Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has stated that the European Union is prepared to take a leading role in helping Ukraine if US assistance falters.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on partners to supply Ukraine with all the air defence systems promised at the last NATO summit.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced a US$500 million military aid package during a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein-format meetings, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

At a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein-format meetings, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on participants to become more involved in the production of drones in Ukraine.

Outgoing Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has said that even though Russia appears to have the upper hand in its invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin is facing a growing number of challenges that will complicate any attempts to consolidate its gains.

Warsaw officially closed the Consulate General of Poland in Russia's St Petersburg on Wednesday, 8 January, with the ceremony attended by Polish and foreign diplomats, along with members of the Polish diaspora.

Norway will allocate NOK 164 million (about €14 million) in 2025 to support demining efforts in Ukraine, including the use of mine detection canines.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has departed for Germany to attend the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at the Ramstein Air Base, which is his last one before the end of the Biden administration. Austin has shared a video showing his preparations.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has accused Ukraine of putting the European Union in a difficult economic situation by stopping the transit of Russian gas.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed gratitude to Iceland for its recent contribution to producing Ukrainian weapons under the Danish model.

The visit of General Keith Kellogg, US Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine, will take place "in due time".

French President Emmanuel Macron believes Ukraine must have "realistic discussions" on territorial issues.

Following talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Seoul, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that Ukraine's strategic position in Russia's Kursk Oblast is crucial to the prospects of any future negotiations.

Following talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Seoul, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that Russia is prepared to supply North Korea (DPRK) with advanced space and satellite technologies in return for weapons and equipment to aid its war efforts in Ukraine.

Commodore Ivo Värk, Commander of the Estonian Navy, has said that neither Russia nor Ukraine dominates the Black Sea in the conventional sense of naval warfare.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the first talks on ending the war will take place with US President-elect Donald Trump after his inauguration, and then with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin if the American leader offers "strong security guarantees for Ukraine".

The United States will make additional announcements about security aid for Ukraine in the coming days.

Roderich Kiesewetter, defence spokesperson for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), believes that there is no alternative to the deployment of German soldiers in Ukraine after the war.

A new meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, is scheduled for 9 January in Germany.

Some Ukrainian citizens in Poland have received letters resembling military draft notices. However, Poland's Office for Foreigners has clarified that these letters are forgeries.

Over half of German residents (54%) believe peacekeepers should be sent to Ukraine in case of a ceasefire.

In his New Year's address, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.

As part of an increase in security assistance, the United States is providing Ukraine with a US$1.25 billion military aid package that includes the transfer of weapons from Pentagon warehouses, which will, in particular, strengthen Ukraine's air defence.

US President Joe Biden announced on Monday, 30 December, that the US will provide Ukraine with almost US$2.5 billion in security assistance.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has suggested that Russia was trying to hide the traces of the downing of the Azerbaijani passenger plane in the sea and called for a fair investigation into the crash.

A poll has revealed that 45% of Ukrainians believe that the victory of Republican Donald Trump in the US election brings peace in the Russo-Ukrainian war closer, while almost 14% believe peace is becoming more distant.

Slovakia is "ready to actively contribute to the peace process between Russia and Ukraine" and has suggested itself as a venue for talks, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has said.