Ukrainian authorities plans to draft 2 million people in early 2026, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry
Kiev could soon launch a full mobilization, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said. The Ukrainian draft officials were ordered to issue two million draft notices in early 2026, she told a briefing on Thursday.
According to Zakharova, security services and draft officials in Ukraine were told to “tighten the screws to a maximum,” by cutting the list of health conditions allowing deferment from military service.
The measures would still “hardly help resolve the systemic issue of replenishing the Ukrainian army losses,” Zakharova stated, adding that Ukrainians are increasingly reluctant to join the military and even prefer jail time instead.
Kiev has been facing chronic manpower shortages throughout its conflict with Moscow amid high battlefield losses, massive draft dodging, and desertion. The last publicly available Ukrainian data showed nearly 290,000 desertion cases have been recorded since the escalation of the conflict in 2022.
Since that time, Ukraine barred nearly all adult men from leaving the country and lowered the draft age from 27 to 25. Nearly 100,000 young men have reportedly fled the country since August when the Ukrainian government issued a decree allowing men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border.
According to Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, the Ukrainian military lost almost 500,000 servicemen this year alone. “Kiev has lost the ability to replenish its groupings through the compulsory mobilization of civilians,” the minister stated earlier this month.
Kiev’s recruitment drive has grown increasingly brutal as hundreds of incidents have been documented online in which enlistment officers assaulted potential conscripts, chased them through the streets, and threatened bystanders who tried to intervene.
In October, Kiev’s conscription authorities demanded citizens to stop circulating such videos on the internet.
Some 115 Islamic State suspects were arrested for planning attacks on non-Muslims on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, according to authorities
Turkish counter-terrorism police have arrested 115 Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) suspects in a series of raids, Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday.
The suspects were planning attacks during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, specifically targeting non-Muslims in Türkiye during the holidays, according to the press release.
According to the authorities, 137 warrants were issued, resulting in 115 arrests.
“Pistols, ammunition and many organizational documents were seized” during more than 100 raids across the Istanbul province, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said.
It added that a counter-terrorism operation is underway in search of the remaining suspects.
On Monday, Anadolu reported that Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) recently captured a senior IS member in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
In early December, Turkish authorities arrested 233 individuals suspected of financing or having ties to IS.
Türkiye officially designated the group a terrorist organization in 2013.
Since then, Turkish forces have conducted more than 1,400 operations against IS, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last year.
How communist-era tree toys became status symbols, family heirlooms, and million-ruble collectibles
Russians have developed a fascination with vintage Christmas ornaments and are willing to pay thousands of dollars for them. These ornaments weren’t crafted by famous designers or made from luxurious materials. But they have a history of their own and evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Russian holiday mood
The holiday celebrations in Russia unfold over a period of one and a half weeks. Most people are on vacation at this time, and celebrate in various ways.
Orthodox Christmas (celebrated on January 7) is a religious holiday, observed in churches with traditional services and an all-night vigil.
On regular days of the holiday break, Russians traditionally visit friends, host parties, or travel. Many head to Moscow, while Moscovites seek peace in the nearby suburbs.
Another holiday tradition is to attend fairs, visit ice skating rinks, take part in snowball fights and participate in other fun winter activities. These are usually organized by local authorities and large businesses.
However, New Year’s Eve in Russia is primarily a family affair. It is celebrated at home with family and close friends. Russian New Year’s Eve traditions are quite simple and unpretentious. They include preparing traditional salads (like “Mimosa”, “Herring under a fur coat”, and “Olivier”), and writing down a wish on a piece of paper, burning the paper, pouring the ashes into a glass of champagne, and drinking it as the clock strikes midnight.
For a long time, these traditions remained unchanged. Recently, though, a new trend has emerged: Soviet-era Christmas tree ornaments. Families, young enthusiasts, and collectors are on the hunt for ornaments that are 50, 70, or even 100 years old. They look for these decorations everywhere: in the homes of older relatives, in vintage and antique shops, and online.
How Christmas trees came to Russia
In Russia, the tradition of celebrating New Year on December 31 only began in 1699, following a decree of Peter the Great. Before that, September 1 marked the beginning of the new year; there was no fancy celebration – usually the harvest was recorded and some new laws were issued on that day.
However, Peter the Great introduced a new date for the celebration, along with new traditions. He ordered that homes and establishments be decorated with fir branches, which were affixed to roofs and doorways. Later, branches above doorways became a symbol of taverns in rural areas.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that people started to put up and decorate Christmas trees, a tradition initiated by the family of Nicholas I. Eventually, festive trees found their way into the homes of aristocrats and merchants, as well as public squares. Trees were set up by December 31, but were considered Christmas trees, adorned with decorations like angels and the Star of Bethlehem.
Initially, treats for children – apples, nuts, and candies – were hung on the trees. Later, the treats were hidden inside finely crafted ornaments – that’s how the vibrant ornaments came into existence.
At first, the ornaments were imported and only the wealthy could afford them. By the end of the 19th century, however, they began to be produced in Russia, particularly around Klin, where glassblowing workshops were located. These workshops sold colorful glass balls, icicles, and figurines of angels, birds, and animals.
Red Army soldiers replaced angels
By the time of the 1917 revolution, the tradition of decorating Christmas trees had taken hold, though it was still viewed as “bourgeois.” The religious significance of the Christmas tree also remained strong. This prompted the Bolsheviks, who aimed to eradicate Christian traditions, to curtail ornament production and effectively ban Christmas trees and their decorations.
However, the cultural war waged by the communists didn’t last long. By the 1930s, the ornaments made a comeback, albeit with a twist – reflecting the new “state values.” Instead of angels and the Star of Bethlehem, Soviet citizens were offered ornaments symbolizing national unity and state programs: figures of pioneers, Red Army soldiers, workers, airships, and tractors – along with figures of the country’s leaders.
Popular magazines published patterns for homemade ornaments. These were also patriotic, of course.
During the Second World War, the industry only operated for military needs, so ornaments were crafted from available materials like cotton, cardboard, and foil. Hospitals used empty medicine vials – painting them, attaching wires, and hanging them for patients to enjoy.
Factories repurposed scraps – wires, metal shavings, and defective parts – into decorations like snowflakes, flowers, and five-pointed red stars.
After the war, the production of ornaments resumed. The authorities no longer sought to create a “new Soviet person” and started to ease regulations on home aesthetics. This led to the emergence of a recognizable Soviet ornament style in the 1950s, featuring bright, colorful balls, pine cones, icicles, and fairy tale characters.
Why the Soviet look still divides Russians
Today, Russian people don’t have a single opinion about Soviet aesthetics. Some like monumental Brutalist architecture, the uniforms of Komsomol members, and Soviet automobiles. Even the drab Soviet panel buildings have their fans, who affectionately refer to them as “panelki.”
Images of the “Soviet future” remain particularly appealing; mosaics depicting cosmonauts and posters showcasing proud workers and soldiers continue to inspire people.
However, daily life during the communist era is generally viewed as outdated. Soviet interiors are often criticized for their clunky design, commonly dubbed “grandma’s renovation.”
Items from everyday life in the USSR only interest collectors and museums. However, there is one notable exception: Christmas tree ornaments. They aren’t just appreciated by the young and old alike – they have become a real trend.
This year alone, demand for such ornaments surged 80%. Prices for rare sets and even individual ornaments can reach up to 1.5 million rubles ($19,000). Not only antique dealers but also fashionistas proudly showcase their vintage Christmas ornaments.
And it’s not just a matter of nostalgia.
Fashion, money, family
Vintage and retro trends are taking hold across Russia. While Soviet-era clothes, furniture, and appliances may not appeal to everyone, Christmas ornaments offer a taste of history without any discomfort. These aren’t modern copies, they are tangible pieces of the past that can be appreciated and used as intended.
The growing popularity of Soviet ornaments is also driven by their scarcity. The supply is limited: many ornaments have long been broken, while others lie forgotten in dusty boxes in attics and basements. The original production was never mass-scale, and a significant number of these ornaments were handcrafted, making them truly unique. Experts already recognize Soviet Christmas ornaments as valuable antiques.
Additionally, there has been a shift in attitudes toward the Soviet past. After the collapse of the USSR, discussions of life under communism – whether in film, media, or literature – became highly politicized. Some idealized this era, while others portrayed it as a dystopia. Debates grew heated, even among those who simply appreciated Soviet aesthetics.
Over time, even Russians with strong opinions about the USSR became weary of emotional arguments. In recent years, the focus has shifted from glorifying or condemning Soviet citizens to depicting their real lives. Amid all the inconveniences and shortcomings of Soviet life, there’s definitely a certain charm to it.
Finally, these ornaments bridge generational gaps. Not every family has heirlooms that survived the upheavals of the 1990s, but old ornaments can both evoke fond memories for older relatives and delight children.
Recently, Russians have started spending more time with their families. Despite a rise in individualism, there’s a desire to connect more with loved ones. This makes the idea of incorporating vintage ornaments into the family’s New Year celebration even more appealing.
The Democrats and Republicans initially worked together to release the files, until ‘politics as usual’ inevitably spoiled everything
Across the United States, Democrats and Republicans are demanding that their leaders come clean with the Epstein files and the truth finally be told. What they are getting instead is a massive redaction campaign.
Not since 1998 with the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky show trial has the American public been so incensed by a sex scandal like the one the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein personally directed for many years. Here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to send not just one or two powerful ‘untouchables’ to prison for the worst crime imaginable – sexual abuse of a minor – but many dozens, possibly hundreds. In other words, a vast network of international power, wealth, and systemic abuse.
Yet today we are no closer to the truth as to the identities of the sick perpetrators. Under the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Justice Department was required to release all of its investigative material on Mr. Epstein by Dec. 19, though it was allowed to redact and withhold certain material in order to “protect the victims,” which is of course understandable. It also withheld materials that would “jeopardize a federal investigation.” Whether we’ll actually see a single suspect face trial is presently unknown, but the DOJ took full advantage of that loophole as 680 pages of the release were entirely redacted, which made the release practically redundant and senseless.
Were we the people once again expecting too much from the government? That’s very likely, but considering that we are talking about child abuse, even just a single redacted page would have appeared suspicious; hundreds of pages totally blacked out is completely unacceptable. After all, an investigation would not be hindered by the release of the identities of those individuals who had sexual relations with underage girls. The American people deserve better than this. The American people deserve the names of those pedophiles who are walking the streets free today.
In the beginning, President Donald Trump was of the opinion that such a mission was a cause worth pursuing. On the 2024 campaign trail, he pledged he’d have “no problem” releasing more files related to Jeffrey Epstein if elected. He even said he’d make public the late sex offender’s “client list” of those elite pedophiles who paid a visit to his notorious Little Saint James Island in the Caribbean. It is not difficult to imagine the nervous tremors that reverberated throughout the nation following that statement, and it could very well be the source of the ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ that has infected so many among the world’s top movers and shakers. It looked as though the MAGA movement would turn a deranged part of the establishment on its head.
Once in office, however, Trump, who has maintained his innocence throughout the saga, vacillated on the question of what to do with the files. He has gone from saying he would welcome the release of the documents to calling the whole scandal a “Democratic hoax.” As for an Epstein client list, his Attorney General Pam Bondi was on the record as saying it was in her possession, only to later deny the existence of a client list. This has led to both Democrats and Republicans asking what Trump was hiding, if anything.
What we know is that Trump was good friends with Epstein from the late eighties, but ended contact with the pedophile in 2004, four years before Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. This is where the plot thickens as a number of highly influential men, including Bill Gates, Larry Summers, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), continued their friendship with Epstein even after he had been publicly exposed as a child predator.
One political figure who appeared prominently in the latest file release was – yes, you guessed it – Bill Clinton, who also claims to have cut off relations with Epstein in 2005, years before child molestation charges were filed against the latter. This is where the political battle between the Democrats and Republicans has exploded and can expect to worsen over time. Clinton’s spokesperson Angel Ureña has accused the White House of using the former Democratic president as a scapegoat.
“The White House hasn’t been hiding these files for months only to dump them late on a Friday to protect Bill Clinton,” the spokesperson said in a statement on X.
“This is about shielding themselves from what comes next, or from what they’ll try and hide forever. So they can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn’t about Bill Clinton. Never has, never will be,” the statement added.
Despite the Democrats and Republicans initially working together to release the files, it was inevitable that ‘politics as usual’ would spoil the party. In fact, it is truly a spectacle to watch powerful, influential men doing everything possible – short of murder – to conceal their guilt in Epstein’s extensive pedophilia ring. Actually, scratch the murder part. Regardless of what the FBI would have us believe, there is simply no way that Jeffrey Epstein was able to commit suicide inside of his jail cell, which did not come specially equipped with convenient hooks in the ceiling from which to hang oneself. Prison cells are built specifically to be suicide proof.
But I digress.
It would be nice to think that there will be some sort of political price to be paid for these crimes against society’s most vulnerable segment, and that could very well happen in the 2026 midterm elections. Although we can expect there to be no smoking guns, no bombshell revelations, no crack-of-dawn arrests for the child molesters, there very well could be a political backlash against Trump and the Republican Party for keeping the country in the dark when it comes to Mr. Epstein and his massive closet of skeletons. A large part of that backlash could come from within MAGA itself, which had such high hopes for Trump cracking down on the sexual predators.
The political scion and BNP party head has arrived in a country torn by violence and ruled by an interim government ahead of elections
Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which was in opposition during ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule, has returned to Dhaka after nearly 17 years.
Rahman landed in the capital of Bangladesh on Thursday morning and was welcomed by massive crowds, with security tightened to unprecedented levels amid recent violence and lawlessness in the country.
Speaking from the stage, 61-year-old Rahman called for unity among various communities and political forces and emphasized the goal of creating a safe Bangladesh.
Both his parents once held top government roles. His mother, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is currently being treated in a hospital in Dhaka.
Tarique’s father Ziaur Rahman, the sixth president of Bangladesh, was assassinated by members of the country’s army on May 30, 1981. Rahman fled his homeland in 2008 over what he called politically motivated persecution and took up residence in London.
Rahman is now projected to be the key contender in the upcoming elections. An interim government, which has been in power since the ouster of ex-Prime Minister Hasina in August 2024, has delayed the announcement of elections for months and has finally set the date for the polls as February 12, under pressure from various political forces. The interim government is led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Hasina’s party, the Awami League, has been barred from contesting the election.
Bangladesh has seen a wave of violence in recent days following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the most prominent leaders of the 2024 uprising, who was shot by masked assailants in Dhaka earlier this month. Following his death, protesters took to the streets throughout the country, demanding the arrest of the assailants, chanting anti-India slogans and rioting. Protesters attacked and set fire to the offices of two prominent Bangladeshi newspapers, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
Protests escalated further when a Hindu factory worker was lynched by a mob and later set on fire in Mymensingh. This tragedy heightened diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka, with both countries summoning each other’s envoys. On Wednesday, a bystander was killed in Dhaka when a crude bomb was hurled from an overpass and exploded.
Russia’s president sent a telegram to North Korea’s leader, stating 2025 held “special significance” for their countries’ relationship
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent New Year greetings to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, hailing the past year as one of “special significance” for bilateral relations between Moscow and Pyongyang and a deepening strategic partnership.
In a telegram published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Thursday, Putin said the relationship will “contribute to establishing a just order of the multi-polar world.”
“The past one year was of special significance in the relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang,” Russia’s president said, citing Moscow’s appreciation for North Korean military assistance in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion in Kursk Region.
The “heroic entry” of North Korean soldiers into battle and the subsequent work of North Korean combat engineers had “clearly proved the invincible friendship and militant fraternity” between the two countries, Putin said.
The Russian military reported in April that Ukrainian troops had been completely expelled from Kursk Region, while acknowledging the role of North Korean troops in the operation for the first time. Russia’s authorities have vowed to erect a monument in Moscow to the soldiers deployed by Pyongyang that were killed defending Russian territory.
Putin also said that, thanks to joint efforts, the provisions of the “historic” treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership have been “fulfilled in a planned way.” Signed in June of 2024, the landmark agreement includes a mutual defense clause, stipulating that if either side is subject to an “armed invasion,” the other will “provide military and other assistance… without delay.”
Russia’s leader has expressed confidence that Moscow and Pyongyang will continue their constructive cooperation, taking note of strengthening ties in political, trade, economic, human and other fields.
The revision reportedly aims to protect children rather than target sexting adults
China will expand a ban on sharing obscene materials to include content sent via phone and online messaging apps starting next year.
According to the revised law, anyone “disseminating obscene information using information networks, telephones, or other communication tools” will face up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to 5,000 yuan ($711). Penalties will be higher if the content involves children.
The wording of the law has led to concerns from media and social networks as to whether it could be applied to private sexually explicit messages between adults, such as sexting.
However, according to multiple legal experts cited by Chinese state media, the legal changes will not affect one-on-one private communications. They argue that the revisions reflect technological development, increasing the maximum fines, while leaving detention periods unchanged.
“China has mature standards and procedures for identifying obscene materials. It is critical to clarify that ‘obscene’ does not equal ‘indecent’,” China Daily cited Ji Ying, an associate professor of law at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, as saying.
Several legal experts explained that ‘indecent’ is a subjective term that does not necessarily meet the legal threshold of obscenity, which requires judicial determination and must meet clear statutory standards.
Zhu Wei, an associate professor at China University of Political Science and Law, told the outlet that the law is designed to protect minors and safeguard online ecosystems. He went on to note that, under the law, Chinese authorities require warrants and official investigation documents to access data on personal devices.
Several cases that preceded the expanded ban have reportedly involved mass sharing of explicit content.
In one case, three administrators of a group on the Chinese QQ platform were found guilty of failing to prevent the spread of hundreds of explicit videos, Global Times reported on Tuesday.
In another case from May, a man was convicted of rape, child molestation and spreading obscene materials after it was discovered that he sent explicit videos to more than 100 primary and middle school girls.
China has long banned pornography. Enforcement has largely focused on production, distribution and public sharing, rather than private consumption.
The revised law is set to take effect on January 1.
Laurent Vinatier received a three-year sentence last year for failing to register as a foreign agent
Moscow has reached out to Paris with a proposal regarding a French citizen jailed in Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
Laurent Vinatier was sentenced to three years in prison in 2024 for failing to register as a foreign agent while collecting information on the Russian military.
During last week's Q&A session, French broadcaster TF1 journalist Jerome Garro asked Russian President Vladimir Putin if he could pardon Vinatier. Putin replied that he was unaware of the case but promised to look into it and “take all the necessary efforts to do that” if Russian law allows it.
On Thursday, Peskov said he called Garro and filled him in on a proposal that Moscow had made to Paris with regard to the case. “The ball is now in France’s court,” the spokesman said without providing any details, calling the issue “sensitive.”
Vinatier worked for the Swiss NGO ‘Center for Humanitarian Dialogue’ as an adviser on Russia and Eurasia. He was arrested in June 2024 after the Russian Ministry of Justice designated him a foreign agent. Prosecutors accused him of “purposefully” collecting information on Russia’s activities in the “military and military-technical” fields for several years, with no intent to register his activities with the relevant authorities. Vinatier pleaded guilty to two felony charges.
Russian media reported in August that an espionage case has been opened against Vinatier. According to his lawyer, he could face a new trial at the end of February 2026. A conviction for espionage carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The nation’s leader Kim Jong Un has inspected construction of the vessel and vowed to accelerate naval development
Pyongyang has shared new images of its first nearly completed nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally inspected the vessel.
Kim hailed its construction as an “epoch-making crucial change,” the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Thursday.
During his visit, Kim oversaw the construction of the 8,700-tonnage strategic guided missile submarine and vowed to continue to equip the DPRK’s navy with nuclear missiles.
Kim linked the need to bolster the country’s offensive power with South Korea’s plan to develop its own nuclear submarine, which has recently been approved by the US. The North Korean leader claimed Seoul’s plans violate Pyongyang’s security and maritime sovereignty.
He warned that North Korea’s enemies will be “forced to pay a dear price when they violate the security of the DPRK’s strategic sovereignty” and will face a “merciless retaliatory attack if they try to select a military option.”
Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un personally supervised the on-site construction of the new 8,700-ton nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine. pic.twitter.com/0h1giivkPy
KCNA reported that Kim was also briefed on the on-going research and development of new “underwater secret weapons.”
The development of the new submarine comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula, with Pyongyang accusing the US, South Korea, and Japan of undermining its national security and destabilizing the region by attempting to create an “Asian version of NATO” and conducting joint military exercises.
Seoul and Washington have repeatedly insisted on the denuclearization of the peninsula. In October, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also urged Beijing to play a “constructive role” in establishing peace and finding “a substantive solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.”
Pyongyang, however, has stated that its nuclear armed forces will “exist forever” as a means of defending its sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental interests, dismissing denuclearization as a “pipedream.”
Reliance had halted crude purchases to comply with US sanctions
India’s largest private oil refiner, Reliance Industries, has resumed buying Russian crude after previously halting purchases to comply with US sanctions, according to Bloomberg.
The US government imposed sanctions on Russian state-owned oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil in October, saying the measures were intended to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector over the Ukraine conflict. The sanctions gave global companies, including Indian refiners, a November 21 deadline to wind down transactions with the two majors.
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on Wednesday that Reliance is sourcing discounted crude from non-sanctioned suppliers. The company contracted Aframax tankers from the Russian firm RusExport and is routing the barrels to its 660,000-barrel-a-day refinery at Jamnagar, a plant that supplies India’s domestic fuel market, the anonymous sources said.
Reliance, which has a long-term deal with Rosneft, announced last month that it would halt new purchases to ensure compliance with the sanctions. It said the final such cargo was loaded on November 12.
A company source told Reuters that ongoing deliveries represent “pre-existing transactions which are being wound down in a sanctions-compliant manner.”
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, became a key market for Russian crude following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Data from analytics firm Kpler shows Russia has been the South Asian nation’s top oil supplier since then, providing over 36% of India’s crude imports so far this year.
In response to the sanctions, key Indian refiners temporarily halted new orders and sought alternative supplies. Others, such as state-backed Indian Oil Corporation, have said they will continue purchasing oil from Russian producers that hadn’t been sanctioned.
Western countries have repeatedly targeted Russia. US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on India in August as a penalty for its purchases of Russian oil, claiming the trade prolonged the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has dismissed criticism over trade with Moscow, saying its energy policy is driven by national interest. Around the same time, the EU implemented its 19th package of sanctions targeting what Brussels claims is a Russian ‘shadow fleet’.
Moscow has said threats of sanctions or tariffs on its partners violate their sovereign rights.
The explosion took place in an area of Gaza fully controlled by the Israeli military, the Palestinian group has said
Hamas has denied responsibility for a bomb blast that struck an Israeli armored vehicle in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, and has asked the international community to put pressure on Israel to comply with a ceasefire agreement.
The US-brokered ceasefire, which took effect in Gaza on October 10, called for Israeli forces to pull back from parts of the enclave and for Hamas to free the last 20 remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The statement came after the IDF reported that an officer had been injured by an explosion in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the explosion, but the militant group countered that it had occurred in an area entirely controlled by the Jewish State’s defense forces, where “no Palestinians are present.”
Hamas stated in a Telegram post on Wednesday that remnants of war were a known risk in the region, adding that they “bear no responsibility for any of these incidents since the ceasefire agreement came into effect,” particularly regarding “explosives planted by the occupation itself in the area.”
Hamas urged Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and “refrain from fabricating excuses to escalate and undermine the truce,” reaffirming its commitment to the terms.
Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi also stated on X that he believes the Rafah explosion had resulted from unexploded ordnance left over from the conflict. Netanyahu, however, used the incident to argue that Hamas “has no plan to disarm,” a core requirement of the truce, and warned that “Israel will respond accordingly.”
Hamas called for pressure to force Israel to implement signed agreements. It said West Jerusalem must “refrain from fabricating justifications” for continued escalation and attempts to “sabotage the agreement.”
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have continued, and humanitarian aid has lagged, worsening conditions in Gaza, according to UN agencies and regional mediators. Palestinians have accused West Jerusalem of violating the agreement.
Israel launched its military campaign in the Palestinian enclave in response to a surprise Hamas attack in October 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 others were taken hostage.
The Hamas-run Gaza health authorities say the Israeli operations have left over 70,000 Palestinians dead.
The suspect had stashed over 80kg of explosives and was killed after resisting arrest, according to the security agency
A Ukrainian agent who planned terrorist attacks in Russia has been shot dead while resisting arrest, the Federal Security Service (FSB) reported on Thursday.
The suspect, born in Soviet Ukraine in the late 1970s and living in Kaluga, Russia, was preparing bomb attacks against a natural gas storage facility and a defense plant parking lot, the FSB said. Acting on orders from Ukrainian special services, he had allegedly produced about 80kg of homemade explosives for the plot.
The agency reported that the suspect had also retrieved 300g of military-grade plastic explosives, fuses, and a handgun from a stash prepared by other Ukrainian assets. He shot the firearm at officers trying to apprehend him and was killed by return fire.
The FSB released footage showing the individual’s body, his bombmaking arsenal, and the recovery of several plastic bottles from a stash, presumably used to hide the home-made explosives.
Earlier this week, the FSB reported foiling a Ukrainian terrorist attack in Tyumen Region in Western Siberia. The suspect in the case was also killed after being caught retrieving bomb components.
Russian officials have repeatedly accused Kiev of escalating bomb attacks inside Russia due to its failure to achieve victories on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces have suffered several setbacks in Donbass in recent months amid reported shortages of reinforcements.
The country’s lugers could miss out on the World Cup stage in Latvia, which is essential for Olympic qualification
Latvia has denied entry to Russian athletes ahead of a crucial Luge World Cup stage hosted by the EU country, its foreign minister, Baiba Braze, has announced.
Like its Baltic neighbors Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia has been one of the staunchest opponents of Moscow since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, calling for more military aid to Kiev and increasingly harsh sanctions on Russia. Riga has provided almost $1 billion in assistance to the government of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky since February 2022.
On January 3 and 4, the Latvian town of Sigulda hosts the fourth stage of the Luge World Cup. The points scored in the event are essential for athletes to qualify for the Winter Olympics in Italy’s Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in February 2026.
Braze wrote in a post on X on Wednesday that Russian lugers “are not welcome in Latvia.”
“I have decided to include 14 Russian Federation citizens on the persona non grata list,” she said.
According to the foreign minister, the entry ban, introduced in line with the country’s immigration legislation, is indefinite.
Many Russians were barred from international sporting events over the Ukraine conflict. However, some sporting governing bodies later allowed individual athletes to compete under a neutral flag.
One of them was the International Luge Federation (FIL), which greenlighted Russians under neutral status for its events in late November. Two Russian lugers took part in the World Cup stage in Lake Placid in the US last week.
Russian MP and speed skating Olympic champion Svetlana Zhurvova told Match TV that the move by Latvia came as no surprise, considering the attitude of the NATO member’s authorities towards Russia.
Sporting governing bodies must put pressure on the government in Riga because “if they can’t provide all athletes with equal access to competitions on their soil then they shouldn’t be hosting those competitions at all,” Zhurova argued.
The head of the Russian parliament’s sports committee, Dmitry Svishchev, described the entry ban as “revenge by little trolls, bad sportsmanship.” Moscow will definitely challenge the decision, he stressed.
As African agency grows, the continent is playing an increasingly important role in global processes
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the developments in Russia-Africa relations over the past year. What aspects of bilateral relations have evolved? What has changed, and what remained the same?
RT in collaboration with the Center for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) presents a special overview of the key events and trends that shaped Russia-Africa relations this year. While it’s not possible to mention every event, meeting, and milestone that occurred, we hope that any single event will fit into one of the following categories.
Revitalization of investments
In 2025, we saw the development of several investment projects involving Russian companies in Africa. These investment opportunities complemented the ongoing trade cooperation between Russia and the continent. While many previously announced projects had remained on paper, this year, three key initiatives involving the firms saw major developments.
In July 2025, an intergovernmental agreement between Russia and the Republic of Congo came into effect for the construction of the Pointe-Noire–Loutété–Maloukou-Tréchot oil pipeline. The agreement is set for a 30-year term, following which it may be automatically extended for another five years. The project will be headed by the Russian company Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey and the Congolese state company SNPC. The parties are now tasked with completing the pipeline design and securing financing.
“Once operational, the pipeline will enhance energy security in the interior regions of the Republic of Congo, including its capital, Brazzaville, as well as border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said Vsevolod Sviridov, Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies at HSE University.
Also in July, Mantra Tanzania (a subsidiary of Rosatom) launched a pilot uranium processing facility at the Mkuju River project in southern Tanzania. The inauguration was attended by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The facility will test technological methods for uranium processing, and the collected data will be used for the construction of the main processing complex with a capacity of up to 3,000 tons of uranium per year. Construction of this complex, according to Rosatom, is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with operations slated to begin in 2029.
Another notable advancement is the progress on Rosatom’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project in Egypt. This initiative is not classified as an investment project; it’s being financed through a Russian loan and set to be handed over to Egypt upon completion. However, it remains the largest Russian-backed project underway in Africa.
In November, a ceremonial event marked the installation of the reactor vessel for the first power unit. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated in the event via videoconference. This ceremony signified a pivotal phase in the plant’s technological development and construction progress (which began in 2022).
The year 2025 was marked by a series of Russia-Africa events held on the African continent. This signifies a significant shift from past years, when most meetings, including the Russia-Africa summits, took place in Russia. In November, the Russian agency Rossotrudnichestvo organized a conference in Addis Ababa focused on food sovereignty in African nations. This event brought together officials, representatives from international organizations, business leaders, and academics to discuss the key challenges surrounding food security in Africa and Russia’s role in addressing them.
On December 20, 2025, Cairo hosted the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum. During this event, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held bilateral talks with over 20 African ministers of foreign affairs.
Additionally, several other initiatives occurred across Africa, including Russia-Uganda and Russia-Algeria intergovernmental commissions. A dedicated session on Russia-Africa cooperation also took place during the African Energy Week.
“All of this contributes significantly to shaping the agenda for the upcoming Russia-Africa summit scheduled for 2026, and prepares the Russian side for organizing large-scale events on African soil. In the long term, we can expect Russia-Africa communication to shift to Africa,” Sviridov noted.
New ambassadors and embassies
In 2025, Russia-Africa relations also strengthened on an institutional level. In September, Russia appointed an ambassador to Niger; in October and December, Russia appointed ambassadors to South Sudan and Sierra Leone, respectively. The opening of Russian embassies in these countries is planned, and the appointment of ambassadors is a crucial step in this process. In November, the Russian government approved a Foreign Ministry proposal to establish an embassy in Moroni, the capital of the Union of the Comoros.
The embassy acts as an “institutional anchor,” transitioning interactions from sporadic contacts to a stable system of ongoing communication channels. Therefore, the appointment of ambassadors and the anticipated establishment of new embassies in several African nations in 2025 represent a move towards long-term collaboration. A notable example is the Comoros – earlier, its citizens had to travel to Madagascar for consular services, including obtaining Russian visas.
Last year set a record for Russia-Africa trade, which reached $27.7 billion. According to Vsevolod Sviridov, “In 2025, a significant increase in trade volume is not expected; it will likely remain within the range of $25–30 billion.”
Preliminary trade data for 2025 indicates that Russian exports to Africa from January to October amounted to $17.6 billion, down 14.4%. However, imports from Africa showed substantial growth, reaching $3.7 billion (an increase of 31.4%). It is likely that by the end of the year, imports from Africa will set a historical record, surpassing the $4 billion mark.
The rise in imports is due to the establishment of direct trade channels between Russia and African countries, particularly for agricultural products like coffee and fruit. Conversely, the decline in exports highlights the limitations of a “market-driven” trading model, which relies heavily on intermediaries and commodity exchanges. Boosting Russian exports to Africa will require a more dedicated effort from exporters, including investments in supply chains, market research, and workforce development.
In 2025, a reshuffling took place among diplomats working with Africa. This change was part of the routine cycles and traditions of the Russian diplomatic service – diplomats transition between working in Moscow and foreign embassies. As a result, a new generation of diplomats now oversees relations with Africa, succeeding those who revitalized cooperation in the latter half of the 2010s.
In August 2024, Anatoly Bashkin, the former Russian ambassador to Cameroon, was appointed director of the Africa department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In February 2025, the ministry introduced a new division, the Department for Partnership with Africa, headed by Tatyana Dovgalenko. This department will focus on enhancing Russia-Africa relations, including organizing summits and addressing pan-African issues. Additionally, in July 2025, Sergey Vershinin was appointed as the new deputy foreign minister overseeing African affairs.
The crisis facing multilateral platforms became evident this year. Due to several factors, the effectiveness in crafting collective responses to challenges has decreased and affected organizations like the UN, G20, and other regional bodies. In contrast, there has been a notable increase in the popularity of bilateral and regional summits.
BRICS is also experiencing a transformation. Over the past two years, its “African track” has organically complemented Russia-Africa relations – Egypt and Ethiopia joined BRICS in 2023, and Uganda and Nigeria were granted partner status in 2024.
For now, the expanded organization is adapting to its new configuration and developing a fresh approach, including to its relations with Africa. The focus on Africa has decreased during Brazil’s presidency in 2025, compared to 2023-2024. However, as our expert notes, “In 2026, India will hold the BRICS presidency; India has always prioritized Africa and collaboration with the Global South, so we expect to see more activity in this area.”
Sahel countries: more than security
Cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is growing. A decision was made to establish intergovernmental commissions with these countries. In July 2025, a Russian government delegation led by Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev visited Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, marking a significant step in boosting trade and economic ties with these nations.
Additionally, in 2025, an agreement outlining the foundational aspects of relations between Russia and Mali was signed and ratified, setting the stage for collaboration in various fields, including military-political and economic dimensions. The Russian Foreign Ministry plans to conclude similar agreements with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Russia’s cooperation with the Sahel countries has notably evolved. While maintaining a military component, it has expanded beyond just military instructors.
“Russia has developed a more comprehensive model of interaction with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, viewing security not just in physical terms, but also developing cooperation in food and energy security, and information security,” says Sviridov.
In 2025, growth in the field of Russia-Africa education cooperation continues, with more than 32,000 African students enrolled in Russian universities (2024 already saw a 6% increase comparing to 2023). This figure represents about 10% of all foreign students in Russia.
Russia hopes to expand the number of foreign students to 700,000 by 2030, and is turning to scholarships and the promotion of its language through Russian Houses, as well as cultural centers run by the country’s agency for international cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo).
This strategic push addresses Africa’s surging demand for high-quality, cost-effective education, particularly in medicine, engineering, IT, and agriculture. Over 1,600 students from 45 African countries are enrolled in agricultural programs. Applications from African nationals for agricultural studies in Russia have grown fivefold between 2020 and 2025. While Egypt and Algeria lead student sources, interest is robust across Tanzania, South Africa, Angola, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
The agency currently works in 22 African nations, with eight official offices – in South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Zambia, Morocco, Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Tunisia – and 14 Russian Houses run by local partners, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Somalia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Equatorial Guinea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly underscored that education is a priority sector in engagement with African nations. In June, he noted that more than 40 Russian universities have established partnerships with local institutions in South Africa alone, and that around 570 South African students are currently studying at Russian universities.
Russia-Africa collaboration in sports diplomacy continued this year. The Russian national soccer team played friendly matches against African teams, including a match with Nigeria in Moscow on June 6 (ending in a 1-1 draw) and with Zambia on March 25 (Russia won 5-0). The Nigerian team was one of the strongest opponents Russia has faced since 2021. The match drew over 45,000 spectators at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
Another noteworthy aspect was the “Olympic” initiative: African Olympic organizations, particularly the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) have consistently supported the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions. As a result, the IOC has recommended easing restrictions for youth athletes from Russia and Belarus, particularly concerning the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
In 2025, the cultural dialogue between Russia and Africa deepened. Russians continued to show interest in African heritage and contemporary art. In Moscow, Africa-themed events became an important part of the cultural calendar. The Museum of Oriental Art opened the three-part exhibition “Africa at the Museum of Oriental Art” which included the exhibition “Mami Wata: water spirits south of the Sahara.” At the new ZILART museum, a major exhibition titled “African art: gods, ancestors, life” showcased over 1,000 artifacts.
Cultural collaboration extended beyond exhibitions. The XVII International Chekhov Theatre Festival in Moscow (May 23 – July 25, 2025) featured productions from South Africa, including the music and dance production MOYA. The Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) fostered partnerships with African organizations, while the Moscow Conservatory and the Bamako Conservatory signed a cooperation agreement.
Russian art is also slowly gaining traction in Africa. In addition to photography exhibitions, some exhibitions of Russian art took place in Africa; for instance, the reproductions of artworks by Nikolai Roerich were exhibited in Rabat in 2025.
Another important field is film diplomacy – Russian film festivals took place in the Seychelles and Djibouti in 2025.
Media collaboration
In 2025, collaboration between Russia and Africa in the media sector intensified. A multifunctional editorial center for Radio Sputnik opened in Addis Ababa in February. Educational partnerships continued through initiatives like RT Academy, which offers specialized courses for African journalists and bloggers, and Sputnik Pro.
Cooperation between RT and the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB) also strengthened. In November 2025, TASS organized an international press tour titled “TASS–Africa: A Path of Friendship” and announced plans to expand its network of bureaus across various African countries.
The healthcare sector became one of the most rapidly evolving areas of Russia-Africa interaction in 2025. The Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) increased its presence in Africa, sharing its expertise on epidemic response and sanitary oversight.
In April, joint exercises simulating epidemic responses took place in Addis Ababa, focusing on real scenarios of the spread of infectious diseases and improving coordination between African health services and Russian experts.
A cornerstone of Russia’s medical diplomacy in Africa is the Russian Red Cross Dejazmach Balcha Hospital in Addis Ababa— the first and only Russian multi-disciplinary clinic on the continent, operating since 1947, and a unique symbol of Russian-Ethiopian friendship. In 2025, after a prolonged crisis, discussions regarding the hospital’s future and modernization gained momentum.
This year, a delegation of 30 Orthodox Christian clergy from 22 African countries visited Russia. The visit included a pilgrimage and a conference of the African Exarchate of the Moscow Patriarchate. The group, led by Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, included clerics from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and other nations. Bishop Yevfimiy Lukhovitskiy, a vicar of the Exarchate, also participated in the events.
A delegation of 30 Orthodox priests from 22 African countries visited the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
The African clergy attended church services presided over by Patriarch Kirill, including an all-night vigil at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow and a joint liturgy at the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, one of the key spiritual centers of the Russian Orthodox Church.
An important part of the visit was the conference of the African Exarchate. More than 30 reports were presented on missionary work, catechesis, religious education, and pastoral practices in Africa.
Social and humanitarian outreach remains an important aspect of the Exarchate’s mission. In 2025, the Russian Orthodox Church continued projects aimed at aiding local communities, including the construction of schools, food assistance, and the provision of humanitarian supplies. Efforts were made to provide access to clean drinking water, particularly in rural areas. For example, the first well-drilling project supported by the African Exarchate was launched in the northern regions of Cameroon.
Similar initiatives have previously been implemented in Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia. These projects are funded through voluntary donations and are carried out in close collaboration with local congregations and communities.
What’s next?
2025 has been a year of intensive rather than extensive growth in terms of Russia-Africa relations. Russia has shifted from establishing new platforms and forging partnerships to enriching the bilateral agenda and developing sector-specific cooperation. A significant milestone was the series of Russia-Africa events hosted directly on African soil.
A notable trend is that most initiatives continue to evolve over time, and in areas like healthcare and education, they have materialized into concrete projects. However, Russia is still cautious about engaging in large-scale initiatives, opting instead for various “introductory” activities. Consequently, while political understanding is growing, it has yet to translate into substantial acceleration in trade and economic collaboration.
At the same time, interpersonal relationships are also blossoming—more Africans are traveling to Russia, and more Russians are visiting Africa, fostering humanitarian ties that complement the political and economic aspects.
The year 2026 will be crucial for bilateral relations. We anticipate more news regarding Russia-Africa interactions, especially since the third Russia-Africa summit is scheduled for next year. The current crisis in “summit diplomacy” and the maturation of Russia-Africa relations signify that it will differ from the summits held in 2023 and 2019. We can expect more bilateral contacts and the establishment of sector-specific cooperation in areas such as energy, digitalization, food security, healthcare, and education.
The global landscape is shifting, with the US, China, and the EU reassessing their policies in Africa. Therefore, we may expect adjustments in Russia’s approach as well. As African agency grows, the continent itself will play an increasingly important role in the process, and the effectiveness of dialogue and Russian policy in the region will largely depend on the will and capabilities of the African nations.
Beijing has commented on a Pentagon report that alleged it was trying to prevent relations between New Delhi and Washington from “deepening”
Beijing has accused the US of attempting to “drive a wedge between China and other countries” and of seeking to undermine its ties with India.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian branded the US approach “irresponsible,” referring to a recent Pentagon report on relations with India.
“The US report distorts China’s defense policy, seeks to drive a wedge between China and other countries, and provides excuses for maintaining its own military hegemony. China firmly opposes this.” Lin said.
Lin was answering a question from an RT correspondent on a recently released Pentagon report, which suggested that China “probably seeks to capitalize” on decreased tensions along Line of Actual Control (LAC), the disputed border with India, in order to stabilize bilateral relations and “prevent the deepening” of US-India ties.
Lin added that China views its ties with India from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to strengthen communication with its neighbor and enhance mutual trust.
”The China-India border issue is a matter between the two countries. The overall situation along the China-India border remains stable, and communication channels between the two sides are open. We oppose any country making comments on this matter,” the spokesperson asserted.
Ties between Beijing and New Delhi have improved significantly after a nearly five-year standstill caused by deadly border clashes in June 2020. The thaw in relations began after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. During their meeting in Kazan, the leaders of the two nations agreed to restore bilateral ties, including business, tourism, and cultural connections.
In October, direct flights between China and India officially resumed after a hiatus of five years. The two countries also fully restored visa services to each other’s citizens. Earlier this week, China launched an online application system to speed up the visa process for travelers from India. New Delhi also dropped a layer of bureaucratic scrutiny and shortened visa approval times to less than a month to fast-track business visas for Chinese professionals, Reuters reported earlier this month.
Ukraine cannot afford an 800,000-strong army proposed in Kiev’s latest “peace plan,” Nikolay Azarov has said
Vladimir Zelensky’s 20-point “peace proposal,” which includes a goal of maintaining an 800,000-strong army, shows he is actually seeking a continuation of the conflict with Russia, former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov said on Thursday.
Zelensky shared with the media this week what he described as a draft roadmap to peace discussed with American officials. Azarov, who headed the cabinet deposed in the 2014 armed coup in Kiev, said the troop level envisioned by Zelensky is “a wartime army” that is too large for peacetime.
“Funding it is economically unrealistic for Ukraine. The Ukrainian economy cannot afford such a large army,” he told TASS, describing the document as a mere stalling attempt.
Ukraine struggled to maintain 180,000-strong armed forces before the escalation of the conflict with Russia, Azarov added, so proposing a much larger military means Zelensky is “counting on the fighting to continue.” Kiev is using foreign aid and loans to sustain its war effort.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is attempting to mediate an end to the Ukraine conflict, with several rounds of talks separately involving Russian and Ukrainian officials taking place in recent weeks. Moscow says the process should remain private and has criticized leaks to the media that purport to reveal details of the negotiations.
Observers note that Zelensky’s latest proposal does not address core Russian national security objectives, which Moscow says must be part of any final resolution – an assessment that Azarov supports too. These include the “demilitarization” of Ukraine through a cap on its army size and a ban on foreign troops and military assets on Ukrainian soil.
The European Union has emerged as the principal Ukraine donor, after Trump significantly cut aid programs. This week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported that the bloc’s support of Kiev has reached €193 billion ($227 billion), with another €90 billion pending after Brussels’ decision to borrow the money against the joint EU budget.
An investigation has been launched to determine the probable cause of the tragedy at Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzanian officials have said
A helicopter has crashed on Africa’s tallest mountain in Tanzania, killing all five people on board, including the pilot and two foreign nationals, officials have reported.
The accident occurred on Wednesday evening at Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro during a rescue mission to evacuate patients, the East African country’s police said. The Barafu Camp, located at an altitude of approximately 4,673 meters (15,331 feet) above sea level, is said to be one of the most popular routes for tourists climbing the mountain.
Kilimanjaro regional police commander Simon Maigwa told reporters that the aircraft belonged to aviation company KiliMedair, which conducts medical evacuation services and scenic flights.
“Those who died are two foreign tourists, one guide, the pilot, and a doctor,” Maigwa said, according to local outlet The Citizen.
The BBC identified the victims as Plos David and Plosova Anna, both Czech citizens who had been taken up the mountain for an expedition by Mikaya Tours. The others included Jimmy Daniel, a doctor; Innocent Mbaga, the tour guide; and Constantine Mazonde, the pilot and a Zimbabwean national.
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement on Thursday that an “investigation has been instituted in accordance with national and international aviation safety regulations to determine the circumstances and probable cause of the occurrence.”
Aviation accidents on Mount Kilimanjaro are rare. The most recent incident before Wednesday’s crash occurred in 2008, claiming the lives of four tourists. Prior to that, only a handful of accidents had been recorded over several decades, including a major DC 3 airliner crash in 1955.
The Russian currency has outperformed those of other countries this year, the outlet has said
The Russian ruble has surged more than any other major global currency this year, marking its strongest performance since 1994, according to Bloomberg calculations.
The nation’s currency has also become one of the world’s five highest-yielding major assets this year, trailing only precious metals – platinum, silver, palladium, and gold.
The ruble has risen 45% since the beginning of the year, trades near 78 per dollar and is approaching levels not seen since before the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the outlet said on Wednesday.
The ruble’s strength has been linked to a steep decline in Russian demand for foreign currency amid Western sanctions, coupled with a stringent monetary policy that has enhanced the attractiveness of ruble-denominated assets for residents.
The central bank maintained a record high key interest rate for three years until December, when it was reduced by 5 percentage points to 16% as part of measures to curb inflation amid sweeping sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
The latest interest rate cut continues a shift from the emergency tightening that followed the restrictions, when the key rate jumped from 9.5% to 20% to stabilize the ruble. After easing and then tightening again amid renewed price pressures, the rate peaked at 21% in October 2024 before the bank began gradual cuts this year.
Support for the ruble has also come from the Bank of Russia’s foreign currency sales, reflecting the Finance Ministry’s management of yuan and gold from the National Wealth Fund to offset lost energy revenue, the outlet added.
The ruble’s growth this year ranks it among the top five most profitable global assets in terms of spot returns, following platinum, silver, palladium, and gold.
The official Russian exchange rates for the dollar and euro were historically determined by trading activity on the Moscow Exchange. However, in June 2024, formal exchange-based trading in these currencies was suspended due to Western sanctions targeting Russia’s financial infrastructure.
Since that suspension, the Bank of Russia has set the official ruble rates for the dollar and euro using commercial bank data. The central bank’s methodology is based on the results of over-the-counter interbank foreign exchange transactions.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has questioned the Ukrainian leader’s capacity to make any reasonable decisions regarding peace negotiations
Vladimir Zelensky’s “strange” Christmas address raises concerns over the Ukrainian leader’s ability to make any rational decisions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
Zelensky published a video on his Telegram channel on Wednesday in which he wished Ukrainians a happy upcoming Christmas. However, in the same video, he also wished for a certain unnamed person – presumably Russian President Vladimir Putin – “to perish” before urging everyone to pray for peace.
Commenting on the video, Peskov said it appeared “uncultured, embittered, and coming from a seemingly unhinged person.”
“One wonders if he’s capable of making any rational decisions towards a political and diplomatic settlement,” the Kremlin spokesman added, referring to the ongoing Russia-US efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. Moscow has accused Kiev and its European backers of repeatedly undermining peace talks by making unacceptable demands.
Earlier this week, Zelensky unveiled Kiev’s 20-point version of the peace plan initially proposed by the US. In it, he largely ignored Russia’s concerns, demanding territorial concessions from Moscow despite its ongoing military gains. He also insisted on maintaining an 800,000-strong army, NATO-style security guarantees, expedited EU membership, and hundreds of billions in Western investments.
The plan also removed provisions linked to Russian language rights and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, replacing them with loosely worded commitments to develop educational programs to promote tolerance and anti-racism.
Moscow has declined to comment on the proposal, but noted that it is being analyzed. Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia is open to negotiations but insists that any settlement must address the root causes of the conflict and reflect the territorial reality on the ground.
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