Newsflash

Live: Zelensky denounces 'lies' as Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting Putin residence in Novgorod

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russian accusations that Kyiv attempted to attack President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region as "lies." Moscow claimed that Ukraine launched 91 drones at Putin's residence, all of which were intercepted, and announced it would revise its negotiating stance on ending the war. Zelensky, however, accused Russia of fabricating the attack to undermine diplomatic efforts and justify further aggression.

In a Fox News interview, Zelensky emphasized the critical need for U.S. support in Ukraine's fight against Russia, stating that without it, victory is unattainable. He also expressed distrust in Putin, noting that the Russian leader does not wish for Ukraine's success. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that the West must acknowledge Russia's strategic initiative in Ukraine and accept the territorial realities on the ground.

The conflict escalated as Putin instructed his army to continue its campaign to seize full control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region. Despite these tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump described his recent call with Putin as "positive," though he criticized the alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Putin's residence, calling it ill-timed. The Kremlin confirmed that Russia would reassess its negotiating position following the incident.

Additionally, external power to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was restored after repairs, with the plant's management attributing the outage to Ukrainian military fire. Zelensky also highlighted ongoing diplomatic challenges, including Russia's attempts to undermine peace talks and the unresolved status of the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant within a proposed 20-point peace plan. He suggested that this plan should be put to a referendum in Ukraine, contingent on a 60-day ceasefire. 🇺🇦🇷🇺🇸

Cartoon (29/12/2025)

The openly racist and fascist Blue-Black Movement has been reinstated as a political party in Finland. The group, which initially registered in 2022, was removed from the party register in 2024 after the Supreme Administrative Court ruled its program violated constitutional and human rights laws. However, the Justice Ministry recently reviewed the group's rules and program and found them "acceptable," allowing the Blue-Black Movement to re-register.

Founded by former members of the Finns Party, the group espouses ethnonationalist views and takes its name and colors from the Lapua Movement, a radical nationalist and fascist group active in Finland during the late 1920s and early 1930s. The Blue-Black Movement recently held an event in Tampere, where participants carried Finnish flags and a banner reading "May Day is White." The group's re-emergence has raised concerns about the rise of extremist ideologies in Finland's political landscape. 🇫🇮⚠️

Ukraine talks: Peace plan '90% agreed' as Trump hosts Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump have made significant progress in peace negotiations, with a reported 90% agreement on a potential peace plan. The discussions, held during a high-profile meeting, come amid escalating tensions and ongoing military conflicts in the region. While details of the agreement remain undisclosed, the progress signals a potential breakthrough in efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to finalize the remaining aspects of the plan. The international community watches closely as these negotiations could mark a turning point in the conflict. 🤝✌️

Ukraine calls alleged attack on Putin's palace lies

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region was targeted by 91 drones on Monday night, all of which were reportedly shot down. In response, Lavrov stated that Russia would "reconsider its negotiating position" and hinted at a potential retaliation. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the allegations as "complete fabrication," accusing Russia of attempting to derail peace talks between Ukraine and the U.S. Zelenskyy also warned of potential Russian attacks on Kyiv, including government buildings, citing past strikes.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump described his recent conversation with Putin as "positive," though he acknowledged the possibility that the alleged drone attack may not have occurred. Putin, in a televised meeting with military leaders, reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its "special military operation," emphasizing ongoing efforts to seize control of Ukrainian regions like Donbas, Zaporizhia, and Kherson. The Russian president has reportedly ordered his forces to advance on the city of Zaporizhia, signaling an escalation in the conflict. 💥🇷🇺🇺🇦

Poland expands rocket program with €3.3B South Korean JV

Poland has taken a significant step toward bolstering its defense capabilities by signing a €3.3 billion contract to develop domestic production of precision-guided rockets for its HOMAR-K multiple rocket launcher program. The agreement, valued at 14 billion złoty, will enable the production of 239-mm CGR-080 rockets, which have a range of 80 kilometers. This initiative, led by a consortium of Hanwha WB Advanced System—a Polish-Korean joint venture—and Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, will establish a new manufacturing facility in Poland. Production is set to begin in 2030, further strengthening Poland’s defense industry and its strategic partnership with South Korea. 🚀🇵🇱

US offered Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee, Zelensky said after talks with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that the U.S. has offered Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee, with the possibility of an extension, following his recent talks with President Donald Trump. However, Zelensky expressed that Kyiv seeks a longer commitment, ideally spanning 30 to 50 years, to ensure lasting security. Key unresolved issues in the U.S.-backed peace plan include territorial concessions and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains under Russian control. Zelensky emphasized the necessity of international troops in Ukraine as part of any security guarantee, a proposition that Russia has historically rejected.

While the details of the security guarantees remain undisclosed, Zelensky confirmed they involve monitoring mechanisms and the presence of allied forces. Despite ongoing negotiations, Russia continues its military offensive, with President Vladimir Putin urging his generals to advance further into Ukrainian territory. Zelensky accused Putin of deceiving Trump by publicly advocating for peace while simultaneously escalating attacks. The Kremlin insists on Ukraine withdrawing from eastern regions, warning that further territorial losses are inevitable.

Both Trump and Zelensky acknowledged that the territorial issue remains a significant hurdle in the peace talks. The current proposal aims to halt the conflict along current front lines in the Donbas region, establishing a demilitarized zone. However, Russia has shown no willingness to compromise, with Putin reiterating his intent to seize additional Ukrainian land. As Ukrainian forces struggle to counter Russia's advancing troops, the path to a lasting peace deal remains uncertain. 🇺🇸🇷🇺

Until Putin recognizes that he cannot win

Historian and journalist Anne Applebaum emphasizes that the war in Ukraine will only end when Russia acknowledges its inability to conquer Ukraine, likening it to France's colonial war in Algeria. She warns that Donald Trump's interventions have emboldened Putin by creating divisions within the Western alliance, thereby prolonging the conflict. Trump's alignment with Moscow's interpretation of the war and pressure on Ukraine to make concessions undermine Kyiv's sovereignty and prolong the fighting.

Applebaum highlights that Trump's return to power has caused unprecedented rifts in the Western alliance, achieving a key strategic goal for Russia. She notes that the Russian elite remains hopeful due to Trump's actions, despite Russia's significant losses and minimal territorial gains. The Trump administration's pressure on Ukraine to cede parts of Donetsk is seen as unrealistic, as even if President Zelenskyy were inclined to accept such terms, the Ukrainian army would likely refuse.

During a conversation in Athens, Applebaum discussed the EU's handling of the "reparations loan" to Ukraine, warning of US-Russian pressure campaigns to prevent Europe from using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. She criticizes Europe's decision to finance Ukraine through new EU borrowing instead, succumbing to external pressures. She suggests that Europe should assert its economic power and negotiate more firmly with the U.S., leveraging its influence as a trading superpower.

Applebaum also critiques the new U.S. National Security Strategy, calling it a "suicide note" for its failure to identify clear enemies and its focus on European liberal democracy as the primary threat. She warns that this strategy will have lasting impacts on U.S. diplomacy and intelligence operations, influencing European politics. Despite these challenges, she believes Europe has significant advantages, including stability, economic integration, and respect for science. She urges Europe to strengthen its security and technological independence, particularly in AI and social media, to avoid being manipulated by foreign algorithms.

Regarding corruption in Ukraine, Applebaum notes that the recent scandal involving Zelenskyy's inner circle is not related to foreign aid but demonstrates Ukraine's functioning democratic institutions. She contrasts this with Russia's suppression of anti-corruption activists and the U.S. under Trump, where conflicts of interest and political interference went unchallenged. The democratic culture emerging in Ukraine poses a threat to Putin, as it showcases a culturally similar people holding free elections and holding powerful officials accountable. 🌍💥

Hunt begins for ‘treasure’ hiding under the seabed

A major search for hydrocarbon deposits is underway in Greece, with surveys in western and southern regions advancing rapidly. Energean is poised to begin exploratory drilling in the Ionian Sea by late 2026, targeting a potential natural gas deposit of around 200 billion cubic meters at a depth of 4,000 meters. If successful, ExxonMobil will take over as the administrator, investing $50-100 million in further research. Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry aims to finalize the concession of four offshore blocks to Chevron-Helleniq Energy by mid-January, enabling Chevron to gather data south of the Peloponnese and Crete in the coming fall. These efforts highlight Greece’s strategic push to unlock valuable energy resources beneath its seabed. 🌊💡

Difficult times for Greece’s ‘positive paradox’

Greece has long been seen as a stable political anomaly in a turbulent world, a "positive paradox" where political norms remain intact while chaos unfolds elsewhere. However, this stability is now under scrutiny as global political certainties crumble. The country once relied on the assurance of U.S. intervention in regional conflicts and the European Union's steadfast support, but these pillars of security are now uncertain. The EU, though still a civilized institution, lacks leadership and is fractured by internal disputes, while the U.S. may no longer maintain impartiality in international conflicts.

Domestically, Greece's traditional two-party system, which has provided stability since the restoration of democracy, is collapsing. The political landscape is shifting, with many candidates vying to express public anger and frustration, but few offering credible governance solutions. As 2025 concludes, Greece faces a delicate balance between an unpredictable international scene and growing domestic discontent. The current leadership must navigate these challenges carefully, proving they are responsive to societal needs rather than relying on the argument that no viable alternative exists. The risk remains that, as seen in other nations, societies may react irrationally to such dilemmas. 🌍🇬🇷

US offered Ukraine 15 years of security guarantees, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that the current peace framework includes 15 years of security guarantees from the United States, with Kyiv advocating for an extension to 50 years. During a meeting in Florida, Zelenskyy confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump affirmed strong security commitments for Ukraine, expressing optimism that a peace deal to end the war is within reach. Zelenskyy shared these details with reporters via a WhatsApp chat, emphasizing that while the current agreement spans 15 years, it includes the possibility of extension. Both leaders remain hopeful that a lasting peace agreement is imminent. 🤝✌️

School lunches are becoming increasingly important in Sweden, study shows

School meal staff across Sweden are reporting that students are consuming larger portions at school lunches, highlighting a growing need for food among children. Ylva Odenbring, a professor of education at the University of Gothenburg, notes that many children do not get enough to eat at home, emphasizing the critical role of school meals in ensuring equal opportunities for all students. With around 13% of Sweden's children living in economic vulnerability, the importance of school meals is particularly evident during holidays when these meals are unavailable. Odenbring's research underscores that the need for school meals today mirrors the situation when the school lunch reform was introduced in 1946, stressing the necessity of maintaining this democratic tradition, especially as economic disparities widen. 🍽️📚

Farmers show signs of division as roadblocks continue

Farmers across the country are showing signs of division as protests over delayed EU subsidies and other grievances continue. While some protest groups have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the government, others remain firmly committed to maintaining roadblocks. This split marks the first significant rift within the movement after nearly a month of sustained protests.

The divergence became apparent when representatives from 18 roadblocks called for talks with the government, though they emphasized their intention to stay on the roads. However, major protest groups in regions like Evros, Kilkis, Drama, Halkidona, and Niselli distanced themselves from this initiative. The ongoing protests have caused severe traffic disruptions, particularly for holiday travelers returning home, with long queues forming on major highways and parallel roads.

Protests are expected to intensify, with new actions planned, including road closures and marches in key cities like Larissa and Thessaloniki. Farmers at various roadblocks have pledged to follow decisions made by the national coordinating committee of agricultural associations. A nationwide meeting is anticipated shortly after the New Year to reassess the direction of the protests. 🚜🚧

Trump's threat to Hamas: Disarm or hell awaits

During a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, former U.S. President Donald Trump and an unnamed counterpart discussed the Gaza ceasefire, with a focus on the delayed second phase, which includes Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament. Trump emphasized the urgency of disarming Hamas, stating that the group would face severe consequences if it failed to comply. "A very short period of time" was given for disarmament, he warned, adding, "But if they don't lay down their weapons— as they have agreed to do—then hell awaits them." 🔥

Hamas, however, has repeatedly rejected the disarmament demand, with its new spokesperson, Abu Obeida, asserting that the group will not surrender its weapons as long as the "occupation" persists. Concerns persist among Trump's staff that both Hamas and Israel are stalling the ceasefire process. Since the October ceasefire, Israeli attacks have resulted in hundreds of Palestinian casualties, including many women and children, drawing criticism of Netanyahu's government. Trump, however, expressed no opinion on Israel's actions. 🇮🇱💔

Hamas confirms former spokesman Abu Obeida killed

Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, has confirmed the death of Abu Obeida, the group's former spokesman, in a video statement released on Telegram. Israel had previously reported Obeida's death in an airstrike on Gaza in August, though Hamas had not commented on the matter until now. The confirmation of Obeida's death marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. 🕊️💔

Thorny questions remain despite positive meeting reports from Trump and Zelensky

In a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both leaders presented positive assessments, yet significant challenges remain unresolved. The discussions, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia, left critical issues unanswered, including the path to a sustainable ceasefire and the future of U.S. support for Ukraine. While Trump emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to defending its sovereignty. The meeting underscored the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with Europe closely watching the developments, as its security and stability are deeply intertwined with the outcome of the conflict. Despite the diplomatic efforts, the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles, and the international community continues to grapple with the humanitarian and strategic implications of the war. 🌍✌️

Polish government seeks to end deadlock with president over security

Poland's defence and security service ministers have requested a meeting with opposition-aligned President Karol Nawrocki to address growing tensions between the government and the presidential palace over national security issues. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the importance of cooperation among all constitutional bodies, regardless of political disputes, and expressed hope for a positive response to the meeting request. The ministers aim to present plans for 2026, including budgetary allocations and classified initiatives, with a focus on increasing defence spending to 4.8% of GDP and funding for key intelligence agencies.

Since taking office in August, President Nawrocki has frequently clashed with the government, vetoing numerous laws and raising concerns about the government's handling of security matters. He has accused the government of withholding vital national-security information, while the government has cited security clearance issues as a reason for restricted access. The president recently refused to approve the appointment of 136 newly qualified intelligence officers, citing the government's unwillingness to facilitate meetings with security service heads. Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Nawrocki's actions, while the president's spokesman argued that the officers are caught in a political game.

Security Service Minister Tomasz Siemoniak asserted that both the president and his officials are well-informed on critical issues. The proposed meeting seeks to resolve the contentious issue of officer nominations and foster better communication between the government and the president. As of now, President Nawrocki has not responded to the invitation. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges of balancing political differences with the imperative of safeguarding national security. 🇵🇱🔍

Arrest of pedophile delayed, police misconduct investigated

A man has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for serious crimes, including aggravated child pornography, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and offensive photography. Initially reported in June, it took two and a half months for authorities to arrest him. During this period, he continued to commit further offenses, such as filming a child in a toilet and producing hundreds of child exploitation images. The case highlights the critical need for swift and thorough investigations into such serious allegations, emphasizing the importance of specialized, independent police units to handle reports of misconduct effectively. 🚔🚨

Ukraine: What is blocking the peace deal negotiations?

Ukraine's peace negotiations with Russia are currently stalled due to several key obstacles. First, Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire, despite prolonged discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, has significantly hindered progress. Trump's new foreign policy approach, which prioritizes business deals over shared democratic values, has further complicated the situation. Europe, now facing potential security risks from a Russian victory in Ukraine, is struggling to provide credible security guarantees to Kyiv without strong U.S. support. Additionally, internal divisions within Europe, including the presence of neutral and pro-Russian countries, complicate collective defense efforts. These challenges highlight the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities and strategic autonomy to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape. 🤝⚔️

Consumer confidence in Finland remains weak

Consumer confidence in Finland remains weak, with the consumer confidence indicator (CCI) standing at -7.3 in December, slightly improved from -6.5 in November but still lower than the -7.6 recorded in October. While people's views on their current economic situation have improved marginally, overall confidence remains low. Expectations for the broader Finnish economy remained unchanged in December, reflecting a persistent lack of optimism since the significant drop in confidence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

Finnish consumers view December as an unfavorable time for purchasing durable goods and taking out loans, with a general reluctance to spend large sums or invest in home purchases. Concerns about unemployment also weigh heavily, with many respondents fearing job losses. Notably, women expressed lower confidence in the economy compared to men.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of cautious optimism for 2026. A slight improvement in personal financial expectations and accumulated savings suggest a potential rebound. Jukka Appelqvist, Chief Economist of the Central Chamber of Commerce, described 2025 as a "defensive victory," with sluggish growth but avoided worst-case scenarios. He criticized excessive pessimism, pointing to improving household purchasing power and a promising global economic outlook as reasons for optimism. The survey, which included 1,213 respondents, highlights both the current economic challenges and the potential for recovery. 📉💡

Transport to immigration rules: What changes about life in Norway in 2026?

Norway’s 2026 budget, passed in December, introduces several key measures to ease the cost of living and enhance public services. Frequent users of public transport will benefit from reduced fares, while funding has been allocated to lower dental care and childcare costs and to increase staffing at kindergartens. Income tax will see a slight reduction for most earners, and the threshold for wealth tax has been raised to 1.9 million kroner. The "Norgespris" electricity subsidy scheme will continue to support households with power bills. Additionally, the budget outlines a phased reduction of tax breaks on electric vehicles (EVs), starting with a lower VAT exemption threshold of 300,000 kroner from January 1, 2026.

The government’s "Plan for Norway," announced in December, outlines five key areas of focus: the economy, work and business, children and young people, health, and national security. This includes stricter immigration policies, such as faster deportations and reduced refugee quotas, as well as plans to integrate private hospitals into the public healthcare system to cut waiting times. However, the plan has faced criticism for its lack of specificity and environmental concerns.

In Oslo, residents can look forward to major events like the World Cup Cross Country and Ski Jumping, the Biathlon World Cup Final, and Oslo Pride. The city’s metro system is also undergoing a significant upgrade, with a new signaling system expected to improve frequency, punctuality, and capacity by 2030. Additionally, Norway will enforce a ban on the sale of energy drinks to those under 16 and prohibit the import of tobacco and nicotine products from abroad starting January 1, 2026. These measures aim to protect public health, particularly among young people. 🚆💊🚫