World news
Headlines from around the world, with links to the original reporting. Browse the latest stories or search for a topic.
Iran's government retreats from implementing new hijab law
Masoud Pezeshkian’s parliamentary deputy announced that the administration is drafting a bill to amend the highly controversial hijab law, which the Parliament Speaker had promised would take effect on December 13.
Ukraine blows up railway in Ulyanovsk, disrupting Russian logistics. The explosion occurred in the railway district of Ulyanovsk, near Sviyaga River, close to local locomotive depot and motor plant, Ukrainian intelligence reported.
Moldova declares state of emergency over fears Russian gas flows via Ukraine will stop
Moldova's parliament on Friday voted to approve a state of emergency, citing fears of an immediate threat to energy security.
Russia to launch visa-free travel for Indian tourists in 2025
Since August 1, 2023, Indian travelers to Russia can apply for e-visas, which are usually processed within four days.
The biggest manoeuvres in decades: China sent dozens of planes, ships, and balloons to Taiwan
Authorities in Taiwan have described the communist regime's latest military movements near the island as China's largest military manoeuvres since the 1990s…
Battle of Kursk: Ukraine repels North Korean-backed wave assault tactics
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Ukraine Dec 15 (EFE).- Ukraine has claimed its forces successfully repelled the first wave of attacks by North Korean soldiers deployed by Russia in the Kursk region. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR), North Korean soldiers are now integrated
Georgia's president slams her successor's appointment as 'a mockery of democracy'
Israel to close Ireland embassy, open up one in Moldova
'Ireland crossed all the red lines to speak to Israel,' Gideon Sa'ar said, while adding that both Moldova and Israel are interested in expanding and strengthening bilateral relations
North Korean troops open fire on Russian unit, Ukraine's military intelligence claims
North Korean soldiers allegedly killed eight members of the Chechen Akhmat unit in a "friendly fire" incident, HUR said, attributing the attack to persistent language barrier problems.
Eight Russian troops killed in North Korean ‘friendly fire’, claims Ukraine
The unverified claims come as “significant numbers” of N. Koreans engage in battle.
German far-right leader says Germany should reconsider its membership of NATO if the U.S.-led military alliance did not consider the interests of all European countries, including Russia
"Europe has been forced to implement America's interests. We reject that," the AfD's Tino Chrupalla told German daily Welt
TikTok influencers flee Romania amid tax probe into their election role
Romanian tax authorities are now investigating ultranationalist Călin Georgescu and the TikTok activists who promoted his campaign.
Two Russian tankers carrying tonnes of fuel oil break in half and start sinking near Kerch Strait
Reports emerged on the morning of 15 December indicating that two Russian tankers, Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, were sinking in the Kerch Strait. Both vessels were reported to be broken in half, with fuel oil leaking into the water.
Syrian rebel leader: Israel has ‘no more excuses’ to strike, we don’t seek conflict
ICC’s existence threatened by U.S. sanctions, court head says
The economic sanctions being mulled by the United States against the International Criminal Court threatens the very existence of the international tribunal, according to its president.
Australia leads the world in arresting climate and environment protesters
6 Syrian Druze Villages Asking to Be Annexed by Israel
On July 25, 2018, ISIS-linked terrorists stormed the Druze-majority city of Suwayda, launching gunfights and suicide bombings that claimed the lives of at least 258 people, most of them civilians.
Lithuanian athlete withdraws from World Championship over T-shirt with “Make Russia small again” inscription – media
Körnelija Düdaitė, the Lithuanian national team representative in functional sports, has decided to withdraw from the World Championship currently taking place in Budapest (Hungary) due to a T-shirt with the inscription “Make Russia small again”.
Ukrainian authorities postpone US minerals deal to let Trump seal it – NYT
The New York Times reports that the Ukrainian government has twice postponed a minerals deal with the United States, possibly to give President-elect Donald Trump the opportunity to present the agreement as his own achievement.