US, Russian officials to meet in Florida for latest round of Ukraine talks

Ukraine has withdrawn its troops from a strategically significant eastern town as Russian airstrikes intensified, resulting in civilian casualties and power outages, highlighting the ongoing violence as diplomatic efforts for peace remain stagnant ahead of Christmas.

Pope Leo XIV has called for a worldwide truce on Christmas Day, expressing disappointment over Russia's apparent rejection of this appeal amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where civilian casualties continue to rise due to Russian air strikes. Diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Europe have yet to yield significant progress towards peace.

Venezuela has enacted a law imposing severe penalties on individuals supporting the U.S. blockade, a move that reflects the government's strong opposition to what it describes as illegal acts of piracy by the U.S. This legislation comes amid escalating tensions following the recent seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers by U.S. forces.

The capture of Siversk by Russian forces marks a significant loss for Ukraine, bringing Russia closer to controlling the remaining cities in the Donetsk region that are still under Ukrainian control. This development highlights the ongoing territorial struggles in eastern Ukraine amid the protracted conflict.

A massive Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a four-year-old child, and has left several regions without power just days before Christmas. The assault involved over 650 drones and more than 30 missiles targeting energy infrastructure, exacerbating the already dire situation as the country faces extremely cold weather.

The US economy has shown significant growth, expanding at its fastest pace in two years, driven primarily by strong consumer spending. This unexpected surge indicates a robust economic recovery, suggesting that consumers are increasingly confident in their financial situations.

Russia launched a significant assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, deploying over 650 drones and dozens of missiles, resulting in at least three fatalities, including a child, just days before Christmas. This attack underscores the ongoing violence and instability in the region.

The Scottish whisky market is experiencing a supply glut as global sales fell by 3% in the first half of 2025, marking the third consecutive year of decline due to US tariffs and decreased demand. Distilleries are responding by scaling back production or expanding storage to cope with the oversupply.