Two people were killed and six injured in a nighttime Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitsjko. Debris from the missiles damaged a maternity clinic and a residence, with fires reported across the city. Additionally, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to continue anti-corruption reforms during their meeting at the UN General Assembly. Zelensky also announced the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, highlighting the presence of foreign fighters in the conflict.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the United States on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, where he was personally welcomed by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Joint Base Andrews. The delegation included Vice Premier Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with the visit concluding on Friday. Although a state banquet is scheduled at the White House, experts anticipate few major breakthroughs as both nations work to maintain a truce in their trade war. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that this trade truce, originally set to expire on November 10, has been extended until January 10. The diplomatic meeting occurs amid strained relations due to ongoing disputes over trade, technology, Iran, and Taiwan.
Air traffic to and from Brandenburg Airport near Berlin was suspended for approximately 45 minutes on Wednesday evening after a drone was spotted near the northern runway around 20:00. Authorities closed the airspace above Berlin, diverting incoming flights to Dresden, while reports indicated that three drones were detected by pilots. This incident follows a significant rise in drone sightings at German airports, with 28 reports in the first half of the year compared to only eight in all of 2025. Earlier incidents included a drone with explosives found near Leipzig and damage sustained by a DHL cargo plane, leading the German government to blame Moscow for recent drone-related attacks.
At the UN General Assembly in New York, Iranian President Pezeshkian described his country as a victim of terrorism over the past seven months and displayed photos of spiritual leader Ali Khamenei and 150 schoolchildren killed by US bombardments. The US delegation left the hall immediately after the display. Following remarks from US President Trump threatening to destroy Iran if no war-ending agreement is reached, Pezeshkian denied Iran’s nuclear ambitions, citing peaceful purposes, while criticizing Israel’s nuclear arsenal. US Secretary of State Rubio dismissed subsequent talks with Iran as unproductive, contradicting Trump's claim of a positive dialogue.
At the UN Security Council in New York, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov rejected ceasefire proposals for the war in Ukraine, arguing that pauses would only allow Western nations to supply more weapons. While Lavrov stated Moscow is open to negotiating a lasting peace, he insisted on not merely pausing the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelensky urged countries to stop trading with Russia and announced the handover of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Jetten met with Zelensky, emphasizing the need for Kyiv to continue anti-corruption reforms. US Secretary of State Rubio reported inviting President Putin to the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, hoping his attendance would help resolve issues.
The US government is considering a 90-day ban on diesel exports to lower energy prices amid rising costs driven by the war with Iran and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. While some Republican officials and cabinet members like Chris Wright, Scott Bessent, and Doug Burgum oppose the measure, sources indicate President Trump leans toward implementing it despite internal divisions. In other developments, at least six major US hospitals have agreed to stop providing gender-affirming care for youth, and Trump’s popularity has dropped to its lowest point in his political career. Additionally, Trump met personally with Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez for the first time during the UN summit in New York. Meanwhile, his new 24/7 livestream channel 'Trump TV' has attracted significantly fewer viewers than expected, prompting major networks including CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox to boycott White House coverage in solidarity with excluded media outlets.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced at the UN that Ukraine has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, noting that North Korean soldiers are rarely captured and often attempt suicide rather than surrender. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in December, stating that both Russia and Ukraine are interested in a partial ceasefire regarding energy and grain facilities. Additionally, Poland reported that a Russian military helicopter briefly entered its airspace near Kaliningrad, an incident interpreted as a test of Polish air defense readiness.
Rebels from the Tigray region seized control of three airports and clashed with government forces, raising fears of renewed war in Ethiopia. The TPLF has formed an alliance with groups from Amhara, Ogaden, and Afar regions, surrounding the capital Addis Ababa. Although analysts state the rebels lack the strength to overthrow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the conflict threatens regional stability. This violence follows unresolved tensions from the 2020-2022 war and is exacerbated by instability in neighboring Sudan and Somalia, creating a precarious security situation in the Horn of Africa.
Trump TV, a new 24/7 livestream launched by the White House on YouTube after Donald Trump revoked press credentials for critical media outlets, has drawn minimal live audiences compared to pre-recorded content. Major networks including CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox have temporarily boycotted covering presidential activities in solidarity with suspended journalists. Additionally, at least six large US hospitals agreed to cease gender-affirming care for minors following pressure from the Trump administration, and Trump held his first personal meeting with Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez during the UN summit.
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was convicted again by a New York judge for the sexual assault of former production assistant Miriam Haley, receiving a 15-year prison sentence. Weinstein forced Haley into sex at his Manhattan apartment in 2006; he had previously received a 23-year sentence for this crime which was overturned on appeal before a jury found him guilty again last year. The 74-year-old Weinstein, who uses a wheelchair due to health issues, expressed regret and apologized to Haley, while his lawyers unsuccessfully argued that his illness prevented him from serving a long sentence. Weinstein has been accused by over 80 women of sexual misconduct since allegations emerged in late 2017, sparking the #MeToo movement. He has been incarcerated in New York since 2020, with additional sex cases pending in New York and California.
Historian Harald Sandner and Der Spiegel have discovered previously unknown death declarations in Munich archives that challenge the established account of Geli Raubal's suicide. The documents indicate her body was found on September 18, 1931, at 10:15 AM, contradicting the belief that Adolf Hitler was in Nuremberg at the time. This discrepancy suggests Hitler may have been present with Raubel when she died, undermining his alibi. Sandner proposes that Nazi party members within the Munich police might have tampered with records, noting the absence of an autopsy despite gunshot wounds. While historian Ian Kershaw maintains that Hitler was deeply affected by Raubal's death, these findings raise questions about potential cover-ups regarding the events surrounding her death.
A Russian Mi-8 helicopter violated Polish airspace for 42 seconds near the Kaliningrad border, prompting Poland to scramble fighter jets and place ground troops on alert. This incident follows warnings from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European intelligence chiefs that Russia intends to test NATO’s readiness with small-scale hybrid attacks within months. The violation occurs amid heightened tensions after a recent drone strike damaged a train near the Polish border, leading Tusk to declare a high state of readiness. Meanwhile, Polish President Nawrocki expressed hope for US support, suggesting a potential permanent military base in Poland could be named 'Fort Trump' following recent US sanctions against Russia.
Clashes have broken out in Ethiopia's Tigray region between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), threatening the 2022 peace agreement that ended a previous civil war. The TPLF claims it has launched a defensive war after accusing the government of drone and artillery attacks, while an advisor to Prime Minister Abiy confirms rebels seized Mek'ele airport and attacked facilities in Afar and Amhara. Ethiopian Airlines has canceled flights to the affected cities, and tensions have risen since July amid reports of armed confrontations and a new alliance formed by the TPLF with other groups opposing the Addis Abeba government.
The European Union and Canada announced a partnership at the UN General Assembly in New York to secure global ocean monitoring systems following significant science budget cuts by the United States under President Donald Trump. The EU is contributing 100 million euros, Canada 82 million dollars, and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten pledged 27 million euros for new measurement systems. Thirty other countries have joined the initiative to support buoy networks and research vessels. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that the network relies too heavily on a small group of funders, making it vulnerable to financial and geopolitical disruptions. Dutch researchers expressed relief but noted urgent funding gaps, particularly for Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) monitoring after 2028.
Despite previous criticisms, the UN General Assembly in New York remains a crucial diplomatic platform where world leaders address global issues such as climate change and conflicts. The recent signing of the Greenland deal between Denmark, Greenland, and the US highlights the organization's continued relevance, while bilateral talks behind closed doors facilitate concrete agreements among nations, including those with strained relations like the US and Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of war crimes during his speech at the United Nations, claiming Iran has been a victim of terrorism for the past seven months. He displayed photos of alleged US bombings of schools and sports halls, prompting the American delegation to leave the hall in protest. Meanwhile, NATO Chief Mark Rutte argued that Europe, not the US, should lead Middle East efforts, while Donald Trump’s Peace Council presented a $2.45 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza. Additionally, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirmed Syria's claim to the Golan Heights and condemned ongoing Israeli attacks, as a freighter was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping for a two-day state visit, marking a significant breakthrough in relations between the world's two largest economies. Despite previous trade tensions and insults, Trump expressed admiration for Xi, welcoming him at Andrews Air Force Base with rare personal gestures. The visit aims to maintain stability, potentially extending a year-long trade truce agreed upon in Busan last October. Observers suggest Xi seeks to preserve the current favorable situation, where China has resisted US tariffs without escalation. Discussions may cover extending the trade ceasefire, increased exports of rare minerals from China in exchange for lower US import duties, and potential cooperation on artificial intelligence. Issues such as Taiwan arms sales and Iran are also expected to be addressed, with China urging the US to delay weapon sales to Taiwan again.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian displayed images of schoolchildren killed in a bombing during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, alleging US involvement. The US delegation left the chamber when he spoke, mirroring an earlier exit by Iranian diplomats during President Trump’s speech. Pezeshkian also condemned actions in the Strait of Hormuz and referenced the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, while other leaders including Ukraine’s Zelensky and Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez addressed the assembly.
Singapore is introducing fines of 500 Singapore dollars, approximately 342 euros, for passengers playing loud music on buses. The new regulations also penalize placing feet on seats, littering, and consuming food or drink, with penalties reaching up to 5,000 Singapore dollars for actions endangering others or dirtying public transport infrastructure. Transport staff cannot issue fines directly but may request compliance; failure to comply allows them to involve the police. These measures align with Singapore's strict laws aimed at maintaining clean and quiet public spaces, which already include high fines for spitting, littering, and smoking in many areas. Additionally, gum sales have been strictly regulated since 1992 due to street litter issues, requiring prescriptions for local purchase. In March, a 19-year-old Frenchman was fined 600 Singapore dollars after licking a straw from a juice dispenser and returning it.
