis
Tuesday 30 December 2025 09:30 , Maira ButtNew analysis has revealed the sheer scale of Russia’s losses since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Deaths of Russian military have risen exponentially with 40 per cent more obituaries of soldiers published in Russian sources compared with the previous year, according to the BBC.
The BBC confirmed the names of 160,000 people who have died fighting for Russia, but the real death toll is expected to be much higher if the confirmed names are taken as representing only 45 - 65 per cent of the complete total.
Between 243,000 and 352,000 Russians could be dead as a result of the war, according to the figures.
