Donald Trump commented for the first time on the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files, stating that the reputations of people who "innocently met" with the convicted pedophile could be harmed. He expressed sympathy for prominent Democrats who have once again come under scrutiny due to their ties to Epstein.
The atmosphere for Ukrainians in Poland is deteriorating, as reflected in incidents and surveys. Support for Ukrainian refugees has fallen from 94% to 48%, and support for Ukraine's accession to the EU has dropped to 35%.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov announced "slow progress" after talks in Miami on a plan to end the war in Ukraine. Negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and Donald Trump's envoys were productive, but without significant breakthroughs due to contentious issues.
The US presidential administration has begun recalling career diplomats, terminating the mandates of mission chiefs in 29 countries by January 2026. This decision aims to replace personnel appointed during the Biden era with individuals who support Trump's ideology.
An employee of the Élysée Palace, responsible for storing silverware, has been arrested in Paris on suspicion of stealing silver items and porcelain worth approximately 40,000 euros. The stolen items, some of which are considered national cultural heritage, were allegedly offered for sale through online auctions.
The Danish postal service PostNord will deliver its last paper letter on December 30, ending more than 400 years of history due to a sharp decline in demand. The company will cut 1,500 jobs and remove mailboxes, focusing on parcels.
The United Kingdom has cut funding for countering Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans from £40 million to £24 million for 2025-26. This funding is aimed at combating national security threats and strengthening democratic institutions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw. Tusk stated that Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression protects Poland's independence, and Zelenskyy noted that the Kremlin will not defeat Ukraine and Poland if they stand together.
Russian intelligence organized a campaign to intimidate Belgian politicians and Euroclear top managers to block the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. The attack targeted key Euroclear officials, where most of Russia's frozen assets are held.
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.
Glaciers in the European Alps will reach their fastest melting rate within the next eight years, with over 100 of them disappearing by 2033. This is one of the most obvious manifestations of the climate crisis caused by anthropogenic global warming.
The White House will hold a press conference on peace talks in Berlin regarding the war in Ukraine. Earlier, the second round of negotiations took place with the participation of President Zelenskyy and US representatives.
New South Wales Police have identified 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Navid Akram as the attackers on the Jewish community in Sydney. The terrorist attack resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including one of the attackers, and injured 38 others.
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.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that it is difficult to name the timeline for a peace agreement regarding the war in Ukraine. He noted that there are complex issues regarding reconstruction, security guarantees, and territory.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban fully supported the US criticism of the EU, calling it the most important document of recent years. He noted that Americans see Europe's economic dead end and civilizational crisis.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized that "Europe's defense is our responsibility," summarizing plans to increase defense spending and production.
An ancient pleasure boat, matching the description of the Greek historian Strabo, was discovered off the coast of the Egyptian city of Alexandria. The vessel lay 7 meters underwater and 1.5 meters under sediment near the sunken island of Antirhodos.
The issue of territory is the "most problematic" in negotiations to end the war, as Russia seeks full control over the occupied lands. Ukraine cannot agree to the terms of Washington and Moscow without agreeing on the details, while the US continues to exert pressure.
British historian Timothy Garton Ash argues that only Europe can help Ukraine resist Russian aggression and US diplomatic betrayal. He emphasizes the need for military and economic support for Ukraine to change Putin's strategy.
A large fire at a restaurant-club in Goa, India, claimed the lives of at least 23 people, including tourists. The incident occurred on December 6 in the Arpora area, and the causes of the tragedy are being investigated.
The Swedish navy detects Russian submarines in the Baltic Sea almost every week. Sweden is preparing for a possible increase in their number if a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.
On December 6, activists threw food at the display case with the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, leading to the temporary closure of part of the area. Four protesters were detained on suspicion of causing damage.
Negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war involving US representatives have hit a snag due to Vladimir Putin's stance. The Russian dictator has effectively rejected the agreement and is also unwilling to see US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned ads for Nike, Superdry, and Lacoste in Britain. The brands misled customers by using the term "sustainable" without proper evidence of environmental friendliness.
In New Zealand, a man swallowed a Fabergé pendant worth 33,000 New Zealand dollars in a store. Police are waiting for the jewelry to pass naturally, and the suspect will appear in court on December 8.
At Christie's auction in London, Faberge's "Winter Egg" was sold for 22. 9 million pounds sterling (approximately 30.2 million dollars), setting a new world record for Faberge items. This imperial egg, commissioned by Nicholas II in 1913, became the most expensive Faberge work sold at auction.
Ireland will provide Ukraine with an additional €100 million for non-lethal military aid and €25 million for energy supply. This was announced by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Dublin.
US officials intend to return Russian assets after a peace treaty is concluded. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes using them to support Ukraine.
The United States and Great Britain have reached an agreement on zero tariffs for British drug exports to the US. The NHS will increase the net price for innovative drugs by 25%, which could increase NHS costs by £3 billion.
