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Jerry Fisayo-Bambi

Russia

Orthodox Russians mark Epiphany amid unusually warm winter weather

However local emergency services in some regions cancelled events, saying it was too hazardous for worshippers to cut bathing holes in icy ponds and rivers

USA

Trump discusses trade and TikTok ban in phone call with Xi Jinping

The call came the same day that the US Supreme Court backed a law banning TikTok unless it’s sold by its China-based parent company.

World News

More than 12,000 houses in ruins after fires devastate California

Millions of Southern Californian residents continue to face dire new wildfire warnings and power outages after fires fanned by harsh winds caused widespread destruction.

Poland

Defence ministers from largest EU countries hold talks on Ukraine aid

The meeting of the defence ministers from the EU's largest countries together with the deputy defence minister of Great Britain comes as Poland begins its rotating presidency of the EU and as Europe braces for the unpredictability of a new Donald Trump presidency.

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Gaza

At least one dead in Gaza City after Israeli strike hits house

According to a report by Gaza's Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the Israel-Hamas war has left hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed or partially damaged, while some 82,000 are deemed entirely uninhabitable.

Europe News

Estonian navy steps up patrols in Baltic Sea to protect infrastructure

Officials say the damage to Estlink 2, a power connection with the capacity to provide half of Estonia's winter electricity needs, did not disrupt service, although it did drive up energy prices in the country and the other Baltic nations.

Lebanon

Lebanon's parliament elects country's army commander as president

Following tense scenes early in the session, the first round of Thursday's vote concluded with 71 votes for Joseph Aoun, the widely supported army commander.

Russia

Russia Orthodox patriarch consecrates Xmas gifts for troops in Ukraine

Russia's invasion, which began in February 2022, has also been a source of religious controversy within the Eastern Orthodox Church and has driven a split among believers in both Russia and Ukraine.

Lebanon

Lebanese army deploys to Naqoura as part of Israel ceasefire deal

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to pull their forces out of southern Lebanon before the end of January. The area will then be secured by the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers, as part of the agreed conditions of the ceasefire.

Europe News

Dozens of flights cancelled across Germany due to heavy snowfall

Frankfurt airport cancelled 120 planned takeoffs and landings on Sunday due to clearance work on runways and reduced visibility, while Munich airport also operated at limited capacity due to the weather.

Europe News

Zelenskyy says Russia and North Korea lost 'a battalion' of soldiers

Speaking during his nightly address on Saturday, Zelenskyy claimed "up to a battalion" of Russian paratroopers and North Korean soldiers were killed over a period of two days near a village in the Kursk region.

Europe News

More than 180 migrants arrive in Spain's Canary Islands

The latest arrivals in 2025 add to growing concerns about the uptick in irregular migration to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago close to the African coast that has increasingly been used as a stepping stone to continental Europe.

World News

Opposition and pro-Yoon protests continue in Seoul after failed arrest

While crowds of protesters gathered to demand Yoon's arrest on Saturday, another demonstration was held by around 1,000 supporters of the impeached president in front of his residence in Seoul.

Europe News

Thousands protest against Slovakian PM Fico over pro-Moscow stance

Friday's protest against Fico's controversial Russia stance comes after his meeting with Putin in Moscow last month, as well as amid his threat to cut aid to Ukrainian refugees living in Slovakia.

Health news

Romania’s holiday feasts leave over 1,500 seeking emergency care

Romania saw a spike in emergency calls over Christmas due to overeating, with nutritionists warning of the health risks of indulgence.

Europe News

Putin open to accepting Slovakia as 'neutral site' for Ukraine talks

The Russian president's comments follow Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's controversial Moscow visit, seen as a challenge to EU unity against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Europe News

Pope opens second Holy Door with message of hope to Rome's main prison

The Pope's opening of the Holy Door was part of major events in the Catholic Church’s once-every-quarter-century celebration that is expected to attract about 32 million pilgrims to Rome.

World News

Israel and Hamas trade blame for ceasefire delays as agreement nears

Although Israel and Hamas have expressed optimism that progress was being made toward a deal, sticking points remain over the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Europe News

Magdeburg Christmas market attack leaves Germany in mourning and fear

The violence, which comes as Germany prepares for snap elections in February, has left the nation in mourning and its sense of security deeply shaken.

Russia

Three people found alive three days after Kamchatka plane crash

The two crew members and a passenger, all of whom survived, having spent three days without food, kept warm in the snow by burning fuel.

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