US special envoy Keith Kellogg visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers, emphasizing their sacrifices and the need to find a lasting resolution to the conflict. Kellogg's visit aimed to strengthen US-Ukraine ties and address concerns over negotiations with Russia, hoping for a sustainable peace.
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Vice-President-elect JD Vance did not commit to blanket pardons for January 6 rioters, stating that only those who protested peacefully should be considered. This stance contrasts with Donald Trump's promise of sweeping pardons on day one of his administration. ​“There’s a little bit of a gray area there,†Vance said.
Elon Musk has stirred European politics by backing far-right movements and criticizing leaders, especially in Germany and the UK. His social media platform X amplifies controversial views, notably endorsing Germany's AfD and attacking UK PM Keir Starmer. Musk's actions raise concerns about tech moguls' influence on democracy and international relations under Trump's incoming administration.
Georgia is set to inaugurate on Sunday a ruling party loyalist as president, after his election was declared "illegitimate" by the outgoing leader and the pro-Western opposition. Opposition parties have refused to enter the newly elected parliament, while Zurabishvili has declared the legislature, the government and president-elect "illegitimate".
Thousands of Afghans fleeing the Taliban and awaiting resettlement to the US through a refugee program face uncertainty after President Trump suspended the initiative. Many, including women and former US allies, fear persecution if forced to return to Afghanistan or remain in insecure conditions in Pakistan. Advocacy groups and refugees are urging the US to reverse the decision on humanitarian grounds, citing risks of arrest, deportation, and restricted rights under Taliban rule.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Friday told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington needs to approach the issue of Taiwan "prudently", the ministry in Beijing said, as the pair held their first talks since Donald Trump took office. The Chinese minister said the pair should follow the lead of China's Xi Jinping and Trump in setting the tone for relations at a "new important juncture," the ministry said.
As Donald Trump sends Don Jr's fiancee to Greece making her the ambassador amid speculations of Don Jr and Kimberly Guilfoyle's break-up, social media users were curious to know when the two broke up. Turned out they haven't officially but Don Jr's congratulatory post for Guilfoyle could be read as a 'break up' letter, social media users commented as he seemed to be thrilled that Guilfoyle would be in Greece.
British pubs are grappling with a Guinness shortage due to soaring demand, fueled by Gen Z's embrace of the Irish stout. Diageo, Guinness's parent company, has limited supplies, causing panic-buying and concern among publicans, especially during the festive season. While some pubs are running dry, others see an opportunity for alternative stouts to gain popularity.
Two deadly incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas involved vehicles rented through the peer-to-peer carsharing app Turo. Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a rented truck through Bourbon Street, killing 15, while a Cybertruck exploded outside Trump Hotel, killing the driver. Turo is cooperating with authorities in investigations. Both incidents raise safety concerns about such platforms.
A United Airlines flight to Shanghai turned back mid-air after discovering a pilot lacked a passport. Flight UA 198 with 257 passengers returned to San Francisco, causing a six-hour delay. Passengers received meal vouchers and compensation. Aviation expert Shukor Yusof criticized the incident as an unacceptable lapse for the airline. United Airlines acknowledged the issue but hasn't disclosed further measures.
Philippine authorities said Tuesday they detained two Chinese nationals for spying, the latest in a series of arrests involving alleged espionage as confrontations between the countries increase in the disputed South China Sea. Confrontations between the Philippines and China over contested reefs and waters in the strategic South China Sea have escalated in recent months.