

Ukraine targets Russia’s Mediterranean shadow fleet as Putin delivers end-of-year address
Ukrainian drones hit a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker off the Libyan coast as Vladimir Putin delivers his end-of-year address. Then: the community sleuthing that led to finding the Brown University shooter. Plus: Fernando Augusto Pacheco discusses the significance of the UK Christmas number-one sing…

Venezuela calls on the UN over ‘ongoing US aggression’. Plus: how should governments deal with hate speech?
The latest as the US imposes a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers on Venezuela. Then: following the attack on Bondi Beach, Australia introduces new laws on hate speech. Plus: Santa no longer gets paid more than his elves.

A political scandal shakes the White House. Plus: the UK rejoins the EU’s Erasmus scheme
We discuss the consequences of Donald Trump’s chief of staff's tell-all interview with ‘Vanity Fair’. Then: the UK is set to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus exchange. Plus: artist Sarkis’s first London solo exhibition.

European leaders sign treaty to form a commission for Ukraine war damages. Plus: Why is Trump suing the BBC?
Europe’s leaders sign a treaty to establish a commission for Ukraine war damages. Then: we unpack why Trump is suing the BBC. Plus: How AI summaries ruin recipes.

Israel’s reaction to the Bondi beach shooting
We unpack how Israel is reacting to the shooting at Bondi beach. Then: A flurry of talks in Berlin suggest that progress is being made in ending Russia's war with Ukraine. Plus: Are we all kinder at Christmas?

Donald Trump’s approval rating falls to an all-time low. Plus: the latest Gulf news
We discuss the week in Washington as Donald Trump’s approval rating continues to sink over the economy and immigration. Then: we get the latest news from the Gulf and we meet Juliana Ghiotto, CEO and co-founder of the Barracuda hotel group.

The US seizes an oil tanker near Venezuela. Plus: Should countries hold elections during wartime?
Caracas condemns the US's seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. We discuss how this might escalate. Then: Washington suggests tourists could be asked to prove social media history upon entry. Plus: ‘Time Magazine’ names its Person of the Year.

Europe’s far-right parties split over Trump. Plus: The Gulf states look to Hollywood
Europe’s far-right parties split over whether backing from Trump gives them legitimacy. Then: The Gulf states look to invest in Hollywood as they back Paramount Skydance’s hostile bid for Warner Brothers Discovery. Plus: Sarkozy’s prison memoir is published.

Ukraine and the EU finalise a fresh peace plan to present to Trump
Ukraine prepares to show a revised peace plan to the US – what will Donald Trump make of it? Then: France's Lecornu faces a crucial social-security vote. Plus: We speak with A House of Dynamite screenwriter Noah Oppenheim.

A show of unity between Europe and Ukraine
The response from the coalition of the willing summit to the ongoing US push for Kyiv to accept concessions and we look at Syria circa the first anniversary of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fleeing Damascus.