Top International News December 28, 2025

Major global developments unfolded on December 28, 2025, including diplomatic breakthroughs in Russia-Ukraine peace efforts, fragile ceasefires in Southeast Asia, and Myanmar’s controversial elections amid military rule. UK immigration policies tightened with new visa curbs on the DRC and return deals elsewhere, while tributes marked tragedies like Libya’s military chief crash.abcnews.go+2

Russia-Ukraine Diplomacy Surge

President Donald Trump held a “very productive” call with Vladimir Putin ahead of his Sunday meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida, focusing on direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations and European security guarantees for Kyiv. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the Trump-initiated 40-minute discussion, where both leaders backed talks without preconditions. Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s prior Kyiv strikes as sabotage of peace, while Canada announced $2.5 billion in economic aid alongside Zelenskyy.youtubenews.sky+2

Trump expressed optimism, stating all parties hoped for resolution, amid reports of trilateral frameworks involving NATO allies. Supporters lined streets near Mar-a-Lago, highlighting high stakes as Trump pushes rapid de-escalation post-inauguration. Ukrainian forces reportedly liberated most of Kupiansk in Kharkiv, shifting momentum on eastern fronts.news.sky+3

Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Progress

Top diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met in China to solidify their border truce after weeks of deadly clashes killing dozens and displacing thousands. The 72-hour extension, brokered earlier by US pressure and Malaysian mediation, aims to end fighting over disputed territories near Preah Vihear temple. Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian PM Hun Manet recommitted to demining and troop withdrawals, though Thailand demanded Cambodia’s unilateral ceasefire declaration first.nytimes+3

Trump claimed credit for restarting the deal via direct calls, threatening trade penalties if violated. Regional fears of ASEAN instability eased slightly, but analysts warn of fragile trust after landmine injuries and artillery exchanges.theguardian+1

Myanmar Elections Under Scrutiny

Polls opened in Myanmar for the military junta’s first general election since the 2021 coup, framed as a return to democracy but slammed by the UN and rights groups as neither free nor fair. Opposition parties boycotted, citing suppressed votes in rebel-held areas and internet blackouts; turnout remained low amid civil war. The vote, first phase on December 28, tests junta control after NUG resistance and ethnic insurgencies seized swathes of territory.aljazeera+1youtube

Critics predict junta allies will dominate, echoing rigged 2010 polls; international observers barred entry heightens fraud concerns. Elections signal no power-sharing, prolonging conflict that displaced millions.youtubealjazeera

UK Immigration Crackdown

The UK Home Office imposed visa restrictions on Democratic Republic of Congo citizens over alleged failure to cooperate on migrant returns, alongside new deportation deals with Angola and Namibia. Measures target undocumented migrants, with immediate suspension of visitor and short-stay visas for DRC nationals. Angola and Namibia agreed to accept returns, bolstering post-Brexit border controls.aljazeera+2

This escalates Rwanda-style policies amid rising Channel crossings; critics decry humanitarian impacts on African diaspora.aljazeera

Middle East and Africa Tensions

Israel faced backlash as the first nation to recognize Somaliland’s independence, prompting Somalia’s vow to defend unity; Trump urged caution on the move. Yemen’s Saudi-led coalition warned UAE-backed separatists of retaliation for south de-escalation breaches. UN chief Guterres renewed Sudan ceasefire pleas amid Darfur famine risks.abcnews.go+1

Turkey hosted a military funeral for Libya’s western army chief and four officers killed in a plane crash, drawing hundreds.abcnews.go

Other Notable Events

Serbian students gathered signatures nationwide for early elections to oust President Vucic amid protests. South Korea pledged to halt foreign adoptions over abuse scandals. Brazil placed coup plot convicts under house arrest after a key fugitive fled. Japan’s Cabinet approved a record 9 trillion yen defense budget to counter China. Storm Hannes caused Finnish power outages; Japan braced for record-low birth rates.news+1

Guatemala mourned 15 bus crash dead with three-day mourning.abcnews.go

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did Trump discuss with Putin on December 28?
Direct Russia-Ukraine talks and Ukraine security guarantees; call lasted 40 minutes, initiated by Trump.cnbc+1

Is Myanmar’s election legitimate?
No, per UN and rights groups—boycotts, blackouts, no observers in junta critics’ strongholds.aljazeerayoutube

Status of Thailand-Cambodia border truce?
Diplomats met in China to extend 72-hour ceasefire; fragile after clashes, US-brokered.nytimes+1

Why UK visa curbs on DRC?
Non-cooperation on migrant returns; new Angola/Namibia deals announced same day.bbc+1

Next for Russia-Ukraine after Trump-Zelenskyy meet?
Trilateral talks potential, European guarantees; Zelenskyy eyes peace amid front gains.abcnews.goyoutube

Aleda kawis

Aleda Kawis is the Professional Journalist and serving in the field since 2012. She keeps extensive experience as investigating journalist and media influencer.