Alexander Lukashenko

Day 695 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

Ukraine's Western allies will launch an "artillery coalition" at a Paris ceremony Thursday, aiming to strengthen Kiev's armed forces against Russia's military.

Led by France and the United States, the 23-nation effort is part of the so-called Ramstein contact group, which gathers more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine.

"Washington is sending Kyiv a bloody New Year's gift. It once again demonstrates its loyalty to the concept of war 'to the last Ukrainian'. True, with a small addition - 'as long as there is money'," said the Russian ambassador in Washington, according to the Telegram channel of the Russian embassy.

In a firm statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the prospect of peace talks with Ukraine on terms set by Kyiv, citing the impossibility of negotiations under such conditions. Peskov's remarks were in response to comments from official Washington, where he labeled the White House's expectations for 2024 negotiations as "absolutely unrealistic."

"We had important meetings. I spoke with Charles Michel and with the presidents of Hungary, Poland, Belarus, as well as with people from the IMF," Vui said, adding that all the conversations were of special importance for Serbia.
"In order to solve all the problems, there must be order in international relations," he added.

The news comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly ordered regional officials and secret services to stamp out anti-war dissent "at all costs" amid a surge in protests by the wives and mothers of conscripted men.

"Of course, this is another step towards the escalation of tensions, our Belarusian friends know what to do, they are doing everything necessary in this situation to ensure security," said Peskov, commenting on the statement by Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak that he would send to the east of the country new tank battalion, Izvestia reports.

 Leaders from across the globe have extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Turkish Republic as the nation marks its 100th anniversary.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Türkiye on the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of its republic, saying that cooperation between Moscow and Ankara will continue to develop.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko yesterday banned citizens from renewing their passports while abroad, which could force those who fled the country, amid a growing crackdown, to return to keep their travel documents.

The Nobel Foundation on Sept. 2 withdrew its invitation for representatives of Russia, Belarus and Iran to attend this year's Nobel Prize award ceremonies after the decision announced a day earlier "provoked strong reactions."