France 24·Monday, December 29, 2025

France 24 - Monday, December 29, 2025

10 stories~15 min

Listen to this episode

Hear all 10 stories summarized and read aloud.

▶Play on Tera.fm

Stories Covered

Russia says Ukraine attacked Putin's home, Kyiv calls this 'lie'

Russia accused Ukraine on Monday of having fired dozens of drones at one of President Vladimir Putin's homes, an accusation that Ukraine called a "lie" aimed at undermining US-led efforts to end the war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who does not typically announce drone strikes, said Ukraine had fired "91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles" at Putin's residence in the Novgorod region between late Sunday and early Monday, all of which were shot down.

Read original →

George and Amal Clooney and family become French citizens

Hollywood superstar George Clooney has become French, along with his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney and their two children, an official decree seen by AFP on Monday showed.

Read original →

Why the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is a sticking point in Ukraine peace talks

Control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in east Ukraine has remained one of the main sticking points in peace negotiations since Russia took control of it in March 2022. Zaporizhzhia's proximity to the front lines has sparked international fears for the safety and stability of the nuclear plant, which is Europe's largest.

Read original →

Syria: Construction of new tunnels in Raqqa sparks fears of renewed conflict

As the March 10 agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces nears its end, more and more new tunnels are under construction in residential neighbourhoods in Raqqa, in northeastern Syria. Locals told us that they are concerned about the underground militarisation of their city.

Read original →

Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire with Trump without 'antagonising his base back home'

US President Donald Trump is expected to ⁠push for progress in the stalled ceasefire in Gaza when he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks on December 29 that will include Israel's concerns over Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran. For Netanyahu, the meeting comes amid domestic dissatisfaction over his management of the situation. FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky tells us what's at stake for the Israeli PM straight from Jerusalem.

Read original →

Gaza truce: Where does it stand and what's supposed to happen under phase two?

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are meeting in Florida for talks that will cover the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Washington wants to see it move to the second phase in January 2026, but Israel and Hamas both accuse each other of breaching the first phase of the agreement. Andrew Hilliar breaks down where the deal currently stands and what's supposed to happen in phase two.

Read original →

Ukraine: Theatre in Mariupol reopens after three years

A theatre that became a symbol of Russia’s 2022 siege of Mariupol has reopened after extensive restoration, Russian authorities said. State television showed a gala event and rebuilt interiors, including a marble staircase, columns and a large crystal chandelier. Amnesty International said at least 12 people were killed in the 2022 bombing.

Read original →

Hamas armed wing confirms spokesman Abu Obeida killed by Israeli strike in August

Hamas's armed wing confirmed on Monday the death of its spokesperson in a video statement, months after Israel announced he had been killed in an air strike in Gaza.

Read original →

Taiwan: Chinese military releases footage of drills around the island

The Chinese army has released footage it says shows destroyers, frigates, fighter jets and bombers carrying out exercises around Taiwan. The large-scale show of force comes amid heightened tensions, notably following a major US arms sale to the island and after weeks of diplomatic disputes between Beijing and Tokyo.

Read original →

Arms deal with Taiwan is a bargaining chip for Trump in negotiations with China

As China holds military drills around Taiwan to deter what it calls separatist forces, why is it happening now? Several reasons include the United States' multi-billion arms deal to Taipei, at a time where the Trump administration is trying to woe the Chinese government on trade. While the US is bound by law to protect Taipei, Trump also sees it as a bargaining chip. FRANCE 24's Philip Turle tells us more.

Read original →