Croatia’s President Zoran Milanović, a critic of the EU and NATO, won reelection with nearly 74% of the vote, defeating conservative Dragan Primorac. Milanović’s victory boosts his stance against Western military support for Ukraine and sets up continued clashes with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. The election, amid Croatia’s economic challenges, required a runoff as Milanović narrowly missed a first-round majority. Ava Sinclair 12/01/2025 11:30 pm
In Bucharest, tens of thousands protested against Romania’s top court annulling the presidential election after outsider Calin Georgescu led the first round. Demonstrators demanded the election’s resumption, waving flags and holding placards like “Democracy is not optional.” Allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference followed Georgescu’s win. Far-right leader George Simion called the annulment a “coup d’état.” New election dates are set for May, but Georgescu’s participation remains uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 12/01/2025 11:30 pm
Ukrainian President Zelensky is open to exchanging two captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian POWs in Russia. The soldiers, captured on January 9, are in Kyiv receiving medical care and being questioned with South Korean assistance. Zelensky offers options for those unwilling to return to North Korea, including spreading the truth about the war. Russia’s use of North Korean troops was not denied by Putin. The soldiers had Russian military IDs, with one issued in 2024, and underwent interoperability training in North Korea. Noah Prescott 12/01/2025 11:30 pm
India is preparing for the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the world’s largest religious gathering, expecting 400 million pilgrims over 45 days. The event, held every 12 years, involves bathing at the sacred Sangam. Despite challenges from delayed monsoon receding, authorities have set up a vast tent city and infrastructure, with over 100,000 personnel ensuring readiness. The festival aims to cleanse sins and achieve salvation, with millions expected to bathe on key days. Noah Prescott 12/01/2025 11:30 pm
Andy Murray finds coaching more demanding than expected but aims to help Novak Djokovic win more grand slam titles. Djokovic, seeded seventh, faces Nishesh Basavareddy in the Australian Open. Despite not winning a grand slam in 2024, Djokovic secured Olympic gold. Murray notes Djokovic’s occasional lack of focus but praises his Olympic performance. Their collaboration emphasizes open communication and trust, with Murray committed to supporting Djokovic’s success. Noah Prescott 12/01/2025 11:30 pm
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka began her Australian Open 2025 campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Sloane Stephens, marking her 15th consecutive victory in Melbourne. Despite a shaky start with 13 unforced errors, Sabalenka improved in the second set, securing a double break. The two-time defending champion expressed her happiness to be back at Melbourne Park, where she feels at home. This victory extends her head-to-head record against Stephens to 5-0. Ava Sinclair 12/01/2025 8:00 pm
Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders to oppose the Taliban’s repressive policies against women in Afghanistan, stating there’s “nothing Islamic” about them. Speaking at a summit in Pakistan, she condemned the Taliban’s gender apartheid and their justification of actions against women. Malala, a Nobel laureate, survived a Taliban attack in 2012 for advocating girls’ education. The Taliban, invited but absent from the summit, have not been recognized internationally since regaining control in 2021. The conference emphasized the importance of girls’ education in Islamic countries. Noah Prescott 12/01/2025 8:00 pm
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, now in Kyiv receiving medical care. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed their capture. The soldiers, who don’t speak Ukrainian, English, or Russian, are communicating through Korean interpreters. One soldier claimed he was sent for training, not combat. Zelenskyy noted the difficulty of capturing them, as Russian and North Korean forces often execute wounded soldiers to hide North Korea’s involvement in the war. Ava Sinclair 12/01/2025 8:00 pm
Chinese and Indian refiners will increase oil imports from the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas due to new U.S. sanctions on Russian producers, impacting Russian oil exports. These sanctions, affecting 143 tankers, will reduce the fleet available for Russian crude, raising freight costs. Chinese refiners may cut output, while India’s Russian crude imports rose 4.5% last year. The sanctions shift oil trade from Europe to Asia, with significant impacts on shipping logistics and costs. Noah Prescott 12/01/2025 8:00 pm
Croatian President Zoran Milanović secured a decisive victory in the presidential runoff, defeating Dragan Primorac of the ruling HDZ party with 74.2% of the vote. Milanović, a popular figure despite his pro-Moscow and anti-Western remarks, previously led Croatia into the EU in 2013. His win signals potential challenges for Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, whose HDZ party has been weakened by corruption scandals. Croatia faces economic challenges, including high inflation and labor shortages, under HDZ’s long-standing dominance since 1991. Penelope Kingsley 12/01/2025 8:00 pm
