Blinken shuttles between Gaza, F-16s, and NATO in Mideast

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's current trip through the Middle East tackles several pressing issues, including the escalating conflict in Gaza, sensitive arms deals, and a stalled NATO accession.

Ukraine 2023: Counteroffensive stalls, dependence grows

2023 proved a challenging year for Ukraine. While the ambitious summer counteroffensive fell short of reclaiming all occupied territories, the country achieved strategic successes and navigated an increasingly reliant relationship with the West, following a debate organised by IPN News Agency.

Belgorod schools closed as missiles rain from Ukraine

Just hours after extending school vacations due to escalating tensions, the Russian border city of Belgorod found itself once again under fire in a fresh wave of Ukrainian missile strikes on Thursday evening, AFP and Agerpres report.

Russia's intensive attacks on Ukraine's cities raise concerns

Recent massive attacks by Russia on major Ukrainian cities aim to exhaust the population and Ukraine's anti-aircraft defence, according to experts, as reported by News.ro citing AFP.

Ukraine talks at NATO: Deescalation hopes hang in the balance

Amidst growing tensions, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced a crucial meeting between NATO diplomats and Ukrainian officials on January 10th, as reported by the Guardian.

Japan earthquake: Hundreds trapped, hope dwindles

A devastating earthquake that rocked Japan's Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day has left hundreds isolated and sparked desperate rescue efforts amidst fading hope for those trapped under debris, News.ro reports.

Nordic freeze: Travel disruptions in Finland, Sweden

A blast of arctic air is gripping parts of Finland and Sweden, prompting weather warnings and travel advisories.

Hospital mask mandates: US States take action amid virus rise

Hospitals in four US states are requiring masks once more, citing a concerning upward trend in COVID-19 cases, seasonal flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

EU diamonds sanctions target Russia's war chest

The European Union has tightened its grip on Russia's war chest by sanctioning its diamond giant, Alrosa, and its CEO, Pavel Marinichev, as reported by AFP and Reuters, quoted by Agerpres.

Scandinavia shivers: Record cold grips Nordic region

A frigid blast from Siberia has plunged Scandinavia into record-breaking chills, while storm Henk unleashed fury across Western Europe, causing disruptions and claiming a life, as reported by The Guardian.

U.S. Secretary Blinken initiates diplomatic tour amid escalating Israel-Hamas tensions

In a move to address mounting concerns over the Israel-Hamas conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on a new diplomatic tour in the Middle East, starting with a stage in Israel on Thursday, Agerpres reports.

US quietly reaches agreement with Qatar to keep operating largest military base in Middle East

The United States has quietly reached an agreement that extends its military presence at a sprawling base in Qatar for another 10 years, three US defense officials and another official familiar with the agreement told CNN.