Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Emergency responders tackle the aftermath of Russian drone and missile strikes, which pummelled the Ukrainian capital Kyiv overnight, killing one woman and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands. The attack comes ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest talks with US leader Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday.
Unknown (AFP) – Images released by the Soyuzmultfilm production studio show a scene from a New Year’s special episode of the Russian cult cartoon Prostokvashino, featuring a character modelled on President Vladimir Putin. The show is a modern successor to a Soviet-era classic and centres on an animated cat and dog who argue over whether the president’s annual televised New Year address is delivered live or pre-recorded. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained Putin’s appearance in Prostokvashino by saying that he is “an integral part of children’s lives and of the country as a whole … The main thing is that the kids are interested!”
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.”
