Ukrainian forces under ‘intense’ pressure in south, as troop shortage bites
Ukrainian forces are under growing pressure in the south of the country, where less well-equipped units are vastly…
Russia and Ukraine trade allegations of civilian attacks on New Year’s Day
Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of targeting civilians Russia says 24 killed in hotel in Russian-occupied territory…
‘Gentle giant’ rescue dog rehomed after three years in kennels
An “adorable” dog whose previous owner failed to get him treated for hunting injuries finally has his own…
Hundreds brave freezing Firth of Forth in 2026 Loony Dook plunge
Hundreds of brave souls have started their New Year’s Day with a bracing plunge into the Firth of…
Bulgaria is joining the euro. Here’s what it means for consumers and businesses
On New Year’s Day, Bulgaria will achieve its decades-old goal of joining the euro currency union and deepening…
Executions in Saudi Arabia hit highest number on record in 2025 | Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities executed 356 people in 2025, setting a new record for the number of inmates put to…
Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Ukraine as tensions grow amid peace talks
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Ukrainian drone strike killed 24 people and wounded at least 50 more as…
US ‘adapt, shrink or die’ terms for $2bn aid pot will mean UN bowing down to Washington, say experts | Aid
The $2bn (£1.5bn) of aid the US pledged this week may have been hailed as “bold and ambitious”…
Ditching noisy fireworks at New Year, Athens and Nicosia embrace tech with drone shows
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece and Cyprus are starting 2026 by turning down the volume. The countries’ capital…
Photos of New Year’s celebrations across the globe
People across the world celebrate the start of 2026, with New York’s iconic Times Square ball descending 18…