Over 25% of new cars sold globally in 2025 are electric, according to an Ember analysis. This growth is driven by emerging markets, which are now leading the transition to electromobility.
The UK Ministry of Defence is stepping up preparations for sending a peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine to support a truce. Funding has been allocated for training and equipment procurement to be ready for rapid deployment after peace agreements are concluded.
Ukraine receives reinforcements for its air defense systems amid attacks, including automated turrets and missiles to destroy Russian drones, totaling £600 million. The supplies include modern air defense systems, as well as RAVEN and GRAVEHAWK systems for protection against low-flying targets and deep strikes.
The US does not support EU initiatives to confiscate Russian sovereign assets, warning of possible consequences. They consider frozen assets a flexible leverage in future negotiations.
The European Parliament has voted for a scheme that would allow women from countries with restrictive abortion laws to have free abortions in another EU member state. The European Commission is expected to decide on this proposal in March.
The United Kingdom will officially issue an order to transfer £2. 5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that this is Roman Abramovich's last chance to fulfill his obligations, otherwise legal action will be taken.
Charles James Spencer-Churchill, the 70-year-old Duke of Marlborough, is accused of three counts of intentional strangulation that occurred between November 2022 and May 2024. He has been summoned to Oxford Magistrates' Court after his arrest last May.
The US and European allies have prepared two draft documents on supporting Ukraine after a potential "peace agreement," which were discussed with President Zelenskyy in Berlin. The documents outline general principles and detailed provisions for force interaction, and also envisage increasing the number of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to 800,000 servicemen.
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.
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.
A man who drove a car into a crowd of football fans during a parade in Liverpool has been sentenced to 21. 5 years in prison. More than 130 people were injured in the incident, including a Ukrainian woman who required surgery.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius spoke cautiously about the role of European forces for Ukraine, noting that much would depend on Putin's actions. He supported the idea of a European military presence but pointed to unresolved issues regarding their deployment.
European countries are preparing for a potential war with Russia, fearing that Donald Trump will push Ukraine into an unfavorable peace deal. France is reinstating military service, Germany is conducting exercises, and Britain is focusing on defense against Russia.
The US is offering Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5, but with an implicit ultimatum to accept them now. This offer is an attempt to accelerate a peace agreement and allay fears of a future Russian attack.
Great Britain plans to strengthen citizen training for service, increase defense production, and develop necessary skills. This is a response to the growing threat from Russia, which seeks to challenge NATO.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the "coalition of the determined" has developed measures to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and, if necessary, to deploy troops. The plans include ground deployment, but the priority is to achieve peace.
Negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine are about to begin in Berlin. Representatives from the US, Italy, France, and other countries are present at the meeting.
Today, European leaders, including Macron and Rutte, will meet with Zelenskyy to get an update on the negotiations between Ukraine and the United States. Donald Trump is also expected to join the conversation via a phone call.
Russia has expressed readiness to include Ukraine's EU membership in a peace agreement, according to US officials. Consensus has been reached on 90% of the peace plan, with reduced differences on security guarantees and territorial issues in Donbas.
The European Union has imposed sanctions against Pakistani oil tycoon Murtaza Lakhani and Azerbaijani businessman Etibar Eyubov. This happened as part of a new package of measures against Russia over its war against Ukraine.
The adaptation of the Iranian-made drone with a Soviet air-to-air missile is aimed at hitting Ukrainian helicopters and aircraft that hunt Russian drones.
Part of a historic railway bridge has collapsed into the River Spey in Scotland. The Spey Viaduct, built in 1886, was popular among cyclists and pedestrians.
Representatives of the Trump administration held five-hour talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin, which were described as "difficult. " The US is increasing pressure on Ukraine to conclude a peace agreement with Russia by the end of the year, but the parties have significant disagreements.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
A shooting occurred on Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Jewish Hanukkah holiday event. At least 11 people were killed and dozens were injured, prompting shock and condolences from world leaders.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed a peace plan for Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets. The parties agreed that Europe would support Ukraine in achieving a just peace.
US President Donald Trump has announced "very serious retaliation" after two US servicemen and one civilian were killed in Syria. The attack, which the US blames on the Islamic State group, took place in an uncontrolled part of the country.
Foreign policy advisers from the US, Ukraine, Germany and other countries will continue talks on a peace plan for Ukraine in Berlin. The talks will take place ahead of a summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
European officials are concerned that a new US-initiated peace deal in Ukraine could allow Russia to use a demilitarized zone to re-invade Donbas. Moscow demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, while Kyiv refuses to cede territory.
Five million ticket requests for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, have been submitted since the last sales phase opened. The group stage match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami on June 27 was the most in-demand.
