Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 1st of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Ukrainian and European officials have rejected Russia’s claim that Ukraine tried to strike a residence of President Vladimir Putin with drones, calling the allegation unfounded and destabilising for peace talks. U.S. intelligence assessments reported by the Wall Street Journal found no evidence of such an attack, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the claim was a “deliberate distraction” as negotiations continue.
People around the world marked the arrival of 2026 with fireworks, traditions and muted commemorations, as hopes for peace and stability shaped New Year messages. Celebrations began in the Pacific and spread west, from Sydney’s major fireworks display to Seoul’s bell-ringing ritual, while some cities scaled back events after recent tragedies. In Kyiv and Moscow, residents welcomed the new year with renewed calls for an end to the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants the war to end but will not accept a “weak” peace that risks prolonging the conflict. In his New Year address, he said a U.S.-led deal is about 90% ready, with territory the main obstacle, and insisted any agreement must secure lasting peace without sacrificing Ukraine’s future.
President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan closed 2025 as a year of peace, security and stability, crediting national unity for the country’s achievements. In the New Year and World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day address, he said the Patriotic War victory was sealed politically and internationally, reconstruction is advancing, and Azerbaijan remains committed to peace while staying vigilant amid global instability.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has criticised Israel’s decision to ban electricity or water supplies to facilities run by the UN Palestinian refugee agency, warning it would seriously hinder humanitarian operations. Several Western countries said the move, alongside restrictions on international NGOs in Gaza, could force the closure of vital services, including healthcare facilities.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at th...
The European Union and Taliban officials held talks in Brussels on Tuesday on consular services and the situation of Afghans whose asylum applications...
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as...
Iran is preparing for a week-long farewell to former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February during Israeli-U.S. air r...
China’s anti-corruption authorities have launched an investigation into Bian Zhigang, a senior defence and space official, over suspected serious vi...
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
China’s anti-corruption authorities have launched an investigation into Bian Zhigang, a senior defence and space official, over suspected serious violations of discipline and law, officials said on Wednesday.
Israel and Lebanon are discussing a U.S.-backed proposal that would see Israeli forces withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon and transfer control of those areas to the Lebanese army, according to officials from both sides.
Tehran has agreed to let the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommence inspections of its nuclear programme, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has said. The U.S. and Iran have settled on a 60-day roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal, according to mediators Qatar and Pakistan.
A Ukrainian strike has damaged a school building in a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, according to local authorities cited by the TASS news agency. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into "infinity, despite Tehran's denials, and that unfrozen Iranian assets would be used to buy humanitarian supplies from the United States.
Authorities in France are reporting that about 20 people have died over the weekend while swimming in unsupervised areas of rivers, lakes and coastal waters as they tried to escape the heatwave.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said he will “most likely” hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump during next month’s NATO summit in Ankara, where the American leader is expected to attend.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
The European Union and Taliban officials held talks in Brussels on Tuesday on consular services and the situation of Afghans whose asylum applications have been rejected in Europe.
China’s anti-corruption authorities have launched an investigation into Bian Zhigang, a senior defence and space official, over suspected serious violations of discipline and law, officials said on Wednesday.
Alibaba, one of the world's largest technology and e-commerce companies, has sued the U.S. Pentagon after being added to a blacklist of firms it claims support China's military, escalating a dispute with potentially significant consequences for the company.
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