Ukraine's capital opens 2025 under a new wave of Russian drone attacks The attack began hours after Ukraine's president addressed his nation. He acknowledged the agony of 2024 with heavy battlefield casualties and Russia's army advancing along much of the 600-mile front. Brian Mann
Ukraine halts transit of Russian gas to Europe after a prewar deal expired Among the hardest-hit will be Moldova, which has brought in emergency measures as residents brace for a harsh winter and looming power cuts. The Associated Press
Biden administration to send billions more in aid to Ukraine The White House says it will send nearly $6 billion in military and budget aid to Ukraine. It's likely to be the last bit of support by the Biden administration as Trump's team is about to take over. Jackie Northam
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. Robin Forestier-Walker