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Ukraine Sends Delegation to US for Security Guarantees, Recovery Talks

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Ukraine has sent a high-level delegation to the United States for talks focused on security guarantees and a post-war recovery package, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday. He expressed hope that the agreements could be finalised and signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos next week. The discussions come as Ukraine seeks firm commitments to prevent any future Russian aggression once the war ends.

Zelenskiy said Kyiv also wants greater clarity from Washington on Russia’s position toward U.S.-backed diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict. While noting progress in negotiations with the U.S., he acknowledged differences on certain issues. Ukrainian officials estimate the country will need around $800 billion for post-war reconstruction, and Zelenskiy said Ukraine has completed its part of the work on a proposed “prosperity package” to unlock recovery funding.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, said senior officials, including the head of the presidential office and top security leaders, will hold bilateral talks in Miami to refine the agreements. Zelenskiy accused Russia of stalling peace efforts, citing continued strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and renewed calls for increased air defence support, warning that shortages of ammunition have already left parts of the power grid vulnerable.

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Denmark’s Greenland Dilemma as Independence Looms Amid U.S. Pressure

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Denmark is facing a complex geopolitical challenge as it defends Greenland at a time when the Arctic territory is steadily moving towards independence. While recent statements from the Trump administration that “all options are open” for taking control of Greenland have prompted strong European support for Copenhagen, the crisis highlights a paradox: Denmark is expending diplomatic capital to protect a territory whose population increasingly wants self-rule and whose political leaders are open to dealing directly with Washington.

Greenland’s strategic importance — sitting between Europe and North America and hosting key elements of the U.S. missile defence system — gives Denmark significant relevance in Arctic geopolitics. However, that leverage could disappear if Greenland chooses independence, a right formally recognised in 2009. Analysts warn Denmark could end up paying a high diplomatic and financial price to resist U.S. pressure, only to see Greenland eventually chart its own path. Trump’s renewed interest has also accelerated internal debates in Greenland, where all major parties favour independence, differing only on timing and method.

The issue also carries a heavy economic burden. Denmark provides substantial annual funding to Greenland and has announced major new Arctic defence spending, even as Greenland’s economy stagnates. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen must balance domestic politics, alliance relations with the U.S., and international law, while acknowledging Greenlanders’ right to decide their future. As tensions rise, Denmark is left defending both its sovereignty and its credibility, amid growing uncertainty over how long the union with Greenland will last.

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Merz Urges Europe to Assert Its Interests to Protect Peace and Prosperity

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Europe to assert its interests more forcefully to safeguard peace and prosperity in 2026, warning of mounting threats from Russian aggression, global protectionism and shifting relations with the United States. Speaking in his New Year’s address, Merz said the war in Ukraine posed a direct threat to Europe’s freedom and security, adding that Russia’s actions were part of a broader strategy targeting the entire continent.

Since taking office in May, Merz has played a key role in pushing European support for Ukraine and strengthening Germany’s defence posture. He said Germany now faces daily challenges including sabotage, espionage and cyberattacks, underscoring the need for greater resilience. Merz also highlighted economic risks from rising protectionism and Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials, which he said were increasingly being used as tools of political pressure.

Merz pointed to Germany’s struggle to revive its export-driven economy after two years of contraction, as Berlin seeks to reduce reliance on China while navigating global trade tensions and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Acknowledging a more difficult partnership with Washington since Trump’s return to office in 2025, Merz said Europe must rely more on itself, stressing that confidence, not fear, should guide the continent’s response as it works to renew long-standing peace, freedom and prosperity.

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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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Lukashenko Says US Acknowledgment of 2020 Election Outcome Could Reset Ties

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said relations with the United States could improve if Washington acknowledges that efforts to overturn his 2020 re-election had failed. In an interview with U.S. outlet Newsmax, Lukashenko suggested that such an admission could serve as a starting point for renewed dialogue between the two countries.

Official results declaring Lukashenko re-elected to a sixth term in 2020 triggered mass protests in Belarus, with demonstrators alleging electoral fraud. Western nations refused to recognise the result, while Russia backed Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader responded to the unrest with widespread arrests, deepening tensions with the West.

The United States and its allies later imposed sanctions on Belarus over the election, human rights concerns and Minsk’s role in allowing Russia to use its territory to launch the invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, U.S. officials have engaged Belarus in recent years, including efforts to secure the release of detainees. Lukashenko said Belarus wanted constructive relations with Washington and even suggested the two sides could cooperate on international issues such as Venezuela.

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Ukraine–US Ceasefire Talks Continue in Berlin as Washington Signals Progress

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Ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and the United States continued for a second day in Berlin, with Washington saying “a lot of progress was made.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov held extended talks with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, joined by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, also attended, while more European leaders are expected to join later discussions.

Zelensky indicated he was ready to give up Ukraine’s ambition to join Nato in exchange for strong security guarantees similar to Nato’s Article 5 mutual defence clause, calling it a significant compromise. The talks centre on a 20-point Ukrainian peace proposal aimed at countering an earlier US plan seen as favouring Russia. While details remain undisclosed, Kyiv says the plan would form the basis for reconstruction and long-term security assurances.

Discussions also touched on sensitive territorial issues, including the Donbas region, where Zelensky said Ukraine could consider freezing the conflict along current front lines but would not withdraw troops unless Russia did the same. Any agreement reached by Ukraine, the US and Europe would still need to be presented to Moscow, which continues to oppose Nato membership for Kyiv. The talks come as Ukraine faces renewed Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and as EU states debate using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s economy.

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Rubio Calls Geneva Talks on Ukraine Peace Plan the ‘Best Meeting So Far’

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that closed-door peace discussions in Geneva on Sunday marked major progress towards a draft U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters after meeting a Ukrainian delegation, Rubio described the session as the most productive since the administration took office, calling it “probably the best meeting and day we’ve had so far in this entire process.”

The talks are ongoing in Geneva and involve collaborative efforts to refine joint proposals, with participation expected from European partners. Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, called the discussions “very productive,” confirming that another round of meetings would continue later on the same day. He expressed appreciation for U.S. support and diplomatic engagement.

Yermak publicly thanked the United States and President Donald Trump for their commitment to pursuing peace, echoing Zelenskiy’s earlier message of gratitude. The acknowledgment followed recent comments by Trump on social media suggesting Kyiv had shown insufficient appreciation for U.S. assistance. Both sides signaled optimism about advancing negotiations that could shape the next phase of diplomatic efforts.

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U.S. Urges China to Halt Support for Russia’s War Effort at U.N. Meeting

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At a United Nations Security Council session on Ukraine, the United States directly called on China to cease enabling Russia’s military operations through the export of dual-use goods. Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, stated that Chinese-manufactured components are consistently found in Russian drones, weapons, and vehicles deployed against Ukraine, despite Beijing’s claims of strict export controls.

Responding to the accusations, China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Geng Shuang firmly denied any involvement in the conflict, emphasizing that China has neither supplied lethal weapons nor violated international controls on dual-use materials. Geng accused the U.S. of attempting to deflect responsibility and urged Washington to contribute more constructively to peace efforts rather than fueling confrontation.

The exchange followed a Reuters report revealing that Chinese-made drone engines are being secretly routed to Russia under the guise of “industrial refrigeration units,” allegedly in violation of Western sanctions. Shea asserted that if China genuinely supports peace, it must stop aiding Russia’s aggression, highlighting growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over the Ukraine war.

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Europe risks dying and faces big decisions – Macron

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In a significant speech at Sorbonne University, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning to Europe, stating that the continent must shed its self-imposed naivety or risk its demise. Macron emphasized the urgent need for Europe to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, highlighting challenges such as Russian hostility, diminishing US interest, and Chinese competition that could marginalize the EU.

Macron urged European leaders to make decisive moves toward bolstering defense and the economy, advocating for increased protectionism and the development of an independent defense capability. He stressed the importance of Europe asserting itself in international trade, particularly as major players like China and the US disregard established norms.

Addressing concerns over Russia’s actions, Macron defended his stance of strategic ambiguity regarding potential military involvement in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to assert its independence from the US and reject a bipolar world order.

Macron also warned against Europe’s internal demoralization, urging a reconnection with the values that distinguish the continent. He highlighted the dangers of online disinformation and advocated for stricter regulations, including imposing a minimum age for social media access.

While Macron’s speech aimed to position France at the forefront of European leadership and boost his party’s electoral prospects, it also underscored concerns about the party’s dependence on Macron’s leadership.

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Apple, Meta and Google to be investigated by the EU

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The European Union has initiated investigations into major tech companies such as Meta, Apple, and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) over potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. If found guilty, these companies could face fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager and industry head Thierry Breton announced the investigations, focusing on allegations of anti-competitive practices by these tech giants. The DMA, which targets companies considered to be digital gatekeepers, aims to foster fair competition in the digital market.

The investigations are particularly focused on whether these companies are impeding fair competition, such as by limiting app communication with users, restricting user choice, or favoring their own services in search results. For instance, Apple faces scrutiny for its App Store policies, while Meta is being investigated for its advertising practices.

These investigations come shortly after Apple was fined €1.8 billion for competition law violations related to music streaming, and amid a landmark lawsuit in the United States accusing Apple of monopolizing the smartphone market.

Both Apple and Meta have responded, expressing willingness to engage with the investigation and asserting their compliance with the DMA. However, Alphabet has yet to comment on the matter.

The EU aims to complete the investigations within approximately 12 months, with a focus on ensuring open and contestable digital markets in Europe. The timing of these actions, just ahead of European Parliament elections, underscores the EU’s commitment to consumer protection and fair competition in the digital sphere.

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