Russian missile strikes on Kyiv early Friday killed 1 person and injured 9, damaging 630 buildings, 16 medical facilities, and 30 schools. Kyiv officials reported debris caused fires across three districts. Russia stated its attack retaliated against a Ukrainian missile strike on Rostov using U.S.-made ATACMS and U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. The Kremlin condemned the use of Western arms on Russian soil. Moscow claimed its precision strikes targeted Ukrainian intelligence facilities, Neptune missile production, and Patriot air defense systems. Ukrainian retaliation escalates the ongoing conflict, highlighting increasing reliance on Western weaponry in the war.

The US has dropped a $10M bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new de facto leader, following high-level diplomatic talks in Damascus. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf described the discussions with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader as "pragmatic." The US delegation also sought information on missing Americans, including journalist Austin Tice. This marks Washington's first formal visit to Syria in over a decade, aiming to influence post-Assad governance. Meanwhile, CENTCOM confirmed the death of IS leader Abu Yusif in an airstrike. The US insists on conditions for HTS before lifting its terrorist designation.

The United States conducted an airstrike in Syria's Deir Ezzor province, killing Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Yusif and an operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to counter IS resurgence after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government earlier this month. Washington has intensified military actions, targeting areas previously shielded by Syrian and Russian defenses. CENTCOM reported the strike aims to disrupt IS's ability to organize attacks. The US recently doubled its military presence in Syria, increasing troop numbers from 900 to approximately 2,000 to bolster anti-IS campaigns.

Malaysia has approved a new search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished in 2014 with 239 people aboard. The $70M deal with US-based Ocean Infinity operates on a "no find, no fee" basis. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that new credible data identified a 15,000 sq km search area in the southern Indian Ocean. Previous efforts in 2017 and 2018 yielded no results. Families of victims expressed mixed emotions, hoping for closure after nearly 11 years of uncertainty. Ocean Infinity plans to begin the search next year. Investigators believe deliberate actions caused the flight's disappearance.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement has sparked heartfelt tributes, including a touching message from Washington Sundar. Seen as Ashwin's protege, Sundar expressed gratitude to his Tamil Nadu and India teammate, calling him an inspiration and mentor. In response, Ashwin lauded Sundar's two-minute retirement speech as the "best," referencing a Tamil movie dialogue. Ashwin retires with 765 international wickets and six Test centuries, cementing his legacy as one of India’s greatest. Sundar, 25, is poised to fill Ashwin's role, with support from the legend himself. India faces Australia in the Boxing Day Test, marking a new chapter for Sundar’s promising career.

US President-elect Donald Trump has urged the EU to buy more American oil and gas to reduce its trade deficit with the US. He warned of imposing tariffs on EU exports if demands are unmet. Trump’s statement on his social media platform reignited fears of a trade war. The EU relies heavily on US liquefied natural gas (LNG) after reducing Russian energy imports. However, a recent US study warns that increasing LNG exports could raise domestic gas prices by up to 30% and harm the environment. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, see US gas as a cheaper alternative.

Kim Jong Un is personally training North Korean soldiers to support Russia in Ukraine, South Korean intelligence reports claim. At least 100 North Korean soldiers have reportedly died, with nearly 1,000 injured. Ukraine and its allies estimate 10,000-12,000 North Korean troops are deployed, mainly in Russia’s Kursk region. The US and other nations condemned North Korea’s alleged arms supply to Russia, calling it a dangerous escalation. Pyongyang denies involvement in the war, stating its alliance with Moscow is “normal” and effective. Ukrainian President Zelensky claims North Korean soldiers are fighting and alleges attempts to hide their identities after casualties.

Luigi Mangione, 26, is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors allege Mangione stalked and shot Thompson outside a Hilton hotel in New York on December 4. Federal charges against him include murder, stalking, and firearms offenses, making him eligible for the death penalty. A notebook found with Mangione shows his anger toward the healthcare industry. He was extradited to New York from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested with untraceable weapons. Mangione remains in custody and faces both federal and state charges. His next court hearing is on January 18 in New York.

California ground squirrels, traditionally herbivores, have been observed hunting and consuming voles, marking a significant behavioral shift. A study published in the Journal of Ethology documents this adaptive response to a local vole population surge in Contra Costa County. Researchers recorded 74 squirrel-vole interactions, 42% involving active predation. This change highlights dietary plasticity, with squirrels classified as opportunistic omnivores. "This showcases resilience and adaptability in response to environmental changes," said lead author Jennifer Smith. The findings could inform future conservation efforts, demonstrating how species adjust to human-impacted ecosystems. Such behavior may also help control vole populations, often considered agricultural pests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia should have prepared better and invaded Ukraine earlier, emphasizing "systemic preparation" for the 2022 conflict. Speaking during his annual press conference, he hailed Russian troops' "heroic efforts" and addressed nuclear policy changes, warning of potential responses to significant threats. Putin also discussed economic resilience amid Western sanctions, relations with China, and Russia's role in Syria. Displaying a flag gifted by troops, he reiterated his focus on sovereignty and less dependence on international partners. The tightly controlled event highlighted Russia's strategy and Putin's narrative of national strength.