Ukraine ceasefire: What do Russia, US, EU want?
Washington and Kyiv are both pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but so far Russia has rejected the proposal. What interests are at play here — for Russia, Ukraine, the
Germany: Scholz condemns CDU member post about Putin meetup
CDU member Roderich Kiesewetter had posted about an alleged meeting between Vladimir Putin and Olaf Scholz. The SPD said it was pursuing legal action, and Kiesewetter’s post appears to have been deleted.
Climate change: 2024 caps ‘decade of deadly heat,’ UN says
According to experts, 2024 is set to be the warmest year on record. The year also saw devastating floods and wildfires fueled by intense heat. “We must exit this road to ruin,”
NATO’s 2025 challenges: Trump, Ukraine and defense spending
As NATO ushers in the new year, it faces an array of challenges. The alliance needs to decide how to strengthen its defenses against Russia, support Ukraine and deal with an unpredictable
German security chiefs face grilling over Magdeburg attack
German lawmakers are quizzing officials over possible security lapses ahead of the attack that killed five people at a Christmas market. The German parliament’s interior committee is to question security and intelligence
Ethiopia: At least 71 dead after truck plunges into river
The truck plunged into a river after missing a bridge in the country’s south. Some of the passengers had been returning from a wedding. Authorities in Ethiopia said on Monday that the death toll
South Korea orders safety probe after Jeju Air plane crash
All 175 passengers and four of the crew died when the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport and burst into flames Acting South Korean President Choi
Bangkok hotel fire kills 3 tourists
The fire broke out at The Ember Hotel near the Thai capital’s popular Khao San Road. The nationalities of the dead are not yet known. A fire at a hotel in Bangkok
Egypt: Italian man killed in Red Sea shark attack
There are sharks in the Red Sea but encounters with them are relatively rare. A shark attack off Egypt’s Red Sea coast has left one tourist dead and another injured, authorities said on Sunday.
South Korea seeks arrest of impeached president Yoon
Investigators want Yoon Suk Yeol arrested after he failed to report for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree. South Korea’s joint investigation unit on Monday sought an arrest warrant to detain impeached
Milanovic leads Croatian presidential race
Incumbent President Zoran Milanovic is set to face off against Dragan Primorac in a second round of voting in January. Primorac and his conservative HDZ party sought to portray the populist Milanovic
German chancellor candidate Merz slams Musk over AfD stance
After Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised the AfD in an article published by a German daily, the leading candidate for chancellor, Friedrich Merz, hit back, decrying Musk’s interference as “intrusive and pretentious.”
Polish border: accusations of discrimination against Ukrainians and cruelty to animals
The Polish Customs Service has found itself at the center of a scandal involving accusations of bias against Ukrainian citizens and their pets. According to witnesses, numerous cases of provocations, delays and
Estonia start naval patrols to protect undersea cables
The Estonian Navy deployed a patrol boat a day after Finland seized a ship believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Estonia has started naval patrols to protect a power cable under
Ukraine updates: North Korean soldier captured in Kursk
It was the first such capture of a North Korean soldier fighting on behalf of Russia by Ukraine. He has reportedly died of his injuries. Ukrainian forces have captured an injured North Korean
Middle East updates: Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza
Dozens of people, including doctors and journalists, were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel said it intercepted a missile from Yemen on Friday amid renewed tensions with the Houthis. Israel’s
China launches new generation assault ship ‘Sichuan’
The new assault ship has technology that can launch fighter jets off its deck and have them land back on board. China has been trying to modernize its naval forces for a
Syria: Former justice who sent ‘thousands’ to death arrested
An NGO says Mohammed Kanjo Hassan sentenced thousands of people to death. He was arrested by Syria’s new authorities, together with his entourage. Syria’s new authorities arrested a military justice official who
Pakistan military court convicts 60 over pro-Khan unrest
The men were among hundreds arrested after they attacked military and government buildings following former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest. The military tribunals have been widely criticized by the West. A military
South Korea: Lawmakers vote to impeach Han Duck-soo
The main opposition party in South Korea introduced a bill to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo. There is concern the measure could deepen an ongoing constitutional crisis. South Korea’s parliament on Friday
Austria: Father and son killed in avalanche in Tyrol
A 51-year-old Austrian and one of his two sons were buried by an avalanche on Rosskopf mountain. They could not be reanimated on recovery. The other son and a family friend narrowly
Australia: Two dead in Sydney-Hobart yacht race
The sailors died in separate incidents. Both were struck by the booms of their yachts. The annual race is known for its extreme nature, with the weather being critical. Two sailors have
Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh dies, aged 92
The 92-year-old was praised for his “immense wisdom and integrity,” having turned India into an economic powerhouse. But his tenure was stained by corruption allegations and high inflation. Former Indian Prime Minister
Putin says Slovakia and Fico willing to broker Ukraine talks
Vladimir Putin said Slovakia’s prime minister offered on his recent visit to Moscow to host potential talks between Russia and Ukraine. Robert Fico made the trip as a halt to Russian gas
South Korea lawmakers seek to impeach acting president
The main opposition party in South Korea has introduced a bill to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo. It plans to seek a vote on the measure, potentially deepening a constitutional crisis. South
Germany’s Faeser says AfD shouldn’t exploit Magdeburg attack
Five people were killed and over 200 were injured when a car was driven through crowds at the Christmas market in Magdeburg in eastern Germany. The far-right Alternative for Germany held a
Russia says it foiled Ukrainian plot to kill officials
The Federal Security Service of Russia said a series of assassination attempts had been foiled. Four Russian citizens have been arrested. Authorities in Russia said on Thursday that a number of Ukrainian plots to
Azerbaijan mourns 38 killed in plane crash in Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan marked a somber Thursday after a state-owned passenger plane burst into flames after crashing in Kazakhstan, killing at least 38 people aboard. Azerbaijan held a national day of mourning Thursday, a day
Dead body found in wheel well of Chicago to Hawaii jet
US carrier United Airlines says staff found a dead body in the wheel well of one of its aircraft after it landed in Hawaii. Police are actively investigating the case. Police on
Syria: Over a dozen killed in ‘ambush’ by Assad loyalists
Several interior ministry personnel were killed in a clash as they went to arrest an officer of the ousted Assad regime. Meanwhile Alawites across the nation protested the decimation of a holy
Japan Airlines says hit by cyber attack
Japan Airlines (JAL) said the incident could have an impact on flight operations. The firm is Japan’s second largest airline after All Nippon Airways. Japan Airlines (JAL) on Thursday said it had had
Outages as Russia hits Ukraine energy sites at Christmas
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Putin had “deliberately” chosen Christmas for a strike targeting power generating sites in several states. Most of the missiles were interecepted but there were hits and power outages.
Mexico: Christmas fair organizer shot dead in Chilpancingo
Gunmen killed the fair organizer on Christmas Eve in a public square in the Mexican city of Chilpancingo, state prosecutors say. The city has been plagued by violence between two rival drug
Mozambique: Over 1,500 inmates escape Maputo jail after riot
The prisoners broke out of jail in Maputo following a riot which killed dozens, according to local police. Mozambique is facing violent unrest as political crisis deepens. Police in Mozambique said 33
How German Chancellor Olaf Scholz became so unpopular
Despite poor approval ratings, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is running again as the Social Democrats’ top candidate in the 2025 federal election. Why did the German government become so unpopular during his
Christmas updates: Pope appeals for peace in world conflicts
Pope Francis called for the sound of arms “to be silenced in war-torn Ukraine” and for a Gaza ceasefire. The biblical town of Bethlehem marked a quiet Christmas amid conflicts in the
Turkey jails owner of hotel that collapsed during 2023 quake
A Turkish court has sentenced the owner and architect of a hotel that collapsed in the 2023 earthquake, killing 72 people, to more than 18 years in prison. A Turkish court on Wednesday sentenced
Japan FM visits China, seeking ‘positive direction’ for ties
Takeshi Iwaya made his first trip to Beijing since becoming Japan’s foreign minister in October. Chinese officials said often difficult bilateral ties were “at a critical period of improvement and development.” Japanese Foreign
Outages as Russia hits Ukraine energy sites at Christmas
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Putin had “deliberately” chosen Christmas for a strike targeting power generating sites in several states. Most of the missiles were interecepted but there were hits and power outages.
Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashes over Kazakhstan
The plane was carrying 67 people including five crew members, Kazakhastan authorities said. Some 25 passengers survived the crash, but most of them were hospitalized, the Emeregency Ministry said. An Azerbaijani passenger
South Korea’s Yoon defies summons over martial law order
Yoon Suk Yeol defies another request for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month. South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk Yeolon Wednesday refused to honor a summons from the state’s anti-corruption
Panama: Protesters say ‘enemy’ Trump must leave canal alone
US President-elect Donald Trump said that the Panama Canal should be “returned” to Washington’s control if shipping fees are not reduced. President Jose Raul Mulino has said the canal’s status is “non-negotiable.”
Haiti: Gang opens fire on hospital, killing journalists
Haitian leader Leslie Voltaire condemned the “unacceptable” shooting in Port-au-Prince, which also left a police officer dead. Gangs control some 85% of Haiti’s capital city. At least two journalists and a police
Brazil: Chinese workers found in ‘slave-like’ conditions
Brazilian prosecutors found that workers building a factory for Chinese automaker BYD in Camacari in Bahia state were subject to “degrading working conditions,” with passports confiscated and parts of salaries retained. Brazilian prosecutors
Moscow court jails Russia-born US citizen for ‘espionage’
A court in Russia has sentenced a US man to 15 years in a penal colony for “espionage.” Gene Spector is the latest US citizen to be jailed, with some freed in
Syria: Hundreds protest over Christmas tree burning
Reports of the burning of a Christmas tree come days after Syria’s interim leader moved to assure minorities they’d be protected. Syria is home to numerous minority groups. Protesters numbering in the
Russia says two missing after ship explodes off Spain
Moscow says a vessel linked to its defense ministry sank in the Mediterranean and that two of the crew are missing. The Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said an engine room explosion
Swiss Air flight makes emergency landing over smoke on board
A Swiss Air flight from Bucharest, Romania to Zurich made an emergency landing in Austria because of smoke on board. All 79 people, including crew members, have been evacuated. A Swiss International
Turkey: Multiple people killed in factory blast, reports say
Reports indicate the blast took place at an explosives factory in the northwestern province of Balikesir. Media agencies in Turkey reported on Tuesday that a blast at a factory in the northwest
50,000-year-old baby mammoth carcass discovered in Siberia
Scientists have unearthed a baby mammoth more than 50,000 years old from the frozen ground in a remote region of Siberia. Scientists in Siberia are carrying out tests after discovering the remains of a
Former US President Bill Clinton hospitalized with fever
Clinton, who has had several health scares since his time in office, is said to be undergoing tests. Clinton had served as US president from 1993 to 2001. Former US President Bill Clinton was admitted to
Greenland ‘not for sale,’ says PM after Trump comments
Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede said the Danish territory will “never be for sale” after US President-elect Donald Trump suggested Washington could take the world’s largest island for “national security” purposes. Greenland
France unveils new government under PM Francois Bayrou
The new government under Prime Minister Francois Bayrou comes amid tough political deadlock in France. Two former prime ministers, Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls, will return in the new administration. The office
Honda and Nissan launch negotiations for historic merger
Collaboration between the rival Japanese car makers set to create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales. The auto giants are faced with increasing competition from electric vehicles made in China. Honda and
Slovakia’s PM Fico visits Moscow amid Ukraine gas dispute
Prime Minister Robert Fico went to Moscow for a “working meeting” with President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, in which he said they discussed gas transit and the prospects of a “peaceful end”
Germany: Man arrested over TikTok Christmas market threat
German police in the northern city of Bremerhaven have arrested a man over a social media threat to stab people at a Christmas market. The suspect said he would target people with
India: 3 Sikh militants killed in Uttar Pradesh
Police said security personnel were attacked as they conducted an operation in Pilibhit district and that the dead were members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force, a separatist militant group that wants independence.
Tiger Woods’ teenage son, Charlie, hits first hole-in-one
Woods and his son Charlie were competing together for the first time at a tournament that pairs family members. The 15-year-old needed just one stroke for the par 3 fourth hole, but
Serbia: Tens of thousands join student-led protests
The student-led protest movement was boosted by farmers, actors and educators, in the most recent show of public anger over the collapse of a train station roof seven weeks ago. Serbians took
Cyclone Chido death toll in Mozambique rises to 94
Some 620,000 Mozambicans were affected by the storm, with most of the devastation taking place in the troubled region of Cabo Delgado. The death toll from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique climbed to 94, according
Child sleeps in front of kindergarten ‘to be there first’
Police in a small German town found a four-year-old girl asleep at the entrance to a kindergarten. The girl, who snuck out of her parents’ home without them noticing, wanted to be
Brazil: Small plane crashes into shops in Gramado
Initial reports suggest all people on board were killed in the crash. A small plane crashed into shops in the center of Gramado, a tourist town in southern Brazil, on Sunday. “There are
Death toll rises in Nigerian charity event stampedes
In both incidents, the victims were primarily women and children, who had queued for food handouts for hours. The number of people who died in stampedes at two charity events in Nigeria has increased from 13 to
Ukraine updates: Russian missile attack on Kyiv kills one
Russian rockets hit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least one person and leaving hundreds of buildings without heat. At least one person was killed and nine others injured in a Russian missile
Germany’s far-right AfD welcomes Musk backing
After Elon Musk posted his support for Germany’s far-right AfD, the party’s leader Alice Weidel expressed her gratitude. Other German lawmakers have criticized “interference” in the country’s upcoming federal elections. The leader
Malaysia to resume search for missing MH370 plane
More than 10 years after one of the world’s greatest aviation mysteries, Malaysia has agreed to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. Malaysia will launch a new
Pakistan missile program an ’emerging threat’ — US Official
The senior White House official’s warning comes as the US imposed new sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile development. A senior White House official has described Pakistan as an “emerging threat” to the United States due
US: UnitedHealthcare murder suspect could face death penalty
US Federal prosecutors could seek the death penalty on the most serious charge against Luigi M., the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson. The 26-year-old US man accused in the killing of
US: Biden to meet with Pope Francis, Italy PM Meloni
Joe Biden and Pope Francis will be discussing “efforts to advance peace around the world.” The US president will also meet Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shortly before he leaves the White
Nigeria: 35 children killed in stampede at school fair
At least 35 children have died after a stampede at a fair that was organized at a school in southwestern Nigeria. The event organizers have been arrested. Thirty-five children have died during
US, UK sanction Georgia officials over protest crackdown
The US strongly condemend Georgia’s “unjustified violence” against protestors, which the UK said was “an egregious attack on democracy.” Both countries sanctioned Georgia’s interior minister. The US and the UK announced sanctions
Macron vows to rebuild Mayotte after cyclone devastation
French President Emmanuel Macron was met with angry residents of Mayotte, who urged him to help with critical issues plaguing the island in Chido’s aftermath. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the overseas territory
Putin sees shortfalls in Kirillov killing, but not in Syria
Russia’s Vladimir Putin spoke on a range of topics for hours on state TV, not long after the collapse of his ally Bashar Assad’s Syrian regime, and in the same week as
US Fed cuts interest rates by quarter point
The Federal Reserve announced a third consecutive interest rate drop of 0.25%, but signaled it would likely slow the pace next year. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point, but
Germany moves to protect top court against far right
Authoritarian governments often try to undermine the independence of supreme courts. As far-right populists gain ground in Germany, the Bundestag has now voted to protect Germany’s Constitutional Court. The German parliament, the Bundestag, on
Iranian exile Mohammad Rasoulof is Germany’s Oscar entry
Among the 15 international films shortlisted in the 2024 Oscar race, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” will represent Germany. The filmmaker, who lives in exile in Berlin, fled Iran on foot
Israel accused of ‘acts of genocide’ over Gaza water access
A Human Rights Watch report says that restrictions on access to clean water in Gaza amount to genocidal acts by Israel, which in turn has dismissed the report as “lies.” Human Rights
Russian military: Moving from Syria to Libya?
Russian military bases in Syria appear to be being packed up and evacuated. If Russia relocates to Libya, experts worry the shift could impact security in the Mediterranean and unbalance the frozen
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen after Houthi missile launch
At least nine people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Yemen in what Israel said was in retaliation for months of Houthi aggression. Iran, which backs the Houthis, has condemned the Israeli
Vietnam: Cafe fire kills 11, police arrest suspect
Authorities say a man admitted to lighting a fire on the ground floor of the three-story cafe after an argument with members of staff. Police have arrested a suspect. A fire in
US: Trump rejects spending bill, sparking possible shutdown
US President-elect Donald Trump has called for Republicans to force a government shutdown in a standoff with Democrats. Temporary funding looked set to pass with bipartisan support until Trump pulled the plug.
Germany: CDU’s Spahn says non-integrated Syrians should go
As Germany’s election campaign heats up, the opposition CDU wants integrated Syrians to stay but says others need to go. Jens Spahn has proposed paying €1,000 to each Syrian immigrant who volunteers
France: Sarkozy loses appeal, must wear electronic ankle tag
France’s Court of Cassation has rejected an appeal by former President Nicolas Sarkozy, ordering him to wear an ankle monitor while serving a one-year jail sentence at home. He was found guilty
Ghana Supreme Court upholds anti-LGBTQ+ bill
The bill, which drew international condemnation, criminalizes sex acts within the gay community. Neither the outgoing nor the incoming president have confirmed they will sign it into law. The Supreme Court of Ghana rejected
Eurozone inflation rises less than expected, more in Germany
Inflation across the Eurozone continued to rise in November, but less than expected. Germany, however, was among those countries which bucked the trend. Inflation in the European Union’s single currency area has increased for
Germany: Dresden opera visitors fall sick
Several concertgoers fell sick at the end of a performance at the historic Semperoper, as did the paramedics who treated them. Local police are investigating but say the causes remain unclear. Several
World coal use to hit record high in 2024
China remains the largest global coal consumer, responsible for over a third of the world’s coal use. India and Indonesia are also contributing to the usage, offsetting declines in advanced economies. Global
Russia detains suspect over General Igor Kirillov’s killing
After Ukraine’s secret service claimed responsibility for the lethal attack in Moscow, Russian authorities have detained an Uzbek man. Russian authorities said Wednesday that they had detained an Uzbek citizen after a senior general was
Nissan, Honda inch closer to possible merger
The two Japanese carmakers confirmed reports that they would be ‘collaborating’ more closely. They were also holding talks with Mitsubishi, with whom they have a parts-sharing agreement for electric vehicles. Japanese car
Filipina goes home after 15 years on death row in Indonesia
Mary Jane Veloso has repeatedly protested her innocence. Now, she is hopeful for a pardon in her native Philippines. Mary Jane Veloso returned to her native Philippines on Wednesday after 15 years on death
Iran temporarily halts strict new headscarf law
The controversial law proposes harsher punishments for women defying hijab regulations. Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian opposes the legislation. Iran has paused the enforcement of a stricter headscarf law due to significant opposition both domestically
Healthcare CEO shooting suspect indicted on murder charges
The suspect, Luigi M., was indicted in New York on first-degree murder charges for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO has been indicted on 11 charges,
What makes a good Christmas gift from Germany?
From chewy candies to wooden handicrafts, expats in Germany visiting their families back home over the holidays have plenty of gifts to choose from. Here are some of the most popular items.
Georgia: 11 Indians found dead at Gudauri ski resort
Following the mysterious deaths at a ski resort in the Caucasus Mountains, the Indian embassy said it was in contact with the families. The victims are believed to have been workers at
Cyclone Chido kills 34 in Mozambique after battering Mayotte
Dozens are dead in Mozambique following the destruction left by Cyclone Chido. On the French island of Mayotte, a curfew has been put in place as the cleanup continues. At least 34
Ghana: Mahama eyes economic reforms amid crises
President-elect John Mahama has warned that Ghana is not immune to the instability affecting many of its neighbors. He is keen to reform the cocoa industry and address skyrocketing inflation. Ghana’s President-elect
Russia: Bomb kills senior general Igor Kirillov in Moscow
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was the head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops. Authorities said the explosion was caused by a bomb hidden inside an electric scooter. A bomb blast
Vanuatu rocked by major earthquake
Witnesses reported seeing bodies among the destruction in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. A tsunami warning was lifted two hours after the quake, while Red Cross teams are on standby to assist affected
US: TikTok asks Supreme Court to block nationwide ban
TikTok has filed an emergency appeal at the US Supreme Court to delay a law that could see the popular video app banned as early as next month. TikTok on Monday asked the
Canada finance minister quits after clash with Trudeau
Chrystia Freeland said she differed with the prime minister over the ‘best path forward’ for the country, especially on questions of greater US tariffs against Canadian goods. Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced
Emmanuel Macron vows to visit cyclone-hit Mayotte
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to visit Mayotte after one of the most destructive cyclones wreaked havoc across the French territory. Authorities fear hundreds or more have died. French President Emmanuel Macron said Monday