The Vatican Mosaic Studio of the Fabric of Saint Peter has completed a mosaic medallion honoring Pope Leo XIV, the Holy See announced. Following tradition, the mosaic was finished just over eight months after his election and will be installed in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, near the portrait of Pope Francis. The 137-centimeter roundel was crafted with glass enamels and gold … Continue reading Pope Leo’s mosaic portrait ready for Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have accused former Prime Minister and opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko of orchestrating a scheme to bribe MPs, including some from President Zelenskyy’s party, to influence parliamentary votes. Tymoshenko’s Fatherland party offices were raided, and cash was seized, but she denies the allegations, calling the investigation politically motivated ahead of possible elections. The accusations reportedly involve payments to secure votes on dismissals of … Continue reading Yulia Tymoshenko reportedly accused of scheming to bribe Ukrainian MPs

The United States has announced the start of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, alongside the formation of a technocratic committee to govern the territory. This phase focuses on demilitarization, reconstruction, and transitional governance, though major details remain unresolved. The move comes despite Israeli opposition, particularly over Hamas’ disarmament and the continued holding of a hostage’s remains, prompting Israel to keep the Rafah … Continue reading US announces next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan, committee is formed

Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector, particularly affecting Kyiv, as ongoing Russian strikes leave thousands without power, heat, or water during severe winter conditions. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure to exploit freezing temperatures, which have dropped to around -20°C in the capital. The announcement comes amid comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Ukraine … Continue reading Zelensky declares energy emergency as biting cold persists

Troops from several European countries, including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, are deploying to Greenland to strengthen security as tensions rise between the United States and its European allies. The move follows talks in Washington between Danish, Greenlandic and U.S. officials that revealed a “fundamental disagreement” over President Donald Trump’s stated desire to take control of Greenland. Denmark plans to expand its military presence on … Continue reading European troops arrive in Greenland to boost the Arctic island’s security

A train derailed in northeastern Thailand after a construction crane fell onto three of its carriages, killing at least 19 people and injuring around 80. The accident occurred in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, on a train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities said more bodies may still be trapped in the wreckage, as shifting debris has made recovery dangerous. The crane was part … Continue reading At least 19 killed after crane falls on train in Thailand

Former Corsican separatist leader Alain Orsoni, 71, was shot dead during his mother’s funeral in Vero, near Ajaccio, on Monday. Prosecutors said he was killed by a long-range shot, and an investigation into murder by an organised gang has been opened. Orsoni led the Corsican Movement for Self-Determination, considered by French authorities as the political wing of the armed Corsican National Liberation Front-Traditional Wing. He … Continue reading Former Corsican separatist leader Orsoni assassinated at mother’s funeral

France is pushing to restrict Ukraine from using a €90bn EU loan to buy American weapons, insisting the funds support European defence industries instead. President Emmanuel Macron argues this would strengthen Europe’s arms sector and reduce reliance on the US, but Germany and the Netherlands warn it would hinder Kyiv’s access to essential systems like Patriot missiles, F-16s, and Himars launchers. EU leaders agreed the … Continue reading France pushes to block Ukraine from buying US weapons

The United States has accused Russia of a “dangerous and inexplicable escalation” in its war on Ukraine, citing the recent use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile and raising concerns at an emergency UN Security Council meeting. US officials warned that Russia’s actions risk intensifying the conflict at a time when President Donald Trump is pushing for peace negotiations. Despite the warning, Russia launched fresh … Continue reading US slams Russia’s ‘dangerous escalation’ in Ukraine amid new deadly strikes

Forest officials in India are searching for a rogue elephant responsible for killing 22 people in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district since early January. The single-tusked male elephant, believed to have become violent after being separated from its herd, has carried out mostly nighttime attacks in villages, killing entire families and a forest official. Authorities have placed nearby districts on high alert, warned residents to stay … Continue reading Search for single-tusked elephant after 22 killed in India rampage

Information emerging from Iran suggests the government’s crackdown on more than two weeks of anti-government protests may have been far deadlier than previously reported. Sources speaking to CBS News, including one inside Iran, claim activist groups believe at least 12,000 people—and possibly up to 20,000—have been killed, though these figures cannot be independently verified. Britain’s foreign secretary said the U.K. believes deaths exceed 2,000 and … Continue reading Over 12,000 feared dead after Iran protests