In a joint statement following an online meeting of G7 heads of state and government, the leaders agreed that a reliable mechanism for inspecting and certifying unprocessed diamonds will be created inside the G7 by September 1, 2024.
Amid escalating conflict, both Moscow and Kyiv blamed each other as several people were killed in different strikes in the Odesa region in Ukraine and Donetsk region --under Russian control after the war, Al Jazeera reported.
At least 18 people, including two children, have lost their lives as a result of Ukrainian shelling on the Russian city of Belgorod on Saturday, CNN reported, citing Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his New Year message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and highlighted that, despite the difficult international situation in the world, relations between both countries developed dynamically.
In his daily address on Friday, Zelenskyy emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "It is important that the world responds to this latest act of terror. Many leaders have already expressed their support for Ukraine and Ukrainians today, and I am grateful to everyone."
Urging Congress to release more funds for providing military aid to Ukraine, the US State Secretary also said that "Congress needs to act in the new year".
India's approach towards the Israel-Hamas war and Russia-Ukraine conflict has been guided by the belief that "honest dialogue and sincere diplomacy" should be the preferred path to resolve differences in an atmosphere free from fear and coercion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
The event, held at the Mutabor club on December 20-21, faced strong opposition from Orthodox Church officials, pro-war activists, and pro-Kremlin lawmakers, especially considering the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine has welcomed the latest arms package from the United States to bolster its counteroffensive against Russia as the war approaches the two-year mark, Al Jazeera reported.
Earlier today, the US State Department announced a military aid package worth USD 250 million, the final such package that the United States will provide to Ukraine until Congress approves the Joe Biden administration's funding requests, CNN reported.