Fireworks explode in the sky to bring in the New Year around the London Eye and the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell "Big Ben", at the Palace of Westminster in central London at midnight on January 1, 2026. BROOK MITCHELL / AFP
People around the globe toasted the end of 2025 as the clock ticked down on Wednesday, December 31 bidding farewell to one of the hottest years on record, packed with Trump tariffs, the announcement of Gaza truce and vain hopes for peace in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his traditional New Year address to tell his compatriots their military "heroes" would deliver victory in the deadliest conflict on European soil since World War II.
Earlier, New Year celebrations took on a sombre tone in Sydney as revellers held a minute of silence for victims of the Bondi Beach shooting before nine tonnes of fireworks lit up the harbor city at the stroke of midnight.
Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2026. HOLLIE ADAMS / REUTERS
