Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Powerful explosions rock Kyiv as authorities warned that the Ukrainian capital was under threat of missile attack. The air alert comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a proposed plan to end the fighting that has killed tens of thousands since 2022. IMAGES
Musanze (Rwanda) (AFP) – In the Virunga mountains between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, the mountain gorilla population has grown from 242 individuals in 1981 to more than 1,000 in 2020. This success has brought new challenges. Rising numbers have led to increased conflict between gorilla clans, often with fatal consequences for infants, and risk of exposure to diseases. In response, Rwanda plans to expand gorilla habitat by 23 per cent, a move that will require the relocation of around 3,400 families.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he held a “truly good conversation” with envoys of US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, discussing ideas and possible formats to move toward ending the war with Russia. “We still need to work on sensitive issues. But together with the American team we understand how to ensure all of this,” Zelensky says, with the Ukrainian Presidency later announcing that a meeting with Trump in Florida has been set for Sunday.
Hong Kong (AFP) – Filmmaker Kiwi Chow says the decision of Hong Kong censors to ban his new thriller “Deadline” based on unexplained national security concerns proves the city “is under the rule of a totalitarian state.” The 46-year-old’s career, which took off in 2015 with an award-winning dystopian tale, encapsulates how a film industry once known for its audacious spirit and sardonic humour has dimmed to leave artists describing a creative straitjacket.
Tegucigalpa (AFP) – Celebrations at the headquarters of Honduras’ president-elect Nasry Asfura as election authorities announce the right-wing candidate as the winner. IMAGES
Brasilia (AFP) – A convoy of black cars escorted by motorcycles arrive at the DF Star hospital ahead of Bolsonaro’s surgery on December 25. Bolsonaro, imprisoned for attempting a coup, was temporarily released, to undergo surgery. IMAGES
Caracas (AFP) – Venezuela’s parliament begins debating a law that envisions lengthy prison terms for any national supporting a United States oil tanker blockade that Caracas has termed piracy. IMAGES
Caracas (AFP) – Dozens of motorcyclists ride through Caracas dressed as pirates to protest against US President Donald Trump for ordering seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers as part of a blockade of “sanctioned oil vessels” sailing to and from Venezuela.
London (AFP) – Swedish activist Greta Thurnberg is arrested under the Terrorism Act at a protest in London after expressing support for the Palestine Action group, banned under UK anti-terror laws. Thunberg, 22, holds a sign reading: “I support the Palestine Action prisoners. I oppose genocide.”
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Shops sell trees and decorations as Christmas celebrations light up the streets of Kyiv, where war drags on despite renewed diplomatic efforts. “Our children want to want to feel happiness, to feel childhood,” says Svitlana Yakovleva, who came with her two grandchildren. “The children have adapted. Mirochka [her granddaughter] was three years old when the war started. She has already grown up.”
Samjiyon (North Korea) (AFP) – Images broadcast by North Korean state media KCTV show leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Ju Ae, inspecting newly-completed hotels at a mountain resort. Kim dips his hand into a hot tub and tests the firmness of the beds at the new facility in Samjiyon, in the country’s mountainous north.
Phnom Penh (AFP) – Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman says the death toll from border clashes with Thailand has risen to 21 as both sides continue to fight. The Thai army said Cambodia fired dozens of rockets into Thailand on Monday, with Bangkok’s air force responding with air strikes on two Cambodian military targets. The two nations are set to negotiate truce terms after two weeks of deadly border clashes.
