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On January 6, 2025, Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the formal certification of Donald Trump's election victory, clearing the way for his inauguration on January 20. The ceremony, held in a joint session of the House and Senate, marked a stark contrast to the violent Capitol riot four years earlier, when Trump supporters attempted to block the certification of his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. Trump, who received 312 electoral votes compared to Harris's 226, continues to falsely claim his 2020 defeat was the result of widespread fraud, a sentiment he maintained during his 2024 campaign. Harris, in her ceremonial role as president of the Senate, stood composed as she oversaw the electoral vote certification. She emphasized the significance of the peaceful transfer of power and expressed her belief that American democracy remains strong through collective effort and dedication. The certification process went smoothly, reinforcing the democratic norm.
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. In this exclusive interview with ANI, a top Canadian journalist decodes its implications for Canada’s future, domestic politics, and the country’s relationship with India. Don’t miss this insightful discussion!
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Elon Musk criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for alleged failures in tackling grooming gang cases during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions. Musk accused Starmer of prioritising political correctness over justice, ignoring abuses to avoid racism allegations. He highlighted institutional neglect, particularly in the Rotherham case, where over 1,400 children were abused between 1997 and 2013. Grooming gangs systematically exploit vulnerable individuals, often children, using coercion and violence. Despite the crimes’ severity, they remain underreported due to cultural sensitivities and systemic failures. Musk’s criticism includes calls for Starmer’s resignation and fresh UK elections, amplifying public outrage.
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Human rights activist Dr. Amjad Ayub Mirza has strongly condemned PoJK Prime Minister Chaudhary Anwar ul Haq’s call for jihad, labeling it a desperate attempt to regain political influence. Mirza warned that such rhetoric could incite violence and jeopardize secular voices in the region. He urged the United Nations and the International Court of Justice to intervene and demanded the removal of the PoJK PM. Watch this critical analysis of the unfolding situation.
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Justin Trudeau's resignation marks the end of his nine-year tenure as Canada's Prime Minister. Facing increasing dissent within his party and amidst a growing surge in support for the opposition Conservative Party, Trudeau announced he would step down once a successor was appointed. He prorogued Parliament until March 24, giving his party 90 days to find a new leader. During his farewell speech, Trudeau expressed regret over Canada's electoral system, suggesting reforms to allow voters to rank second and third choices. Trudeau’s leadership faced growing pressure, with his government surviving a no-confidence vote and a policy clash that led to the resignation of his finance minister. The Canadian economy, particularly the dollar, had struggled under his leadership, but has begun to recover since the announcement of his resignation. The country faces a transitional period ahead of upcoming elections later this year.
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Malaysia's appeals court on Monday (January 6) granted a bid by jailed ex-premier Najib Razak to see a document he said should allow him to serve his sentence at home, in a rare win for a disgraced former leader at the heart of the country's biggest scandal. In a two to one decision on Monday, the Court of Appeal granted Najib's appeal to overturn the lower court's dismissal of his previous request. The case will return to the High Court for hearing by a different judge. Watch here for more details -
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On January 5, U.S. President Joe Biden criticized President-elect Donald Trump's attempts to end birthright citizenship, calling it "awful." Speaking at the White House after signing the Social Security Fairness Act, Biden also stated that the transition to Trump’s government seemed to be proceeding smoothly. When asked about the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Biden reaffirmed that Trump’s actions posed a "genuine threat to democracy," referencing Trump’s false claims of winning the 2020 election and his encouragement for supporters to storm the Capitol. In addition, Biden signed a new law that expands Social Security retirement benefits for certain retirees, including former police officers and firefighters. This measure marks the first expansion of such benefits in 20 years, overturning a long-standing policy that had limited payments to workers with pensions. The law also affects employees like postal workers, whose benefits had previously been capped.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denies plans to meet Putin, calling rumors 'deeply indecent.' He also criticizes Elon Musk for backing Germany's AfD party. Get the full story here
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as Liberal Party Leader as early as Monday. With the party facing a tough election ahead, his departure could trigger fresh calls for a quick election. Will Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc step in as interim leader?
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South Korean authorities failed to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on January 3, 2025, over his December 3 martial law declaration. Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) attempted to execute the arrest at Yoon’s compound, but faced obstruction from the Presidential Security Service (PSS) and military personnel. After a standoff, the CIO called off the operation citing safety concerns. Yoon is under investigation for insurrection, and the arrest warrant is valid until January 6, 2025. Yoon's lawyer claims the warrant is invalid, and his impeachment case is pending before South Korea’s Constitutional Court.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, in an interview with Olena Zelenska, highlighted the pivotal role Trump could play in ending the 34-month war with Russia. He stressed the need for strong security guarantees, EU membership, and NATO invitations, while hoping Trump’s administration can swiftly engage with Russia amidst Putin's territorial gains.
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Will the world face another global lockdown? Empty streets, people under house arrest, and a virus spreading across the globe—sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Just five years after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, a new virus is surging in China. This time, it's Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a mysterious virus that is spreading quickly. Are we looking at another global health crisis? Watch this video to learn about its symptoms, treatment, and why HMPV could be the next big threat.
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Pakistan takes a seat at the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term, sparking concerns in India over Kashmir, global crises, and UNSC reforms. What lies ahead? Watch to uncover the diplomatic showdown
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Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty after a 20-year hiatus, joining the growing list of countries moving away from capital punishment. In this video, we explore which countries have already abolished the death penalty, when they did so, and India's current position on the issue. Stay tuned to learn more about this global shift in justice and human rights.
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On January 3, sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem around 04:30 am local time due to a missile launched from Yemen, which was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. The Israeli military warned of potential falling shrapnel from the interception, and explosions were heard in both cities. The missile had crossed into Israeli territory before being intercepted, with shrapnel landing in Modi'in, central Israel. The missile attack is attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants, who have previously launched missiles and drones towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In a related development, Israel’s military released footage showing airstrikes on medium-range rocket launchers at a Hezbollah military site in southern Lebanon. The strikes followed Israel's request to the Lebanese army to destroy the launchers, which went unacted upon, prompting Israeli retaliation. The Lebanese army has not yet commented on the matter.
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Ten people were injured in a shooting outside the Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York, on Wednesday night. Around 11:15 p.m., as a group of 16 to 20-year-olds waited to enter a private event, four men approached on foot, with three or four opening fire. Approximately 30 shots were fired before the suspects fled on foot and escaped in a light-coloured sedan with out-of-state plates. Six women and four men sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalised, with all expected to survive. Authorities confirmed the incident was not terrorism and are investigating the motive. Police pledged zero tolerance for such violence.
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South Korea faces political turmoil as impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol confronts potential arrest over allegations of attempting to impose martial law. Rival protests erupted near the presidential residence on January 2, with supporters deeming the arrest illegal and opponents urging his resignation. A court approved an arrest warrant on December 31, potentially making Yoon the first sitting president to be detained during an investigation. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) leads the probe, with a January 6 deadline to execute the warrant. Questions remain over security forces’ compliance, intensifying uncertainty in a nation already deeply divided over Yoon’s controversial actions.
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Israeli airstrikes on Gaza's Beit Hanoun, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Jabalia killed at least 17 Palestinians, as reported by WAFA. Israel's military campaign, ongoing since October 7, 2023, has killed over 45,553 Palestinians and injured 108,379, targeting Hamas militants while advising civilians to evacuate. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued in the Golan Heights’ buffer zone, with troops patrolling near the UN-administered separation area. The UN Security Council extended peacekeeping in the Golan Heights for six months, expressing concern over escalating tensions. Israeli officials described the Golan operations as temporary for border security, with no clear timeline for troop withdrawal.
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A tragic incident in New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street claimed ten lives and injured 30 when a vehicle plowed into a crowd in the early hours of New Year's Day. The city’s emergency preparedness agency, NOLA Ready, confirmed the fatalities and advised residents to avoid the area. The injured were transported to five local hospitals for treatment. The incident marred New Year's celebrations and occurred just hours before the AllState Bowl at Caesars Superdome, which was set to draw thousands of attendees. Authorities responded to the mass casualty incident as the city reeled from the shocking event.
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New Year's celebrations in Berlin turned chaotic, with one police officer seriously injured and over 300 arrests or detentions reported. More than 3,000 police officers were deployed, but 13 others also sustained injuries amid widespread disorder, including projectiles thrown at emergency services. A multi-story park house in Kreuzberg caught fire, with 90 firefighters battling the flames overnight. Fireworks lit up the streets, causing police to intervene, while five firework-related deaths were reported across Germany. Additionally, a water pipe burst in Berlin's Wedding district on New Year’s Eve, creating widespread disruptions and compounding the challenges faced during the night’s festivities.
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Russia's Gazprom said it will pump a reduced volume of gas to Europe via Ukraine on Tuesday (December 31), the last day before the expiry of a deal that had kept the gas flowing throughout nearly three years of war.
Gazprom said it would send only 37.2 million cubic meters on Tuesday compared to 42.4 mcm on Monday. Flows are expected to fall to zero from the early hours of Jan. 1 after the expiry of the five-year transit agreement.
Its demise marks the almost complete loss of Moscow's once mighty hold over the European gas market. Ukraine refused to negotiate a new deal because of the war.
The halting of supplies via Ukraine will be a major blow to Moldova, a country that was once part of the Soviet Union. Among European Union countries, Slovakia will be the most affected. Hungary will continue to receive Russian gas from the south, via the TurkStream pipeline on the bed of the Black Sea, although it had been keen to keep the Ukrainian route as well. Watch here for more details-
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Russia's Gazprom said it will pump a reduced volume of gas to Europe via Ukraine on Tuesday (December 31), the last day before the expiry of a deal that had kept the gas flowing throughout nearly three years of war.
Gazprom said it would send only 37.2 million cubic meters on Tuesday compared to 42.4 mcm on Monday. Flows are expected to fall to zero from the early hours of Jan. 1 after the expiry of the five-year transit agreement.
Its demise marks the almost complete loss of Moscow's once mighty hold over the European gas market. Ukraine refused to negotiate a new deal because of the war.
The halting of supplies via Ukraine will be a major blow to Moldova, a country that was once part of the Soviet Union. Among European Union countries, Slovakia will be the most affected. Hungary will continue to receive Russian gas from the south, via the TurkStream pipeline on the bed of the Black Sea, although it had been keen to keep the Ukrainian route as well. Watch here for more details-
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Hisi Studios, founded by Angela Wanjiku in Nairobi, is revolutionizing fashion for the blind and visually impaired by incorporating braille into clothing. The company creates tactile designs with braille messages like "The less we see with our eyes, the more we see with our hearts" to make fashion accessible. The global blind population is 39 million, with 224,000 blind people in Kenya, yet the fashion industry has largely overlooked this community. Hisi Studios aims to change this by educating clients on braille and advocating for disability inclusion. The company uses locally sourced and upcycled materials for sustainable fashion and sells its clothes through social media and e-commerce platforms. Customers, such as Julius Mbura, appreciate the ability to read the messages on their clothes without needing assistance. Hisi Studios combines meaningful design with high-quality craftsmanship, ensuring the visually impaired can enjoy fashion that represents them.
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The US Treasury Department disclosed that Chinese hackers breached a third-party service provider earlier this month, gaining access to several workstations and unclassified documents. The breach, which occurred after BeyondTrust, the service provider, alerted the Treasury on December 8, allowed the hackers to bypass security using a stolen key and remotely access employee systems. The Treasury did not specify how many workstations were affected or what documents were stolen but assured there was no evidence of ongoing access to sensitive data. In response, the department is strengthening its cybersecurity defenses. The Treasury is investigating the breach in collaboration with the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The attack is linked to broader Chinese state-sponsored cyber activities, including the Salt Typhoon campaign targeting telecommunications companies. Beijing has denied involvement and opposed all forms of cyberattacks, claiming to take measures against such threats.
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On December 31, 2024, a South Korean court approved an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and suspended from power over his decision to impose martial law on December 3. This marks the first time in South Korean history that an arrest warrant has been issued for an incumbent president. Yoon is under investigation for possible insurrection charges, as his martial law decree briefly saw military troops clash with parliament staff. The martial law was quickly repealed after a parliamentary vote, but it shocked the nation and alarmed international allies. Yoon has failed to respond to multiple summonses for questioning. The investigation is ongoing, with police having unsuccessfully attempted to raid the presidential office. A Constitutional Court trial has commenced to decide whether Yoon will be reinstated or permanently removed from office, with a decision expected within 180 days. The court’s next hearing is set for January 3.
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On December 30, Ukraine and Russia conducted a significant prisoner swap, with Ukraine bringing home 189 former prisoners of war (POWs). President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the release, which included soldiers, sergeants, officers, and two civilians captured during the Russian occupation of Mariupol in 2022. Zelensky thanked the United Arab Emirates and other international partners for their role in facilitating the swap. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that 150 Russian soldiers were released, though there was a discrepancy in the numbers reported by both sides. Some of the Ukrainian POWs, including border guard Vasyl Neshcheret, were reunited with their families, with Neshcheret vowing to continue serving his country. Videos released by Ukraine showed POWs returning with some holding or wrapped in Ukraine’s blue and yellow flag. Meanwhile, Russia stated its prisoners were transferred to Belarus before heading back to Russia, though there was no immediate explanation for the differences in the numbers.
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The two flight attendants, 32-year-old Lee and 25-year-old Kwon, miraculously survived the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea, which claimed as many as 179 lives.
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‘Carterpuri’: A village in Haryana was named after former US President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 30 at his home in Plains, Georgia where he and his wife, Rosalynn, spent most of their lives.
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Passengers at Seoul airport expressed unease following the deadly Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport on December 29. Another Jeju Air flight returned to the airport after a similar landing gear issue was detected. The airline is prioritizing passenger safety after the incident.
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Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. He served from 1977 to 1981 after defeating Gerald Ford in the 1976 election but lost to Ronald Reagan in 1980. Carter's presidency was marred by economic struggles and the Iran hostage crisis, but he later earned global respect for his post-presidential humanitarian work. He brokered the 1978 Camp David Accords, achieving peace between Israel and Egypt, though he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize for this. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and resolve international conflicts. Carter lived longer than any other former president, dedicating his post-presidency years to the Carter Center and community service. He also continued teaching Sunday school into his 90s. President Biden and former President Trump paid tribute to Carter after his death, praising his legacy of service.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a rare public apology to Azerbaijan's leader after the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan claimed 38 lives. Reports suggest the plane may have been mistakenly shot down by Russian air defenses during Ukrainian drone attacks in southern Russia. Among the victims was a 13-year-old boy traveling alone to visit his mother. The Kremlin announced ongoing investigations, with civilian and military specialists being questioned. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has demanded clear explanations.
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A devastating crash at South Korea's Muan International Airport on Sunday (Dec 29) claimed at least 85 lives after a Jeju Air flight landed without wheels, skidded off the runway, and erupted into a fireball. The flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members from Bangkok, slammed into a wall upon landing. Eyewitness footage shows the fiery wreckage and rescue efforts. Two crew members have been rescued, while investigations into the tragedy are underway.
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China's Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences over the death of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, highlighting his positive contributions to India-China relations. The soft-spoken leader, who served as India's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, is remembered for his significant role in India's economic growth and for lifting millions out of poverty.
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Cristiano Ronaldo praised Vinicius Junior for deserving this year's Ballon d'Or, while expressing his preference for the "honest" Globe Soccer Awards. At the Dubai event, Vinicius won Men's Best Player and Best Forward, while Real Madrid dominated with multiple awards. Ronaldo also received accolades, including Best Middle East-based Player and a custom trophy as the top goal scorer of all time.
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President-elect Donald Trump has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to pause the law that could ban TikTok or force its sale to an American company. With a ruling expected on January 10, Trump seeks time to find a "political resolution" before taking office on January 20. The law mandates TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app by January 19, or face a potential ban. TikTok, with over 170 million U.S. users, has fought the legislation, but a decision could impact its future in the U.S. Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes legal battle.
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In 2024, the Middle East experienced transformative events that reshaped global security. Donald Trump made a dramatic political comeback, winning the U.S. presidency despite controversies. The Middle East saw continued conflict, with Israel fighting Hamas in Gaza, resulting in massive casualties. Syria’s regime fell in a surprise rebellion, altering regional dynamics. In Ukraine, Russian forces gained ground, with escalating casualties and intelligence strikes. Meanwhile, tensions in the South China Sea escalated as China asserted its claims, leading to violent confrontations with the Philippines. These events marked a year of significant geopolitical shifts with far-reaching consequences.
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On December 26, 2024, Israel launched airstrikes targeting multiple facilities linked to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, including Sanaa International Airport, Red Sea ports, and power stations in Hodeidah, Hezyaz, and Ras Kanatib. Houthi media reported at least six casualties, with two killed at the airport and one at the ports. Destruction at the Hodeidah power station and Sanaa Airport was shown in video footage, verified by Reuters using satellite imagery. The Houthis, who have previously launched missile and drone attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, did not comment. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the mission’s continuation, emphasizing the goal of severing Iran's influence. The strikes follow over a year of Houthi attacks disrupting global shipping routes. The U.N. condemned the escalation, warning of potential regional conflict. WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was at the airport during the attack, reported an injury to a crew member.
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In a significant move, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has reached an agreement with former rebel faction chiefs to dissolve all groups and consolidate them under the defense ministry. This restructuring is part of efforts to rebuild Syria after over a decade of civil war. Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir previously outlined plans to use former rebel factions and defectors from Bashar al-Assad’s army to reform the military. The appointment of Murhaf Abu Qasra as interim defense minister is also part of this historic transition. Syria’s new rulers face the challenge of ensuring peace among diverse groups and communities.
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In a tragic incident on Tuesday, armed men opened fire on a group of journalists at the reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital, killing at least three people, including two reporters and a police officer. The attack occurred in the downtown area of Port-au-Prince, where journalists were gathered for a press conference with Haiti's new health minister. Eyewitness footage shows reporters taking cover as the gunmen fired at the crowd. The incident highlights the escalating violence in the capital, where armed gangs have seized control and forced many hospitals to close. Haiti's transitional government vows to punish those responsible for this deadly attack.
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On December 24, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe made history by flying into the sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, marking a significant milestone in solar research. The spacecraft, which has been gradually orbiting closer to the sun since its 2018 launch, came within 3.8 million miles (6.1 million km) of the sun's surface, enduring extreme temperatures of up to 1,800°F (982°C). This unprecedented mission is expected to provide scientists with valuable data about our star. The probe had already sent back new insights into the sun’s atmosphere and Venus, with more to come after the flyby.
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A shocking plane crash near Aktau city in Kazakhstan left 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 was en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, but was rerouted due to heavy fog. Footage shows the plane losing altitude before crashing into an open field and bursting into flames. Some survivors have been reported, but the incident has raised serious concerns. Watch the full report on this tragic event.
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Bethlehem, traditionally a major pilgrimage site, faces a dire Christmas season for the second year in a row due to the ongoing Gaza war. The city’s tourism, which once fueled 70% of its economy, has collapsed, with hotel occupancy dropping to 3% and visitor numbers plummeting from 2 million in 2019 to under 100,000 in 2024. Manger Square is empty, businesses are struggling, and local handicraft industries are at risk as families emigrate in search of work. Bethlehem's unemployment rate is 50%, and many traditional workshops may close permanently, impacting Palestinian heritage and culture. Christmas celebrations have been cancelled to highlight the crisis.
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Asma al-Assad, wife of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce and seeks to relocate to London, according to reports from Turkish and Arab media. She filed the divorce request in a Russian court and is awaiting approval for her move to the UK, expressing dissatisfaction with her life in Moscow. Asma holds dual British-Syrian citizenship and spent her early years in London before relocating to Syria in 2000, where she married Assad. The couple met when Assad was studying in London, and Asma was working at JP Morgan. In addition to her personal struggles, Asma has faced significant health issues, including two cancer diagnoses, with leukemia discovered in May 2023 after overcoming breast cancer in 2019. The reports emerge as Bashar al-Assad, recently ousted by rebel forces, remains in exile in Russia, where his assets have been frozen, including gold, cash, and property.
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A Christmas market opened in Damascus on December 19, just ten days after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime was ousted. Visitors flocked to the market, enjoying Christmas decorations and taking photos. Yaza al-Sahour, a Syrian man at the market, expressed hope that Syria could be rebuilt as a country inclusive of all sects and religions. The regime fell on December 8 when fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist group, advanced to Damascus, taking control of the country. Since then, many Syrians have fled, fearing persecution despite the new rulers' assurances of safety. On December 14, top diplomats from the United States, Turkey, the European Union, and Arab nations met in Jordan, agreeing that Syria's new government must respect minority rights. This development highlights ongoing international attention on Syria’s future, amid the challenges of rebuilding the country and addressing the needs of its diverse population.
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On December 19, 2024, EU leaders, including Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the European Union would provide an additional 30 billion euros in financial support to Ukraine in 2025. This follows the EU's previous support of around 130 billion euros since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Von der Leyen also highlighted the ongoing security situation in Syria, stressing the importance of safe and voluntary returns for Syrian refugees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine cannot accept a frozen conflict and seeks NATO membership for future security guarantees. He also mentioned the importance of foreign peacekeeping efforts and U.S. involvement. Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine might allow Russian gas transit under the condition of deferred payments until after the war, despite previously rejecting the extension of transit contracts. Zelenskiy dismissed any Istanbul agreements from 2022 and criticized Putin’s missile offer as irrational.
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On December 20, a Russian missile strike hit Kyiv during the morning rush hour, killing at least one person and injuring 12 others, six of whom were hospitalized. Loud explosions and fires erupted in several buildings in the city center. Russian forces launched eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Ukraine’s air force successfully shot down all five Iskander missiles aimed at the capital. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the attack targeted a command center used by Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency, involved in missile and U.S.-made Patriot system development. However, these reports were unverified by independent sources. Russia has continued to target Kyiv and other Ukrainian infrastructure, especially energy facilities, as part of its broader strategy in the ongoing war. Amid concerns about U.S. support, Ukrainian President Zelensky urged President-elect Donald Trump to align with Europe in countering Russian aggression.
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During his annual press conference on December 19, 2024, Vladimir Putin addressed a variety of topics, including Syria, Ukraine, and a potential meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. He denied claims that Russia was failing in Syria, stating that relations with regional powers and groups in the country were strong. Putin also mentioned that many countries expressed interest in Russia maintaining its military bases in Syria. Regarding Ukraine, he claimed Russian forces were making daily progress and taking significant territory, while also assuring that Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region would be removed. Putin expressed readiness for compromise in negotiations over Ukraine and dismissed the idea that Russia was in a weak position. He also noted that he had not met Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad yet but planned to, and would inquire about the fate of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice. Putin also discussed the Oreshnik missile and potential U.S.-Russia missile experiments.
