US President Donald Trump will join the conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders regarding a peace plan. This was reported by an American official, and Zelenskyy did not give a clear answer regarding the possible conversation.
China's economic growth slowed in November. Industrial production fell to a 15-month low, and retail sales showed their worst performance since late 2022.
China's National Health Commission announced that starting in 2026, it will cover all childbirth-related expenses, including prenatal check-ups. This decision is part of Beijing's efforts to stimulate the birth rate and address the demographic crisis.
Australia plans to tighten gun laws after the largest mass shooting in nearly 30 years, which killed 16 people at Bondi Beach in Sydney. A father and son, identified as Sajid Akram and Navid Akram, carried out the attack using registered weapons.
Thailand halted fuel shipments to Laos via the Chong Mek border crossing, fearing diversion to Cambodia. This decision is linked to the border conflict and intelligence reports of fuel supplies to Cambodian troops.
An NBC News poll showed a decline in Donald Trump's approval rating to 42% and weakening support among MAGA followers. Most Americans believe the country is moving in the 'wrong direction,' and the economy remains the main problem.
Providence police have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine. Seven of the injured are in stable condition, one is in critical but stable condition, and another has been discharged from the hospital.
A man in Sydney attacked an armed man during a shooting at Bondi Beach, snatched his rifle, and disarmed him. This act, captured on video, quickly spread on social media, where users and the Premier of New South Wales called him a hero.
A Hamas negotiator stated that Israel's killing of senior commander Raed Said and three of his associates jeopardizes the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas leader called on US President Trump to demand that Israel adhere to the terms of the truce.
At Brown University in Providence, two students were killed and nine were injured in a shooting. Police are searching for a suspect whose identity has not yet been established.
Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenka released 123 prisoners, including Ales Bialiatski and Maria Kalesnikava, in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on Belarusian potash. Nine of those released were taken to Lithuania, and 114 to Ukraine.
Thousands of Hungarians protested in Budapest against child abuse in a juvenile detention center. Opposition leader Péter Magyar called on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to resign over the scandal.
The Israel Defense Forces announced the elimination of Raed Saed, one of Hamas's commanders. This occurred in response to an attack that wounded two Israeli soldiers.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy John Cole announced that Alexander Lukashenka promised to stop balloon flights over Lithuania after negotiations with the US. Earlier, Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to these flights.
Petr Fiala, the outgoing head of the Czech government, announced that the goal of supplying 1. 8 million large-caliber shells to Ukraine has been met. The new Czech government may discontinue this initiative, despite the president's support.
The delivery of the first of two new Air Force One presidential aircraft from Boeing has been delayed until mid-2028. This decision may annoy US President Donald Trump, who wanted to fly on the new aircraft before the end of his term in January 2029.
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin. Witkoff will also hold meetings with counterparts from France, Great Britain, and Germany.
California jurors awarded $40 million to two women who claimed Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused ovarian cancer. The company plans to appeal the verdict, stating that its products are safe.
The United States of America temporarily reduced intelligence sharing with Israel in the second half of 2024. This was due to concerns about the methods of warfare in the Gaza Strip and the lack of guarantees regarding compliance with the laws of war.
The Belgian central securities depository Euroclear may compensate for the seizure of its assets in Russia at the expense of frozen Russian funds in the EU. This was a response to a lawsuit filed by the Russian Central Bank regarding alleged damages.
Gold prices rose 1% to a seven-week high, supported by a weakening dollar and geopolitical instability. Silver set a new all-time record, rising 10.4% for the week.
OPEC forecasts that global oil supply will almost entirely meet demand in 2026, contradicting IEA estimates of a significant surplus. The average OPEC+ oil demand will be 43 million barrels per day, close to the production level.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte denied reports that the US plans to shift most of the burden of defending Europe to European countries by 2027. He noted that Europe must step up its defense, but the Reuters report was incorrect.
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have sharply escalated again. Cambodia reported new airstrikes by Thailand, and fierce fighting with artillery erupted along the disputed region.
Cyprus and Malta warn that strengthening sanctions against Russia should not harm the legitimate EU maritime sector. They oppose a complete ban on the provision of maritime services, fearing the relocation of business outside the EU.
Thai law enforcement detained two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, after a fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in the Indian state of Goa on December 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 people. India also arrested six other individuals, including five employees of the establishment, and offered compensation to the victims' families.
Italian brand Prada will create 2,000 pairs of sandals in India, inspired by traditional footwear, following criticism. Each pair will retail for approximately $930, combining Indian craftsmanship and Italian technology.
Thousands of Bulgarians have once again taken to the streets to protest against the minority government, accusing it of failing to tackle corruption. The demonstrations continue amid preparations for the introduction of the euro and an upcoming no-confidence vote.
Chipmaker Intel has lost its appeal against a European Union antitrust decision. However, the court reduced the fine imposed on the company two years ago by a third, cutting it by 140 million euros.
The US has extended the waiver of sanctions against Lukoil until January 17, allowing certain operations. This is due to intensified negotiations on the sale of the Russian company's foreign assets.
