Russian President Vladimir Putin announced readiness for talks to end the Ukraine war, including discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking during a state TV Q&A, Putin rejected preconditions but emphasized compromises from Kyiv. He dismissed a temporary truce, favoring lasting peace based on prior Istanbul proposals, deemed controversial by Ukraine. Putin defended Russia’s 2022 invasion as a defensive move against NATO expansion and revealed regret for delayed military action. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Putin's hypersonic missile threats, questioning his sanity during a European Council meeting. The war continues to devastate lives and global relations.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing "acts of genocide" in Gaza by restricting water access, damaging infrastructure, and obstructing repairs. The report claims thousands have died from dehydration and disease due to Israeli actions. HRW's executive director, Tirana Hassan, called it a "calculated policy of deprivation." Israel dismissed the report as "propaganda," asserting it facilitates water and aid despite ongoing Hamas attacks. The 179-page report includes interviews, satellite data, and documentation of alleged intent. The International Court of Justice is examining similar accusations. Israel maintains its focus is on Hamas, denying allegations of targeting civilians.

Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi military sites in Yemen, including Red Sea ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, after intercepting a missile over central Israel. The attack, which damaged a school and vehicles in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, followed Houthi aggression linked to solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Houthi-run media reported nine fatalities, including seven at Salif port and two at Ras Issa oil facility. Since October 2023, Yemen’s Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. The ongoing conflict underscores escalating regional tensions amid Gaza-related hostilities.

A French court sentenced Dominique Pelicot, 72, to 20 years for drugging and raping his ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot over nearly a decade. Fifty men, accused of assaulting her while she was unconscious, received jail terms ranging from 4 to 18 years. Gisèle waived her anonymity, demanding justice and exposing horrific crimes through videos recorded by Pelicot. The trial, marked by claims of consensual acts by defendants, highlighted the lack of explicit consent in France's rape laws. Protest rallies across France support Gisèle, who stated, “I’ve done nothing wrong; they must be ashamed.”

At least 100 North Korean troops have been killed and 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia, according to South Korean politician Lee Seong-kweun. The heavy casualties were attributed to inexperience in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with open terrain. Lee stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is overseeing training, suggesting further troop deployments. Over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to support Russia's war effort, with Pyongyang supplying significant military aid. The losses reflect the intensity of North Korean involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Syrian rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, now the de facto leader following Bashar al-Assad's ouster, urged the lifting of sanctions on Syria, asserting they target a bygone regime. Speaking to the BBC, Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), denied extremism claims and called for HTS's removal from global terror lists. He emphasized Syria's distinct identity, support for women’s education, and legal reform through a Syrian committee. Sharaa stressed HTS’s focus on opposing Assad's regime, not targeting civilians. Despite his assurances, skepticism persists among Syrians and international observers about HTS’s commitment to moderate governance.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended her friendship with billionaire Elon Musk, dismissing claims of influence over her policies. Addressing parliament before the EU summit, Meloni stated, “I don’t take orders from anyone.” A photo of Meloni and Musk at a September event had sparked dating rumors online. Meloni highlighted her government’s push to regulate private space activities and attract $7.3 billion in foreign investments, including from Musk's SpaceX, by 2026. She emphasized past leaders’ subservience to foreign powers and asserted her independence despite maintaining good relationships with influential figures. Musk has praised Meloni as "authentic" and "honest."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted, “We do not have the strength to recover” Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea, during an interview with Le Parisien. He called for “diplomatic pressure” on Vladimir Putin to negotiate. UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced £225M in military aid, including drones and munitions, stating the UK will "step up leadership" on Ukraine in 2025. NATO leaders pledged to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, with Zelenskyy emphasizing that a ceasefire deal might involve placing controlled territories “under the NATO umbrella.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov maintained Moscow’s goals will be achieved militarily or diplomatically.

Natalie Rupnow, a 15-year-old Wisconsin student, opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School, killing a substitute teacher and a teenager. Two of the five injured remain critical. Rupnow, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, reportedly struggled with her parents' repeated divorces and reconciliations. Her troubled upbringing led to therapy sessions in 2022. Court documents revealed her parents' unstable relationship, including multiple marriages and divorces, leaving Natalie in alternating custody. A recent social media post by her father showed her enjoying shooting practice. Police are investigating the motive behind the tragic shooting that shook the local community.

The UK is considering deploying troops to Ukraine to train its armed forces, according to Defence Secretary John Healey. During his visit to Kyiv, Healey pledged £225M in military support, including drones, artillery shells, and air defenses. While specific plans remain undisclosed, defence sources suggest the move would bolster Ukraine's capabilities amid Russian aggression. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized Europe's collective role in fortifying Ukraine’s position through 2025. Healey's visit comes ahead of NATO and EU meetings, where strategies to enhance Ukraine’s defenses will be discussed. The UK has trained Ukrainian forces domestically and provided limited training within Ukraine itself.