People across the world raised their glasses on Wednesday to mark the end of 2025, closing a year defined by extreme heat, geopolitical turmoil and fragile moments of hope. Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual New Year address to assure citizens that military “heroes” would secure victory in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country was “10 percent” away from a deal that could finally halt the fighting.
In Sydney, celebrations began with a moment of silence for the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting. Minutes later, nine tons of fireworks erupted over the harbor as the city welcomed 2026 with both grief and resilience.
In Moscow, pensioner Natalia Spirina said she wished for the conflict to end quickly so soldiers could return home and stability could return to Russia. Across the border in Vyshgorod, Ukrainian salon manager Daria Lushchyk said the war had made her work “hell,” yet her clients continued to show up. “Nothing can stop our Ukrainian girls from coming in and getting themselves glam,” she said.
Sydney remained on high alert as heavily armed police patrolled crowds only two weeks after a father and son allegedly opened fire at a Jewish festival, killing 15 people in Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. The Sydney Harbor Bridge glowed white as crowds paused again for a minute of silence.
Kiribati and New Zealand were the first to welcome the new year, followed by celebrations in Seoul, Tokyo and later New York. In Rio de Janeiro, more than two million people were expected to flood Copacabana Beach for what officials call the world’s largest New Year’s Eve gathering.
In Hong Kong, authorities canceled the traditional Victoria Harbor fireworks in tribute to the 161 people killed in a devastating apartment fire in November.
A Year of Truce, Turmoil and Trends
The past year delivered a whirlwind of global stress, conflict and unexpected cultural moments. Labubu dolls sparked a global craze. Thieves pulled off a daring heist at the Louvre. BTS made a triumphant return to the spotlight.
The world mourned the loss of pioneering zoologist Jane Goodall. The Vatican selected a new American pope. The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk exposed deepening political fractures in the United States.
Donald Trump returned to the White House in January and launched a sweeping tariff campaign that rattled global markets. On his social platform, he defended his record and wished Americans a Happy New Year while facing declining approval ratings ahead of November’s midterm elections.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold in October after two years of devastating war in Gaza. Residents like Shireen Al Kayali said they ended 2025 “with deep sorrow,” describing displacement, bombardment and fear.
In Syria, however, there was rare optimism as Damascus marked one year since the fall of Bashar Assad. Residents celebrated openly, expressing hope for unity and a better future.
Looking Ahead: Sports, Space and the AI Question
In Dubai, thousands waited up to nine hours to witness a dazzling fireworks and laser show at the Burj Khalifa. Jet skis and floating pianos set the stage before a 10 minute spectacle lit up the world’s tallest tower.
The year ahead promises major milestones. NASA’s Artemis II mission, supported by Elon Musk’s space technology, will send a crew around the moon for the first time in more than half a century.
Artificial intelligence, once the darling of global markets, now faces growing scrutiny as investors question whether the boom resembles a bubble.
Sports fans will see a packed calendar. Italy will host the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February. Then in June and July, 48 nations will compete in the largest football World Cup ever staged, held across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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