Ukraine Kills Top Russian General in Moscow It Accuses of Chemical Weapons Crimes

 Reuters,

A senior Russian general, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, was assassinated in Moscow on December 17. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency took responsibility for the hit, which occurred when a bomb hidden in an electric scooter exploded as Kirillov and his assistant entered an apartment building. Kirillov’s death is the highest-profile killing of a Russian military officer in Russia since the war began. The assassination comes amidst ongoing tensions, with Russia vowing retaliation. Authorities have opened a criminal case into the killings, and the incident is likely to spark a review of security protocols for top military officials in Russia.

Judge Rejects Trump Request to Toss Bragg Charges in New York on Basis of Presidential Immunity

 Fox News,

A New York judge has rejected former President Trump’s request to dismiss charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg based on presidential immunity. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that the charges related to the falsification of business records, which are considered personal acts, do not fall under presidential immunity. Trump’s legal team had sought to have the charges dropped, arguing that the actions were official, but the judge maintained that even if the conduct was official, the case’s focus on personal financial wrongdoing justified its inclusion in the trial. The ruling underscores the complexity of legal proceedings for Trump amidst ongoing investigations.

Justin Trudeau Considering Resignation After Crisis with Finance Minister

 The Independent,

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly considering resignation following a significant political crisis marked by the resignation of his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland. Freeland resigned in protest over Trudeau’s handling of economic challenges and the looming threat of U.S. tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” policies. Trudeau’s approval rating has dropped amid a housing crisis, economic struggles, and political discord. The political turmoil, combined with growing calls for leadership change from within his party, has left Trudeau’s future uncertain as he faces mounting pressure ahead of the upcoming general elections.

South Korean Authorities Make New Attempt to Raid Presidential Office Over Martial Law Probe

Reuters,

South Korean authorities attempted to raid the presidential office once again on December 17, seeking evidence related to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial declaration of martial law. The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into whether Yoon’s actions amounted to insurrection. Yoon, who was impeached by parliament over the decree, is reportedly preparing his legal defense as authorities struggle to reach him for questioning. Meanwhile, acting president Han Duck-soo has pushed for swift implementation of the 2025 government budget to stimulate South Korea’s slowing economy amidst growing trade concerns.

Shiba Inu Remains Popular on MetaMask Despite Price Drop

 The Crypto Basic,

Despite a recent drop in price, Shiba Inu (SHIB) continues to generate strong interest among traders. MetaMask ranked SHIB as the fifth most swapped token in the past week, signaling sustained market interest. This follows a significant price surge post-U.S. elections, despite a subsequent decline. Experts suggest that Shiba Inu could see a potential 150% rally or further decline depending on market resistance. The meme coin’s continued popularity highlights its potential as a speculative asset, though it still lags behind Dogecoin, which saw a 220% surge during the same period.

Two Russian Oil Tankers Wrecked in Black Sea’s Kerch Strait

BBC News,

Two Russian oil tankers were badly damaged in the Black Sea’s Kerch Strait on December 15, causing an oil spill. The tankers, carrying about 4,300 tonnes of oil each, ran aground offshore, leading to the death of at least one crew member. A rescue operation was launched, successfully saving 27 crew members, although the operation was suspended due to bad weather. The incident, which occurred in a key Russian export route, is under investigation for potential criminal negligence. This event comes amid heightened tensions over Russian oil exports, particularly due to international sanctions and the use of substandard shipping practices.

Serbia Accused of Spying on Journalists and Opposition Activists

 Associated Press,

Amnesty International has accused Serbia’s secret service and police of spying on journalists and opposition activists using spyware. According to the human rights group, the surveillance targeted individuals by unlocking phones and extracting personal data, including screenshots and contact lists. This digital repression is seen as part of a wider effort by President Aleksandar Vucic’s government to suppress civil society and political opposition. The revelations coincide with growing anti-government protests, including opposition to Vucic’s leadership following a deadly construction accident. Critics demand an independent investigation into the misuse of surveillance technology.