Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to hold peace talks with Ukraine in Slovakia, following Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's offer to host negotiations. Fico, who recently visited Moscow, has been critical of EU support for Ukraine and has fostered closer ties with Russia. While Ukraine has not responded, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shifted his stance, suggesting a ceasefire under NATO's protection to negotiate territorial recovery. The war has inflicted immense losses on both sides, with Russia's manpower significantly affected. Ukrainian forces have faced difficulties in reclaiming territories held by Russia.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was at Yemen's Sanaa airport during Israeli airstrikes on Thursday, which killed 6 and injured 40. Tedros, in Yemen to assess the humanitarian situation and negotiate the release of UN detainees, was unhurt but reported damage to the airport’s control tower and runway. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strikes targeted "military infrastructure" of the Houthi rebels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the attacks "especially alarming." Houthi officials condemned the strikes as "barbaric," while Iran criticized them as violating international peace. Escalating tensions continue between Yemen and Israel.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, passed away at 92, leaving behind a significant legacy in both political and economic spheres. Known for his role in economic reforms during the 1990s and the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, his leadership shaped India's modern economy. His tenure saw impressive GDP growth and key social initiatives, though his legacy was marred by controversies such as the 2G and CWG scams. A celebrated economist, Singh's contributions to India's development are widely acknowledged, and he remains a towering figure in Indian political history.

Pakistan confirmed airstrikes on militants' hideouts in Afghanistan's Paktika province, killing 46 people, including women and children. Conducted as an intelligence-based operation against threats to Pakistani citizens, the strikes drew condemnation from Afghanistan's Taliban regime, labeling them "outright aggression." Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai criticized Pakistan's "flawed extremism policies," calling the strikes a sovereignty violation. Abdullah Abdullah also condemned the attacks. Pakistan's Foreign Office defended the operation, emphasizing citizen security and dialogue with Afghanistan. Afghan officials vowed to respond to this "brutal act," warning such actions won’t resolve tensions between the neighbors.                

Passengers aboard a British Airways flight from Delhi experienced festive cheer upon landing at London Heathrow on Christmas Day. A passenger's Instagram video showcased sparkling lights and Christmas music inside the plane, creating a magical atmosphere. "Thank you for the festive cheer, British Airways. Merry Christmas," the user wrote. Instagram users praised the heartwarming celebration, while some offered humorous critiques, like suggesting Bollywood songs. The gesture drew mixed reactions, with some passengers finding it unnecessary. This festive initiative highlighted the airline's effort to spread holiday joy to travelers during their journey.

On Christmas Day, French authorities rescued 107 people trying to cross the English Channel to the UK. Twelve rescue operations took place off northern France, including one near Dunkirk where 51 people were saved from a boat in distress. Despite the calm weather, the Channel remains a dangerous area for small, overcrowded boats. A total of 451 people arrived in the UK on 11 boats. 2024 has become the deadliest year on record, with 73 deaths so far. Charities warn of the risks of winter crossings and continue to assist stranded migrants.

14 security personnel of Syria’s new government were killed in an ambush by suspected loyalists of former leader Bashar al-Assad in the Tartous countryside. The forces, mainly armed rebels, were on a mission to arrest a former official linked to executions at Saydnaya prison. The attack also left ten others wounded. The new interior minister condemned the attack, vowing to strengthen security. Meanwhile, protests broke out in Homs city, with demonstrators demanding the release of prisoners and protection for religious minorities. The new regime has vowed to safeguard these groups amid rising tensions.

Israel's military targeted Sana'a International Airport and Hodeidah seaport in Yemen on December 26, 2024, in retaliation for a week-long missile campaign by the Houthis. The strikes followed multiple missile attacks from the Houthis on Israel, including a recent hypersonic missile that hit Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Houthi military infrastructure, including power stations and ports used for smuggling Iranian weapons. The IDF stated these facilities supported the Houthis’ attacks on Israel. Israel is reportedly considering further military actions in Yemen with support from the U.S. amid escalating tensions.

An Azerbaijan Airlines plane, which crashed near Aqtau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, 2024, may have been hit by a Russian missile, according to reports. The plane, traveling from Baku to Grozny, had requested an emergency landing before the crash. Thirty-eight people were killed, and 29 survived. Experts noted damage consistent with missile shrapnel. The plane was in an area with reported Ukrainian drone activity, and some survivors reported explosions on board. An investigation is ongoing, and the black box has been recovered. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning for the victims.

Ukraine's military has claimed that its air force attacked a military facility in Russia’s Rostov region. The strike targeted a facility in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, which produced solid fuel for ballistic missiles used in Russian attacks on Ukraine. While the Ukrainian military did not specify the exact date of the strike or the extent of the damage, it confirmed the attack was part of ongoing military efforts. This comes amid continued tensions and military activity in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.