President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced near-final agreement on a 20-point peace plan after their Mar-a-Lago meeting, including 15-year US security guarantees amid ongoing Russian strikes. Thailand and Cambodia’s top diplomats met in China to solidify their border ceasefire, while Myanmar’s junta-conducted elections drew international condemnation as a sham. Tragedies dominated headlines with a deadly Mexican train derailment and Indonesian retirement home fire, alongside escalating China-Taiwan military drills.acp+2
Table of Contents
Trump-Zelenskyy Peace Breakthrough
Trump hosted Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago for over two hours, reaching 90% agreement on a draft 20-point Ukraine peace plan featuring 15-year US security guarantees, potentially extendable, pending Congressional approval. Zelenskyy hailed “strong security guarantees” and an economic package with US business entry, reconstruction aid, and free trade talks, though territorial disputes like Donbas and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant remain sticking points. Trump, fresh from “productive” calls with Putin—lasting over two hours initially and another post-meeting—insisted “we’ve got to make a deal,” claiming Putin seeks Ukraine’s success while urging words match actions after Kyiv strikes.cbsnews+1
Zelenskyy outlined next steps: national security advisor talks soon, a January Washington summit with European leaders (France, UK, Germany, others), then direct Russia talks. Trump eyed a weeks-long resolution if progress holds, emphasizing Europe’s role in guarantees; Zelenskyy stressed sanctions and air defenses must pressure Moscow. Kremlin aide praised Trump’s “peace efforts,” signaling cautious optimism amid Ukraine’s eastern gains like Kupiansk.acp+1
Thailand-Cambodia Diplomatic Push
Foreign ministers from Thailand, Cambodia, and host China convened to enforce their fragile border ceasefire after weeks of clashes killing dozens over Preah Vihear temple disputes. Beijing positioned itself as mediator, building on US-brokered truces and Malaysian efforts, with agreements for demining, troop pullbacks, and no-fire zones. Thai PM Anutin and Cambodian PM Hun Manet recommitted, though Thailand eyed unilateral Cambodian declarations amid landmine fears.everythingbriefing.substack+1
Trump took credit via prior calls, threatening tariffs; analysts note ASEAN stability at stake, with over 300,000 displaced earlier. Progress eases regional tensions but tests long-frayed trust since 2011 flare-ups.everythingbriefing.substack+1
Myanmar Election Controversy
Myanmar’s military junta held the first polls since its 2021 coup, but UN rights groups slammed the process as rigged with opposition boycotts, internet blackouts, and no observers in rebel zones. Low turnout marked the initial phase, with junta allies poised to dominate amid civil war displacing millions; ethnic insurgencies control vast territories. Critics predict perpetuation of authoritarian rule, ignoring NUG calls for genuine democracy.wikipedia+2
International community largely shunned the vote, viewing it as legitimacy theater post-Aung San Suu Kyi’s ouster; fraud echoes 2010 polls.wikipedia
Deadly Global Tragedies
Mexico’s Interoceanic Train derailed in southern Oaxaca, killing 13 and injuring 98; President Sheinbaum declared mourning as rescuers combed wreckage linking Pacific-Gulf rails. Indonesia mourned 16 elderly in a retirement home blaze, with survivors recounting chaos; probe eyes electrical faults.acp+1
Turkey clashed with six Islamic State militants, killing them and three officers in northwest shootout. Suriname knife rampage near Paramaribo claimed nine lives, including five children. South Africa building collapse killed three, including a toddler, in Soweto.acp
Asia-Pacific Tensions Rise
China launched military drills encircling Taiwan, disrupting 100,000 flights as a “stern warning” to separatists and “external interference” amid Japan frictions; PLA cites arms sales. North Korea tested long-range cruise missiles, boasting nuclear deterrence boosts.everythingbriefing.substack+1
Iran’s President Pezeshkian declared “full-scale war” with US, Israel, Europe; Russia orbited three Iranian satellites. Pakistan detained a teen girl radicalized online for a separatist suicide plot.acp
Other Key Developments
UK faced backlash over PM applauding Egyptian prison releasee Alaa Abd el-Fattah amid resurfaced tweets; opposition demands citizenship strip. Serbia students pushed early elections against Vucic via signatures. Syria coastal clashes killed four between Alawites and protesters. Bondi victims’ families urged Australian federal antisemitism probes. MH370 search resumes; Spanish coach’s body found off Indonesia with missing kids.acp
China sanctioned 20 US defense firms over Taiwan arms, revised trade laws for “war capabilities,” delayed tariffs to 2027. Hungary farmers battled desertification; young Africans turned to farming amid urban costs.everythingbriefing.substack+1
SEO Optimization Strategy
Targets “international news December 29 2025,” “Trump Zelenskyy peace deal latest,” “Thailand Cambodia ceasefire China talks,” “Myanmar election sham results,” “Mexico train derailment death toll,” “China Taiwan drills today” for Google News dominance, long-tail traffic, and shares. Multimedia, timestamps, regional keywords boost rankings.cbsnews+2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What progress in Trump-Zelenskyy Ukraine talks?
90% on 20-point plan with 15-year US guarantees, economic aid; Donbas/Zaporizhzhia unresolved; January summits next.cbsnews+1
Status of Thailand-Cambodia border truce?
Diplomats in China solidify ceasefire; demining, pullbacks agreed post-clashes.acp
Was Myanmar’s election fair?
No—boycotts, blackouts, no observers; junta set to win amid war.wikipedia+1
Casualties in Mexico train crash?
13 dead, 98 injured in Oaxaca derailment.everythingbriefing.substack+1
Why China drills around Taiwan?
Warning to “separatists/external forces” after Japan tensions, arms sales.acp
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Aleda Kawis is the Professional Journalist and serving in the field since 2012. She keeps extensive experience as investigating journalist and media influencer.
