Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that US President-elect Donald Trump’s “unpredictability” could be decisive in the war with Russia. “He can help us stop Putin,” Zelensky says. Trump has previously said he will end the nearly three-year conflict “in 24 hours”, a claim that has drawn scepticism from Kyiv which fears it will be forced to give up land for peace.
New Orleans (AFP) – Bourbon Street in New Orleans reopens after a New Year’s attack that killed at least 15 people. Thousands gather for the postponed Sugar Bowl football match under heightened security, while a vigil takes place. Later that evening, mourners gather for a vigil. IMAGES
London (AFP) – Keepers at London Zoo begin the annual stocktake, the occasion for them to “formally recognise the total number of animals” in their care. In the coming days, zoo workers will log more than 10,000 animals from over 400 species.
Seoul (AFP) – Protesters demanding the arrest of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gather near his residence in Seoul after investigators called off their attempt to detain him, citing safety concerns after a standoff with his security team. IMAGES
Jerusalem (AFP) – Air raid sirens are heard around Jerusalem as Israel’s military said a missile fired from Yemen had crossed into Israeli territory. The missile was intercepted and fragments fell on Modiin according to Israeli army. IMAGES
Podgorica (AFP) – Montenegro’s interior minister, Danilo Saranovic, says the gunman who went on a shooting rampage died on the way to the hospital after a suicide attempt. The shooting in a village restaurant near the southern city of Cetinje killed at least 12 people, including two children, and seriously injured four others, with one in critical condition, according to authorities.
Seoul (AFP) – South Korean supporters of impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, face off with police near the presidential residence, where the embattled leader remains holed up in defiance of an arrest warrant. Yoon vows to “fight” authorities seeking to question him over his failed martial law bid last month. The bungled declaration on December 3 led to Yoon’s impeachment and now leaves him facing possible arrest, imprisonment or, at worst, the death penalty. Yoon has refused summonses for questioning three times.
New Orleans (AFP) – Tourists in New Orleans for New Year’s Eve recall the moments before a US army veteran steered a pickup truck into a crowd of revellers in the early hours of 2025, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens. “It was just scary, I cried my eyes out honestly,” says Ethan Ayersman. With the investigation still ongoing, the FBI has said “an ISIS flag was located in the vehicle,” using another name for the Islamic State jihadist group.
Kabul (AFP) – Families are seen enjoying the first snow of the season outside Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. “We wanted to enjoy this beauty of nature with my family and come here to celebrate our happiness together with our compatriots,” says Mir Mahmood Shah Hoshang. Weather forecast predicts snowfall until January 4.
Havanna (AFP) – Over a year ago, a simple yet powerful graffiti began appearing around the Cuba’s capital, Havana: “You need to be happy.” This seemingly innocent message on weathered walls and signs in the city is prompting introspection for many, as well as inspiring Cuban artists.
Cetinje (AFP) – “That’s more than a crime”. Residents of the town of Cetinje in the south of Montenegro are in shock after a killing spree which took place in the neighbouring village of Bajice. A gunman killed 12 people, including two children, before shooting himself after an hours-long manhunt.
Seoul (AFP) – Supporters of South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Seok Yul protest near his residence in Seoul. Yoon, who was suspended from office by lawmakers over his attempt to subvert civilian rule last month, has been inside his residence for weeks while fending off investigators’ efforts to question him. IMAGES
