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President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky are set to meet in Budapest as discussions on military aid and peace efforts in Ukraine intensify. Trump considers selling long-range missiles to Kyiv to pressure Russia, despite opposition from Moscow. The meeting follows recent diplomatic developments and ongoing war concerns.
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The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize to Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut and Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, both imprisoned on charges seen as politically motivated. The award highlights ongoing struggles for press freedom and human rights amid authoritarian regimes in Belarus and Georgia.
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Colorado has been releasing wolves since 2023 following voter approval in 2020. About 30 wolves now roam the state, with plans for more. The program faces opposition from rural communities and potential federal restrictions on wolf sourcing, raising legal and political questions. Recent federal guidance suggests wolves must come from northern U.S. states, complicating plans.
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EU leaders are preparing to discuss potential measures against China’s recent export restrictions on rare earths and battery materials. The European Commission signals readiness to activate its anti-coercion tools, amid concerns over supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. A new plan aims to diversify critical material sources and strengthen technological independence.
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The EU has imposed sanctions on Belarus, with a watered-down statement removing direct accusations against Lukashenko's regime to secure Hungary's support. The move follows recent balloon incidents and highlights ongoing tensions over Belarus's role in regional security and disinformation. EU diplomats see the statement as a compromise amid diplomatic negotiations.
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Tanzania's recent elections have led to violent protests, with reports of hundreds of deaths amid security crackdowns. The opposition claims around 700 killed, while authorities deny excessive force. International groups call for investigations as internet blackouts and curfews persist.
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Taiwan is increasing diplomatic efforts with Europe and Israel, dispatching officials to strengthen trade and security cooperation. Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim visited Brussels, urging EU support, while Taiwan's foreign minister emphasized closer relations with Israel amid regional tensions. The moves reflect Taiwan's strategic diplomacy amidst China’s opposition.
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On November 21, 2025, Nathan Gill, former Reform UK Wales leader and ex-MEP, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for accepting at least £40,000 in bribes from pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn between 2018 and 2019. Gill made scripted pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament and media, compromising legislative integrity and implicating other MEPs. The case raises concerns about Kremlin influence in UK politics and scrutiny of Nigel Farage's party.
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Poland and Germany are set to meet in Berlin to discuss the return of cultural artifacts looted during WWII, including a sculpture from Malbork Castle and Teutonic Order archives. The meeting also addresses security issues amid ongoing tensions over Holocaust memory and Polish-German relations.
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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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Germany's parliament approved a pension package maintaining current benefits until 2031, with abstentions from the far-left and some conservative youth members. The vote highlights coalition fragility and ongoing debates over future pension reforms amid political disagreements and demographic challenges.
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Farmers across France and Belgium are protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade deal, fearing it will flood Europe with cheaper South American goods and harm local agriculture. Protests include roadblocks, demonstrations, and clashes with police, coinciding with EU summit debates on trade and Ukraine support. The deal's approval is uncertain.
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Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally, is appealing a 2025 court ruling that convicted her of misusing EU funds and banned her from public office for five years. The appeal trial began on January 13, 2026, in Paris and could determine whether she can run in the 2027 presidential election. The verdict is expected by summer 2026.