US and Ukraine move closer to joint plan to end war - with Moscow's response uncertain
The US and Ukraine have moved closer to a joint plan to end the war, with Kiev accepting the principle of creating a space in some areas in the east without armies and weapons, but only if Russia mutually withdraws its forces.
The plan also includes difficult concessions from Ukraine, such as withdrawing troops and giving up NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees from the US and Europe.
Moscow's reaction remains unclear, as Russia continues to claim territory and maintain military pressure on the ground.
Pope Leo calls for kindness to strangers and the poor in Christmas message
Pope Leo called on Christians to let the Christmas message remind them of their obligation to help the poor and strangers.
He said that refusing help to people in need is the same as rejecting God himself, emphasizing that every human being has infinite dignity.
In his first Christmas Mass as pope, Leo emphasized that where there is room for man, there is also room for God.
UK, Canada and Germany condemn Israel for 19 new settlements in West Bank
Fourteen countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany, condemned Israel's approval of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling them a violation of international law and a risk of destabilization.
The countries demanded that Israel withdraw the decision, warning that settlement expansion harms prospects for long-term peace and a two-state solution.
Israel rejected the criticism, saying the decision was related to security needs and calling the stance of foreign countries discriminatory.
US Justice Department says it could take "several more weeks" to process another 1 million Epstein documents for release
The US Department of Justice said it may take "several more weeks" to process more than 1 million additional documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, uncovered by federal prosecutors and the FBI.
The delay has sparked criticism and political pressure, as the law required full publication of the files by December 19, with lawmakers threatening action against the authorities.
The department emphasizes that the documents are being carefully reviewed to protect victims, while warning that among the materials there are also false documents or claims that are fueling speculation.
