Russian Drone Strikes Escalate in Ukraine Amid US Peace Talks, US Hits ISIS in Nigeria – 12/26/2025, 4:24:22 PM

Top world news stories as of December 26, 2025, include ongoing Russian drone strikes on Ukraine amid peace talks, US airstrikes on ISIS in Nigeria, Zelenskyy’s announcement of a meeting with Trump, and Japan’s record defense budget.[1][2][3][4]

Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Russia launched over 130 drones on Ukraine on Christmas Eve and overnight into December 26, killing at least two people, injuring dozens, and prompting Ukraine’s air force to report a rising death toll.[1][2] Ukrainian forces are blocking Russian advances near Huliaipole using infantry and drones, as battles continue despite US-led peace talks.[1] President Zelenskyy stated in his Christmas Eve address that a meeting with US President Trump is agreed upon “in the near future,” described all sides as “much closer” to a peace deal, and noted Ukraine’s agreement to a US peace plan while territorial issues persist; he also implied hopes for Russian President Putin’s demise but prioritized peace.[1][2][3]

Middle East and Africa

US forces conducted airstrikes on ISIS-affiliated militants in northwest Nigeria, killing terrorists in coordination with the Nigerian government, marking a major escalation in the offensive.[1][4][5] In Gaza, an explosive device wounded an Israeli soldier, leading Israel to accuse Hamas of violating the US-brokered ceasefire.[1] Turkish authorities arrested a suspected Islamic State member planning New Year’s attacks.[1] A rescue helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, killing all five aboard.[1]

Asia and Politics

Japan’s Cabinet approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen to deter China.[1] Myanmar is holding its first general election in five years on Sunday, framed by the military as a return to democracy amid mounting criticism.[1] In Afghanistan, Kabul’s historic Ariana Cinema was demolished for a shopping center.[1] Algeria’s legislators declared French colonization a crime and demanded restitution for 130 years of rule.[1] The son of Bangladesh’s former PM returned after 17 years in exile, positioning for leadership.[1] A Russian court sentenced pro-war activist Sergei Udaltsov, a Putin critic, to six years for justifying terrorism.[1] Trump-backed Nasry Asfura was declared winner of Honduras’ presidential vote.[1]

Other Notable Events

Turkey began analyzing black boxes from a jet crash that killed Libya’s military chief and seven others.[1] South Korea vowed to end foreign adoptions.[1] Nigerian families reunited with schoolchildren kidnapped a month earlier.[1] Pope Leo XIV urged compassion in his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi speech.[3] North Korea advanced on its first nuclear-powered submarine.[3] Airport strikes are hitting major European hubs over Christmas.[3]