Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and key European leaders in Brussels on Wednesday to strategize over Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly defended her friendship with US tech billionaire Elon Musk, asserting that her personal connection with him does not influence her duties as Italy’s leader. Speaking in Parliament, Meloni made it clear that her government remains independent, despite her relationship with Musk, and she emphasized that she would not be swayed by his economic interests.
Seven individuals, including one American and at least four Australians, were hospitalized in Fiji on Saturday after consuming piña coladas at a hotel bar that may have been spiked, according to Fiji officials.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, a staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration next month, marking a historic first for a foreign leader.
Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has stepped down, citing a clash with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over how to handle President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s testimony in his corruption trial was postponed on Monday under special circumstances, sparking speculation about critical developments regarding either a hostage deal with Hamas or a potential military strike on Iran.
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed centrist François Bayrou as the country’s new prime minister, marking the fourth person to hold the role in just one year. This appointment comes after Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government collapsed following a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly due to deadlock over France’s 2025 budget.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly turned down President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Trump’s outreach to Xi was part of an effort to establish dialogue with not only allied nations but also with competitors and adversaries.
Dutch populist leader Geert Wilders was awarded the Jabotinsky Prize for Liberty during his visit to Israel, where he affirmed his unwavering support for the Jewish state. Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana presented the award, commending Wilders for his decades-long advocacy against radical Islam and support for Israel’s sovereignty. Wilders met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and other senior officials during his diplomatic visit.
