U.S. intelligence says Putin still aims to control all of Ukraine
US intelligence assessments indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to seek full control of Ukraine and to expand Russia’s influenc...
As Rwanda-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, the U.N. Security Council has met in an urgent session, warning of the risk of a wider regional war.
The U.N. Security Council convened on Wednesday to address the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance south towards Uvira after seizing Bukavu, marking the most significant loss for Congo since Goma fell in January.
“It is imperative that this council takes urgent and decisive steps to avert a wider regional war,” said Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in the DRC. Congo’s foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, urged action, saying, “Standing by silently while civilians are killed is not a solution.”
The M23 advance represents the most serious escalation in over a decade of conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle over Congo’s mineral wealth. While the U.N., Congo, and Western powers accuse Rwanda of backing M23 with arms and troops, Kigali denies any involvement. “Rwanda cannot take the blame for the problems that DRC has faced endemically,” said Rwanda’s U.N. Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo.
Ukraine has welcomed the European Union’s decision to provide €90 billion in support over the next two years, calling it a vital lifeline even as the bloc failed to reach agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance the aid.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that attempts to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine are being undermined by Russia’s continued refusal to engage meaningfully in negotiations.
A rare pair of bright-green Nike “Grinch” sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant have gone on public display in Beverly Hills, ahead of an auction that could set a new record for sports memorabilia.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held a phone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil at the latter’s request.
Petroleum products are being transported by rail from Azerbaijan to Armenia for the first time in decades. The move is hailed as a tangible breakthrough in efforts to normalise relations between the long-time rivals.
US intelligence assessments indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to seek full control of Ukraine and to expand Russia’s influence in parts of Europe formerly under Soviet rule, contradicting repeated claims that Moscow poses no threat to the continent.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The United States says it is working to secure a renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, expressing cautious optimism that an agreement could be reached early next week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday.
Iran has called for greater international support in hosting millions of Afghan refugees, warning that it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage the long-term humanitarian burden without a fair sharing of responsibilities.
Ukraine has carried out its first aerial drone strike on a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, reflecting a growing intensity in Kyiv’s attacks on Russian oil shipping, officials said on Friday (19 December).
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