Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses Russia of using Belarus territory to attack Ukraine, suggesting they are using apartments for military purposes. Intelligence experts report Russia possibly placing nuclear-capable missiles in Belarus to strengthen its military reach in Europe. Belarus has remained an ally to Russia, although it claims not to be directly involved in the conflict.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy claims Russia uses Belarusian territory for military actions against Ukraine.
Russian missiles may be stationed at a former airbase in eastern Belarus.
Zelenskyy mentioned the use of residential buildings in Belarus to support Russian drone attacks.
Russia and Belarus have a history of military cooperation, with Belarus allowing certain strategic activities.
Recent satellite images suggest missile base construction in Belarus.
The Oreshnik hypersonic missiles, reportedly stationed in Belarus, have a long range and are hard to intercept.
US researchers confirmed the likelihood of missile deployment based on satellite imagery.
Belarus has not committed troops to the Ukraine conflict but remains aligned with Russia.
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The UK Ministry of Defence plans to introduce a 12-month "gap year" program aimed at young people under 25 to help improve military recruitment. Set to begin in 2026, this initiative will let participants experience life in the Army, Royal Navy, or RAF without a long-term commitment. The program seeks to attract a more diverse group and address recruitment challenges.
Key Facts
The UK's new military "gap year" program is aimed at people under the age of 25.
This initiative lets participants spend 12 months in the Army, Royal Navy, or RAF.
The program is paid, but the exact salary is not announced yet.
Initial applications open in spring 2026 for 150 participants, with goals to expand to 1,000 people each year.
Participants will gain skills like leadership and teamwork during the program.
The gap year initiative aims to make military service more appealing and diverse.
This program follows a recommendation by the UK Strategic Defence Review.
The idea was inspired by a similar program run by the Australian Defence Force.
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Paul Nowak, the leader of the Trades Union Congress in the UK, suggests keeping an open mind about joining the EU customs union to improve economic ties. This comes as the government focuses on addressing the cost of living crisis. He emphasizes that having a strong relationship with the EU is important for economic growth.
Key Facts
Paul Nowak is the leader of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the UK.
Nowak urges for a close economic and political relationship with the EU.
A customs union with the EU could reduce trade barriers by eliminating tariffs between the UK and EU.
Critics argue a customs union limits the UK's ability to create its own trade deals.
The UK government has fears that joining a customs union might affect trade deals with the US and India.
Thirteen Labour MPs support talks about joining a customs union with the EU.
The Conservative and Reform UK parties oppose rejoining a customs union due to Brexit benefits.
Nowak highlights the need to handle the cost of living crisis by 2026 to maintain public confidence in politics.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a New Year's message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the strong ties formed between their countries during the Ukraine war. North Korea has supported Russia by sending troops and military supplies. North Korea also confirmed that some of its soldiers died during their deployment in Russia's Kursk region.
Key Facts
Kim Jong Un sent a New Year's message to President Putin emphasizing strong ties during the Ukraine war.
Kim described their countries' relationship as a "precious common asset" that should continue.
North Korea confirmed it deployed troops to support Russia in the war against Ukraine.
At least nine North Korean soldiers died while clearing landmines in Russia’s Kursk region.
North Korea recently increased missile production and is building more factories for munitions.
Pyongyang has supplied Russia with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.
Russia has provided North Korea with financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies.
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On December 27, Russian forces launched a major attack on Kyiv with missiles, while claiming to have captured a village in the Zaporizhia region. Ukraine's military admitted a mistake leading to the loss of a position, and drone attacks caused damage in various regions. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy is discussing peace talks with President Trump, focusing on security guarantees.
Key Facts
Kyiv faced a major attack by Russian forces with air defenses responding to missiles.
Russia claimed to have captured the Ukrainian village of Kosivtseve in the Zaporizhia region.
Ukrainian military errors allowed three Russian soldiers to take a post in Huliaipole town.
Drone attacks by Russia damaged vessels in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions.
Poland intercepted a Russian aircraft and reported potential threats from Belarus.
U.S. researchers suggest Russia may be placing new missiles in Belarus.
President Zelenskyy aims to discuss peace and security guarantees with President Trump.
A nearly complete 20-point peace plan between the U.S. and Ukraine is in progress.
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Voters in Guinea and the Central African Republic (CAR) are set to elect their presidents for seven-year terms. Incumbents in both countries are favored to win in the first round of voting. Despite challenges, CAR is progressing in peace efforts, while Guinea's coup leader seeks election amid limited opposition.
Key Facts
Elections are taking place in Guinea and the Central African Republic on Sunday.
Both countries could have run-off elections, but current leaders are expected to win outright.
The Central African Republic has faced long-term instability but maintains a system of multi-party politics.
President Touadéra of CAR, a former mathematician and university vice-chancellor, aims for a third term after changing the constitution.
In Guinea, General Mamadi Doumbouya, leader of the 2021 coup, seeks election as a civilian president.
Doumbouya's campaign in Guinea faces limited political opposition.
Guinea's return to an elected government is important for West African regional stability.
Ecowas, a regional bloc, is relieved by Guinea's election process following military coups in other member countries.
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British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah arrived in the UK after the Egyptian government lifted his travel ban. He had been jailed for over ten years and was released in September following a pardon. His arrival in the UK marks a reunion with his family, including his son in Brighton.
Key Facts
Alaa Abdel Fattah is a British-Egyptian activist.
He was jailed in Egypt for over ten years.
He was released in September after being pardoned by Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.
His travel ban was recently lifted, allowing him to come to the UK.
He has a 14-year-old son living in Brighton, UK.
His release and arrival in the UK followed a campaign supported by his family and notable figures like Judi Dench and Olivia Colman.
His case was a priority for the British government, according to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
His family has faced significant hardships, including hunger strikes by his mother to advocate for his release.
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A new exhibit at The King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace features iconic outfits worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her lifetime. The exhibition includes 200 pieces of clothing and accessories that reflect her personal style and the fashion trends of different decades. Highlights include outfits that show the Queen's influence on British style, showcasing her use of fashion for diplomacy and national pride.
Key Facts
The exhibit is held at The King's Gallery in Buckingham Palace and marks the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth.
It includes 200 pieces of clothing, jewelry, hats, shoes, and accessories from her life.
Queen Elizabeth's style was known for its consistency and symbolic messages of diplomacy and stability.
A tweed jacket and tartan skirt designed by Norman Hartnell is featured, showcasing British fashion.
The 1953 Coronation dress included symbols from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, reflecting the Queen's diplomatic role.
An elaborate green gown was worn during a state banquet for US President Dwight Eisenhower, highlighting the Queen's strategic fashion choices during international visits.
Queen Elizabeth’s style influenced modern designers, including Italian luxury brand Miu Miu’s collection inspired by her tartan style.
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In 2025, scientists made several significant discoveries, including gigantic dinosaur footprints in the UK and the earliest evidence of human-made fire in Suffolk. Additionally, the year offered insights into human monogamy, a rare planetary alignment, and the arrival of Moon rocks in the UK. These findings highlighted both natural wonders and scientific advancements.
Key Facts
Gigantic dinosaur footprints estimated to be 166 million years old were found in Oxfordshire, UK.
An archaeological site in Suffolk revealed the earliest evidence of human-made fire, dating back 400,000 years.
Research showed that about 66% of humans form monogamous relationships.
In February, seven planets appeared in the night sky in a rare alignment visible from Earth.
Moon rock samples arrived in the UK for the first time in 50 years, sent by China for study.
Wild chimpanzees were observed using plants as medicine.
A drifting iceberg near a remote island posed a threat to local wildlife, emphasizing the importance of scientific monitoring.
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The article is part of a quiz series that asks questions about global events from July to September 2025. It mentions notable events including Taylor Swift's engagement announcement and various significant happenings around the world.
Key Facts
The quiz is part of a four-part series covering the year 2025.
This installment focuses on events from July to September.
Taylor Swift announced her engagement with an Instagram caption during this period.
An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, was found guilty of murder using toxic mushrooms.
Storm Floris caused damage in the United Kingdom.
Doctors found a treatment for Huntington's disease during this timeframe.
The quiz included 52 questions, one for each week of the year.
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Experts share tips on how to make and keep New Year's resolutions. They suggest using realistic goals, avoiding rigid language, planning for setbacks, and integrating new habits into existing routines.
Key Facts
Many people abandon New Year's resolutions by mid-January.
Dr. Claire Kaye suggests writing down what is working and what needs change to make goals clear and manageable.
Psychologist Kimberley Wilson advises avoiding words like "always" or "never" for goal setting.
Wilson notes that setbacks are normal and persistence is more important than perfection.
Dr. Kaye suggests curiosity, not criticism, after setbacks and treating each day as a new start.
Career coach Emma Jefferys recommends "habit stacking" by linking new behaviors to existing habits.
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The article discusses viral cultural moments from 2025, including Beyoncé's Grammy win and reaction, Sydney Sweeney's controversial denim advertisement, music events like Lily Allen's album, a hit Netflix series, and a food craze involving pistachios. These moments caught public attention and significantly influenced discussions and trends throughout the year.
Key Facts
Beyoncé won a Grammy for country album of the year, surprising many and sparking viral internet reactions.
Sydney Sweeney appeared in a denim ad that became controversial and led to much media attention and increased sales for the brand.
Lily Allen's album detailing her divorce gained significant attention in the music world.
A Netflix series about a schoolboy accused of a crime was shot in one take and became very popular.
Owen Cooper, a 15-year-old actor from the Netflix series, won an Emmy Award, becoming the youngest male recipient.
A food trend involving pistachios became popular after being influenced by a specific pregnancy craving.
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King Charles III and Prince William plan to visit the US early next year to meet President Donald Trump. Their trip is part of efforts to boost relations with the US and will be the first official visit by a British monarch in nearly 20 years. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet President Trump to discuss a US peace proposal for the Ukraine war.
Key Facts
King Charles III and Prince William are planning a visit to the US to meet President Trump in the new year.
Their trip is intended as a diplomatic effort to strengthen ties with the US.
This royal visit will be the first by a reigning British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2007.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to meet with President Trump in Florida.
They will discuss a US peace proposal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
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The High Court in Malaysia ruled that police were responsible for the 2017 kidnapping of Pastor Raymond Koh. This was the country's first court case of enforced disappearance, leading to the police and government being held accountable. Susanna Liew, Koh's wife, pursued justice for years, with the court confirming suspicions of police involvement.
Key Facts
Pastor Raymond Koh was kidnapped in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The abduction was captured on CCTV, showing masked men forcibly taking him.
Malaysia's High Court ruled that the police were responsible for this enforced disappearance.
This was Malaysia's first enforced disappearance case to be judged in court.
Investigations suggested the police saw Koh as a threat due to his religious work.
No ransom was ever demanded for Koh's release.
The police initially claimed a drug ring was responsible, which was later dismissed.
Susanna Liew, Koh's wife, campaigned for years to find out the truth about her husband's disappearance.
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Israeli forces have killed a Palestinian man in Gaza amid ongoing ceasefire violations. Reports indicate that Israeli actions have resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties and have restricted humanitarian aid in Gaza. Tensions also persist in the West Bank and Lebanon with incidents involving Israeli forces and settlers.
Key Facts
Israeli forces fatally shot a Palestinian man named Uday al-Maqadma near a school in Gaza.
Since a truce began in October, conflict has resulted in at least 411 Palestinian deaths and 1,112 injuries in Gaza.
Aid to Gaza is restricted, with only 244 aid trucks entering daily, compared to the 600 agreed upon in the truce.
Israeli settlers and soldiers have conducted intensified raids and attacks in the occupied West Bank.
A Palestinian man conducted a car-ramming attack in Beit She’an, northern Israel.
Israeli forces have been involved in attacks in Lebanon, affecting UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL).
The United Nations called on the Israeli military to stop aggressive actions against peacekeepers.
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Myanmar's military is holding an election nearly five years after seizing power in a coup. Many people in the country criticize the election as unfair because the main opposition party is banned and its leader is imprisoned. Security concerns and strict laws make it difficult for people to speak openly about the election.
Key Facts
Myanmar's military rulers are organizing an election almost five years after taking control in a coup.
The election is criticized because the National League for Democracy, a popular party, is banned, and its leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is imprisoned.
The election is scheduled to take place over a month but cannot occur in many areas due to ongoing conflict.
The government has imposed strict laws that punish speech or actions seen as disrupting the election.
Many people in Mandalay, where a campaign rally was held, are afraid to speak openly about the election due to the presence of military intelligence personnel.
A new law criminalizes activities that can disrupt the election process, such as distributing leaflets or organizing protests.
People found guilty of such activities face harsh sentences, as seen in the case of three young individuals in Yangon.
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United Nations experts report that the militant group al-Shabab is the biggest threat to Somalia and nearby countries. Despite ongoing efforts by Somali and international forces, al-Shabab maintains control in parts of Somalia and continues to conduct attacks.
Key Facts
Al-Shabab is considered the main immediate threat to Somalia and East Africa, particularly Kenya.
The group is linked to al-Qaeda.
Al-Shabab controls large areas in southern and central Somalia.
The group attacks government forces, security personnel, and civilians.
Al-Shabab has carried out attacks in Kenya, Uganda, and Djibouti.
Somali and international efforts have not fully stopped the group's operations.
There are ongoing discussions about why the fight against al-Shabab has not succeeded over the past two decades.
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Portions of Pennsylvania are under an ice storm warning, expected to last until Saturday morning. The National Weather Service warns of potentially dangerous conditions, such as icy roads and power outages, due to freezing rain and sleet.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania is facing an ice storm warning from Friday night to Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the warning for central and western parts of the state.
The warning includes expected ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch.
Cities like DuBois, Somerset, and St. Marys are affected.
Winter Weather Advisories also apply to other areas like Harrisburg and Lancaster.
Slick and hazardous roads, power outages, and tree damage are likely due to ice.
The NWS expects conditions to improve by Saturday afternoon.
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The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate has accused Israel of targeting Palestinian journalists to silence the press. Since October 2023, many journalists have been reported killed or injured in these incidents. Press freedom groups have condemned these actions, stating they constitute international crimes and aim to prevent documentation of events in the region.
Key Facts
Since October 2023, Israel has reportedly targeted Palestinian journalists, with a notable increase in such incidents in 2025.
By November 2025, at least 76 journalists had been reported killed or injured, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
The Freedoms Committee of the syndicate claims this is part of a campaign to silence the press by force.
Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif and others were among those killed, allegedly identified as members of Hamas by Israel.
Press freedom groups argue that these actions amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Reporters Without Borders stated that Israel killed more journalists in 2025 than any other country.
Journalists have faced severe, life-changing injuries, including amputations and paralysis, primarily from targeted attacks.
No Israeli troops have been arrested or charged for killing journalists.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah has returned to the UK after nearly 12 years in Egyptian jail. He was pardoned by Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in September 2023. The British government previously expressed concerns about Abd El-Fattah's imprisonment and called for his release.
Key Facts
Alaa Abd El-Fattah is an Egyptian-British activist and blogger.
He spent almost 12 years in Egyptian jail and was recently pardoned by Egypt’s president.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his return to the UK.
Abd El-Fattah was originally jailed for spreading false news and other charges.
He wrote a farewell message on social media before leaving Egypt.
The British government had raised concerns about his imprisonment during his detention.
Abd El-Fattah’s return to the UK has been considered a significant event by the British government.
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