In a New Year’s address, President Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to peace, but stressed that it would not come at the cost of the nation’s security. He warned that either the world must stop Russia’s aggression, or Russia will expand the conflict globally, highlighting the necessity of strong security guarantees to prevent future attacks. Zelensky called for increased sanctions on Russia and for the provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles, emphasizing that only a strong response can ensure peace. He concluded by asserting that Ukraine is the shield defending Europe, and that failure to act decisively would embolden Russia’s military ambitions.
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Following a week-long hospitalization for a groin hernia and persistent hiccups, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged and returned to prison. The Supreme Court denied Bolsonaro’s request for house arrest, despite health concerns related to a prior abdominal injury and complications from a 2018 campaign stabbing. Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. With Bolsonaro’s political future uncertain, the 2026 presidential race is heating up, with his son potentially vying for leadership of the conservative movement against other contenders, including current President Lula.
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Overnight on December 31, Ukrainian drone strikes caused significant damage to Russian oil and weapons facilities. The attacks targeted the Tuapse Oil Refinery, the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal, a Rosreserv oil depot, a temporary military base for river boats, and ammunition depots in occupied Ukraine. The strikes on the Tuapse refinery caused a fire and damaged key processing units, while the Tamanneftegaz terminal saw damage to two berths. Ukrainian forces also successfully struck the Rosreserv oil depot and several military targets in occupied territories. These actions exemplify the escalation of Ukrainian drone warfare against Russian infrastructure throughout 2025.
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On New Year’s Eve, a fire broke out in Le Constellation, a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, resulting in approximately 40 deaths and 115 injuries. The blaze, which began around 1:30 am local time, is believed to be accidental, with initial reports indicating it may have been caused by a candle igniting a wooden ceiling. Witnesses described a chaotic scene with a crowd surge as people attempted to escape the fire. Authorities have launched a full investigation, focusing on identifying the victims and supporting the injured, many of whom are between 16 and 26 years old.
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Denmark has ceased national letter delivery after 401 years, becoming the first country to deem physical letters non-essential. This decision was driven by a 90% decline in letter volume over 25 years, coupled with rising postage costs. PostNord, the Danish postal service, will now focus on its growing parcel delivery service, leading to significant job cuts. While most Danes have embraced digital communication, concerns remain for those reliant on letters, such as the elderly. Private companies will step in to deliver letters, but the government is obligated to ensure letter delivery services remain available.
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In a surprising turn of events, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) announced the faked death of Denis Kapustin, commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK). Reports of Kapustin’s death in Zaporizhzhia Oblast were revealed to be part of a special operation designed to mislead Russian intelligence services, who had placed a $500,000 bounty on his head. The HUR also claimed the funds allocated for the assassination. Kapustin, now confirmed to be alive and well on Ukrainian territory, has confirmed his readiness to continue leading the RDK.
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Consumer habits are rapidly shifting as shoppers adapt to economic pressures and evolving priorities. Recent data reveals a growing preference for budget-friendly options, with discount retailers and used-item marketplaces experiencing increased popularity. Furthermore, the convenience of online shopping continues to thrive, even as in-person retail experiences make a comeback. Ultimately, these trends indicate a more cost-conscious and flexible approach to consumption, shaped by both financial constraints and the desire for value and accessibility.
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Urology departments in England and Wales are facing increasing strain as ketamine-related hospital admissions have significantly increased in recent years. This rise in recreational ketamine use, particularly among young adults and teenagers, has led to a surge in patients suffering from bladder and urinary tract damage. Experts like Alison Downey and Nadir Osman report that admissions are pushing medical facilities to their limits, with cases often stemming from use during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Professionals like Prof Ian Pearce advocate for enhanced educational campaigns in schools and ongoing support for those seeking rehabilitation, as relapse rates are high.
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Russian regional court websites have systematically removed tens of thousands of case records related to missing or deceased persons, significantly hindering the ability to estimate Russia’s military casualties in Ukraine. This action, uncovered by Mediazona, has resulted in the disappearance of roughly 70,000 court case cards tied to missing-person claims from public databases. These records, crucial for independent analysts to assess battlefield losses, have been a reliable indirect indicator of casualties, especially as official figures remain classified. The removal of these records blocks the independent verification of casualty trends, coinciding with persistent high casualty rates since the start of the full-scale invasion.
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On Tuesday, Donald Trump shared a social media post criticizing wind energy, featuring an image of a dead bird beneath a turbine, claiming it was a bald eagle killed by a windmill. However, closer examination reveals the image is not of a bald eagle and was taken in Israel eight years ago. The photograph, which actually shows a falcon, was originally published in a 2017 Haaretz report detailing bird deaths at Israeli wind farms. The article further notes that Israeli nature authorities share concerns about bird deaths caused by wind turbines.
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John Q. Hosedrinker