The Controversy Over Ukraine's Valuable Minerals
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his belief that Ukraine should give the United States a significant portion of its extensive mineral wealth as reciprocation for the military assistance it received during its conflict with Russia. However, this proposition has been outrightly declined by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Analysts speculate on what the former US leader is trying to achieve and the probabilities of him succeeding.
In other news, a woman from County Donegal named Danielle McLaughlin, aged 28, was declared deceased in India's western state of Goa back in 2017. Meanwhile, a drone captured footage of dense smoke and molten lava being expelled from the most active volcano in Europe.
There was a disturbance in Munich when a car ploughed into a crowd, injuring a minimum of 28 people. On another note, certain roads in Ireland will see a decrease in the speed limit, dropping to 60 km/h (37 mph) starting this Friday.
Alexander Lukashenko, fresh from an election victory marred by widespread allegations of illegitimacy, fielded queries from Steve Rosenberg, the Russia editor for the BBC. Holocaust survivors commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the infamous Nazi concentration camp.
In Greece, a large crowd gathered to honor the victims of the nation's deadliest train tragedy. On a related note, it's election day in Belarus, with Alexander Lukashenko expected to prolong his 31-year rule.
In weather news, Helen Willetts from the BBC provided a forecast following the havoc wreaked by Storm Éowyn, which produced record-breaking winds. The storm resulted in significant travel disruptions and power outages across the UK and Ireland.
In the Irish Parliament, a heated argument over speaking rights led to a temporary suspension of the session after Verona Murphy, a Teachtaí Dála (TD), requested a 15-minute break due to the refusal of other TDs to settle down and resume their seats.
In Spain, a malfunctioning ski lift in the northern region led to at least 10 people getting injured. There was a remarkable archaeological discovery in an ancient Roman city. Irish mountain farmers are using their dogs to locate their sheep trapped under thick layers of snow.
In Russia, Moscow inhabitants shared their hopes for the upcoming New Year with Steve Rosenberg, the BBC Russia Editor. Emotional scenes unfolded as released prisoners arrived back in Ukraine. Survivors of a plane crash in Azerbaijan recounted the terrifying moments before the catastrophe, with footage showing survivors being helped away from the wreckage.
Finally, an estimated 30 million Catholic pilgrims are predicted to journey to Rome for the jubilee, a significant religious event that takes place every 25 years.