Turkey is experiencing an increase in large sinkholes caused by drought and uncontrolled groundwater extraction. In Konya province alone, 648 serious sinkholes have been identified, threatening agriculture and infrastructure.
Volkswagen is ceasing production at its Dresden plant from December 16, marking the company's first plant closure in Germany in 88 years. The reasons are declining demand in China and Europe, as well as the impact of US tariffs.
Ukraine has for the first time purchased the innovative drug pembrolizumab for the free treatment of melanoma. Deliveries are expected from June 2026 under a managed access mechanism.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that a peace agreement for Ukraine is closer than at any time in the last four years. The US, Ukraine, and European countries are working on three key documents, including a 20-point peace plan, security guarantees, and a post-war reconstruction program.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced significant progress in negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation in Berlin. The next meeting will take place on December 15.
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.
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.
Giorgia Meloni called Donald Trump's new national security strategy an "alarm signal" for Europe. She emphasized that Europe must organize itself and strengthen its own defense, rather than relying on the United States.
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.
Zelenskyy reported signals regarding the presidential elections in Ukraine from the United States and personally from the American president. He instructed people's deputies to prepare options for holding elections in case of developments in this direction.
Zelenskyy stated that the Berlin summit is discussing a 20-point plan that includes a ceasefire and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine. Kyiv seeks to avoid a repeat of the war, insisting on the support of the US Congress for the guarantees.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine continues to work on opening all negotiation clusters within the framework of accession to the European Union. European partners are reacting positively to these steps.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he has not yet decided on the candidacy of the new head of the Presidential Office. He held consultations with potential candidates, all of whom are ready to lead the institution.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the peace plan will not satisfy everyone, as it contains compromises. He emphasized the importance of justice for Ukraine and the plan's effectiveness to prevent new Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is not holding direct negotiations with Russia, but is communicating through American intermediaries. According to him, the economic and security blocs are involved in the negotiations.
Ukraine has not yet received an official response from the US regarding the latest proposals for a peace plan. President Zelenskyy noted that certain signals are coming through the negotiating team.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Berlin for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Witkoff will meet with Zelenskyy and European leaders as Washington pushes for a coordinated plan to end the war.
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.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to appoint a new ambassador to the US due to escalating tensions with Washington. The decision is linked to political tensions, particularly due to differing approaches to the war in Ukraine.
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.
Iranian authorities detained a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, which was carrying 6 million liters of smuggled fuel. There were 18 crew members on board the vessel, who were detained.
A shooting near Brown University on December 13 resulted in 2 deaths and 8 injuries. The FBI is investigating the incident that occurred near the engineering faculty.
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.
Kateryna Kotsar took second place at the Freestyle World Cup in women's big air in Steamboat, USA. She scored 152.50 points, losing to Naomi Urnes from Canada.
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.
President Zelenskyy announced the release of five Ukrainians and Belarusian political prisoners, including Maria Kalesnikava, thanks to agreements with America. He emphasized the importance of intensifying prisoner exchanges with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced upcoming meetings in Berlin with representatives of US President Donald Trump and European partners. The negotiations will concern a political agreement on ending the war and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukraine received 114 civilians, including 5 Ukrainians and Belarusian political figures such as Maria Alexandrova and Viktor Babariko. The exchange took place with the assistance of American partners and the Coordination Headquarters.
Nvidia is evaluating the possibility of increasing production capacity for its H200 chips after orders exceeded current production levels. This comes after Trump's statement allowing H200 exports to China, where companies like Alibaba and ByteDance have already shown significant interest.
