Russia and Ukraine swap 25 POWs each in UAE-mediated exchange

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 25 prisoners of war each after negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates, according to statements from both sides. Tap for the full brief.

US boosts security ties with Cyprus

Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden boosted security ties with Cyprus on Wednesday by issuing a presidential memorandum that makes the eastern Mediterranean island eligible to receive American defe...

Ukraine, UK sign 100-year partnership agreement

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France to decide response to Algeria “hostility” as tensions mount, minister says

President Emmanuel Macron and key members of the government will meet in the coming days to decide how to respond to what Paris deems as growing hostility from Algeria, France's foreign minister sa...

Los Angeles “Red Flag” wildfire warnings expire, but dangers persist

Red Flag warnings advising of extreme wildfire danger expired across the Los Angeles area late on Wednesday, but forecasters warned that dry and windy conditions will persist on Thursday, and that ...

Finland's intelligence chief urges vigilance over planned Russian military buildup

Planned Russian military reforms that would increase Moscow's troop numbers by 30% are a threat to NATO and should be met with vigilance, the chief of Finland's military intelligence service Pekka ...

Ceasefire hostage deal designed to permanently end Gaza war, official says

Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, an official briefed on the deal told Reuters on Wednesday — opening the way to a ...

TikTok prepares for US shutdown taking effect January 19, sources say

TikTok plans to shut its app for U.S. users from Sunday, when a federal ban on the social media app could come into effect, unless the Supreme Court moves to block it, sources familiar with the mat...

GOP support holds for defense nominee Hegseth after democrat grilling

President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, endured Democratic grilling over inexperience, alleged drinking and opposition to women in combat still retained support amon...

Tech billionaires Zuckerberg, Musk, and Bezos to attend Trump's inauguration, source says

Tech CEOs Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg will attend U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, according to a source familiar with planning for the event. Tap for the f...

Engineer could flee to Iran to avoid drone strike trial, US prosecutor says

U.S. prosecutors argued on Tuesday that an engineer could flee to Iran if he was granted bail while awaiting trial on charges related to a deadly drone attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan carr...

German cabinet plans to allow military to shoot down illegal drones, draft shows

Germany's cabinet is set to approve plans on Wednesday authorizing the armed forces to shoot down illegal drones following repeated reports of illegal flights over critical infrastructure, a draft ...

Australia summons Russian ambassador over reports captured Australian volunteer killed

Australia summoned the Russian ambassador over reports a Melbourne man had been killed after being captured by Russia while fighting for Ukraine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday. ...

Germany charges suspected Islamic State group member with war crimes against Yazidis

A member of the Islamic State militant group in Syria has been charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Germany, partly for alleged involvement in the genocide against the Yazidi comm...

Iranian navy unveils first signals intelligence ship

Iran's navy received its first signals intelligence ship on Wednesday, semi-official Tasnim news organization reported, a few days after the country's army took delivery of 1,000 new drones. Tap fo...