South Korean police suspended an attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol after a six-hour standoff. Despite deploying 150 officers, they were outnumbered by pro-Yoon supporters and security staff. Yoon faces investigation for abuse of power and inciting insurrection. The arrest attempt, involving police and the Corruption Investigation Office, was thwarted by Yoon’s security team and a military unit. The CIO expressed regret over Yoon’s refusal to comply with legal processes and will review next steps. Yoon’s supporters celebrated the suspension outside his residence.

Penelope Kingsley 03/01/2025 11:30 am

The expiry of Ukraine’s gas transit deal with Russia led to concerns about soaring prices and market chaos, which proved unfounded. Europe’s infrastructure adapted smoothly, with countries like Austria and the Czech Republic switching to German gas supplies, aided by Germany scrapping an export fee. The loss of Russian gas was less than 5% of Europe’s imports, deemed “negligible” by the EU. Transnistria suffered as Moscow ended gas supplies, but Moldova countered by importing EU gas to support the region, thwarting Russia’s attempt to create a humanitarian crisis.

Ava Sinclair 03/01/2025 11:30 am

In Montenegro, Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, 45, killed 12 people in a shooting spree in Cetinje before dying from self-inflicted injuries. Initially, he killed four people at a restaurant after a brawl, then shot eight more, including two children, at three locations. The victims were closely linked to him, but the motive remains unknown. This marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in under three years. Martinovic was cornered by police and attempted suicide, dying en route to the hospital. The town was left in shock, with public venues closed.

Ava Sinclair 03/01/2025 8:00 am

Investigators abandoned efforts to detain South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his Seoul residence due to resistance from thousands of supporters. Photos showed protesters blocking police, leading to a standoff between Yoon’s security and police. The Corruption Investigation Office cited safety concerns for halting the operation. The arrest warrant, valid until Jan. 6, was issued over Yoon’s imposition of martial law. Authorities plan to reassess their approach, criticizing Yoon for not complying with legal procedures.

Noah Prescott 03/01/2025 8:00 am

Christmas in Pokrovsk was unsettling, with the city largely deserted except for Ukrainian soldiers. Once home to 60,000, it now faces a looming threat from Russia’s 90th Guards Tank Division, part of a 70,000-strong force. The Ukrainian defense is smaller, but bolstered by the newly deployed 155th Mechanized Brigade with advanced Leopard 2 tanks and Caesar howitzers. Russian forces are advancing, just four miles away.

Penelope Kingsley 03/01/2025 4:30 am

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to cut financial support for over 130,000 Ukrainian refugees amid a dispute with Ukraine over Russian gas supplies. Kyiv shut a key pipeline, costing Slovakia millions in transit fees. Fico, after visiting Moscow, called the move “sabotage” and proposed halting electricity exports to Ukraine. Despite no gas shortage risk for Slovakia, Fico demands compensation for lost fees. Ukraine’s President Zelensky accused Fico of aiding Russia. Poland offered support to Ukraine, while the EU is prepared for the gas supply change.

Ava Sinclair 03/01/2025 4:30 am

South Korean investigators attempted to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, enforcing an unprecedented warrant amid political turmoil. Yoon, accused of insurrection, faces life imprisonment or the death penalty. His security team blocked investigators, leading to a standoff. Yoon, impeached last month, refused to cooperate with investigations. Hundreds of supporters protested his arrest, while opposition parties urged compliance with the warrant. Yoon’s lawyer called the warrant illegal and vowed legal action.

Noah Prescott 03/01/2025 4:30 am

Virgin Australia crew members were allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in Nadi, Fiji, on New Year’s Day, according to Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka. Two crew members were assaulted, and another was robbed. A suspect was questioned, but reports of the crew being detained were debunked. Virgin Australia is providing support, focusing on the crew’s wellbeing. The crew is in good health and staying at a local hotel, advised to remain nearby for police investigations. They are expected to return home by the week’s end. Gavoka emphasized caution in nightclub areas.

Ava Sinclair 03/01/2025 1:00 am

Elon Musk plans a live discussion with Alice Weidel, AfD’s chancellor candidate, on his platform X before Germany’s snap election. Musk endorsed the far-right AfD, calling it Germany’s “last spark of hope,” sparking backlash from German leaders who accuse him of election interference. Critics link Musk’s actions to U.S. President-elect Trump, questioning potential influence from the new U.S. administration. While Musk supports AfD, Vice President-elect JD Vance remains neutral, though he defends AfD against negative portrayals. The impact of Musk’s endorsement on AfD’s election chances remains uncertain.

Noah Prescott 02/01/2025 9:30 pm

The Palestinian Authority suspended Al Jazeera’s operations in the West Bank, citing unspecified legal breaches. This follows Israel’s previous ban on the channel, accusing it of incitement. Al Jazeera, one of the few international broadcasters covering Gaza, condemned the suspension as an attempt to deter coverage of escalating events, including military operations in Jenin. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate reported Al Jazeera’s alleged hate speech but didn’t recommend suspension. The Committee to Protect Journalists urged the authority to reverse the decision.

Ava Sinclair 02/01/2025 9:30 pm