German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described Russia as a European country and expressed hope for restoring a balance in relations with Moscow in the long term. He made the remarks at a New Year’s reception at the Halle–Dessau Chamber of Commerce, as reported by Die Welt.

Russia’s Federal Security Service has reported the exposure of a British intelligence officer allegedly working in Moscow under diplomatic cover.

Hearings have begun at the Paris Court of Appeal in the case of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen. The ruling could determine whether one of the country’s most prominent politicians will be allowed to run in next year’s presidential election.

US President Donald Trump has once again stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has no real leverage, repeating a claim he made during their high-profile clash in the Oval Office a year ago. Trump made the remarks in an interview with The New York Times.

The European Union is considering sanctions against major U.S. companies if Washington does not abandon its territorial claims over Greenland, according to The Telegraph.

Clemence Gete, Deputy Speaker of France’s National Assembly, has proposed a resolution for the country to leave NATO, citing unfriendly actions by the United States.

The United States expects to manage Venezuela and tap into its vast oil reserves for far longer than a single year, President Donald Trump told The New York Times, signaling a prolonged American role in the country.

The city of Juneau in the U.S. state of Alaska has experienced a record-breaking snowfall over the past week, surpassing all historical figures for both the city and the surrounding borough, according to Alaska’s News Source.

Russia has dispatched naval ships to escort an oil tanker crossing the Atlantic, which is also being monitored by US forces, reports CBS News, the American partner of the BBC.

US President Donald Trump said Venezuela will not hold elections within the next 30 days, citing the need to restore order in the country. He also stressed that the United States is not at war with Venezuela.

Danish authorities have sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks about annexing Greenland, calling the rhetoric disrespectful and unfounded.

U.S. authorities have transferred Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to a judicial district where capital punishment is permitted under federal law. According to Clash Report, he could theoretically face the death penalty on narco-terrorism-related charges.

In early December, the United States carried out a drone strike on a coastal facility in Venezuela, marking the first known U.S. attack on a target inside the country rather than at sea.

Thailand and Cambodia have signed a new ceasefire agreement aimed at ending weeks of border clashes fueled by territorial disputes.

Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet on Sunday in Florida, amid ongoing discussions over a proposed peace plan for Ukraine.

Against the backdrop of escalating conflict with the US, the Venezuelan parliament urgently passed a law providing for criminal penalties, including up to 20 years in prison, for the seizure of oil tankers. This is a direct response to the actions of the US Navy, which in recent months has been detaining vessels with Venezuelan oil in international waters.

U.S. President Donald Trump's appointment of a special envoy to Greenland has provoked a serious diplomatic crisis with Denmark. The new representative stated that it would be an honor for him to serve the "cause of Greenland's annexation to the U.S.," which caused a sharp reaction from Copenhagen and Nuuk, who insist on respect for sovereignty and international law.

US Vice President JD Vance announced a breakthrough in Ukraine talks in Miami, but revealed that territorial issues remain the main stumbling block. According to him, Kyiv understands that it may lose part of Donbas, but views this as an extremely serious security threat.

A series of negotiations in Miami between the US, Ukraine, European countries, and Russia did not lead to a breakthrough. The US ceasefire project remains a stumbling block, despite Donald Trump's cautious optimism. Vladimir Zelensky stated that progress depends on Moscow's readiness for a real end to the war.

Following the high-level talks, a reception hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was held at the Kantei Residence in honor of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.