News
Russian sex workers are moving to occupied Ukraine to make six figures servicing soldiers
Russian sex workers are increasingly relocating to occupied territories in Ukraine, attracted by potential earnings of as much as RUB1.5mn ($14,000) per week from servicing soldiers.
Tusk says no talks underway to send Polish troops to Ukraine once fighting stops
Speculation follows comments by incoming Trump administration about European forces policing a future ceasefire.
Massive student protests erupt in Belgrade as unrest sweeps Serbia
Protests follow weeks of unrest triggered by a deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad that killed 15 people and critically injured two others.
American released from Syrian prison after smuggled entry
Syrian authorities have released US citizen Travis Timmerman from Ez-Ziabia prison on the southern outskirts of Damascus.
Trump considers Grenell for Iran envoy role amid policy shift
This posting is the latest potential overture from the Trump team to Iran, which has softened its stance against the incoming administration and radically repositioned itself in the Middle East,
Latin America urged to boost tax take and private investment to close development gap
Latin American and Caribbean nations must radically strengthen tax collection and private sector involvement to bridge a $99bn annual sustainable financing gap, according to a new report from leading international organisations.
Iranian UFO “mothership” off coast of New Jersey, US congressman says
A US congressman has alleged that Iran has positioned an “Iranian mothership” off the East Coast to launch drones over New Jersey in a bizarre interview with Fox News.
EU admits Bulgaria, Romania to full Schengen membership
Southeast European countries welcome membership of border-free area after years of vetoes by Schengen members.
Japan plans tax hike to fund $280bn military buildup
Japan is gearing up to increase taxes as early as April 2026 to finance its ambitious plan to double its defence budget to 2% of GDP. This move comes as the nation seeks to bolster its military capabilities amid growing regional tensions
US boosts military aid to Taiwan in 2025
The United States is poised to significantly bolster its military support for Taiwan, with the inclusion of substantial funding and initiatives
Bulgaria’s central bank slams spending hike in 2025 budget
Central bank warns caretaker government to raise spending to unprecedented level, and jeopardise Bulgaria’s eurozone entry.
US “scrambles” to respond to Turkish-backed Syria offensive targeting partner force Kurds
Israel has also spoken out in defence of Kurdish forces that were instrumental in defeating Islamic State caliphate.
Tusk says he will protect broadcasters TVN and Polsat from hostile takeovers
Polish commercial broadcasters added to list of strategic companies after rumours of interest from millionaire close to Hungary's Orban.
Russia hopes for deal on bases in Syria
Russia is seeking to secure agreements with Syria's new authorities regarding its military facilities in the country following the sudden overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Life and commerce slowly return to Syrian capital Damascus
Daily life is gradually resuming in Damascus as banks and commercial establishments begin reopening their doors, marking a significant shift in the Syrian capital.
North Macedonia secures second €500mn loan from Hungary to repay 2018 Eurobond
Loan is the second part of a broader €1bn agreement with Hungary, which has a close relationship with North Macedonia's new rightwing government.
US-Cuba rum war spills over as Biden law stirs Havana Club row
A new US law has revived a decades-old dispute over one of the spirits industry's most contentious trademarks, with Cuba denouncing the legislation as "theft" and a fresh attack on its intellectual property rights.
Saudi Arabia wins 2034 World Cup bid, beating Australia
Saudi Arabia secured the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup on December 11.
Poland’s Orlen ditches largest petrochemical project in Europe
Refiner's stock plunges 3.5% after it announced it will not pursue its Olefins 3 petrochemical project.
Rebels torch Assad family mausoleum in Syria's Latakia province
Opposition fighters set fire to the mausoleum of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad in his ancestral hometown of Qardaha on December 11.