Russia and Ukraine exchanged more than 300 prisoners of war (POWs) in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates ahead of New Year’s Eve, officials from both countries confirmed.
The Russian Ministry of Defence stated on Monday that it had returned 150 Ukrainian prisoners, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 189 Ukrainians had been brought home. The discrepancy in the reported numbers has not been explained.
“The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of such days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. He added that the exchange included two civilians captured in Mariupol in 2022 and thanked the UAE for facilitating the negotiation.
Photos released by Zelenskyy showed dozens of men sitting inside a bus, some wrapped in Ukraine’s national blue-and-yellow flags. A separate video from Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, depicted soldiers dressed in winter clothing and military fatigues gathered outside buses. “I thank you for your service, patience, and courage,” Moskalkova said, wishing them a happy New Year.
“Very soon, our guys will embrace their relatives and friends and celebrate the New Year in their native land,” she wrote on Telegram.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the returned POWs were provided with medical and psychological assistance in Belarus, a key ally of Moscow, before traveling home.
Since the war began in February 2022, Ukraine claims to have secured the release of 3,956 people, both soldiers and civilians, in prisoner swaps with Russia. Monday’s exchange marked the 60th such deal, following an October swap in which 95 POWs were exchanged by both sides.
“We continue working to free every single person from Russian captivity. This is our goal, and we will not forget anyone. I thank the team that is doing everything to bring our people home,” Zelenskyy stated.
The exchange coincided with an announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden that the United States would send an additional $2.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The move aims to support Kyiv in its ongoing resistance against Russia.
A federal appeals court has upheld a jury decision against Donald Trump, rejecting his appeal in a case involving sexual abuse and defamation claims brought by E. Jean Carroll.
Following a nine-day civil trial in 2023, a jury determined that Trump sexually abused Carroll at a Manhattan department store in 1996. The jury also found that Trump defamed Carroll in statements made in 2022. Carroll was awarded $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
Trump appealed the verdict, arguing that the trial court judge made errors in several rulings. He contested the admissibility of testimony from two women who also accused him of sexual assault and objected to the jury hearing the 2005 Access Hollywood recording, in which Trump discussed kissing and groping women without their consent.
In a 77-page decision, a three-judge panel ruled that Trump failed to show that the trial court made any errors impacting his “substantial rights.” The panel concluded that a new trial was not warranted.
“Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today’s decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties’ arguments,” said Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the ruling, calling it part of ongoing “political weaponization” of the justice system. “The American people demand an immediate end to these witch hunts, including the Carroll hoax, which will continue to be appealed,” Cheung said.
In a separate 2024 trial, a New York jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $83 million in damages. The jury concluded that Trump’s public statements had harmed Carroll’s reputation as an advice columnist, accusing her of lying about the sexual assault.
At least 71 people have died in southern Ethiopia after a lorry carrying wedding guests veered off a road and fell into a river, local officials reported.
The tragic accident occurred on Sunday in Sidama state when the lorry missed a bridge and plunged into the water below, according to Wosenyeleh Simion, a regional official who spoke with Reuters. Many of the passengers on board had been attending a wedding celebration.
Traffic police in the region noted that the lorry was significantly overloaded, a likely factor in the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Among the 71 fatalities, 68 were men and 3 were women, according to the Sidama Police Commission’s Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate.
Images shared on social media by the state health bureau reveal the aftermath of the disaster, showing locals attempting to retrieve the damaged vehicle from the river in the Bona district. Other photos depict bodies, some covered with blue tarpaulin, lying along the riverbank.
This latest tragedy underscores a broader issue in Ethiopia, where thousands die annually in road accidents. Authorities frequently attribute these incidents to over-speeding, overloading, and a disregard for traffic laws.
The Ethiopian government has pledged to address road safety concerns, but accidents like this highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
Police in Nairobi, Kenya, fired teargas on Monday to disperse protesters demonstrating against a surge in unexplained abductions targeting government critics, according to eyewitnesses. The protests, organized by human rights groups, highlight growing concern over what they allege to be extrajudicial arrests carried out by Kenya’s police and intelligence services.
In recent months, dozens of people have reportedly been abducted, human rights activists claim. However, Kenyan authorities deny these allegations, maintaining that the government does not condone or participate in illegal detentions or killings.
Protesters, primarily young Kenyans, marched through downtown Nairobi, chanting anti-government slogans and holding placards condemning illegal detentions. Others staged sit-ins, calling for justice for victims of abductions, as shown in live footage broadcast by NTV Kenya.
Despite the peaceful nature of some protests, police used teargas to disperse crowds, sparking further tension. The national police spokesperson has not yet issued a statement regarding Monday’s demonstrations.
These alleged abductions follow a series of anti-government protests that began in June, initially opposing proposed tax hikes. Over time, the movement expanded into a broader call for accountability, cutting across Kenya’s traditionally ethnic-based political lines and posing a significant challenge to President William Ruto’s administration.
Human rights organizations have accused law enforcement of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent, further fueling public anger and raising questions about government transparency and accountability.
The recent protests reflect deepening frustrations with the current government, as citizens demand justice for those allegedly abducted and call for an end to what they perceive as increasing authoritarianism. Activists continue to push for independent investigations into the disappearances, as the issue becomes a focal point for human rights advocacy in Kenya.
South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, on Monday ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of the nation’s entire airline operation following a tragic air disaster at Muan International Airport that claimed 179 lives. Investigators are racing to identify victims and determine the cause of South Korea’s deadliest air accident.
The crash occurred when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, belly-landed and skidded off the runway, erupting into flames after hitting a concrete embankment. The disaster killed all 175 passengers and four of the six crew members. Two crew members survived and are undergoing treatment.
“The immediate priority is identifying victims, supporting their families, and aiding the survivors,” Choi stated during a disaster management meeting in Seoul. He emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation and urged the transport ministry to conduct emergency safety inspections of South Korea’s entire airline operation to prevent future tragedies.
The Ministry of Transport announced plans to inspect all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airlines, starting Monday, focusing on maintenance records of key components.
Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday when it reported a bird strike and declared an emergency. Moments later, the plane belly-landed 1,200 meters along the runway and slid into a concrete embankment.
Officials are examining various factors, including bird strikes, potential system malfunctions, and the pilots’ decision to attempt a rushed landing. Experts are also investigating the role of the localizer antenna, located on the embankment, and the absence of safety features like an engineered material arresting system (EMAS), which might have prevented the crash.
Most of the victims were South Korean residents returning from holidays in Thailand, along with two Thai nationals. Families gathered at Muan airport, awaiting updates on the identification of their loved ones.
The flight data recorder was recovered, though its condition raises concerns about whether the data is intact for analysis. A U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) team and Boeing representatives will assist with the investigation.
Muan International Airport will remain closed until Wednesday, while other airports, including Incheon International Airport, continue normal operations.
Shares of Jeju Air plummeted by 15.7% on Monday, while Boeing’s U.S.-listed shares fell 4.3% in pre-market trading. Aviation insurance claims from the crash are estimated to range between $135 and $200 million, encompassing airline hull insurance and passenger liability claims.
Under international aviation regulations, South Korea will lead the investigation, with involvement from the NTSB due to the aircraft’s U.S. origins.
A memorial has been set up near the crash site, with Acting President Choi paying respects. The tragedy comes just days after Choi assumed leadership following the impeachment of South Korea’s president and prime minister.
This accident has reignited debates over aviation safety in South Korea, with calls for stricter regulations and advanced safety infrastructure at airports nationwide.
Dominique Pelicot, sentenced to 20 years in prison by a French court for drugging and raping his then-wife, Gisele Pelicot, over nearly a decade and enabling dozens of strangers to rape her, will not appeal the verdict, his lawyer confirmed Monday. However, a new trial is expected as 17 of his 50 co-defendants have appealed their convictions.
The case, which has shocked global audiences, concluded on December 19 with the court convicting all defendants. Gisele Pelicot, now 72, has become a symbol of resilience and courage throughout the three-month trial.
“He decided not to appeal because he says it would subject his wife to a new ordeal and more confrontations, and he always maintained that she was not his adversary,” Pelicot’s lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, stated on FranceInfo Radio.
Dominique Pelicot, who was married to Gisele for 50 years, pleaded guilty and received the maximum sentence requested by prosecutors. The court also found 46 other defendants guilty of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault, with sentences ranging from three to 15 years—slightly less than the four to 18 years sought by prosecutors.
Seventeen co-defendants have already filed appeals, with others having until midnight on Monday to decide. The defendants, who came from various professions such as lorry drivers, soldiers, firefighters, and journalists, largely denied the charges, claiming they believed the acts were part of a consensual arrangement orchestrated by the couple.
Pelicot denied misleading the men, stating that they were fully aware of the nature of their actions.
The trial has sparked nationwide protests in support of Gisele Pelicot and reignited discussions about revising France’s rape laws to explicitly include the concept of consent.
Gisele Pelicot’s lawyer earlier this month stated that she is prepared for a potential new trial. “She is not afraid. If a new trial happens, she has already said she will face it—health permitting, of course, as she is 72 years old,” her lawyer said.
U.S. billionaire Elon Musk has been accused of attempting to influence Germany’s upcoming federal election, a government spokesperson said Monday.
“It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election,” the spokesperson said, citing recent posts on Musk’s social media platform X and an opinion piece supporting the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party published over the weekend.
The spokesperson acknowledged Musk’s right to express his views, adding, “After all, freedom of opinion also covers the greatest nonsense.”
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD comes amid political uncertainty in Germany following the collapse of the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The election is scheduled for Feb. 23.
Musk, who is expected to serve as an adviser in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, expanded on his views in a German-language commentary published in *Welt am Sonntag*, a prominent newspaper owned by the Axel Springer media group. The commentary followed an earlier post on X in which Musk claimed “only the AfD can save Germany” and praised the party’s stance on deregulation, taxes, and market reforms.
With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025.
Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma.
“Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year,” Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.”
If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle.
Here are some tips from experts:
Change your relationship with money
Think about how you currently deal with finances — what’s good, what’s bad, and what can improve.
“Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app.
If you feel like money is a chore, that there’s shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it’s time to change that mentality, Lapato said.
To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there.
Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation.
FILE – Shoppers walk along Fifth Avenue on Nov. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa, File)
Know your “why”
When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it’s important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app.
“If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said.
Whether you’re saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website.
Budget, budget, budget
“After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. “Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year.”
McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas.
“Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said.
FILE – A customer makes a transaction at a bank of automatic teller machines in the Queens borough of New York on March 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
Pay down outstanding debt
“Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said.
Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers.
Take control of your credit card interest rate
“You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.”
A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well.
You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points.
Set realistic, practical goals
When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma’s Alev.
“It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said.
Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck.
Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you’ll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty.
Don’t bury your head in the sand
“You can’t manage what you can’t see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025,” said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that’s one of the best ways to boost your credit score.”
Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers’ credit scores.
Automate savings, where possible
Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said.
Slow down
Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams. A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president of security solutions at Mastercard.
“You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure.
Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money.
Focus on financial wellness
Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves.
“I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution,” said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. “Your mental health with money should be a resolution.”
To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said.
Authorities in southern Mexico have uncovered 11 clandestine graves containing the bodies of 15 men in Chiapas, a region plagued by violent disputes between the Sinaloa and Jalisco Nueva Generación drug cartels, officials said Sunday.
Chiapas Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar announced on social media that the discovery was made during a raid in La Concordia, a city near Mexico’s border with Guatemala. Authorities also arrested four individuals linked to the case, seizing weapons and drugs in the operation.
The Chiapas state prosecutor’s office reported that the raid targeted two properties. At the first location, investigators found three graves with three bodies. The second site revealed eight graves containing 12 bodies.
Technological tools such as drones, geo-radars, and aerial surveillance were employed in the operation, along with ground searches, forensic analysis, and excavation techniques, the prosecutor’s office stated.
Chiapas Prosecutor General Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca noted last week that another clandestine grave, containing charred remains, had been found in the Emiliano Zapata area near La Concordia. However, details on the identification of those bodies remain scarce due to their condition.
The region has seen escalating violence tied to disputes over drug trafficking routes, migrant smuggling, and arms deals, forcing more than 10,000 people to flee their homes. Many displaced individuals, including Mexicans, have sought refuge in Guatemala, according to humanitarian organizations.
A fire broke out at a hotel near Bangkok’s Khao San Road, a popular tourist destination, killing three foreign tourists and injuring several others, Thai police said Monday.
The fire erupted on the fifth floor of the six-story Ember Hotel on Sunday night, according to Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee. One victim was found dead at the scene, while two others died after being transported to a hospital.
Authorities identified the deceased as a Brazilian woman, a Ukrainian man, and an American man. Four other people were hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, police said. Khao San Road, known for its vibrant nightlife and popularity among backpackers, is a major attraction in the Thai capital.
Seventy-five guests were staying at the Ember Hotel at the time of the fire.
Sreekanth Kolamala, a 37-year-old tourist from Singapore, witnessed the rescue effort. “Firefighters broke the glass over there to try to pull people out,” he said.
Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, inspected the site on Monday. He noted that the fire has raised concerns ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, which are expected to draw tens of thousands of revelers to the area.
“Now everybody’s scared about what happened, and they’re scared it will affect the event tomorrow. But there’s no worry because we already had a meeting with police and over 150 officers and district staff will ensure security,” Ruangwattanakul said.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also stressed the importance of safety as the city prepares for New Year’s Eve festivities, which include fireworks displays and large public gatherings.
