Russia-Ukraine Conflict Intensifies as Trump and Zelenskyy Prepare for Crucial Meeting – 12/28/2025, 4:24:29 PM

Top world news as of December 28, 2025:

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates Ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

Russia launched dozens of drones and missiles at Ukraine, including strikes on Kyiv that wounded at least 11 people, killed one, and left residents without heating in freezing temperatures; Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called it Moscow’s “answer” to peace efforts as he travels to meet U.S. President Trump in Florida via Poland and Canada.[1][3]

Thailand-Cambodia Border Ceasefire

Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia signed a new ceasefire agreement in China to end weeks of border fighting over territorial claims, effective noon local time; it includes Thailand repatriating 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July after 48 deaths in prior clashes.[1][3]

Elections and Voting Underway

• Guinea holds its first presidential election since the 2021 coup, with the junta leader expected to win.[1]
• Kosovo voters cast ballots in a snap parliamentary election to resolve a year-long political stalemate.[1]
• Myanmar prepares for its first general election in five years amid criticism of military rule.[1]

Deadly Disasters

• At least 3 dead, including a 1-year-old, in a two-story building collapse in Soweto, South Africa.[1]
• Bus accident in Guatemala kills 15 and injures 15 others; government declares 3-day mourning.[1]
• Magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes off Taiwan’s northeast coast.[1]

Other Key Developments

• U.S. President Trump orders strikes on ISIS camps in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants accused of attacking Christians; critics denounce the Christmas holiday action.[2]
• Italian authorities arrest 9 for allegedly funding Hamas through charities.[3]
• Brazilian judge orders house arrest for 10 coup plot convicts after a former police commander flees.[1]
• Mosque bombing in Homs, Syria, kills 6-8 and wounds 21 during prayers.[1]

These stories reflect the most recent reports from major outlets, focusing on conflicts, elections, and disasters.[1][2][3]