World

Latest World News

📅December 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Major global developments include intensified Russia–Ukraine fighting, Gaza famine declaration, US expanded travel restrictions, EU-Ukraine aid, and major diplomacy and climate/ocean agreements.
1

Russia intensifies multi‑phase attacks in Ukraine

Analysts report Russia is deploying a two‑phase attack model to crack Ukrainian defenses, sustaining pressure across multiple fronts and prompting international concern about battlefield momentumSource 1.

2

EU agrees €90 billion interest‑free loan to Ukraine

EU leaders approved a €90 billion loan facility to support Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years after plans to use frozen Russian assets were revised, aiming to sustain Kyiv amid ongoing fightingSource 3.

3

Famine declared in Gaza, food situation remains critical

The UN says a famine has been declared in Gaza while food and humanitarian conditions remain critical, with international agencies warning of urgent needs despite some aid flowsSource 5.

4

US expands entry restrictions in December 2025 proclamation

The White House issued an expanded proclamation tightening entry for nationals from several countries—adding Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria to full restrictions and imposing partial limits on others—citing vetting and security concernsSource 2.

5

US launches retaliatory strikes on ISIS in Syria

US forces conducted strikes against ISIS targets in Syria in a retaliatory operation, part of ongoing counter‑ISIS efforts in the region and prompting regional security analysisSource 3.

6

Belarus hosts deployment of Russia’s Oreshnik missile system

Belarusian authorities announced deployment of Russia’s latest nuclear‑capable Oreshnik missile system on Belarusian soil, a development that raises tensions as talks over Ukraine continueSource 3.

7

UN Ocean governance milestones reshape blue‑economy rules

2025 saw major ocean governance advances — the UN BBNJ Convention entered into force, new WTO fisheries subsidies rules took effect, and a landmark UN Ocean Conference declaration was adopted, reshaping sustainability and fishing policiesSource 4.

8

WHO closes second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

The WHO concluded its second Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (17–19 Dec), advancing international cooperation on traditional health systems and integrating them into broader health strategiesSource 10.

9

CERN highlights scientific advances in 2025

CERN published its 2025 highlights, detailing scientific, technological and societal advances achieved this year across particle physics collaborations and innovation programsSource 11.

10

CITES COP20 showcases global collaboration against wildlife crime

At CITES COP20 in Geneva, parties highlighted international efforts and capacity building to combat wildlife crime, emphasizing cross‑border enforcement and conservation commitmentsSource 12.

11

Honduras begins special count of presidential election final votes

Honduras started a special counting process for final presidential votes amid close scrutiny of the electoral outcome and international attention to the transparency of resultsSource 3.

12

Bondi Beach community mourns victims of mass shooting

Australia’s Bondi Beach held memorials and awarded a civilian hero after a mass shooting that killed 15 people, as communities seek healing and inquiries continueSource 3.