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Ukraine, US Hold Christmas Day Talks to Advance Peace Deal

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a “very good” conversation on Christmas Day with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as negotiations toward a possible peace deal with Russia continued. Zelensky said the talks covered substantive aspects of the negotiations and generated new ideas aimed at achieving “real peace,” describing the engagement as constructive and timely. Senior Ukrainian officials, including Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, also participated in the discussions.

Zelensky said further talks were planned between Umerov and the US representatives, stressing the importance of seizing every opportunity to move closer to a settlement. The diplomatic push comes amid gradual progress in US-led peace efforts, including recent meetings between Ukrainian, Russian, and American negotiators. Zelensky has outlined a 20-point framework for ending the war, which includes troop withdrawals, security guarantees involving the US and Europe, and the creation of a demilitarized zone in parts of eastern Ukraine.

Despite ongoing negotiations, fighting has continued on the ground. Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, including Odesa, causing power outages and civilian damage, while Ukrainian forces have conducted drone and sabotage operations against Russian military targets. Russian officials say they are reviewing Ukraine’s proposals, though President Vladimir Putin has reiterated demands that Ukraine cede all of Donetsk. International figures, including Pope Leo, used Christmas messages to call for an end to the violence and renewed diplomatic engagement.

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Gold Heads for Best Year Since 1979 as Crises and Central Bank Buying Fuel Rally

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Gold is on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979, with futures in New York surging nearly 71% in 2025. Prices have climbed from around $2,640 an ounce at the start of the year to above $4,500, driven by global uncertainty ranging from trade distortions and geopolitical conflicts to inflation risks and currency volatility. Analysts say investors are flocking to gold as a safe haven, echoing conditions last seen during the late-1970s energy crisis under former US president Jimmy Carter.

Expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts and a weaker dollar have further boosted gold’s appeal, as lower bond yields make non-yielding assets more attractive. Gold’s gains have far outpaced equities, with the S&P 500 up about 18% this year. Major banks such as JPMorgan Chase expect prices to continue rising, forecasting gold could cross $5,000 an ounce in 2026 if current trends persist.

A key driver behind gold’s rally has been aggressive buying by central banks, led by China, as countries seek to reduce dependence on the US dollar and Treasury assets. Central banks have added more than 1,000 tonnes of gold annually over the past three years, well above historical averages. The surge has also lifted other precious metals, with silver, platinum and palladium posting sharp gains, reinforcing gold’s role as a hedge in an increasingly uncertain global financial landscape.

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Kremlin Rejects Claims Putin Wants Soviet Revival or NATO Attack

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The Kremlin has dismissed European accusations that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to restore the Soviet Union or launch an attack on NATO. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that such claims were false and disrespectful, insisting that Putin has repeatedly stated it is impossible to recreate the U.S.S.R. Putin, who once described the Soviet collapse as a major geopolitical catastrophe, has long argued this view relates to the hardship faced by Russians at the time, not a desire to rebuild the former bloc.

The remarks came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed Putin seeks to revive the “old Soviet Union” and posed a threat to NATO. Western leaders have frequently warned that a successful Russian campaign in Ukraine could embolden Moscow to target NATO member states. Putin, however, has repeatedly called the idea irrational, pointing to NATO’s military superiority.

Peskov rejected Merz’s statements as misguided and offensive, saying the allegations misrepresent Russia’s intentions. He reiterated that suggestions of Moscow preparing to attack NATO are “complete stupidity,” accusing critics of misunderstanding or deliberately twisting Russia’s official positions.

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Von der Leyen Nominated for Second Term as EU Commission President

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EU leaders have nominated Ursula von der Leyen, the current European Commission head, for a second five-year term during a summit in Brussels. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been selected as the EU’s next foreign affairs chief, and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has been chosen as the next chairman of EU summits. All three candidates are from centrist, pro-EU factions.

The European Parliament will vote on the nominations of Ms. von der Leyen and Ms. Kallas. Von der Leyen is from Germany’s centre-right, Costa is a socialist, and Kallas is a liberal. This leadership package represents continuity for the EU amid geopolitical uncertainty, despite a recent surge in support for hard-right parties in the European Parliament elections.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shown resistance, stating that the plans ignore the successes of hard-right parties like her own. Meloni, who heads the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) bloc, abstained from voting for von der Leyen and voted against Costa and Kallas. Despite the ECR becoming the third largest group in the European Parliament, Meloni was not included in the nomination discussions.

Meloni expressed frustration, arguing that European voters had asked for a different direction. Without naming names, she criticized those who believe in oligarchy as the only acceptable form of democracy.

Von der Leyen will need 361 votes from the European Parliament for confirmation. Support from the centre-right European People’s Party, liberals, and social democrats could give her enough backing, but it will be close. Diplomats suggest that von der Leyen might seek Meloni’s support by offering Italy a powerful commission post.

Von der Leyen expressed gratitude for her nomination and highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, a task that may become more complex if Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election.

Kallas, known for her strong support of Ukraine and criticism of the Kremlin, acknowledged the significant responsibility of her new role. Some critics are concerned that her firm stance on Russia could pose challenges.

Costa praised his colleagues and emphasized the importance of European unity and resilience. He will replace Belgium’s Charles Michel, and Kallas will succeed Spain’s Josep Borrell.

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Emmanuel Macron flexes political muscle with boxing photos

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Emmanuel Macron, the French president, recently made headlines by releasing photos of himself vigorously boxing, showcasing his muscular physique. These images, shared on Instagram by his photographer, emerged shortly after Macron adopted a more assertive stance towards Russia in light of the Ukraine conflict. Social media quickly dubbed him “Rocky,” although some skeptics questioned whether the images had been digitally altered, comparing them to previous photos where Macron’s arms appeared slimmer.

The timing of these pictures, coming on the heels of Macron’s suggestion of potential Western military involvement in Ukraine, was seen as a deliberate message to Russia. Macron warned of the danger of allowing Ukraine to fall, emphasizing Russia’s broader territorial ambitions in Eastern Europe.

Analysts speculated that the release of the boxing photos was a strategic move by Macron to project strength and determination, akin to Vladimir Putin’s own displays of physical prowess. Gaspard Gantzer, a PR expert, suggested that Macron wanted to convey his readiness to confront challenges and defend France’s interests.

While some praised Macron’s muscular appearance and interpreted the images as a symbol of his readiness to face adversaries, others criticized them as political posturing. Opposition figures like Sandrine Rousseau expressed disdain, characterizing the photos as emblematic of the superficiality of politics.

Macron’s interest in sports, particularly boxing, is not new, with his wife, Brigitte Macron, revealing his regular training routine. However, this public display of physical strength was seen as a departure from his previous image, such as the more relaxed portrayal in a shirt with open buttons.

In essence, Macron’s release of boxing photos was interpreted as a strategic communication move amid heightened tensions, aiming to convey resolve and readiness in the face of geopolitical challenges.

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Tucker Carlson to interview Russia’s Putin

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Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has announced plans to conduct a one-on-one interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Carlson stated that he aims to provide Americans with a deeper understanding of the conflict in Ukraine, which he believes mainstream media coverage has failed to deliver. He emphasized his personal funding of the trip, highlighting his commitment to independent journalism.

This interview would mark President Putin’s first engagement with a Western journalist since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Carlson’s decision to pursue this interview underscores the significance of the conflict and the need for diverse perspectives in understanding its complexities. It also reflects a departure from traditional media channels, as Carlson intends to broadcast the interview live and unedited on his social media platform, X.

Critics have raised concerns about the potential risks and ethical implications of such an interview, given Putin’s track record and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. However, Carlson remains steadfast in his belief that Americans deserve access to unfiltered information about the conflict. The interview is expected to spark significant interest and debate, shaping public discourse on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Ukraine war: Missiles fired at Russian city Belgorod and occupied Crimea

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Russian authorities claim to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to attack a border city as the ongoing aerial conflict between the two nations escalates. They reported intercepting a dozen missiles targeting Belgorod, where 25 people lost their lives on Saturday. Ukraine has not provided a response.

This development follows Russia’s largest aerial bombardment on Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that Russia deployed around 300 missiles and 200 drones over five days. The renewed attacks began last week, prompting a Ukrainian counterattack on Belgorod that resulted in over 100 injuries.

Zelensky revealed in a broadcast that Russia fired nearly 100 strategically chosen missiles on Tuesday, and Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 10 hypersonic ballistic missiles on that day alone. Ukrainian officials reported over 130 casualties from Tuesday’s attacks, including major cities like Kharkiv and Kyiv.

In response, Russia’s air defense system intercepted 12 missiles targeting Belgorod overnight, causing one fatality and five injuries in the region. Explosions were also heard in Sevastopol, the largest city in Russian-occupied Crimea, where a missile was shot down over the port with no reported casualties or damage.

Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, expressed that Ukraine anticipated Russia’s recent bombardment but stressed the need for more weapons to effectively respond and send a clear message to Russia to halt its actions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to increase strikes in retaliation for Ukraine’s recent attacks on Belgorod.

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Russia confirms damage to warship in Black Sea

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A Ukrainian airstrike targeted a Russian warship, the Novocherkassk, at the Black Sea port of Feodosiya in Russian-occupied Crimea, causing damage and casualties. The attack occurred early on a Tuesday morning, with the Ukrainian Air Force claiming responsibility and stating that their warplanes had successfully destroyed the ship using guided missiles. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the large landing ship was hit, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Six buildings were damaged, and some people had to be relocated to temporary accommodation centers. The port’s transport operations were reportedly functioning normally after the area was cordoned off, and the fire caused by the attack was contained.

Footage depicting a substantial explosion at the port was shared by Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, though independent verification of the images is lacking. Satellite imagery from December 24 showed a ship at the port matching the length of the Novocherkassk. This landing ship is designed for transporting troops, weapons, and cargo to shore.

There have been previous instances of Ukrainian forces targeting the Novocherkassk. In March 2022, the ship was reportedly damaged in an attack on the occupied Ukrainian port of Berdyansk, where another amphibious assault ship, the Saratov, was sunk. Lt Gen Oleshchuk mentioned on Telegram that the Novocherkassk had met a fate similar to the Moskva, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet flagship, which sank in the Black Sea the previous year.

Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian Air Force, joking about the “impressive replenishment” of the Russian Black Sea fleet. He emphasized that occupiers would find no peaceful place in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict stems from Russia’s seizure and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, with Russian forces based in Crimea playing a significant role in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted Russian forces in Crimea, destroying and damaging multiple navy ships in the Black Sea. Last September, a missile strike on the Black Sea fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol led to the relocation of much of the Russian Black Sea fleet to Novorossiysk.

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Laura Kuenssberg: Ukraine in ‘mortal danger’ without aid, Olena Zelenska warns

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Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, has issued a grave warning about the perilous situation facing Ukrainians if Western nations do not continue their financial support. This concern arises following the blocking of a vital $60 billion aid bill for Ukraine by Republican senators in the US. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Zelenska emphasized the potential life-threatening consequences if the world grows weary of the ongoing crisis, stating that Ukraine could be left to perish without sustained assistance.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by the White House, which cautioned that US funds for Ukraine could soon run out. However, a deal for additional assistance has been delayed as Republicans seek compromises on unrelated domestic issues before granting approval. President Biden underscored the significance of aiding Ukraine, warning that a failure to do so would be a detrimental “gift” for President Putin, and history would harshly judge those turning their back on the cause of freedom.

Zelenska’s exclusive interview with the BBC provided insight into her deep concern over the delays in financial support, describing the situation as a “mortal danger” for her country. She expressed distress at witnessing signs of diminishing global willingness to help, emphasizing that the continued aid is a matter of life for Ukraine. The first lady’s warnings serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need for ongoing assistance to ensure Ukraine’s survival in the face of Russian aggression.

The United Kingdom has also played a role in urging US politicians to reach a timely agreement for Ukraine. During a visit to Washington, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized the US’s pivotal role as the “lynchpin” in the Western coalition supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia. He urged the US not to inadvertently gift President Putin by blocking the financial support required for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian forces. The shifting attitudes within the international community raise concerns about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its fight without robust and continuous support. Zelenska’s warnings are strategically crafted to underscore the critical importance of ongoing assistance for Ukraine’s survival on Europe’s eastern flank.

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Vladimir Putin feted at Xi Jinping’s global Belt and Road summit

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At a global summit in Beijing, Russian leader Vladimir Putin received special treatment, alongside China’s President Xi Jinping, as the two countries solidified their alliance amid global geopolitical tensions. The event commemorated a decade of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Despite diplomatic scrutiny and an international arrest warrant issued against him, Putin’s close relationship with Xi was evident throughout the summit. The two leaders were prominent during the opening ceremony and engaged in an extended bilateral meeting.

The summit highlighted China and Russia’s mutual opposition to the Western world order, advocating for a multipolar global system. China, positioning the BRI as a means to establish a more equitable world order, emphasized principles of cooperation, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

While the BRI has stimulated development, it has also faced criticism for fostering debt dependency and environmental degradation. The summit saw participation from various countries, particularly from Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and representatives from the Afghan Taliban government.

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