Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys rejected Alyaksandr Lukashenka's proposal for talks on border restoration. He emphasized that Lukashenka does not set the rules, and Lithuania will not follow the path that they are trying to impose on it.
Venezuela has announced the launch of the "Independence Plan 2025," which involves a "mass mobilization" of military forces in response to US "imperialism. " This decision was made after US President Donald Trump's statements about possible ground operations.
The President of Colombia called for the creation of a Latin American Union with a common parliament and presidency, similar to the EU. This initiative is a response to US actions in the region.
Britain has stopped providing intelligence to the Americans on suspicious vessels over fears it could be used for military strikes. London believes that the September attacks, which killed 76 people, violate international law.
Germany plans to spend 19 billion euros on clothing and equipment for soldiers and 7. 5 billion euros on armored vehicles by 2034-2037. This will allow the army to be equipped to reach a strength of 460,000 soldiers.
The prosecutor's office in Turkey is demanding 2,000 years in prison for Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. He is accused of corrupt activities.
Syria has joined the US-led international coalition to combat ISIS, becoming the 90th participating nation. The announcement followed a meeting between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
A meeting of G7 foreign ministers kicks off on Tuesday in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. The main topics will be the war in Ukraine, security in the Middle East, and challenges in the Arctic.
A suicide bomber detonated explosives near a district court in Islamabad, killing 12 people and injuring 27. The attacker tried to enter the court but fired at a police car.
Gold prices rose to their highest level in nearly three weeks due to expectations of a Fed rate cut in December and signs of an end to the US government shutdown. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $4,131.32 an ounce, while futures rose 0.4% to $4,137.50 an ounce.
The US Treasury Department temporarily eases sanctions against Syria for 180 days. This decision coincided with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's historic visit to the White House.
The Thai military is suspending agreements with Cambodia after a soldier was wounded by a mine near the border. Cambodia expressed concern about the possible suspension of the agreement, which provided for the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the release of prisoners of war.
Pope Leo will hold a special audience with about thirty Hollywood actors and directors, including Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee, at the Vatican this weekend. The event is organized as part of the Church's Holy Year to deepen dialogue with the world of cinema and promote human values.
Muammar Gaddafi's youngest son, Hannibal, was released in Lebanon after almost ten years of imprisonment without trial in the case of the disappearance of a Shiite cleric. He was detained in 2015 after being kidnapped in Syria, accused of concealing information about Imam Musa al-Sadr, who disappeared in 1978.
Geneva-based Mercuria Energy Group and US-based TechMet Ltd. are discussing a joint tantalum mining project in the DRC. The initiative depends on a peace agreement to be facilitated by the Trump administration.
An analysis by the UNFCCC secretariat shows that current climate commitments by countries will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by only 12% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels. This is only one-fifth of what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Belgium has sought assistance from allies after a series of drone incursions near airports, military bases, and nuclear power plants. Officials say the incidents "resemble" Russian actions, but there is no direct evidence yet.
Trump urged air traffic controllers to immediately return to work amid significant flight reductions and airport delays. This happened due to the prolonged federal government shutdown, which resulted in 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay.
Turkey, together with the US and Arab mediators, is working to ensure safe passage for some 200 Hamas militants hiding in tunnels in Israeli-controlled Gaza. This initiative is part of a broader ceasefire plan.
The US Senate has voted to advance a bill that would allow the federal government to resume operations and end the 40-day "shutdown. " The bill provides for government funding until January 30 and prohibits the dismissal of federal employees.
At least six people have died after US forces struck two vessels linked to drug cartels in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The operations have caused diplomatic tension in Latin America and controversy in the US Congress.
In India's capital, Delhi, a car bomb near the historic Red Fort killed eight people and injured more than 20. The cause of the incident is under investigation, with six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws damaged.
Syria thwarted two ISIS attacks on interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, adding a personal dimension to his plans to join the US coalition. This comes amid the lifting of UN sanctions against the Syrian leader and his visit to Washington.
The governor of Rio de Janeiro called the deadliest police raid in Brazilian history a success, even though none of the 117 killed were among the 69 suspects. The raid did not arrest or kill gang leaders.
The European Union will discuss two main ways to raise financial support for Ukraine: borrowing or using frozen Russian assets. EU finance ministers are meeting in Brussels after pledging to cover Ukraine's needs in 2026-2027.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Canada's Niagara region this week for a meeting of G7 foreign ministers. He will discuss President Trump's efforts for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, security in Haiti and Sudan, maritime security, critical minerals, and global supply chains.
The Paris Court of Appeal granted the request for the release of Nicolas Sarkozy, who had been held in La Santé prison since October 21. The former French president will be placed under judicial supervision; he was serving a sentence for conspiring to raise funds for his election campaign from Libya.
Spot gold prices rose 2% to $4079. 49 an ounce, reaching their highest level since October 27. Weak US economic data and a weakening dollar strengthened expectations of a Fed rate cut next month.
South Korea's special prosecutor has filed additional charges against former President Yoon Suk-yeol for abuse of power and aiding an enemy state. Yoon allegedly attempted to provoke a military conflict between South and North Korea to declare martial law.
Brent crude futures rose to $64. 08 a barrel, and US WTI crude to $60.23. This happened amid expectations of a quick end to the US shutdown, which could increase oil demand.
