Financial watchdog adds 4,000 names to extremist registry as Kremlin intensifies crackdown

Russia’s federal financial monitoring service, Rosfinmonitoring, expanded its registry of "terrorists and extremists" by a record 4,018 names in 2025. According to an investigation by the outlet Viorstka, this represents a 26% increase compared to the previous year.

Unity and identity define Ukraine’s survival against Russian aggression

Ukrainian unity, faith, and identity remain stronger than the war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in his Christmas message.

Economic pressures drive 5% drop in Moscow restaurant orders

The total number of food service establishments in Russia fell by 3.1% year-on-year this November. Data from Yandex Maps indicates a loss of approximately 3,700 venues, leaving the national total at 115,000.

The Zepbound breakthrough: How John Cole traded medication and sanctions for Nobel laureate’s freedom

In a striking display of unconventional diplomacy, Donald Trump’s special envoy, John Cole, reportedly secured the release of hundreds of Belarusian political prisoners by bonding with dictator Alexander Lukashenko over weight-loss medication.

Survivor of Russian labor camps testifies before International Criminal Court

In late October 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague formally accepted the testimony of Olena Yagupova.

Niigata assembly approves TEPCO nuclear restart amid public protests

Japan took the final major step on Monday toward resuming operations at the world's largest nuclear power plant. The Niigata Prefectural Assembly voted in favor of the governor’s proposal to support the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility.

Mark Rutte confirms US troops will remain in Europe amid Ukraine war negotiations

Only US President Donald Trump can persuade Russian leader Vladimir Putin to accept a peace settlement in Ukraine. The statement was made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview published Sunday, December 21, by the German publication Bild am Sonntag.

Russia to review Ukraine peace plan after Miami negotiations

Most proposals emerging from the Miami negotiations between the US, Europe, and Ukraine regarding a peaceful settlement to the war "will not be acceptable" to Moscow.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan threatens to dissolve CSM over judicial corruption claims

Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced on Sunday, December 21, at the Cotroceni Palace, that he will launch a referendum among the country's magistrates this January.

Reconnaissance drone discovered by hunter in Lerești, Romania

A drone equipped with a parachute was found crashed in a forest in Argeș county, Romania. The device was discovered on Sunday, December 21, by a man during an organized hunt in the Lerești commune.

Kremlin skeptical of peace deal changes after Florida diplomatic summit

American negotiators and Russian officials met in Florida on Saturday, December 20, to discuss a potential end to the war in Ukraine, a conflict that has reshaped global geopolitics since February 2022.

Ukraine shakes up military command following port attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to dismiss Dmytro Karpenko, the head of Air Command South, following a series of devastating Russian strikes on the Odessa region.