Ukraine claims significant gain as European leaders meet
Ukraine has reported a significant battlefield development, with its armed forces reclaiming control over nearly 90% of the strategically important city of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the advance during a meeting with international allies, crediting targeted ‘search-and-strike’ operations and the resilience of his troops. Kupiansk, close to the Russian border, has long been a critical logistical hub and a focal point of intense fighting. Analysts say the Ukrainian gains could ease pressure on nearby frontline areas and disrupt Russian supply routes, though the wider conflict remains volatile, especially as winter conditions worsen. The update shows the fluid and contested nature of the war and the ongoing human and strategic costs of the conflict. Ukraine has also claimed to have destroyed a Russian submarine in the Black Sea: see Meanwhile, in a crucial summit on 18 December, at the time of writing European leaders are deadlocked on the thorny issue of whether to use frozen Russian funds to help Ukraine. See
France seeks delay to EU-Mercosur trade agreement
France is seeking to delay a vote to ratify the long-negotiated EU–Mercosur trade agreement, arguing it threatens farmers and risks inflaming domestic unrest. The deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay was concluded a year ago after talks dating back to 1999. Supporters say it would open South American markets to European cars, machinery, and wines at a time of US tariffs and rising Chinese competition. Opponents, led by France, warn that cheaper agricultural imports produced under looser standards could undercut European farmers and encourage environmental harm. Protests are intensifying: as many as 10,000 farmers are expected to descend on Brussels as leaders meet. Although the European Commission has proposed safeguards, Paris calls them insufficient and is urging a postponement to secure stronger protections. The timing of the vote coincides with efforts by Sebastien Lecornu’s minority government to secure parliamentary approval for a budget, including suspending Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reform, before the end of 2025. Ursula von der Leyen is due to travel to Brazil on Monday next week to sign the agreement and create the world’s largest free-trade area.
Christmas traditions around the world
Across the world, Christmas is celebrated through traditions shaped by history, folklore, and local culture. In Sweden, the 43-foot-tall Gävle Goat raised every year traces back to Norse mythology, where goats symbolise strength, provision, and divine power. Venezuela offers a joyful twist by combining faith and festivity as communities roller-skate through the streets towards early-morning Mass. In the Philippines, colourful handmade lanterns light up the season, symbolising hope and the Star of Bethlehem on warm tropical nights. Catalonia’s playful Tió de Nadal (a wooden log with four legs which must be looked after so that it ‘defecates’ presents on Christmas Day) reflects a homely, humorous approach to generosity. In Ukrainian folklore a spider is said to have decorated a poor family’s Christmas tree with beautiful cobwebs, so a spider ornament is often found on a tree today. In Italy, a good witch called Le Befana, for ever chasing after Christmas on her broomstick, visits homes on 5 January with gifts. Together, these customs remind us that Christmas traditions often carry layers of meaning - some ancient, some playful, some spiritual - inviting reflection on how the story of Christ has been received, reimagined, and celebrated across cultures and generations.
Australia: shock and grief after mass shooting on Bondi Beach
Australia is mourning and in shock after a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach on 14 December left 15 people dead and dozens wounded. Police have charged 24-year-old Naveed Akram with 59 offences, including fifteen counts of murder and a terrorism charge; he is said to have carried out the attack alongside his father, Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene by police. The shooting targeted a Jewish community event on the beach marking the start of Hanukkah. As funerals and vigils were held, grief-stricken families remembered victims, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who organised the event, and ten-year-old Matilda, whose name has become a symbol of innocent loss. Authorities say the attackers had recently travelled to Davao City in the Philippines, an area associated with extremist Islamic ideology. The government is under pressure because the men were legally able to acquire the high-powered weapons used in the attack; prime minister Anthony Albanese has vowed to toughen the country’s gun laws, and to work with the Jewish community to ‘stamp out and eradicate antisemitism’.
