Stepan Haftko
At the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is introducing mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half of all matches. The referee will stop the game at the 22nd minute of each half, regardless of weather conditions or venue.
Israeli police forcibly entered the UN compound in East Jerusalem. UNRWA called the incident an unacceptable violation of UN privileges and immunities.
Fighting has flared up again between Thailand and Cambodia, disrupting the truce. Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia, accusing it of mobilizing heavy weapons, while Cambodia called these actions aggression.
Media giant Paramount has offered $74. 4 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery, outbidding Netflix's offer of $72 billion. Paramount is offering $30 per share in cash, urging shareholders to reject the deal with its competitor.
A meeting of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place. After a group photo, Macron and Merz left Downing Street, while Starmer and Zelenskyy continued face-to-face negotiations.
Expert Alexander Gabuev predicts the exhaustion of the Kremlin's economic resources in 12-18 months if sanctions are strengthened. He notes that time is working against Putin, and further sanctions could shorten this period.
On December 8, during a combat mission in the eastern direction, Lieutenant Colonel Yevhen Ivanov, senior navigator of the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade, was killed. The circumstances of the loss are being investigated.
Macron stated that his talks with Zelenskyy in London aim to bring the positions of the US, Europe, and Ukraine closer regarding a potential peace agreement. He emphasized the need for a unified strategy among partners to end the Russian invasion.
The EU Council officially adopted the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) with a budget of 1. 5 billion euros. Of this amount, 300 million euros have been allocated to support the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex. The program aims to strengthen the EU's defense readiness and modernize the Ukrainian defense industry.
German Foreign Minister Wadeful in Beijing called on China to use its influence on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. He emphasized China's key role in resolving the conflict.
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office accused Ukraine's top military command of genocide against Donbas residents, starting in 2014. The list includes Zaluzhnyi, Poroshenko, Yermak, and other Ukrainian figures and politicians.
In Zaporizhzhia, a group of four individuals, including the owner and director of a limited liability company, who systematically stole natural gas from the main pipeline system, has been exposed. The suspects connected to the system bypassing metering devices, selling the gas through a mobile refueling station.
The EU has agreed to tighten migration rules, which include accelerating deportations and reducing social benefits for rejected asylum seekers. An annual Solidarity Fund of 420 million euros is also being created for 2026 to support member states most affected by migration pressure.
China is consolidating its dominance in Mongolian exports by increasing coal purchases and financing logistics routes. Russia's share in Ulaanbaatar's exports has decreased to 0.5%, while over 90% of Mongolian exports go to China.
Benin's Interior Minister Alassane Seidou announced the thwarting of an attempted coup organized by a group of soldiers. Earlier, the military announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of the government.
Smart has unveiled its largest hybrid sedan, the Smart #6 EHD. The new model features Geely's NordThor Hybrid 2.0 system and a battery from SVOLT or CATL.
A new study by scientists has shown that the destruction of a key system of Atlantic Ocean currents will lead to extreme droughts in Europe that will last up to 1000 years. This is the first study to compare the impact of the collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) on summer precipitation under different climate scenarios.
Soldiers of the 110th mechanized brigade eliminated an enemy infantryman who got stuck in barbed wire between concrete pyramids. The video of the combat work was published on December 7, and other occupiers were also hit.
Outstanding Ukrainian film director, screenwriter, and teacher Vyacheslav Kryshtofovych passed away. His films, including "A Lonely Woman Wants to Meet," became part of the national cinematographic heritage.
The Russian "African Corps," which entered Mali after Wagner militants, is accused of systematic killings and abuse of the peaceful local population.
FIFA has released the schedule for the 2026 World Cup group stage, highlighting matches with the highest expected temperatures, particularly in Inglewood and Philadelphia. Some teams, such as South Korea and Canada, will benefit from convenient logistics, playing consecutive matches in the same location.
A group of military officers in Benin announced a seizure of power, removing President Patrice Talon and dissolving the government. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri has been appointed as the new leader, and the country's borders have been closed.
At the Doha Forum, Syria's interim president accused Israel of fighting 'ghosts' in the Gaza Strip and seeking a conflict that has already ended.
In Bethlehem, on the West Bank, public Christmas celebrations have resumed with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree in Manger Square. The decision was made after the ceasefire, despite the ongoing suffering in Gaza, to revive the city's tourism-dependent economy.
The elimination of the consequences of a massive combined attack by Russian troops continues in Kremenchuk. Fires at industrial and energy infrastructure facilities have been partially localized.
Ukraine's battlefield picture is worsening amid active advances by Russian troops in several directions and the promotion of a peace plan linked to Donald Trump's special envoy. Russian troops are advancing, while dictator Vladimir Putin, after talks with American officials, has made it clear that he is not backing down from his tough demands.
Musk once again distinguished himself with his incomprehensible behavior, publishing a rather strange image of the EU and Third Reich flags on his social media page.
Over 900 people have died in Indonesia due to a massive flood caused by a cyclone, with hundreds missing. The natural disaster destroyed over 100,000 homes, and prisoners were released from a flooded prison.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed 179 air targets, including ballistic and aeroballistic missiles, as well as attack drones, during a combined Russian attack on critical infrastructure facilities on the night of December 7. Hits by 65 attack UAVs were recorded at 14 locations, and the attack is ongoing.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 180 combat engagements on December 5, with the greatest activity on the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka directions. The occupiers carried out 48 airstrikes, used 4808 kamikaze drones, and conducted 4114 shellings.