In this digest, you will learn about the latest news in Ukraine, key events shaping the world order, and the support provided by international partners to strengthen Ukraine’s economy and defense capabilities. We will talk about global and local events that are changing the world and affecting our future.
95 people were killed in a massive earthquake in Tibet
A powerful earthquake hit Tibet on January 7, killing at least 95 people, Xinhua reports.
The earthquake occurred at 09:05 local time in Dingri County, near the border with Nepal. The aftershocks were also felt in the neighboring capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, and some parts of India, The Guardian reports.
The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, while China recorded a magnitude of 6.8.
In the hours after the earthquake, about 50 more aftershocks were recorded.
First death from bird flu recorded in the United States
A person has died of H5N1 avian influenza in the US state of Louisiana, the first recorded death from the disease in the United States. This was reported by the Louisiana Department of Health.
The patient was over 65 years old and reportedly had comorbidities. He contracted H5N1 after coming into contact with a backyard flock of birds and wild birds.
Louisiana health officials said that their investigation has not found any other human cases linked to the patient’s infection.
97.2 million tons of cargo handled by Ukrainian ports last year
In 2024, Ukrainian seaports handled a record 97.2 million tons of cargo, which is 57% more than in 2023.
This was reported by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
Agricultural products accounted for about 60 million tons of the total volume, with ports playing a key role in this. 88.1 million tons of cargo were exported by sea, compared to 56.2 million tons in 2023.
On March 15, 2025, the Ukrainian corridor passing through the ports of Greater Odesa began operating around the clock. This increased exports of agricultural and other products by 20%.
52% of Ukrainians trusted President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2024: poll results
As of December 2024, more than half of Ukrainians (52%) trusted President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while 39% did not. Another 9% could not decide on their attitude.
This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology on December 2-17, 2024.
It is noted that the wording that was regularly heard during the full-scale invasion: “To what extent do you trust or distrust Volodymyr Zelenskyy?”, and the respondent could choose one of the options that were read out: not at all, rather not trust, rather trust, fully trust. The option “hard to say” was not read out, but the respondent could voice it.
At the same time, sociologists note that although the indicators of trust in the head of state have deteriorated over the year, the balance of trust and distrust remains positive – +13%.
6 cruise missiles destroyed by F-16 pilot in one flight in Ukraine
During a massive attack by the Russian Federation on December 13, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot destroyed six Russian cruise missiles in one combat mission for the first time in history. This was stated by Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
He spoke with a Ukrainian F-16 pilot who shot down six Russian missiles during a massive missile and drone attack on December 13.
It is the first time in the history of the Fighting Falcon that an F-16 fighter jet has destroyed six enemy cruise missiles in one combat mission, – Yurii Ihnat emphasized.
He reminded that during the Russian attack on December 13, almost 200 enemy drones, daggers, ballistic missiles and 94 air-, sea- and land-based cruise missiles were in the Ukrainian sky. The main purpose of the F-16 is to intercept cruise missiles.
Keith Kellogg postpones trip to Kyiv until January 20 due to Trump’s inauguration
US President-elect Donald Trump’s special representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, has postponed a study tour of Kyiv and other European capitals until after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Kellogg had postponed his visit to Kyiv, Suspilne reports.
At a briefing, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that the parties are now working to determine the time frame for the visit.
The meeting and visit of General Kellogg are extremely important for us. I am confident that this meeting will take place in due course. We are in contact to clearly define the timeframe for its holding and filling it with maximum content, – the minister said.
According to him, Kyiv hopes that after Trump’s inauguration, the first visits of representatives of the new US administration will take place in Ukraine.
