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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents and fixture details, with the tournament running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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Italy's recent World Cup qualification match against Israel ended in a 4-4 draw, with Italy narrowly securing the points thanks to a late goal from Sandro Tonali. The game was marked by tactical errors and emotional moments, impacting Italy's chances of automatic qualification. The match also coincided with a national tragedy in Israel, adding emotional weight.
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Donald Trump has urged NATO to halt Russian oil purchases and impose tariffs on China to pressure Russia into ending the Ukraine conflict. His proposals depend on all NATO members agreeing to these measures, which he claims would weaken Russia and China's influence, potentially accelerating peace efforts. The story highlights ongoing tensions and economic sanctions related to the conflict.
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The UK and US are set to sign agreements during Trump’s visit to fast-track nuclear project approvals, including plans for up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool. The deal aims to reduce licensing times, boost energy security, and create thousands of jobs, marking a new phase in transatlantic nuclear cooperation.
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Juraj Cintula, 72, was convicted for shooting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024, claiming political motives driven by moral despair. Fico was seriously wounded but recovered. The case highlights rising political tensions and Fico's increasingly divisive policies since his return to power in 2023.
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A passenger train was hit from behind by an express train near Pezinok, Slovakia, resulting in 79 injuries, mostly light. The collision, likely caused by human error, is the second such incident in a month. No fatalities have been reported as of today.
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The EU plans to phase out Russian LNG by January 2027, earlier than scheduled, as part of its 19th sanctions package. The move aims to cut Russia's fossil fuel revenues amid ongoing tensions with the US, which is urging Europe to impose harsher tariffs on China and India for buying Russian energy. The package faces delays in approval.
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Mass protests erupted across Slovakia in response to government austerity measures aimed at reducing a high budget deficit. Demonstrations in 19 cities oppose tax hikes, social insurance increases, and potential holiday cancellations. The protests are linked to Prime Minister Fico's recent diplomatic visits to China and Russia, and his political stance.
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On September 19, 2025, the European Commission proposed its 19th sanctions package targeting Russia, aiming to phase out Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by January 2027, a year earlier than planned. The package targets firms in China, India, and other countries accused of sanction evasion, expands blacklists of vessels and companies, and includes measures against crypto platforms and export controls on military-related technologies.
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Slovakia's parliament approved a constitutional amendment recognizing only two genders and asserting national sovereignty over cultural issues. The move, supported by Prime Minister Robert Fico, raises concerns over conflicts with EU law and human rights, especially for LGBTQ+ communities. The law also limits adoption rights and emphasizes traditional family values.
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Israel has deported over 470 activists from the recent Gaza flotilla, including Greta Thunberg, amid allegations of mistreatment and ongoing tensions over Gaza aid. The deportations follow interception of multiple flotillas challenging Israel’s blockade, with some activists reporting harsh conditions and abuse during detention.
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EU energy ministers approved a plan to phase out Russian pipeline and LNG gas imports, with new contracts banned from January 2026 and existing ones transitioning until 2028. The move aims to reduce dependence on Russian energy amid ongoing tensions, with approval pending from the European Parliament.
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Russia launched multiple drone and missile strikes on Ukraine and border regions, causing civilian injuries and infrastructure damage. Ukraine responded with strikes on Russian targets, while both sides reported intercepting numerous drones. Western nations consider new sanctions and military aid amid ongoing conflict.
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Australian scientists have detected signs of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic territory. Dead seals and seabirds suggest possible infection, raising concerns about the virus's spread toward Australia. Samples are being tested, but no confirmed detection has been made yet.
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The US will not send high-level officials to the upcoming UN climate talks in Belém, Brazil, reflecting ongoing opposition to multilateral climate efforts under President Trump. Other world leaders, including China, are also skipping the event. Despite this, US subnational actors continue climate actions independently, highlighting a divided global approach to climate policy.
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EU negotiations on a reparations loan backed by frozen Russian assets are delayed due to Belgium's legal and financial concerns. Disagreements over guarantees and legal risks threaten to push back Ukraine's funding, with EU leaders set to discuss the issue in December.
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EU climate ministers approved a 90% emissions reduction target by 2040 with flexibilities, including buying international carbon credits. Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland opposed the deal, which now awaits European Parliament approval. The agreement aims to balance climate goals with economic concerns amid ongoing negotiations.
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Russian forces claim to have liberated Zvanivka and advanced near Huliaipole, while Ukraine reports fierce fighting in Donetsk and Pokrovsk. Russia continues air and drone attacks, and Ukraine prepares for potential peace negotiations amid ongoing territorial disputes and strategic shifts.