Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky and Starmer discuss how to spend billions seized from Abramovich after Chelsea sale

A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe

New Ukraine chief of staff revealed by Zelensky at key moment in Russia war

Russia puts death toll from Ukrainian strike on village at 27

Did Ukraine launch 91-drone attack on Putin’s presidential residence – or is it a Russian show for Trump?

Key Points

• Ukraine evacuates 3,000 children from frontline settlements
• Ukraine says two killed in Russian strike on Kharkiv
• Russian ceasefire in Ukraine is going to cost Europe - analysis
• Russians won't represent their country at Winter Olympics even if Ukraine war ends, IOC chief says

European security advisors discuss peace proposals in Kyiv ahead of leaders' summit

European national security advisors arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to discuss the latest peace proposals, as a US-led diplomatic push to end the nearly 4-year-old war in Ukraine intensifies. The discussions come ahead of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders next week.

European security advisors discuss peace proposals in Kyiv ahead of leaders' summit

Zelensky proposes Defence Minister Shmyhal as Ukraine's new energy minister

Zelensky has proposed defense minister Denys Shmyhal as Ukraine's new energy chief and first deputy prime minister.

Shmyhal, 50, is one of the most experienced government officials in Ukraine, praised by analysts for his skills to maintain economic stability and ensure efficient government operations after Russia's invasion.

Following a meeting today with Shmyhal President Zelensky said he is grateful for his work.

In a post on X he said: “I am grateful for his systematic work in the Ministry of Defense and for the processes stepped up to ensure the protection of our state.

“This kind of systematic approach is exactly what Ukraine’s energy sector needs right now.

“It is crucial that, after each Russian strike, we can quickly restore what has been destroyed, and that the growth of Ukraine’s energy sector remains stable and sufficient to meet the country’s needs.”

I met with Denys Shmyhal. I am grateful for his systematic work in the Ministry of Defense and for the processes stepped up to ensure the protection of our state. This kind of systematic approach is exactly what Ukraine’s energy sector needs right now. It is crucial that, after… pic.twitter.com/Qs460xjROp

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 3, 2026

Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: One Year On

New Ukraine chief of staff revealed by Zelensky at key moment in Russia war

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed General Kyrylo Budanov, the country’s military intelligence chief, as his new chief of staff.

This significant change comes at a particularly critical juncture in Russia's nearly four-year invasion.

General Budanov replaces Andrii Yermak, President Zelensky’s long-standing aide, who resigned in November.

Yermak’s departure followed an anti-corruption raid on his apartment, investigating alleged graft in Ukraine's energy sector.

The removal of such a powerful figure was considered a blow to the president, potentially jeopardising his negotiating strategy amidst US peace efforts.

Read more about Budanov here:

New Ukraine chief of staff revealed by Zelensky at key moment in Russia war

A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe

Despite Zelensky and Trump’s optimistic talk of an ongoing ‘peace process’ Putin seems only too happy to continue waging war in Ukraine. And if a ceasefire is achieved in 2026, Keir Giles asks: at what cost?

Read more here:

A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe

Watch: Russian ballistic missile strike injures 30 in Ukraine’s Kharkiv

Russia claims 27 killed in Ukrainian drone strike

Moscow says the death toll from a Ukrainian drone strike in a Russian-occupied village in Ukraine’s Kherson region has risen to 27 – but Kyiv denied attacking civilian targets.

Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman of Russia's main criminal investigation agency, the Investigative Committee, said a drone strike on a café and hotel in the village of Khorly, where at least 100 civilians were celebrating New Year's Eve overnight into Thursday, killed 27 people, including two children, and 31 in hospital.

Kyiv denied attacking civilians. Spokesman of Ukraine’s General Staff, Dmytro Lykhovii, told Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne that Ukrainian forces “adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law” and "carry out strikes exclusively against Russian military targets, facilities of the Russian fuel and energy sector, and other lawful targets.”

Lykhovii said an explicit list of targets that the Ukrainian army struck on New Year’s Eve did not include strikes on occupied parts of the Kherson region.

Read more:

Russia puts death toll from Ukrainian strike on village at 27

Washington praises progress in negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said Wednesday that he, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner had a "productive call" with the national security advisers of Britain, France, Germany and Ukraine "to discuss advancing the next steps in the European peace process."

The U.S. efforts has faced a new obstacle earlier this week, when Moscow said it would toughen its negotiating stand after what it said was a long-range drone attack against a residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in northwestern Russia early Monday.

Kyiv has denied attacking Putin's residence, saying the Russian claim was a ruse to derail the negotiations.

In his New Year's address, Zelenskyy said a peace deal was "90% ready" but warned that the remaining 10% — believed to include key sticking points such as territory — would "determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe, how people will live."

Nuclear plant disconnected from one of two power lines, Russia says

One of two high-voltage lines supplying electricity to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine has been disconnected, according to the Russian management of the station.

Reuters reported the 330-kilovolt (kV) Ferosplavna-1 line was disconnected by a protection system but the plant continued to receive power via the 750 kV Dniprovska line, the management said on the Telegram messaging app.

Radiation levels remained normal, the management said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a post on X that it had been informed about the situation and was investigating the cause.

Russian forces seized the nuclear plant, Europe's largest, in the early weeks of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and each side regularly accuses the other of actions endangering safety there.

European security advisers discuss peace proposals in Ukraine

Zelensky met with national security advisors of Canada, the EU, and NATO to discuss the latest peace proposals.

Ukraine is coordinating security guarantee plans with European partners that would includeUkrainian forces as the first line of defense, European-led troops deployed in Ukraine and US "backstop" support, according to Ukrainian negotiator Oleksandr Bevz.

Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Taras Kachka, said Saturday that international partners have reached consensus on an economic support package of about $800 billion for Ukraine over the next decade.

The package, based on calculations by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and European Union, would cover damage compensation, reconstruction, economic stability and a $200 billion growth "booster" and is tied to Ukraine's EU accession reforms.

In a post on X reflecting on the meeting Zelensky said: “Our discussions are moving forward along three key directions – security guarantees, reconstruction, and a basic framework for a real rebuilding.

“Everything must be effective, dignified, and conducive to establishing peace for decades. And this vision of ours is fully aligned with the vision of our key partners. I am grateful to our team for their thorough approach to negotiations.”

First outcomes from today’s work with national security advisors of partner countries. European partners, Canada, the EU, and NATO are engaged, and we are also communicating with the American side. I am grateful to everyone for their support.

Our discussions are moving forward… pic.twitter.com/RNQEHw62Ie

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 3, 2026

Erdogan says he will discuss Ukraine and Gaza with Trump on Monday

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says he will hold a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia, as well as issues surrounding Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul on Friday, Erdogan also said Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Paris in the coming days.

Zelensky proposes Defence Minister Shmyhal as Ukraine's new energy minister

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal to become the country’s energy minister and first deputy prime minister.

Mr Zelensky has called for Ukrainian lawmakers to support Shmyhal, who was a former prime minister, because he says his experience will aid stability in the power sector during the war with Russia.

"It is crucial that, after each Russian strike, we can quickly restore what has been destroyed, and that the growth of Ukraine’s energy sector remains stable and sufficient to meet the country’s needs," Zelensky said, posting a picture of him meeting Shmyhal in the presidential office on Telegram.

Mr Shymyhal, 50, was Ukraine’s longest serving prime minister from 2020 until July 2025, before being appointed defence minister.

This reshuffling of Ukraine's top officials overseeing security forces and crucial defence and energy sectors comes weeks after a major energy sector corruption scandal that caused Ukraine's biggest wartime political crisis.

Andrii Yermak resigned in November after anti-corruption officials raided his apartment in an investigation into alleged graft in Ukraine's energy sector.

Zelensky's previous head of office resigned. Justice and energy ministers also resigned as a result of the scandal.

Watch: Russia releases video of drone it says was used in alleged attack on Putin residence

New Ukraine chief of staff revealed by Zelensky at key moment in Russia war

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed General Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's head of military intelligence, as his new chief of staff, at a critical time in Russia's nearly 4-year-old invasion.

Budanov has replaced Zelenskyy’s longtime right-hand man - Andrii Yermak.

Yermak resigned in November after anti-corruption officials raided his apartment in an investigation into alleged graft in Ukraine's energy sector.

The action against the powerful aide was a blow to Zelensky and risked disrupting negotiations amid a U.S. peace effort.

Read more:

New Ukraine chief of staff revealed by Zelensky at key moment in Russia war

Zelensky discusses the frozen proceeds from the sale of Chelsea with Starmer

Earlier today, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a “good conversation” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over a call to discuss diplomacy and peace in Ukraine.

In a statement posted on X, Zelensky said: “I also discussed with Keir the need for a fair decision regarding the frozen proceeds from the sale of Chelsea – £2.5 billion that can and must significantly help protect lives and support Ukraine’s recovery after all the Russian strikes.”

“I am grateful to Keir for his leadership and thankful to the United Kingdom for the fact that such entirely just decisions can strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and our shared aspiration for peace – with Britain and with many others around the world.”

I had a good conversation with @Keir_Starmer – about how to move forward in diplomacy at this stage, and about how, together, we can achieve greater justice in light of everything Russia has brought through this war.

We discussed the details of preparations for a leaders-level…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 3, 2026

Starmer's call with President Zelensky continues to 'push for peace'

Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, this morning, according to Downing Street spokesperson.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The leaders welcomed the US' continued push for a just and lasting peace, and agreed it was clear no party wanted that more than Ukraine.

"The Prime Minister paid tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who continued to suffer as Russia bombarded cities with missiles and drones, and systematically destroyed critical national infrastructure to plunge families and the elderly into the cold and dark."

“The Prime Minister welcomed National Security Advisor level discussions in Kyiv today, and looked forward to leaders progressing that work in Paris on Tuesday."

“They discussed the ongoing work to ensure a multi-national force could deploy to Ukraine in the days following a ceasefire."

“The Prime Minister welcomed the appointment of Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov as the head of the Office of the President in Ukraine, and said his team looked forward to working closely with him."

The leaders agreed to stay in close communication.

Did Ukraine attack Putin’s residence?

Russia’s claim that Ukraine launched a 91-drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s personal residence has threatened to derail months of talks over a peace deal to end Moscow’s invasion.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called the claims a “complete fabrication” intended to lay the groundwork for future strikes on Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine.

“I am sure they are simply preparing the ground for strikes, probably on the capital, probably on government buildings,” he said.While Donald Trump appeared swayed by the Russian claim, experts tell Maira Butt that despite what the Kremlin says, it is still unclear if such an attack took place.

Report:

Did Ukraine launch a strike on Putin’s residence – or is it a Russian show for Trump?

Ukraine orders evacuation of thousands of children from frontline regions amid Russian advances

Ukraine has begun evacuating thousands of children and their families from frontline settlements in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, where Russian forces have been making significant gains.

The move follows a dramatic escalation in the security situation as Moscow's troops continue to advance in the industrial heartlands of southern and central Ukraine.

Oleksiy Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister for Restoration, confirmed on Friday that over 3,000 children and their parents have been relocated from 44 settlements in the two regions.

He explained the urgency of the situation, saying: "Due to the difficult security situation, a decision was made to forcibly evacuate more than 3,000 children and their parents from 44 frontline settlements in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions."

The evacuations are not limited to the southern and central frontlines. Kuleba also reported that similar measures were being taken in the northern Chernihiv region, where Russian shelling has intensified. Chernihiv borders Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, which has raised concerns about a potential broader offensive in the area.

Since 1 June, a total of 150,000 people have been evacuated from frontline zones to safer locations. This includes nearly 18,000 children and over 5,000 individuals with limited mobility, Kuleba added.

The evacuation orders come just hours after one of the most severe Russian drone attacks on the region. In the early hours of Friday, at least nine drones struck Zaporizhzhia, damaging numerous residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Ivan Fedorov, the head of the Zaporizhzhia regional administration, reported on Telegram that while the damage was extensive, no casualties had been reported.

Zelensky proposes appointing first deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday proposed appointing first deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister, praising his abilities in developing the drones and digitalisation needed for the country's defence.

Fedorov also served as minister of digital transformation and his appointment must be approved by parliament. He is to replace Denys Shmyhal.

"Mykhailo is deeply engaged in the 'drone line' initiative and works very effectively on the digitalisation of state services and processes," Zelensky said in his nightly video address.

"Together with all our military personnel, military command, national weapons manufacturers and Ukraine's partners, we must implement changes in the defence sector that will truly help."

Zelensky said the ministry had shown good results under Shmyhal, a former prime minister, and that he was being offered a new government post.

Russia says its has captured another settlement in Ukraine's Donetsk

Russia's defence ministry said on Saturday that Russian forces had captured the settlement of Bondarne in Ukraine's Donetsk region.

Russia makes highest battlefield gains since 2022, finds analysis

Russia's battlefield gains in 2025 were the largest since the initial stages of the war in 2022, according to an analysis by AFP.

Relying on data from the Institute for the Study of War, the analysis found that Russia captured over 5,600sqkm or about one per cent of Ukrainian territory last year.

The gains were more than those made in the previous two years combined, though far less than the over 60,000sqkm Russia took in 2022.

Ukraine evacuates 3,000 children from frontline settlements

Ukraine has ordered the evacuation of 3,000 children as well as their parents from frontline regions, saying the situation is no longer safe for them.

The orders were issued for 44 frontline settlements “due to the difficult security situation” in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba.

It brings the total number of Ukrainians evacuated from the frontlines since 1 June to 150,000, Kyiv said, at a time when Russia has committed huge numbers of forces to seize more territory.

Russians won't represent their country at Winter Olympics even if Ukraine war ends, IOC chief says

Russian athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will not be able to represent their country even if a peace deal is reached with Ukraine, International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry said in an Italian newspaper interview.

At this stage nothing would change the Committee's decision allowing Russian athletes to take part in the February games only as individuals representing themselves, Coventry told Corriere della Sera in an interview published on Friday.

The IOC banned Russia and Belarus following the former's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the IOC ruled in September that Russians and Belarusians competing at Milano Cortina would do so as individual athletes, without a national flag or anthem.

In other remarks, Coventry - the IOC's first woman president - said holding the Olympics in multiple cities, as Italy is doing, would become "the new normality" and the Milano Cortina games would provide useful guidance for the future.

The IOC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for confirmation of Coventry's comments.

The Milano Cortina games run from 6 to 22 February.

Police in Finland arrest 2 in connection with damage to undersea telecom cable

Finnish authorities have arrested two people in connection with damage to an undersea telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland that occurred earlier this week between the capitals of Finland and Estonia, police said Thursday.

The damage was discovered early on Wednesday in Estonia's exclusive economic zone.

The cable belongs to Finnish telecommunications service provider Elisa and is considered to be critical underwater infrastructure.

Helsinki police have opened an investigation into aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications.

Officials placed two other people under travel bans as a result of the ongoing investigation, Helsinki police said in a statement Thursday.

The individuals' connections to the ship was not immediately clear and police would not release their nationalities or other details.

The ship, named the Fitburg, was flagged in St Vincent and the Grenadines. It had been travelling from Russia to Israel. The 14 crew members hail from Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan and were detained by Finnish authorities.

Finnish National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimïki said earlier this week that the ship was dragging its anchor for hours when it was discovered in Finland's exclusive economic zone.

He noted investigators are not speculating on whether a state-level actor was behind the damage.

Erdogan says he will discuss Ukraine and Gaza with Trump on Monday

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he will have a phone call with US president Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia, as well as issues surrounding Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul on Friday, Erdogan also said Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan will attend a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing", a group of nations backing Ukraine, in Paris in the coming days.

In focus: Russian ceasefire in Ukraine is going to cost Europe

Despite Zelensky and Trump’s optimistic talk of an ongoing ‘peace process’ Putin seems only too happy to continue waging war in Ukraine.

And if a ceasefire is achieved in 2026, Keir Giles asks: at what cost?

Read it here:

A ceasefire in Ukraine would be fraught with danger for the whole of Europe

Ukraine says two killed in Russian strike on Kharkiv

At least two people, including a three-year-old, were killed in a Russian strike on Kharkiv, according to the Ukrainian authorities.

At least 28 others were injured and a multi-storey residential block was completely destroyed in the missile attack, president Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"Unfortunately, this is how the Russians treat life and people – they continue killing, despite all efforts by the world, and especially by the United States, in the diplomatic process," Zelensky wrote on X as he described the “heinous” attack.

Russia denied the reports, suggesting that the blast was caused by detonating Ukrainian ammunition.

Budanov thanks Zelensky for entrusting him

In his first comments after the appointment was announced as Volodymyr Zelensky’s new chief of staff, General Kyrylo Budano Budanov thanked the Ukrainian president for his trust.

"I continue to serve Ukraine," he wrote on his Telegram page. "For me, it is both an honour and a responsibility – at a historic time for Ukraine – to focus on the critically important issues of the state's strategic security."

Budanov served as part of the delegation that worked with the US negotiating team. He also has had contact with the Russian side on issues such as coordinating prisoner exchanges. It's not yet clear what role, if any, he will take in the peace process in his new position.

Who is Zelensky’s new chief of staff?

President Volodymyr Zelensky has chosen General Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's head of military intelligence, as his new chief of staff.

Budanov has led the military intelligence agency, known by its acronym GUR, since 2020.

At 39, he is one of Ukraine's most recognisable and popular wartime figures, known for being the architect of many successful operations targeting Russian military assets, as well as for his independent and enigmatic personality.

A career military intelligence officer, Budanov brings battlefield knowledge to his new position.

He rose through the defence establishment after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. He also took part in special operations and intelligence missions linked to the fighting with Moscow-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and Crimea before the full-scale invasion of February 2022. He reportedly was wounded during one such operation.

Since that invasion, Budanov has become a prominent face of Kyiv's intelligence effort, appearing regularly in interviews and briefings that mix strategic signaling with psychological pressure on Russia. He has warned frequently of Moscow's long-term intentions toward Ukraine and the region, portraying the war as an existential struggle for the country's statehood.

Under Budanov, the GUR expanded its footprint, coordinating intelligence, sabotage and special operations aimed at degrading Russia's military capabilities far beyond the front lines.

Officials have credited the military intelligence service with operations targeting Russian command structures, logistics hubs, energy infrastructure and naval assets, including attacks deep inside Russian territory and occupied areas of Ukraine.

Budanov's role and public status has made him a target. He reportedly has survived multiple assassination attempts by the Russian security services. In November 2023, his wife, Marianna, was hospitalised in Kyiv with heavy metals poisoning.

Zelensky names top spy as his new chief of staff

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has named the head of Ukraine's military intelligence as his new chief of staff.

Zelensky had dismissed his previous chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, after anti-corruption officials began investigating alleged graft in the energy sector.

Announcing the appointment of General Kyrylo Budanov, Zelensky said Ukraine needs to focus on security issues, developing its defence and security forces, and peace talks – areas that are overseen by the office of the president.

The president framed Budanov's appointment as part of a broader effort to sharpen the focus on security, defence development and diplomacy.

"Kyrylo has specialised experience in these areas and sufficient strength to achieve results," Zelensky said.

Budanov, 39, said on Telegram his new position is "both an honour and a responsibility – at a historic time for Ukraine – to focus on the critically important issues of the state's strategic security."

Russia claims 27 killed in Ukrainian drone strike

Moscow says the death toll from a Ukrainian drone strike in a Russian-occupied village in Ukraine’s Kherson region has risen to 27 – but Kyiv denied attacking civilian targets.

Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman of Russia's main criminal investigation agency, the Investigative Committee, said a drone strike on a café and hotel in the village of Khorly, where at least 100 civilians were celebrating New Year's Eve overnight into Thursday, killed 27 people, including two children, and 31 in hospital.

Kyiv denied attacking civilians. Spokesman of Ukraine’s General Staff, Dmytro Lykhovii, told Ukraine's public broadcaster Suspilne that Ukrainian forces “adhere to the norms of international humanitarian law” and "carry out strikes exclusively against Russian military targets, facilities of the Russian fuel and energy sector, and other lawful targets.”

Lykhovii said an explicit list of targets that the Ukrainian army struck on New Year’s Eve did not include strikes on occupied parts of the Kherson region.

Read more:

Russia puts death toll from Ukrainian strike on village at 27

Watch: Russia releases video of drone it says was used in alleged attack on Putin residence

Ukrainians strongly opposed to territorial concessions, new poll finds

More than half (53%) of Ukrainians are categorically opposed to any territorial concessions, a new poll has found.

The survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that a third (33%) of Ukrainians were generally willing to accept certain territorial losses, with 14% unable to decide.

But nearly one in four (39%) are prepared to freeze the front line without officially recognising any occupied territories as part of Russia.

Erdogan says he will discuss Ukraine and Gaza with Trump on Monday

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says he will hold a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia, as well as issues surrounding Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul on Friday, Erdogan also said Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Paris in the coming days.

Washington praises progress in negotiations

U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said Wednesday that he, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner had a "productive call" with the national security advisers of Britain, France, Germany and Ukraine "to discuss advancing the next steps in the European peace process."

The U.S. efforts has faced a new obstacle earlier this week, when Moscow said it would toughen its negotiating stand after what it said was a long-range drone attack against a residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in northwestern Russia early Monday.

Kyiv has denied attacking Putin's residence, saying the Russian claim was a ruse to derail the negotiations.

In his New Year's address, Zelenskyy said a peace deal was "90% ready" but warned that the remaining 10% — believed to include key sticking points such as territory — would "determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe, how people will live."

Russians won't represent their country at Winter Olympics even if Ukraine war ends, IOC chief says

Russian athletes at ‌the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will not be able to represent their country even if a peace deal ‌is reached with Ukraine, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said in an Italian newspaper interview.

At this stage nothing would change ‌the Committee's decision ​allowing ​Russian athletes to take part in the February games only as ‍individuals representing themselves, Coventry told Corriere della Sera in an interview published on Friday.

The IOC banned Russia and Belarus following the former's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the IOC ruled in September that Russians and Belarusians competing at Milano Cortina would do so as individual athletes, without a national flag or anthem.

In other remarks, Coventry - the IOC's first woman president - said holding the Olympics in multiple cities, as Italy is doing, would become "the new normality" and the Milano Cortina games would provide useful guidance for the future.

Trump riffed on Ukraine’s ‘beautiful’ women during peace talks and called former Miss Ukraine to speak with Zelensky, report says

During an August meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Donald Trump reportedly interrupted discussions to make remarks about “beautiful” women from Ukraine and then arranged for former Miss Ukraine to speak with the Zelensky over the phone, according to a new report.

Read more:

Trump riffed on Ukraine’s ‘beautiful’ women during peace talks with Zelensky

Zelenskiy proposes appointing First Deputy PM Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy proposed appointing First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine's new defence minister.

He praised his abilities in developing the drones and digitalisation needed for the country's defence.

Fedorov also served as minister of digital transformation and his appointment must be approved by parliament. But he could be replacing Denys Shmyhal.

"Mykhailo is deeply engaged in the 'drone line' initiative and works very effectively on the digitalisation of state services and processes," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

"Together with all our military personnel, military command, national weapons manufacturers and Ukraine's partners, we must implement changes in the defence sector that will truly help."

Zelensky to make cabinet changes to make Ukraine 'resilient'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has said he has “begun a substantial overhaul” to his team to make Ukraine more “resilient”.

In a post on X he defended the modifications and said: “Today, we have begun a substantial overhaul – internal changes to make Ukraine more resilient.

“Last year, there were good results from state institutions that need to be scaled up, as well as problems that should not carry over into the new year.

“Therefore, a wave of personnel changes is underway, and more decisions will follow regarding institutions. Tomorrow, we will continue the changes.”

Today, we have begun a substantial overhaul – internal changes to make Ukraine more resilient.
 
Last year, there were good results from state institutions that need to be scaled up, as well as problems that should not carry over into the new year. Therefore, a wave of personnel… pic.twitter.com/wcqTagybnP

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 2, 2026

Russian strike on Ukraine's Kharkiv kills two

Russian missiles have struck a multi-storey apartment building in Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, killing at least two people and injuring about 25.

But Russia has denied the attack even took place and said that an explosion at the site was caused by Ukrainian ammunition.

Photographs and videos posted online showed smoke rising from the area, with emergency crews making their way through rubble and large chunks of building materials, Reuters reported.

Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov, writing on Telegram, said that according to preliminary information the bodies of a woman and her son were found under rubble.

Speaking earlier on Ukrainian television, Syniehubov said two ballistic missiles had struck the area and "nearly destroyed a five-storey dwelling". "Rescue teams are on site," he said. "They are primarily clearing rubble and searching for people underneath."

Cargo ship accused of damaging Baltic Sea cable seized by Finland

A cargo vessel sailing from Russia has been seized by Finnish police on suspicion of sabotaging an undersea telecoms cable running from Helsinki to Estonia across the Gulf of Finland.

’Fitburg’ was en route from the Russian port of St Petersburg to Israel at the time of the incident, Finland's Border Guard authority said on Wednesday.

"At the moment we suspect aggravated disruption of telecommunications and also aggravated sabotage and attempted aggravated sabotage," Helsinki Chief of Police Jari Liukku said.

Cargo ship accused of damaging Baltic Sea cable seized by Finland

Trump riffed on Ukraine’s ‘beautiful’ women during peace talks and called former Miss Ukraine to speak with Zelensky, report says

During an August meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Donald Trump reportedly interrupted discussions to make remarks about “beautiful” women from Ukraine and then arranged for former Miss Ukraine to speak with the Zelensky over the phone, according to a new report.

Just days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the U.S. president met with Zelensky and seven other European leaders in the Oval Office, where discussions about the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia took a more lighthearted turn.

Trump riffed on Ukraine’s ‘beautiful’ women during peace talks with Zelensky

Kremlin release video of downed UAV ‘used in 91-drone attack on Putin residence’

Kremlin release video of downed UAV ‘used in 91-drone attack on Putin residence’

Australian man reportedly killed fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia

Australian authorities are trying to confirm reports that a national was reportedly killed while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia.

The man, identified in social media posts as Russell Allan Wilson, was killed on 12 December in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, according to local media reports.

In an Instagram post on 19 December, a man identifying himself as a US army veteran said Wilson had been killed during combat and had chosen to remain in Ukraine despite the risks.

Australian man reportedly killed fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia

Putin vows victory in Ukraine in defiant New Year’s address

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed victory in Ukraine in a defiant speech despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war.

Putin used his annual televised New Year's address to rally his troops fighting in Ukraine, saying he believed in them and in victory in a war that he has framed as part of an existential struggle with the West.

It comes as Trump is trying to broker an end to the nearly four-year-old conflict, Europe's bloodiest conflagration since World War Two, with both sides' negotiating stances still far apart.

Putin vows victory in Ukraine in defiant New Year’s address

Did Ukraine launch 91-drone attack on Putin’s presidential residence – or is it a Russian show for Trump?

Russia’s claim that Ukraine launched a 91-drone strike on Vladimir Putin’s personal residence has threatened to derail months of talks over a peace deal to end Moscow’s invasion.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called the claims a “complete fabrication” intended to lay the groundwork for future strikes on Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine.

“I am sure they are simply preparing the ground for strikes, probably on the capital, probably on government buildings,” he said.

Maira Butt has more:

Did Ukraine launch a strike on Putin’s residence – or is it a Russian show for Trump?

Death toll from Ukrainian strike on occupied village rises to 27

Russian authorities said that the death toll from a Ukrainian drone strike they claim struck a cafe in a Russian-occupied village in Ukraine's Kherson region has risen to 27.

Kyiv has denied attacking civilian targets.

Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman for Russia's main criminal investigation agency the Investigative Committee, said that a Ukrainian drone strike on a cafe and hotel in the village of Khorly, where at least 100 civilians were celebrating New Year's Eve overnight into Thursday, killed 27 people, including two children.

A total of 31 people, including five children, were taken to hospital with injuries, officials said.

A criminal probe on the charges of carrying out an act of terrorism has been opened, Ms Petrenko said.

Who is Zelensky's new chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov?

Kyrylo Budanov has headed the Defence Ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) since 2020 and brings a track record of overseeing covert and other operations against Russian forces.

He has also led talks with Russia on the exchange of prisoners of war.

Budanov makes frequent media appearances and is known for his restrained style and often cryptic commentary about suspected Ukrainian actions inside Russia.

In a 2023 interview with Reuters, he said his public profile was a critical part of the "information battle" against Moscow.

Pictured: Emergency workers at the scene of Kharkiv missile strike

At least 15 injured in Kharkiv attack, says local governor

The local governor of the Kharkiv region says that at least 15 people were injured in a Russian missile strike on a multi-storey building.

"Preliminarily, the Russian army launched two strikes with ballistic weapons," he said on Telegram.

"There is information that people are still trapped under the rubble. Search operations are ongoing," he added.

Zelensky condemns 'heinous' Russian strike on Kharkiv

Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a “heinous” Russian strike on two buildings in an “ordinary residential” area of Kharkiv.

He wrote on X: “The exact number of casualties is yet unknown. First responders, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, as well as Kharkiv city and regional authorities, will provide updates.”

Zelensky added: “Unfortunately, this is how the Russians treat life and people – they continue killing, despite all efforts by the world, and especially by the United States, in the diplomatic process. It is only Russia that does not want this war to end, and every day it does everything to ensure the war continues.”

A heinous Russian strike on Kharkiv. Preliminary reports indicate two missiles struck an ordinary residential area. One of the buildings has been severely damaged. A rescue operation is currently underway, with all necessary services on site. The exact number of casualties is yet… pic.twitter.com/7MIVSlBvAM

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 2, 2026