Zelenskyy and Trump to Discuss Ukraine Peace Efforts Amid Russian Attacks – 12/26/2025, 8:28:34 PM

Top world news as of December 26, 2025, includes Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy announcing a meeting with U.S. President Trump on Sunday in Florida amid peace efforts, a deadly mosque bombing in Syria, and U.S. airstrikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria.[1][2][3]

Ukraine-Russia Conflict

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss ending the war with Russia; a Ukrainian official noted ongoing efforts.[1]
• Ukraine battles to stabilize its southern front while Russia launched over 130 drones on Christmas Eve, killing at least two and injuring dozens in multiple regions.[1][2]
• Zelenskyy delivered a Christmas Eve address wishing for peace, implying a desire for Russian President Vladimir Putin to perish but prioritizing an end to the conflict amid continued attacks.[2]

Middle East Developments

• A bombing at a mosque in Homs, Syria, during Friday prayers killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others.[1]
• Yemen separatists accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes against their forces in southern Yemen.[1]
• An explosive device in Gaza wounded an Israeli soldier, with Israel accusing Hamas of violating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire (reported December 24).[1]

Other Key Stories

• China-U.S. Tensions: China imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives.[1]
• Nigeria: U.S. airstrikes targeted an alleged ISIS camp, authorized by President Trump, killing terrorists in coordination with Nigerian forces; local villagers reported panic from shaking homes and red skies.[1][3]
• Japan Defense: Japan’s Cabinet approved a record defense budget over 9 trillion yen to deter China.[1]
• Religious and Global Messages: Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Day message; UK’s King Charles called for reconciliation amid global division, war, and hatred in his annual address.[1][2]

Additional Recent Events (December 25-24)

• Russia sentenced pro-war activist Sergei Udaltsov, a Putin critic, to six years for justifying terrorism.[1]
• Turkey began analyzing black boxes from a jet crash killing Libya’s military chief and seven others.[1]
• Algerian legislators declared French colonization a crime and demanded restitution.[1]
• A rescue helicopter crashed on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, killing all five aboard.[1]
• Son of former Bangladesh PM returned after 17 years in exile, positioning to lead.[1]