EU diamonds sanctions target Russia's war chest

The European Union has tightened its grip on Russia's war chest by sanctioning its diamond giant, Alrosa, and its CEO, Pavel Marinichev, as reported by AFP and Reuters, quoted by Agerpres.

US quietly reaches agreement with Qatar to keep operating largest military base in Middle East

The United States has quietly reached an agreement that extends its military presence at a sprawling base in Qatar for another 10 years, three US defense officials and another official familiar with the agreement told CNN.

English doctors begin longest-ever NHS strike

Hospital doctors in England on Wednesday, January 3, began their longest consecutive strike in the seven-decade history of Britain's National Health Service (NHS). Junior doctors – those below the consultant level – started a six-day walkout, in a major escalation of their long-running pay dispute with the UK government, AFP reports.

Norway sends 2 fighter jets to Denmark for Ukraine training mission

Norway will send two F-16 fighter jets to Denmark to contribute to the training of Ukrainian pilots on the use of the U.S.-made airplane, the Norwegian defence minister said on Wednesday, Reuters reports.

Iran says at least 53 people killed in blasts at ceremony honoring slain general Soleimani

Explosions at an event honoring a prominent Iranian general killed in a US airstrike in Iraq in 2020 have killed at least 53 people and wounded 40 others, state-run media in Iran reported Wednesday, January 3, writes Le Monde.

Poland's president: We must respond to the latest carnage over Ukraine in the language Putin understands

The West should tighten sanctions against Russia and supply Kiev with long-range missiles in response to Moscow's latest bombing of Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Wednesday, BBC reports.

Zelensky: Russia launched 300 missiles and 200 drones on Ukraine in the last 5 days

Russian officials say they have foiled a Ukrainian attack on a border city as the aerial war between the two nations continues to intensify. The officials said a dozen missiles were downed before they could reach Belgorod, where 25 people were killed on Saturday. Ukraine has not commented, BBC reports.

Romanian church focuses on healing in 2024: Pastoral care, holy healers

Romanian Patriarch Daniel has delivered a New Year's message filled with warmth and spiritual wishes, extending "paternal blessings, wishes for health and salvation, peace and joy, happiness and much help from God in all good deeds" to all Romanians.

Alaiba: Simplifying, supporting businesses drive progress in Moldova

Moldovan Minister of Economy, Dumitru Alaiba, celebrated 2023 as a year of "significant achievements and positive change" for the country's economy, pledging further advancements in the year ahead.

Iohannis emphasizes Romania's resilience despite challenges in 2023

President Klaus Iohannis acknowledged the significant challenges and uncertainties that Romania will face in 2023 during his annual New Year's address.

Germany braces for more floods: Scholz visits impacted communities

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited flood-impacted areas in Lower Saxony on Sunday, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by heavy rains that have swept across several regions for a week.

Holiday feasts: Moldovans urged to eat smart, stay active

With holiday tables laden with traditional delights, Moldovan nutritionists urge moderation instead of excessive feasting.