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On November 26, 2025, France's Court of Cassation upheld former President Nicolas Sarkozy's definitive conviction for illegal campaign financing, confirming a one-year prison sentence with half suspended. Meanwhile, Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal was pardoned by Algeria's President Tebboune following a humanitarian appeal from Germany, allowing Sansal to receive cancer treatment in Germany and easing Franco-Algerian tensions.
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Germany's government is engaging in high-level talks with China to address trade issues, including rare earths and supply chain concerns. Chancellor Merz's coalition aims to reduce dependency on China and bolster economic resilience, amid rising tensions and a record trade deficit. The visit signals a strategic shift in Germany's China policy.
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In late November and early December 2025, Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Ternopil, targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, causing deaths and injuries. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. and European leaders to revive peace negotiations, despite Russia's refusal to participate directly in talks.
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Ukraine launched a drone attack on Novorossiysk, Russia's key oil export port and Black Sea Fleet hub, targeting energy infrastructure. The strike damaged military and civilian sites, with reports of a damaged landing ship. Ukraine aims to weaken Russia's energy revenue amid ongoing conflict.
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British officials warn of increasing threats from Russia, emphasizing the need for societal and military preparedness. NATO chief urges urgent defense spending, while UK government plans new arms factories and enhances intelligence capabilities to counter potential conflicts.
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As of early December 2025, French authorities have arrested and charged all suspects involved in the October 19 daylight robbery of $102 million worth of French crown jewels from the Louvre. The four-person gang used a freight lift and angle grinders to break into the Apollo Gallery, escaping on scooters. The stolen jewels remain missing, prompting major security upgrades at the museum.
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French authorities detained four individuals linked to the SOS Donbass group, suspecting espionage activities aimed at France. The arrests follow investigations into pro-Russian propaganda and attempts to gather economic intelligence amid heightened tensions over Russia's actions in Ukraine. The case highlights ongoing concerns about Russian influence in Europe.
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France and Germany aim to build a new sixth-generation fighter jet despite internal disagreements. The project, part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), faces delays over leadership disputes between Dassault and Airbus. Political leaders are seeking a resolution amid broader European defense ambitions. Today's date is Tue, 02 Dec 2025.
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A 20-year-old man, Mehdi Kessaci, was shot in Marseille last week, believed to be ordered by drug gangs to intimidate his activist brother. The incident highlights ongoing violence linked to organized crime, with authorities increasing efforts to combat drug trafficking and gang-related murders in France.
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The Biden administration is moving to designate chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their support for violence and destabilization. The move follows regional crackdowns and regional tensions, with the process including reports from US agencies and potential legal challenges.
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Recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities continue despite ongoing diplomatic talks. The U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are engaged in negotiations over a peace plan, with European leaders emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty. Ukraine faces military and economic pressures, including a new IMF aid package.
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France announced plans to reintroduce a voluntary military service for 18-19-year-olds, starting next summer, amid rising security concerns linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The program aims to bolster military manpower and national resilience, with initial recruitment of 2,000-3,000 volunteers, expanding to 50,000 annually.
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U.S. officials report progress toward a Ukraine-Russia peace agreement, with Ukraine agreeing to revised terms. Talks in Abu Dhabi involve U.S. and Russian delegates, amid ongoing Russian missile strikes on Kyiv. Key details remain unresolved, and skepticism persists among European leaders.
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U.S. and Ukrainian officials are engaged in ongoing negotiations with Russia, with recent talks indicating progress on a peace framework. The U.S. has sent envoys to Moscow to discuss recognition of occupied territories, while Russia maintains maximalist demands. Fighting continues in Ukraine as diplomatic efforts intensify.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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President Macron announced a voluntary military service for 18- and 19-year-olds, aiming to bolster France's defense amid rising European security concerns. The program, costing €2 billion, will last 10 months and is part of a broader effort to increase reservists and military capacity by 2030.
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French President Macron is working to secure the release of Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist sentenced to seven years in Algeria for terrorism-related charges. Gleizes was arrested in May 2024 while reporting on football in Kabylia. His case reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria, especially after France's recognition of Western Sahara sovereignty.
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The Louvre will increase ticket prices for non-EU visitors from January 14, aiming to raise €23 million annually for a €1.3 billion renovation plan. The move follows a high-profile jewelry theft in October and is part of the 'Louvre — New Renaissance' initiative to modernize infrastructure, improve security, and reduce overcrowding.
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On December 3, 2025, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began a three-day state visit to the UK, the first by a German leader in 27 years. Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, the visit highlights renewed UK-Germany ties post-Brexit, including the Kensington Treaty, and features commemorations of WWII tragedies and cooperation on Ukraine and migration.
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Germany's parliament approved a law to expand the Bundeswehr, including a new conscription system, amid fears of Russian aggression and NATO commitments. The move has sparked protests and debate over costs, gender equality, and public priorities, with similar reforms seen across Europe.
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Kyiv is resisting a US-backed peace plan that aligns with Russia's demands. Talks in Florida and Geneva involve Ukrainian, US, and Russian officials aiming to find a pathway to peace and security guarantees amid ongoing conflict and recent military attacks. Zelenskiy emphasizes Ukraine's commitment to diplomatic efforts today, December 2, 2025.
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Prime Minister Starmer emphasizes a balanced, realistic approach to China, acknowledging its global significance and security threats. He criticizes past inconsistent policies and signals a shift towards engagement in non-security areas, while maintaining a firm stance on security. The government considers a controversial Chinese embassy plan and prepares for a possible visit to China next year.
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Russian forces announced the capture of Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, amid ongoing fighting. Ukraine denies full control, and the situation highlights Russia's slow territorial gains in the Donbas. US peace talks are ongoing, with recent claims timed to influence negotiations.
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Leaders from Ukraine, France, Germany, and the US are engaging in high-level discussions to broker a ceasefire and peace agreement in Ukraine. While diplomatic efforts advance, Russia continues missile strikes, complicating negotiations. The US emphasizes security guarantees and European involvement in the process.
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Russia and the US have held high-level talks over Ukraine, but no breakthrough has been reached. Russia remains firm on territorial demands, while Ukraine insists on maintaining control. Ongoing fighting and diplomatic efforts continue as both sides explore potential compromises, with key issues including territory and security guarantees.
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Recent reports reveal Chinese-linked hackers targeted global telecoms and a US military network in a long-running cyberespionage campaign. Meanwhile, a UK case involving alleged spying for Beijing collapsed amid systemic failures and outdated laws, prompting calls for legal reform and scrutiny of diplomatic influence. The story highlights ongoing security concerns and diplomatic tensions.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned last month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could provoke a response from Tokyo. Meanwhile, China seeks stronger communication with France and the UK on regional issues, emphasizing the 'One China' principle amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan and Ukraine.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited China for a three-day trip focused on trade and diplomacy. Key topics included involving Beijing in pressuring Russia for a Ukraine ceasefire, strengthening bilateral ties, and addressing trade imbalances. Xi pledged support for peace efforts and announced economic cooperation, while trade disputes and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.
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U.S. officials, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, met with Putin in Moscow to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. While Putin expressed interest, no agreement was reached, and ongoing fighting continues with Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities. The diplomatic effort aims to find a resolution amid persistent tensions.
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Germany's parliament approved legislation to expand its military, aiming for 260,000 soldiers by 2035. The law includes sending questionnaires to 18-year-olds about willingness to serve, mandatory medical checks for men, and a dual-track recruitment system. Reintroduction of conscription remains a possibility if volunteer numbers fall short.
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France's government, led by Prime Minister Se9bastien Lecornu, struggles to pass a social security bill amid political fragmentation. Concessions to the Socialists, including suspending Macron's pension reform, have alienated allies. Failure to pass the budget risks a funding shortfall and further instability, with key votes upcoming.
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On December 6-7, 2025, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and causing widespread power outages, including at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Ukrainian forces intercepted most attacks. Concurrently, US-mediated peace talks continue, with progress dependent on Russia's commitment to peace.
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On December 6-8, 2025, the US released a National Security Strategy under President Trump, sharply criticizing Europe’s self-confidence and immigration policies, warning of 'civilizational erasure,' and signaling a pivot to the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. The strategy calls for ending the Ukraine war and restoring strategic stability with Russia, which Moscow welcomed. European leaders strongly rebuked the document, emphasizing alliance shifts and defending European sovereignty.
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As of December 11, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelensky met with UK, French, and German leaders in London to discuss a US-backed peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia. The plan’s key sticking point remains Ukraine’s refusal to cede control of the eastern Donbas region. Meanwhile, Russia continues missile and drone attacks, and the US signals a desire to improve relations with Russia while urging a ceasefire.
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French President Macron has warned China that Europe may impose tariffs if Beijing does not address trade imbalances and protect European industries. He advocates for a diplomatic approach, including dismantling certain export restrictions, amid rising concerns over China's trade surplus and its impact on Europe’s industrial base.
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On December 7-8, mutinous soldiers in Benin briefly seized state TV, declared a coup removing President Patrice Talon, and suspended the constitution. Loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian airstrikes and ECOWAS troops, swiftly regained control. The coup leaders cited governance failures and northern insecurity. Fourteen arrests were made; the leader remains at large. The incident underscores regional instability amid rising West African military takeovers.
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In December 2025, a water leak damaged between 300 and 400 books in the Egyptian antiquities department library at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The affected volumes, mostly Egyptology journals from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are being restored. The leak highlights the museum's aging infrastructure, which has faced criticism following a high-profile October jewellery heist.
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On December 7-8, 2025, 100 children abducted from St Mary's Catholic School in Niger State, Nigeria, were released and transported to Abuja before being handed to local officials. Over 150 students and 12 teachers remain captive after the November 21 mass kidnapping. Details of the release remain undisclosed amid ongoing rescue efforts.
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China's trade surplus through November reached $1.08 trillion, driven by a 5.9% rise in exports despite a 28.6% drop to the US. Exports to other regions increased, offsetting US declines. Imports grew modestly, reflecting ongoing domestic economic challenges. The US-China trade relationship remains complex amid recent tariff adjustments.
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The EU is preparing to assist Lebanon's internal security forces ahead of UNIFIL's withdrawal in 2026. Israel continues strikes on Lebanese territory amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah. Lebanon seeks international verification of Hezbollah's rearmament, with US and French involvement possible.
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Videos show Brigitte Macron jokingly using a sexist slur about activists protesting her husband's ally, Ary Abittan. The incident sparks criticism from politicians and feminists, highlighting tensions over protest methods and Macron's stance on gender issues amid recent sexual assault allegations against cultural figures.
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As of December 11, 2025, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and European leaders are urgently negotiating a US-backed peace plan amid pressure from US President Trump to accept terms ceding territory to Russia. Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Moscow airports, signaling military capability. Talks remain tense with unresolved security guarantees and territorial disputes.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky used group chat to answer reporters' questions mid-flight, emphasizing Ukraine's refusal to surrender land amid ongoing negotiations. He met European leaders to discuss security guarantees and territorial concessions, amid uncertainties over US support.
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A UK military serviceman died in Ukraine on Tuesday during a non-combat incident while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability. The MoD confirmed the death, which is the first known fatality of a UK service member in Ukraine, highlighting the risks faced by UK personnel assisting Ukrainian defense efforts.
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Investigations into the October 19 Louvre heist reveal security lapses, including faulty cameras, delayed response, and poor coordination. The theft of $102 million worth of jewels exposed longstanding vulnerabilities, prompting calls for leadership accountability amid ongoing staff strikes and recent damage to museum archives.
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Ukrainian sea drones struck and damaged the Dashan tanker in the Black Sea, marking the third attack on vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet aiding oil exports. The vessel was sailing with transponders off, and no casualties are confirmed. The attack aims to disrupt Russia’s oil trade amid ongoing conflict.
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Recent days have seen intensified Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting Russian infrastructure, including a drone attack on Saratov that killed two. Russia responded with hypersonic missile strikes on Ukrainian ports and energy facilities. Ukraine seeks security guarantees in upcoming negotiations, while both sides prepare for potential peace talks in Germany.