Celebrations featuring fireworks have also been organized in a number of cities around Europe, Africa, and Asia to celebrate the beginning of 2023. Massive masses gathered in China to take advantage of recently removed limitations on certain activities.
Up until very recently, the government had been taking the zero-COVID approach, maintaining severe lockdowns even while other nations around the world appeared to be returning to normal.
However, the disease is spreading rapidly throughout the nation, and as a result, many countries have begun to impose travel restrictions on people coming from China; Australia is the most recent country to do so.
During her New Year's address, the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, extended an offer of assistance to China in the fight against the recent increase in cases of COVID.
In London, there was a drone display as part of a memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth, while in Edinburgh, thousands of people experienced the first complete Hogmanay celebrations in three years. In addition, there was a celebration of Ukraine, which included lighting the London Eye in blue and yellow to represent the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
The battle between Ukraine and Russia continued when air raid sirens were heard shortly after midnight in Kyiv, and there were further strikes on the city, according to officials in Ukraine. No injuries were reported by anyone who was there.
It occurred not long after the new year addresses made by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenksy of their respective countries. Mr. Putin, who was accompanied by soldiers dressed in full uniform while delivering his New Year's address, stated that the destiny of the country was at risk.
The leader, who is 70 years old, lauded the efforts that Ukrainian forces had made since the invasion began in February and assured them that "historical rightness" was on their side. He spoke directly to the soldiers stationed in Ukraine.
While this was going on, Mr. Zelensky spoke to the Russian people in their native language and told them that their president was "hiding behind you, and he's burning your country and your future." And he assured the people of Ukraine that his army would continue to battle until they achieved "victory."
He said:
“„We fight as one team - the whole country, all our regions. I admire you all. I want to thank every invincible region of Ukraine.- President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenksy
While this was going on, the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-Un, made a commitment to substantially boost the manufacture of nuclear weapons. On the morning of New Year's Day, he also conducted the first test of a ballistic missile for the year.
In 2023, Croatia became a member of the eurozone and began using its currency. In addition to this, it became a member of the Schengen zone, which allows free movement across its borders.