Top Stories | Friday: Iraq, Sudan, UK, Mali

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 26, 2025 UN

The main news of the day at the UN and around the world: a new UN cooperation program in Iraq, a peace initiative and the evacuation of a peacekeeping base in Sudan, the rights of pro-Palestinian prisoners in the UK, and a diphtheria outbreak in Mali.

UN in Iraq

The Government of Iraq and the United Nations concluded a new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the period 2025–2029. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will conclude its work on 31 December 2025. The new framework covers four key areas: expanding access to education, healthcare, and social services; stimulating economic growth and job creation; environmental protection and adaptation to climate change; and strengthening governance, the rule of law, and social cohesion.

Conflict in Sudan

The UN took note of the peace initiative presented by the Prime Minister of the Transitional Council of Sudan at the Security Council meeting on December 22. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres He emphasized the need for a lasting and comprehensive peace and called on the parties to immediately cease hostilities. The UN chief's personal envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, is ready to continue consultations to facilitate a peaceful settlement. Meanwhile, the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has completed the evacuation of its base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, following a drone strike that killed six UN peacekeepers and wounded nine.

British activists

A group of independent experts of the UN Human Rights Council expressed grave concern today about the health of eight pro-Palestinian activists detained in the UK and on an indefinite hunger strike since November 2. The human rights defenders, both working in their individual capacity and as UN staff, reiterated the state's responsibility to protect the health of those deprived of their liberty. They called on the British authorities to ensure immediate access to adequate medical care for the detainees and to conduct independent investigations into possible violations.

Diphtheria in Mali

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $1 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support the urgent response to the diphtheria outbreak in Mali. The disease has been spreading rapidly since mid-September. The outbreak is occurring amid vaccine shortages, limited access to healthcare, ongoing instability, and cross-border population movements. The funding will be used to save lives in regions of the country experiencing the highest mortality rates.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Iraq and the UN signed a Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 26, 2025 Sustainable Development Goals

The Government of Iraq and the United Nations have agreed on a new Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the period 2025–2029.

The signing took place in the presence of Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Mohamed Ali Tamim, and the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Iraq, Mohamed Al-Hassan. The document was signed by Dr. Tamim on behalf of the government and Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Coordinator in Iraq.

Let us recall that the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will complete its work On December 31, 2025, 22 years after its creation. From 2026, the Organization's country team will continue its work.

The new program covers four key areas: expanding access to education, healthcare, and social services; stimulating economic growth and job creation, including support for youth, women, and green initiatives; environmental protection and adaptation to climate change; and strengthening governance, the rule of law, and social cohesion.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tamim noted that the new partnership reflects Iraq's desire to build a prosperous future and to join forces with the UN to achieve national goals and implement Agenda 2030.

In his speech, Mohamed Al-Hassan emphasized that the signing of the agreement symbolizes the transition of relations between Iraq and the UN from supporting political stability to long-term cooperation in sustainable development. Ghulam Isaczai, for his part, stated that the document opens a new chapter of cooperation following the completion of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the winding down of humanitarian operations. The focus will now be on providing high-quality technical and expert support.

Read also:

INTERVIEW | "Iraq is a success story" – Head of the UN Mission in the country, which is concluding its work

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Kyrgyzstan must demonstrate that the country is a modern and responsible state, the president of the republic said.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Bishkek, December 26 (Xinhua) — Kyrgyzstan must demonstrate that it is a modern and responsible state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which will be held in Bishkek in late August 2026. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov stated this on Thursday.

Addressing the people and delegates of the 4th People's Kurultai on the situation in the country and key development issues, the President noted: "Next year, Kyrgyzstan will be honored to chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This important mission will be realized at the end of August at the SCO summit in Bishkek."

"The summit will be attended by heads of dozens of states, leaders of the world's largest countries… We must demonstrate that Kyrgyzstan is a modern, organized, and responsible state, capable of hosting such large-scale international events at a high level," he emphasized.

The Kyrgyz leader particularly noted the “complete resolution of the border issue” and the fact that the defense sector has been thoroughly modernized.

"Thanks to the peaceful and final resolution of Kyrgyzstan's border issues with neighboring states, security has been ensured not only in our country, but throughout Central Asia," he said.

"The shortest transit route from East Asia to Europe will pass through Kyrgyzstan," the Kyrgyz leader noted. Extensive construction work is currently underway on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.

“This is not just a railway line – it is an artery capable of changing the economic map of Eurasia,” emphasized S. Japarov.

The Kyrgyz leader also noted the high rates of economic growth in recent years. "Over the past four years, the Kyrgyz Republic's economy has been growing at an unprecedented rate… According to the International Monetary Fund, in 2024, Kyrgyzstan will be among the top three countries in the world in terms of real GDP growth," said S. Japarov.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

China opposes Japan's attempts to challenge the post-war international order and interfere in the Taiwan issue, according to the Chinese ambassador to Russia.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 26 (Xinhua) — China opposes Japan's attempts to challenge the post-war international order and interfere in its domestic affairs. This opinion was expressed by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui in an op-ed published Thursday in the Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty, commenting on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent erroneous statements on the Taiwan issue.

"The Chinese side resolutely opposes Japan's attempts to challenge the post-war international order and interfere in China's internal affairs. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory; this historical and legal fact is beyond dispute," the diplomat stated.

Zhang Hanhui recalled that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's liberation from Japanese occupation. "In the past, Japan seized Taiwan through a war of aggression and unequal treaties and exercised colonial rule over it for 50 years, committing countless crimes," he added.

The Chinese diplomat emphasized that the 1943 Cairo Declaration stipulated that Taiwan, stolen from China by Japan, must be returned. The 1945 Potsdam Declaration stipulated that the provisions of the Cairo Declaration would be implemented. "By signing the Instrument of Surrender, Japan committed itself to faithfully fulfilling all the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration. The Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, issued during the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, clearly spelled out the provisions on the Taiwan question," he explained.

At the same time, the ambassador noted, the Japanese government refuses to clearly reaffirm its position on Taiwan, as outlined in the four political documents between China and Japan. "Such actions grossly violate the principles of international justice, trample on the common moral principles of humanity, and provoke widespread condemnation and strong indignation from the Chinese people and the international community," Zhang Hanhui noted.

The Chinese diplomat reiterated that the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair, and Japan has no right to interfere or express opinions on it. "The Japanese side must strictly abide by the principles and spirit of the Four Political Documents between China and Japan, conscientiously fulfill its relevant legal obligations, exercise restraint and prudence in its statements and actions on the Taiwan issue, demonstrate its commitment to the one-China principle through concrete actions, and immediately cease provocative actions that go beyond the pale and withdraw its erroneous statements," he urged.

Zhang Hanhui noted that Japan's defense budget has been increasing for 13 consecutive years, growing by approximately 60 percent over the past five. Moreover, in recent years, Japan has been steadily moving away from the principle of a "defense-only policy." At the same time, right-wing forces in Japan continue to deny, downplay, and even whitewash acts of aggression and crimes against humanity.

"These dangerous trends deserve the utmost attention and the utmost caution from the international community. China urges Japan to completely abandon its legacy of militarism, deeply acknowledge its historical crimes, sincerely repent, and correct its mistakes in order to prevent a repetition of the tragedies of the past. We also call on all peace-loving countries to jointly exercise vigilance and resolutely suppress any dangerous attempts to revive Japanese militarism, and jointly safeguard hard-won peace and stability throughout the world," the Chinese diplomat stated.

Zhang Hanhui is confident that China and Russia share a common historical mission and responsibility to uphold the achievements of Victory in World War II. He noted that Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has recently refuted Sanae Takaichi's erroneous statements four times, resolutely supporting China's position and sharply condemning attempts to rehabilitate Nazism and militarism, falsify the history of World War II, and downplay responsibility for the crimes committed. "The Chinese side expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the Russian side for this position," the ambassador emphasized, adding that China, in turn, consistently supports Russia's justified efforts to protect its national security and development interests.

The Chinese diplomat stated that on issues affecting each other's core interests, the two sides consistently provide mutually firm support and jointly oppose any attempts by external forces to interfere in their internal affairs, which constitutes the core essence of the Sino-Russian comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era.

"China will continue to shoulder the special responsibilities of major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council together with Russia, jointly promote the correct view of the history of World War II, resolutely oppose any attempts to distort history, firmly uphold the results of the victory in World War II, support the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, and jointly strive to achieve a brighter future for humanity," Zhang Hanhui concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Thailand's Defense Minister has been authorized to attend the meeting of the General Border Committee.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BANGKOK, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) — Thai Prime Minister Anuthin Chanvirakun on Friday confirmed that the National Security Council has authorized Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Nakphanit to attend a meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on Saturday.

Speaking after chairing the committee meeting, A. Chanvirakun expressed hope that the two sides would sign a joint statement to reaffirm their mutual commitment to non-aggression and maintaining stability.

"The bottom line is that we must keep our promise not to threaten, not to invade, not to provoke each other," he told reporters, noting that reducing security threats is a priority for both countries.

Meanwhile, military delegations from Thailand and Cambodia resumed talks for a third day on Friday to renew and verify the ceasefire on the disputed border.

Three Thai soldiers were killed on Friday during border clashes in Sa Kaeo province, according to a statement released by Thailand's 1st Army Region.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Two people were killed in a knife attack and a car accident in northern Israel.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

JERUSALEM, December 26 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed and another injured in a stabbing and vehicle collision that occurred Friday in the northern Israeli city of Beit She'an, Israeli law enforcement, Magen David Adom, and media reported.

According to Magen David Adom, an 18-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man were killed in the attack, and another teenager was injured and taken to the hospital.

After an initial investigation, local police confirmed that the incident was a "progressive terrorist attack" that began in Beit She'an, located near the northern border of the West Bank, and ended at the Ma'anot junction near the city of Afula (northern Israel), where the attacker was "neutralized."

According to the Israeli military, a preliminary investigation revealed that the attacker was a Palestinian "who had entered Israeli territory several days earlier." Israeli media reported that the attacker came from the town of Qabatiya, located in the northern West Bank.

According to the Times of Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the Israeli military to take "decisive and immediate" action in Qabatiya. Additional IDF forces are preparing to enter the city for operations.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

China criticizes Japan's record defense budget plan

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, December 26 (Xinhua) — Japan's new defense budget plan further exposes Japanese right-wing forces' desire to remilitarize the country and revive militarism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday.

The Chinese diplomat made the statement at a regular ministry press briefing when asked to comment on the Japanese government's approval of a record defense budget plan for fiscal year 2026, exceeding 9 trillion yen (about 58 billion US dollars).

“Despite international criticism of recent developments in Japan’s defense and security sector, the Japanese side has shown no desire to correct its behavior and instead intends to significantly increase its defense budget again,” Lin Jian said.

He noted that, given the countless war crimes committed by Japanese militarists, Japan's military and security actions are constantly under the close scrutiny of its Asian neighbors and the entire international community. However, as the official representative noted, since the new Japanese government came to power, the country has significantly accelerated its military buildup.

According to him, Japan is increasingly deviating from the path of peaceful development and moving in a dangerous direction, as evidenced by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous statements regarding the Chinese region of Taiwan with the threat of using force against China, statements by a senior official in Takaichi's office calling for the country to possess nuclear weapons, as well as the proposed revision of the three national security documents and the idea of adjusting Japan's three non-nuclear principles.

“China intends to work with all peace-loving countries to counter any dangerous steps aimed at reviving militarism and fostering neo-militarism, and to jointly defend the results of the Victory in World War II,” the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry concluded. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

An Air Astana plane returned to Vietnam due to technical problems.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Almaty, December 26 (Xinhua) — An Air Astana flight from Phu Quoc to Almaty on December 26 has returned to its departure airport, the Kazinform news agency reported on Friday.

The airline explained that the reason for the return to Vietnam was the malfunction of all the restrooms.

The aircraft landed safely after four hours of flight, and work is currently underway to fix the problem, the airline's press service reported.

The flight's departure has been postponed until December 27. The airline is arranging transfers and hotel accommodations for passengers. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

December 26, 2025: How RuTube Became a Habit for 80.6 Million People in the Past Year

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

"We strive to create a convenient and engaging service for all users: creators, viewers, and advertisers. We see our content library growing, the amount of time users spend on the platform increasing, and the volume of UGC videos increasing. New bloggers are joining us, and new channels are emerging. We also strive to create safe content, as children often watch our videos, and it's great that mothers trust us with their content."

Alexander Zharov, General Director of Gazprom-Media Holding

What people watched: Streams — “Modern types of fraud…” and a broadcast with Dr. Bubnovsky about back pain. Children's segment — “Kitten Kote,” “Blue Tractor,” and “Masha and the Bear” are in the lead. RUTUBE shows — “Evil tongues,” “Mom, it’s not me,” and “Overcome Dad.” TV channel broadcasts on the platform — TNT, NTV, and Channel One were most frequently included.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: Moscow Exchange index calculation schedule for the 2025-2026 New Year holidays.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Moscow Exchange has determined the schedule for calculating indices during the New Year public holidays.

On the official holidays of January 5, 6, 8 and 9, 2026, the calculation of stock indices, bond indices, crypto indices and currency fixings will be carried out in the standard mode – these days are trading days for the markets of the corresponding financial instruments according to Moscow Exchange trading schedule in 2026.

On December 31, 2025, January 1–4, 7, and 10–11, 2026, the indices will not be calculated due to the lack of trading on the Moscow Exchange markets.

From December 30, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the RUSFARIND index and the CCP repo indicators RUSFAR, RUSFAR1W, RUSFAR2W, RUSFAR1M, RUSFAR3M, RUSFARCNY, RUSFARCN1W, RUSFARRT, RUSFAR1WRT, RUSFAR2WRT, RUSFAR1MRT, RUSFAR3MRT, RUSFARCNRT, RUSFARC1WR, RUSFARN, RUSFAR1WN, RUSFAR2WN, RUSFAR1MN, RUSFAR3MN, RUSFARCNN, RUSFARC1WN will not be calculated.

From January 12, 2026, the calculation of Moscow Exchange indices and indicators will be carried out according to the standard regulations.

Contact information for media: 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.