Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoys recently held talks in Moscow about the war in Ukraine. Russia is urging for Ukrainian territorial concessions to resolve the conflict, but Ukraine opposes giving up land while it remains under martial law. The U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are set to continue discussions in Abu Dhabi.
Key Facts
Russia wants Ukraine to hand over more of the Donbas region.
Ukraine must hold a referendum to give up territory, but can't do that under martial law.
Talks between Russia and the U.S. were described as "extremely frank" and focused on territorial issues.
Upcoming discussions between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine will take place in Abu Dhabi.
Ukrainian President Zelensky met with President Trump, emphasizing the need for compromises.
European allies support Ukraine's stance against rewarding Russia for its actions.
The talks in Moscow lasted about four hours, with a focus on resolving the conflict diplomatically.
The BBC apologised to Jack Murley, a former radio presenter, after an internal investigation revealed he suffered from homophobic abuse at work. Murley, dismissed from BBC Radio Cornwall, claimed he faced discrimination, but an employment tribunal ruled his firing was not due to his sexuality. The BBC acknowledged the abuse but did not find grounds for financial compensation.
Key Facts
The BBC apologised to Jack Murley for not acting on reported homophobic abuse.
Murley was dismissed from BBC Radio Cornwall in 2024 for breaching guidelines.
An employment tribunal found his dismissal was reasonable, unrelated to his sexuality.
Murley alleged he faced name-calling and was asked to sound "less gay" on air.
An internal report confirmed a "case to answer" in eight out of twelve abuse allegations.
Murley received offensive remarks and homophobic messages from colleagues and listeners.
The BBC said it is working to improve workplace culture and accepted the investigation's findings.
Murley thanked colleagues who supported him and hoped for change in BBC's management.
There are plans to build a national monument for the late Queen Elizabeth II in St James's Park, London. The monument will include a statue of her standing, not on horseback, as part of a larger memorial design near Buckingham Palace. The final design will be revealed in April 2026 to mark the Queen's centenary.
Key Facts
The statue will show Queen Elizabeth II standing, not riding a horse, as previously shown in illustrations.
The memorial will have three statues and a bridge with a glass decoration shaped like a tiara.
Karen Newman, who made waxworks at Madame Tussauds, will create a smaller sculpture for the memorial.
The main statue will be near Marlborough Gate in St James's Park, close to other monuments of her parents.
King Charles has been consulted on the memorial plans.
Martin Jennings is designing the main statue to emphasize the Queen's role as head of state.
The total budget for the project is estimated between £23 million and £46 million.
The anti-monarchy group, Republic, has criticized the project cost, suggesting the royals should pay for it.
An investigation found hundreds of illegal waste dump sites in England, including 11 very large ones. Despite efforts to close these dumps, many are still in operation, posing environmental and safety risks. Organized crime groups often run these sites, making money by offering cheap waste disposal.
Key Facts
Over 700 illegal waste sites were shut down in England during 2024/25.
As of the end of the last year, 517 illegal waste dumps were still active.
These dumps include 11 large sites, with one in Cheshire holding 280,000 tonnes of waste.
Many of these sites are located in rural areas, often on agricultural land.
Organized crime gangs run many sites, charging lower prices for waste disposal.
Fires and pollution are common problems at these illegal sites, affecting local environments and communities.
The Environment Agency is investigating and taking action against illegal waste activities.
Residents near sites report ongoing issues and feel response efforts are insufficient.
Fighting in Ukraine continues with multiple Russian attacks causing casualties in various regions. The French navy intercepted a Russian oil tanker allegedly evading sanctions in the Mediterranean. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing with talks involving Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. negotiators to find a resolution to the conflict.
Key Facts
Two volunteers delivering bread were killed in a Russian drone attack in Ukraine's Kharkiv region.
Russian forces attacked a residential building in Dnipro, injuring at least seven people.
A Russian attack in the Zaporizhia region killed one person and wounded four others.
A Russian attack in Kryvyi Rih injured 12 individuals, including four children.
Russia claimed it shot down 31 Ukrainian drones.
The French navy seized a Russian oil tanker suspected of violating international sanctions.
Ukraine's energy system faced severe stress, causing heating issues in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
Ukrainian, Russian, and U.S. teams are engaged in diplomatic talks to seek an end to the war.
A group of attackers raided a church in northern Nigeria, abducting many worshippers. Some, including a woman named Sarah, managed to escape. Over 160 people remain missing, and local residents are concerned about future violence.
Key Facts
Armed attackers raided a church in northern Nigeria.
The attackers abducted dozens of people from three churches in Kurmin Wali village.
Sarah, a 60-year-old woman, escaped despite being seriously injured.
More than 160 people are still missing after the abduction.
The village is near an area known for armed gangs, commonly called "bandits."
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Authorities initially denied the attack happened before confirming it.
Local residents have urged for better security and accused authorities of limiting information.
The "Help 2" charity album features over 30 artists, including Olivia Rodrigo, and aims to raise funds for Warchild, a charity helping children affected by war. The album, recorded in London, is a follow-up to the 1995 "Help!" album and includes collaborations among various musicians. The first single from the album is by the Arctic Monkeys and was released recently.
Key Facts
"Help 2" is a charity album featuring over 30 artists.
The album supports Warchild, an organization helping children affected by war.
Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Damon Albarn, and Jarvis Cocker contributed.
The album was recorded in London at Abbey Road Studios over one week.
The project follows the first "Help!" album released in 1995.
The world currently has 520 million children affected by war.
The first single from the album is by the Arctic Monkeys, titled "Opening Night."
The Arctic Monkeys completed the song after being prompted by the project.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine criticized European leaders at the Davos meeting, calling for more pressure on Russia and suggesting they wait for President Trump's lead on international issues. At the same forum, President Trump introduced the new Board of Peace, designed to resolve global conflicts. Additionally, there are ongoing tensions in UK politics and electoral changes in England.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized Europe for inaction on Russia.
Zelensky spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
President Donald Trump introduced a new Board of Peace at Davos.
The Board of Peace aims to resolve international conflicts.
In the UK, former minister Andrew Gwynne is stepping down, possibly allowing Andy Burnham to attempt a return to Parliament.
Some councils in England are allowed to delay local elections.
President Trump shared plans to transform Gaza's coast into a tourist spot by 2029.
Two UK government insulation programs have been criticized for causing health and safety risks in over 30,000 homes due to poor installation since 2022. The Public Accounts Committee has called for an investigation into installers for possible fraud and criticized the schemes for their design and execution. Repairs are often costly, and less than 10% of affected homes have been fixed as of October 2024.
Key Facts
Over 30,000 homes have insulation issues causing health hazards.
The problems stem from government schemes ECO 4 and GBIS started in 2022.
A parliamentary committee suggests investigating the installers for fraud.
Trustmark, overseeing quality, was slow to report the problems to officials.
Repairs so far have been carried out on less than 10% of affected homes.
Some repairs can cost more than £250,000, surpassing insurance coverage.
The government claims repairs will be at no cost to consumers, but issues remain.
The committee criticizes the government for downplaying the problem's scale.
The Bondi Beach shootings in Australia, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, have sparked political disputes. Instead of unity or mourning, political leaders argued over immigration and antisemitism reforms. The event has highlighted divisions in Australian society and politics.
Key Facts
The Bondi Beach shooting happened during a Jewish festival, killing 15 people.
Politicians quickly began blaming each other, leading to conflicts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced criticism for not addressing Jewish community concerns.
A political fight led to the collapse of the opposition coalition.
The event marked the worst mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
There is ongoing debate in Australia about Israel, Gaza, and antisemitism.
The response differed from the unified reaction to the Port Arthur tragedy in 1996.
The United States has warned Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council not to make changes that could harm the country's security. The U.S. emphasized its aim to support stability in Haiti. The warning comes as Haiti deals with significant challenges like gang violence and political instability.
Key Facts
The U.S. warned Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council against making disruptive changes.
The Council's term is set to end on February 7.
If changes occur, the U.S. may take action against those supporting such moves.
Haiti is experiencing severe gang violence and political instability.
The country has not held federal elections since President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021.
Violent gangs control large areas, affecting millions of Haitians with violence and food insecurity.
The U.S. has placed visa restrictions on members of the council over corruption concerns.
The U.S. aims to help establish security and stability in Haiti.
The United Nations is taking over management of the al-Hol camp in Syria due to recent unrest. Kurdish forces left the camp amid pressure from Syrian government forces, leading to instability. The U.S. is also moving IS detainees from Syria to Iraq to ensure security.
Key Facts
The UN is now managing the al-Hol camp for people linked to the Islamic State group in Syria.
Kurdish forces had run the camp but left when Syrian government forces advanced.
The UN reported tension and instability in the camp following the withdrawal.
The UN refugee agency is working to restore aid to the camp.
The U.S. is transferring suspected IS fighters from Syrian prisons to Iraq.
Iraq will prosecute those transferred under its own laws.
Rights groups are concerned about potential abuses during detainee transfers.
The UN, U.S., and Kurdish forces want foreign IS suspects returned to their home countries, but many nations have declined to repatriate them.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is facing challenges in potentially becoming the leader of the UK Labour Party. He must first decide if he wants to run for a position in Parliament and then get approval from the Labour Party's National Executive Committee. This situation arises due to an open seat triggered by the resignation of MP Andrew Gwynne.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Greater Manchester mayor.
He is considering a run for a seat in the UK Parliament.
The seat opened due to MP Andrew Gwynne stepping down for medical reasons.
Burnham needs permission from the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to run.
There are political hurdles, including opposition from some within the Labour Party.
If he runs, there will be a by-election drawing significant attention.
The Labour Party's popularity has declined since the last election, increasing uncertainty.
Other political parties, like Reform UK and the Green Party, may compete strongly in the by-election.
President Donald Trump stated that NATO troops stayed "a little off the front lines" during the Afghanistan war. This comment drew criticism in the UK, with several officials considering it an insult to the soldiers who served and died there. NATO countries, including the UK, supported the U.S. in the Afghanistan conflict following the 9/11 attacks.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested NATO troops did not fully engage at the battlefront in Afghanistan.
This comment upset some UK officials, who saw it as disrespectful to British soldiers who served there.
The UK joined the U.S. in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks as part of NATO's collective defense response.
As of 2021, over 3,500 coalition soldiers died in the Afghanistan conflict, with more than 2,400 being American.
The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in Afghanistan after the United States.
NATO's Article 5 was invoked after 9/11, meaning an attack on one member is seen as an attack on all.
Critics of Trump's statement include Emily Thornberry, Sir Ed Davey, and Ben Obese-Jecty, who served in Afghanistan.
President Donald Trump announced that Canada's invitation to join the "Board of Peace" has been withdrawn. The "Board of Peace" is a new initiative meant to help Gaza transition out of war, presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos. President Trump's decision may impact Canada's involvement in humanitarian efforts related to Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump withdrew Canada's invitation to the "Board of Peace."
The "Board of Peace" aims to assist Gaza's transition from war.
The initiative was announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The decision was communicated via a post on Truth Social.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had initially agreed to join in principle.
The situation may affect humanitarian and diplomatic efforts connected to Gaza's rebuilding.
Rafael Tudares Bracho, the son-in-law of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, was released from prison. His release is part of efforts by President Delcy Rodriguez to reduce political prisoner numbers, amid U.S. pressure led by President Trump. Edmundo Gonzalez remains in exile and advocates for the release of other detainees.
Key Facts
Rafael Tudares Bracho was released from prison in Venezuela.
He is the son-in-law of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is reducing the number of political prisoners.
The U.S., led by President Donald Trump, has pressured Venezuela for these releases.
Gonzalez ran against Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 presidential election.
Gonzalez's daughter confirmed Tudares Bracho's release on social media.
Venezuela's Foro Penal confirms 145 political prisoners have been released, with at least 775 still detained.
Gonzalez continues to call for the release of other political prisoners from exile.
The United States has introduced plans to rebuild Gaza with skyscrapers and new residential and industrial areas. This initiative was announced during a ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The plan includes a new seaport, airport, and security measures along the borders.
Key Facts
The US plans to redevelop Gaza with skyscrapers and other facilities.
The announcement took place at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
President Donald Trump aims to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas and oversee the reconstruction.
A new seaport and airport are part of the plans, near the Egyptian border.
The project will unfold in four phases, starting in Rafah and moving towards Gaza City.
The plan includes securing Gaza with a "security perimeter" where Israeli forces will stay temporarily.
Jared Kushner mentioned efforts to remove rubble and start construction in "New Rafah".
There will be a conference in Washington to discuss international contributions and investment opportunities.
Two Tunisian radio journalists, Bohran Bssaies and Mourad Zghidi, received three-and-a-half-year prison sentences for money laundering. The case forms part of a broader pattern involving legal actions against opposition figures and media critics in Tunisia. Rights groups claim these actions are aimed at stifling dissent under President Kais Saied's leadership.
Key Facts
Two Tunisian journalists were sentenced to three and a half years in prison for money laundering.
They were previously jailed on charges of spreading false news.
Critics argue these charges are part of a crack-down on dissent against President Kais Saied.
Rights group, Reporters Without Borders, called the case “legal persecution.”
Another prominent opposition figure, Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, was sentenced to 12 years in jail.
Tunisia fell 11 places in the World Press Freedom Index in 2025, ranking 129th out of 180 countries.
Some other detained critics have been released, including lawyer Sonia Dahmani and journalist Chatha Belhaj Mubarak.
President Donald Trump launched a new initiative called the Board of Peace during the Davos Economic Forum. This initiative aims to promote global peace and could potentially reduce the influence of established international organizations like the United Nations. The Board, chaired by Trump, has been endorsed by some countries, but others have expressed concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the formation of a Board of Peace at the Davos Economic Forum.
The Board was initially tied to US-led efforts to end conflict in Gaza and supported by a UN resolution.
Trump will serve as the Board's chairman for life, with significant powers over its membership and operations.
Joining the Board as a permanent member requires a fee of $1 billion.
Nineteen countries participated in the Board's inauguration, though others have hesitated or raised concerns.
Critics are worried this new initiative might undermine the role of existing international bodies like the UN.
European countries face challenges in responding to this initiative due to its geopolitical implications.
President Donald Trump announced the creation of a new international group called the Board of Peace while at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Elon Musk attended the forum for the first time to discuss space and artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Facts
President Trump created the Board of Peace, calling it an international oversight body.
Some key U.S. allies were not present at the signing ceremony.
Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos.
Elon Musk appeared for the first time at the forum, discussing space and AI.
The World Economic Forum in Davos is an annual meeting where global leaders discuss economic and political issues.
