Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismisses Putin's verbal assurances on limiting attacks on energy infrastructure, insisting on tangible actions for peace. Zelenskyy emphasizes that only a genuine cessation of Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure can bring peace. He also calls for increased sanctions on Russia and further military assistance for Ukraine.
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UK families are expected to face declining living standards by 2030, with lower-income households experiencing the biggest impact. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's data challenges commitments to improve working people's finances as public spending reductions and tax reforms are considered necessary measures.
Nasa’s holiday video from the ISS, featuring astronauts in Santa hats and a Christmas tree floating in zero gravity, has sparked online conspiracy theories and questions about how the items reached space. Nasa confirmed a November SpaceX delivery provided the festive items, and astronauts' mission extended due to technical issues with their capsule.
Multiple federal agencies, including defence, state, interior, energy, EPA, and SSA, witnessed firings as President Trump removed 17 inspectors general appointed during his first term. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, argue this action undermines checks on presidential power and facilitates corruption.
The US Air Force Academy has eliminated race, gender, and ethnicity from its admissions process following a lawsuit alleging discriminatory diversity practices. This policy shift, formalised in early February, aligns with a recent executive order by President Trump mandating all branches of the US armed forces to be free from identity-based preferences.
Hampton Dellinger, head of the US office of special counsel, has sued President Trump, alleging his firing was illegal. Dellinger, appointed for a five-year term, argues that special counsels can only be removed for cause. His dismissal is part of Trump’s broader effort to restructure federal agencies. The lawsuit challenges the administration's push to bypass civil service protections and dismantle key oversight bodies.
Mauricio Funes, former President of El Salvador (2009-2014), died at 65 in Nicaragua, where he had sought refuge to avoid corruption charges. Funes faced multiple convictions related to corruption and gang deals but never served prison time. He denied the charges, calling them political persecution. His death leaves a complex and controversial legacy.
​"President Musk, this morning, made it clear with all his vast government experience which is basically he became rich on the federal government that he doesn't want Republicans to pass this bill. And seemingly vice president Trump kind of backed him up on that point," Kinzinger said appearing on a CNN panel discussing the spending bill.
Drones attacked Kazan, Russia, damaging residential buildings and an industrial facility. No casualties were reported, but flights were halted and events canceled. This follows a Ukrainian missile attack in Kursk that killed six. Overnight, Ukraine repelled a large drone assault, shooting down many and jamming others. Drone attacks also wounded eight in Kharkiv.
A Twitter spat erupted as Elon Musk called Senator Mark Kelly a 'traitor' following Kelly's Ukraine visit and support for US assistance in the conflict. Kelly defended his stance, emphasizing the importance of standing with Ukraine for freedom. This incident highlights ongoing tensions over US foreign policy towards Ukraine and Russia.
President Trump has ordered the declassification of all remaining records on the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., aiming to dispel longstanding speculations and provide closure. The records promise to reveal comprehensive details long concealed from the public.