Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls for fortifications in key frontline areas

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for faster construction of fortifications in key sectors under pressure from Russian forces, particularly in eastern Ukraine, the focal point of Moscow's advances 21 months into its invasion, Reuters reports.

EU defence spending skyrockets

Fuelled by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the European Union's (EU) military spending reached an unprecedented €270 billion in 2023, marking a significant increase from the €240 billion recorded in 2022. This marks the ninth consecutive year of growth in EU defence expenditures, underscoring the heightened focus on bolstering security capabilities amidst the geopolitical turmoil.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire extended amidst negotiations

In a joint agreement on Thursday, Israel and Hamas decided to extend the ceasefire in their conflict for at least one more day, just moments before the initial six-day truce was set to expire, as reported by Reuters.

Jerusalem bus stop shooting leaves two dead, eight injured

Two people were killed and eight other people were injured in a shooting attack at a bus stop in Jerusalem on Thursday morning, Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said, cited by Reuters.

Ukraine prepares for defensive winter in Donbas

Following the difficulties encountered in its summer counteroffensive, Ukraine is preparing for a defensive winter in the face of a growing Russian army in the Donbas region.

Finland closes all border crossings with Russia

Finland's government announced on Wednesday that it will close all border crossings with Russia from November 30 to December 13.

G7 calls on Houthi rebels to release seized cargo ship

Ministers of foreign affairs from the Group of Seven (G7) countries on Wednesday called on Houthi rebels in Yemen to "immediately cease" threatening maritime transport and to release the crew of a cargo ship they seized in the Red Sea 10 days ago.

Russian court extends detention of US reporter Gershkovich

A Russian court said on Tuesday it had extended the detention of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who is awaiting trial on espionage charges he denies, until Jan. 30, 2024, Reuters reports.

Ukraine says wife of spymaster Budanov was poisoned

The wife of Ukraine's military spy chief has been poisoned with heavy metals and is undergoing treatment in a hospital, a spokesperson for the agency said on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

Finland will close all borders with Russia

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told a press conference in Helsinki that the last remaining border post, in the Arctic, would be closed until 13 December, Euronews reports.

Ten people die in Ukraine snowstorms

Ten people have died in snowstorms in Ukraine, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Tuesday, after icy winds and storms swept the country since Sunday, cutting power and blocking roads, Reuters reports.

NATO foreign ministers to discuss situation in Western Balkans

NATO foreign ministers will discuss the security situation in the Western Balkans on Wednesday, said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday, Anadolu agency reports.