International News Today: The final week of December is proving to be extremely turbulent for global politics and security. On one hand, the flames of war in Eastern Europe have intensified once again, while on the other, terrorist attacks in a peaceful country like Australia have shaken ordinary citizens. In this special International News Roundup bulletin, we take an in-depth look at the 10 major developments that have captured global attention over the past 24 hours.
Russia’s largest-ever drone attack on Ukraine, the historic release of prisoners in Yemen, and cyber warfare incidents in France — all of these events underline just how challenging the end of 2025 has become for the world. Let’s take a detailed look.
Russia-Ukraine War: A New and Terrifying Phase of “Aerial Terror”
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine took a horrific turn on December 23. It is being described as the largest aerial assault since the start of the war. According to the latest Russia-Ukraine War updates, Russia launched more than 650 drones and nearly 50 cruise missiles at multiple Ukrainian cities in a single night.
- Massive destruction: The attacks primarily targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Power supply has been completely disrupted in major cities such as Khmelnytskyi and Odesa, forcing millions of people to endure freezing temperatures without electricity.
- Ukraine’s retaliation: In response, Ukraine struck the Tamannneftegaz oil terminal in Russia’s Krasnodar region, causing significant damage.
- Tensions near NATO borders: The situation became so serious that neighboring Poland was compelled to deploy fighter jets along its border to safeguard its airspace.
The Ukrainian President’s Office described the assault as a “new level of aerial terror” by Russia. Defense experts believe the attack is a strategic attempt to break Ukraine’s morale during the harsh winter months.
Australia: Terror Attack During Hanukkah Celebrations at Bondi Beach
Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach, usually bustling with tourists, was rocked by gunfire on December 14. Investigation findings and fresh revelations from the incident became a major topic of discussion on December 23. During Hanukkah celebrations, a father-son duo — Sajid and Naveed Akram — allegedly opened indiscriminate fire while waving ISIS flags.
This horrifying attack claimed the lives of 16 innocent people. Police investigations have now revealed that the attackers conducted reconnaissance of the area two days before the incident.
“Australian police officer Jack Hibbert, who was shot in the head, is now out of danger. His survival is nothing short of a miracle, and the entire nation is saluting his courage.”
Following the attack, the Australian government announced stricter Counter-Terrorism Laws and major decisions regarding tighter gun control.
Yemen: A Ray of Hope — Historic Release of 2,900 Prisoners
A rare piece of positive news from the Middle East has made headlines in International News Today. After 11 years of brutal conflict, Yemen has witnessed a significant diplomatic breakthrough. Following prolonged talks in Oman, the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels have agreed to exchange 2,900 prisoners.
Under this agreement:
- 1,700 Houthi rebels will be released.
- In return, 1,200 government soldiers and civilians — including Saudi and Sudanese nationals — will be freed.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg described the move as “a foundation for the peace process.” This step could play a crucial role in easing Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Pakistan: Major Attack on Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistan’s internal security situation continues to deteriorate. On December 23, suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants ambushed a police convoy in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack, carried out using rocket launchers and advanced weapons, killed five police personnel on the spot.
The surge in terrorist attacks and growing TTP activity pose a serious challenge for Pakistan’s government and military.
Moscow Car Bomb Blast: Russian General Killed
A car bomb explosion in a high-security zone of Moscow has rattled Russian security agencies. The blast killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov of the Russian Army, who headed the Operational Training Department.
Russian investigative agencies are treating the incident as a “targeted killing” and have expressed suspicion of Ukrainian intelligence involvement. The attack underscores that the war is no longer confined to borders, but has now reached deep inside major cities.
France: Cyberattack Disrupts Banking and Postal Services
Just ahead of the Christmas holidays, France was hit by a major Cyber Attack. On the night of December 22–23, France’s main postal service “La Poste” and its banking arm “La Banque Postale” suffered a massive DDoS attack.
As a result of the attack:
- Millions of online transactions were disrupted.
- Parcel tracking systems completely crashed.
Although authorities have stated that customer data remains secure, the incident has raised serious concerns about the resilience of Europe’s digital infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan: Renewed Warmth in Strategic Ties
On the diplomatic front, Saudi Arabia has elevated its relationship with Pakistan to a new level. At a grand ceremony in Riyadh, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir was awarded the “King Abdulaziz Medal for Excellence,” reflecting strong defense cooperation between the two nations.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has taken another reformist step under its Vision 2030 agenda. Rules governing the purchase of alcohol have been relaxed for non-Muslims holding premium residency — a sign of the Kingdom’s evolving social landscape.
Sudan: Measles Outbreak in Darfur
In conflict-hit Sudan, violence is now being compounded by the spread of deadly diseases. According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), more than 1,300 severe measles cases have been reported in the Darfur region since September.
Lack of vaccination and the destruction of healthcare facilities have put children’s lives at serious risk. The United Nations has declared the situation a crisis requiring “immediate humanitarian intervention.” You can learn more about this health emergency on the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
China vs European Union: The Beginning of a “Dairy War”
A new chapter has been added to the global trade war. China has imposed heavy tariffs ranging from 21.9% to 42.7% on dairy products such as cheese, cream, and milk imported from the European Union (EU).
Experts believe this move is retaliation for tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The decision could severely impact European farmers and the dairy industry, further escalating economic tensions between the two major powers.
Syria: Violence Erupts Again in Aleppo
Peace in Syria’s historic city of Aleppo is once again on the brink of collapse. Talks over the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the government army failed to meet agreed deadlines, triggering fresh clashes.
At least three people have been killed in the latest exchange of gunfire, highlighting that the embers of Syria’s civil war are still smoldering beneath the surface.
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Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
