What to know about Finland, Russia's 'shadow fleet' and a severed undersea cable Finland says a ship affiliated with Russia's "shadow fleet" is linked to a 60-mile-long anchor drag mark on the seafloor. A power cable in the Baltic Sea was severed last week. Rebecca Rosman
Experts say it appears North Korean soldiers, fighting with Russia, are ill-prepared In one week there were more than a thousand North Koreans casualties in the fight with Russia against Ukraine. U.S. officials say they are sent into battle with little equipment or preparation. Brian Mann
At least 3 migrants die trying to cross the English Channel This latest incident comes as 2024 is named the deadliest year on record for small boat crossings along the perilous migration route. Rebecca Rosman
Putin's Condolences NPR's Andrew Limbong speaks with Brian Taylor, who teaches Russian politics at Syracuse University, about the call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leader of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Andrew Limbong
Putin apologizes to Azerbaijani leader for 'tragic incident' involving crashed plane The Kremlin said air defense systems were firing near Grozny due to a Ukrainian drone strike as the airliner attempted to land, but stopped short of saying it was shot down by Russian air defenses. The Associated Press
The Republic of Georgia's incumbent president is refusing to stand down, claiming election fraud The Republic of Georgia's incumbent president is refusing to stand down for the next president, claiming election fraud. Robin Forestier-Walker
Protests in Georgia continue as demonstrators rally in support for joining the EU On the eastern edge of the Black Sea, the Georgian president is refusing to step down, as demonstrations have gone on for weeks in support of Georgia joining the European Union. Sarah McCammon
Finland detains Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea Finnish authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia that Finnish customs officials and the European Union's executive commission describe as part of Russia's shadow fleet of fuel tankers. The Associated Press
A visit to the Krakow Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe Krakow, Poland, has one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. NPR correspondent Brian Mann spent a day exploring -- and dancing. Brian Mann
Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash As Azerbaijan observed a day of mourning for victims of the plane crash that killed 38 people, experts pointed to a possible cause: fire from Russia's air defense against a Ukrainian drone attack. The Associated Press