The Marshall Islands has launched a universal basic income program, where every resident will receive $200 USD quarterly. This is the world's first national scheme, funded by a trust fund of over $1.3 billion.
On December 17, 2025, German lawmakers plan to approve a record package of arms contracts worth over 50 billion euros. This funding is aimed at creating the strongest army in Europe and covers basic equipment, high-tech weapons, and air defense systems.
Orban announced that Moscow was preparing a "harsh response" to the EU's decision on the use of frozen Russian assets. He stated that he had personal communication with Vladimir Putin.
France is investigating an incident involving the discovery of malicious software on the passenger ferry Fantastic in the port of Sète. A Latvian citizen has been arrested on suspicion of a cyberattack.
KNDS, the manufacturer of Leopard 2 tanks, has confirmed its intention to conduct an initial public offering in 2026. A dual listing on the Paris and Frankfurt stock exchanges is planned to expand access to capital amid record demand for defense products.
Russian Defense Minister Belousov is spreading false information about the occupation forces' control over Kupyansk. Most of the city is under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which continue to clear it of Russians.
The Center for Countering Disinformation reported on the Kremlin's preparations for a complete YouTube blockade. This decision is part of a systemic digital isolation and an attempt to establish full control over information in Russia.
Russia's military spending for the first 9 months of 2025 reached 11. 8 trillion rubles, four times more than in 2021. The war costs 43.4 billion rubles a day, absorbing 44% of federal taxes.
During the day, 255 combat engagements were recorded on the front line, with Russian troops concentrating their efforts on the Pokrovsk and Kupyansk directions. The enemy carried out 55 airstrikes and used almost 2,000 kamikaze drones.
The FCAS fifth-generation fighter jet program between France, Germany, and Spain has fallen into a deep crisis due to strategic disagreements. The project's implementation is now "very unlikely," and a decision on it will likely be postponed until 2026.
US President Donald Trump announced a special address to the American people from the White House. The speech is scheduled for Thursday at 04:00 Kyiv time.
OpenAI has updated ChatGPT Images, speeding up the creation and editing of visual content fourfold. This was a response to competition from Google and their Gemini 3 model.
Prosecutors in France are demanding that Nicolas Sarkozy be held accountable on suspicion of witness tampering. This is related to the case of illegal financing of his election campaign by Muammar Gaddafi's regime.
The United States has suspended the implementation of the "Technology Prosperity Agreement" due to disagreements with London on digital regulation and food standards. The document provided for cooperation in the fields of AI, quantum computing, and nuclear energy.
Thousands of 210-million-year-old prosauropod footprints, some up to 40 cm in diameter, have been discovered in an Italian national park. The find is located near the venues for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The Polish government is preparing a bill to revoke the "Special Law" on assistance to Ukrainians from March 4, 2026. Refugees will transition to general rules for the stay of foreigners, which will lead to a reduction in social benefits.
Russian soldiers of the 1441st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Russian Federation have begun to massively self-harm due to inadequate orders from the command on the Pokrovsk front. This is the only way to avoid being sent to the front line to perform suicidal tasks.
The European Parliament awarded the Andrei Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut and Georgian media worker Mzia Amaglobeli. Both laureates are behind bars, so their representatives received the awards.
The occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP receives power through only one of two external power transmission lines. The disconnection of the backup line due to military actions creates a threat of a nuclear accident.
Meta has unveiled the first Instagram TV app for viewing Reels, which will appear on Amazon Fire TV. The app is in test mode and is planned to be expanded to other TV platforms.
The French forward of Spanish "Real" Kylian Mbappé sued his former team - Parisian "PSG" for more than 60 million euros in compensation.
The M23 military group has announced the withdrawal of its forces from the strategic city of Uvira in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The capture of the city caused a humanitarian catastrophe and jeopardized a US-brokered peace agreement.
The "Ramstein-32" meeting brought Ukraine record financial commitments for 2026, including 11. 5 billion euros from Germany and 7 billion dollars from Norway. Partner countries also transferred new Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems, and allocated funds for drones, artillery, and ammunition.
Susie Wiles, in an interview with Vanity Fair, called Elon Musk a "ketamine user" and J. D. Vance a "conspiracy theorist." The White House called the publication a "dishonestly framed article," but Trump's press secretary expressed support for Wiles.
Germany has completed the transfer of two Patriot air defense systems and the ninth IRIS-T system to Ukraine, strengthening the protection of the Ukrainian sky. The total amount of German aid to Ukraine next year will reach 11.5 billion euros, which is a new record.
At the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs $120 billion for defense needs in 2026, half of which will be provided by the state. He named five priorities for maintaining the pace and stability of the front.
On December 16, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to restrain the massive onslaught of the occupiers. The highest intensity of assaults was recorded in the Pokrovsk, Kupyansk, and Lyman directions.
On December 16, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the German media company Deutsche Welle to the register of "undesirable organizations," criminalizing its activities in the country. DW Director General Barbara Massing stated that this would not stop the broadcaster's work, and the Russian audience's interest in independent content is growing.
The Russian Federation has been recognized as the least peaceful country on the planet, taking last place in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI) report. Ukraine and Sudan also made it into the top three most dangerous states.
Matthew Robar, a Canadian intelligence officer, has been arrested on suspicion of unauthorized transfer of classified data to a foreign state. The investigation found that he collaborated with foreign intelligence on a secret project of "unconventional activities," despite command refusals.
