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Ukraine

Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe after Russia, gaining independence from the Soviet Union and declaring neutrality in 1991. In February 2022, Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine under the auspices of a "special military operation" to "de-nazify" the country. The move turned Moscow into a global pariah, and the Ukrainian army - backed financially and militarily by the US and western European countries - continues to fight off the invading forces. Nuclear-armed Russia has warned of consequences if Nato interferes in the war, while strategic ally China urges a peaceful, diplomatic solution.

Capital

Kyiv

Head of State

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Head of Government

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal

US President Donald Trump spoke about China’s military drills around Taiwan during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Monday. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

US-China relations

‘No worries’: Trump plays down Beijing’s military drills around Taiwan

Trump dismisses ‘routine’ drills in Taiwan Strait even as US arms sales hit record high and Pentagon repeats 2027 timeline.

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Ukraine

‘No worries’: Trump plays down Beijing’s military drills around Taiwan

Trump dismisses ‘routine’ drills in Taiwan Strait even as US arms sales hit record high and Pentagon repeats 2027 timeline.

Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence, but Zelensky calls it ‘lies’

Putin signs law allowing Russia to ignore foreign court rulings on Ukraine

Zelensky asked Trump for ‘historic’ 50-year guarantee against Russia

The Ukrainian president is seeking extended US security guarantees, exceeding the 15-year plan under discussion as part of peace talks.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Europe risks a self-fulfilling prophecy of war with Russia

The EU should secure its future through fair contributions to Nato and a lucrative transatlantic defence market, not conflict with Moscow.

Japan as a nuclear power, China’s first female C919 captain: 5 weekend reads

From China studying Japan’s potential nuclear capabilities to C919’s first female captain, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Trump predicts end to Ukraine war will be decided within ‘weeks’

After meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Zelensky and a ‘friendly’ call with Putin, US president claims a peace deal is closer.

Russia’s Putin warns of escalation if Ukraine rejects peace talks

The Russian ‌leader said Moscow was ready to achieve its war goals by force amid contested claims of territorial gains.

Zelensky looks to secure peace deal at Trump meet as Russian offensive mounts

Discussions at Trump’s Florida resort will cover security guarantees and territorial concessions.

Opinion | Quiet courage of ordinary people can rebuild a world in crisis

It’s easy for us to feel powerless as deadly wars rage on, but the resilience of ordinary men and women gives us hope for the new year.

Ukraine peace requires ‘a willing Russia’, says Canada’s PM Carney

Carney denounced the ‘barbarism’ of Moscow’s latest attack on Kyiv as Zelensky stopped in Nova Scotia before flying to Florida to meet Trump.

Requests for help after 2 Hongkongers reportedly killed in Ukraine war

Two men reportedly volunteered to fight for Ukraine in war, but died in Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Ukraine’s parliament rocked by new bribery scandal as Zelensky heads to US talks

Guards try to block anti-corruption officials from entering parliament offices as part of their investigation into MPs taking bribes.

Zelensky says Kyiv strike proves Russia does ‘not want to end war’

Moscow hit the Ukrainian capital with nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles a day ahead of US-Ukraine talks, leaving a third of Kyiv without heat.

Russia likely moving new nuclear missiles that are hard to intercept to Belarus

Experts say deployment of the Oreshnik a strategic shift to deter Nato and extend Moscow’s missile range in Europe.

Trump says Zelensky ‘doesn’t have anything until I approve it’ ahead of talks

The two leaders are expected to discuss issues like the future of the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelensky brings ‘90% ready’ peace plan to Trump in Florida

Leaders will discuss security guarantees and a 20-point plan on Sunday, even as conflicting demands over territory persist.

Inside Chernobyl: Ukraine races to repair radiation shield as war drags on

While engineers scramble to patch drone damage at Chernobyl, Ukraine’s president holds ‘substantive’ talks with US envoys.

Britain’s King Charles calls for ‘reconciliation’ in Christmas speech

UK monarch praises the courage of those who risked their lives for others during his fourth Christmas broadcast as king.

‘Christmas under fire’: Ukraine, Russia report fatal air strikes

Ukraine has been warding off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.

Zelensky details US-backed 20-point peace plan for Russia and Putin

Zelensky weighs land concessions to Putin in a US-backed deal, seeking a ceasefire and a demilitarised zone in Donetsk to end Russia’s war.

Moscow blast kills 2 police near site of Russian general’s car bombing

Moscow hit by second bombing in three days, following a series of assassinations Russia blames on Ukraine.

Opinion | Can Belarus balance relations with Russia, China and the US?

Minsk aims to rebalance its foreign policy towards Beijing and Washington but geopolitical realities prevent a full break from Russia.

Huge drone barrage ‘strikes Ukraine before Christmas’, killing 3

The latest attack, targeting homes and the power grid, came when people want to be ‘at home, in safety’, said President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Opinion | How the West’s sanctions against Russia are fuelling a protracted war

For hubs of transit trade from Armenia to the UAE, economic self-interest is best served by having sanctions on Russia in place indefinitely.

10 most read Daily Pulse briefings of 2025

SCMP Plus looks back at the year’s 10 most popular Daily Pulse bulletins, covering China issues related to diplomacy, trade and economics.

No Ukraine ceasefire breakthrough despite ‘productive’ talks

Talks in Miami focused on aligning US, European and Ukrainian positions as uncertainty remains if Russia will accept proposed terms.

Starmer and Trump discuss Ukraine, Gaza and new UK ambassador in call

Leaders spoke about issues of mutual interest in the pre-Christmas phone call, according to Downing Street.

Opinion | Europe risks a self-fulfilling prophecy of war with Russia