The world on Monday, 29 December 2025, presented a tapestry of extremes, from blistering summer heat to freezing winter protests, and from high-stakes political meetings to moments of quiet resilience. The Guardian's picture editors have selected a series of powerful photographs capturing these diverse global stories.
Climate Extremes and Political Heat
In the southern hemisphere, Adelaide sweltered under a severe heatwave. Temperatures soared to 39C (102.2F), driving residents to seek relief by jumping off the jetty at Henley Beach. The image encapsulates the intense Australian summer, a stark contrast to scenes elsewhere.
Meanwhile, in Florida, USA, a meeting of significant geopolitical consequence took place. Former President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. Their discussions centred on finding a potential end to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, marking a notable diplomatic engagement.
In Seoul, a major political investigation reached its conclusion. Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki announced the final results of a six-month probe into corruption allegations surrounding former first lady Kim Keon Hee. She was accused of accepting bribes, including fine art and jewellery valued at over $200,000, and meddling in state affairs during the presidency of her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol.
Conflict, Protest, and Daily Life
The human cost of conflict was vividly illustrated in Gaza City, where a woman held a child in a makeshift camp for displaced Palestinians. In eastern Ukraine, a woman named Tania, one of the few civilians remaining in Kostiantynivka, was pictured clearing the entrance to her damaged home, a symbol of steadfast endurance.
Agricultural protests emerged in Europe. In Girona, Spain, tractors blocked the AP-7 highway near Vilobí d'Onyar in freezing temperatures of -25C. The protest, organised by the Unió de Pagesos union, demonstrated against the mismanagement of game animals and demanded better prevention of livestock diseases.
Tensions were also high in East Asia. China launched major military exercises around Taiwan, described as a 'stern warning', involving live-fire drills. In Hsinchu, a traditional facial threading shop's television broadcast the news, while a Taiwanese Mirage 2000 fighter jet scrambled from the same city's airbase.
Seasonal Scenes and Cultural Moments
The day also held moments of tradition, sport, and preparation. In Beijing, China, a shopping mall exhibition heralded the upcoming Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, which begins on 17 February 2026.
On the water, the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race continued, with a No Limit yacht pictured sailing near Tasman Island. In California, the NFL season proceeded as the San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Pearsall was introduced before a game against the Chicago Bears.
Communities also came together in remembrance. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, over 2,500 people, including monks, attended a Buddhist ceremony at the Win-Win memorial to mourn victims of a recent border conflict.
From the dense fog enveloping street vendors in Jammu, India, and a second-hand clothes stall in Chattogram, Bangladesh, to the serene sunrise over the Mediterranean coast of France, the photos offer a profound glimpse into a single day's events across our planet.
