Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday rejected allegations that Ukraine carried out an attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, calling the claims a “fabrication” aimed at undermining diplomatic efforts to end the war, news agency ANI reported. Zelenskyy’s remarks came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow’s negotiating position could change following an alleged Ukrainian strike on Putin’s residence in Russia’s Novgorod region overnight. Russia has claimed that long-range drones targeted the presidential state residence, also known as Valdai. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Russia was once again resorting to “dangerous statements” to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States. He asserted that the alleged strike story was entirely false and was being used as a pretext to justify further attacks on Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s refusal to take steps towards ending the conflict, ANI reported. “This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine and Russia’s own unwillingness to move towards peace,” Zelenskyy said, adding that such claims reflected what he described as “typical Russian lies”. The Ukrainian President said Kyiv does not take actions that could undermine diplomacy and accused Russia of repeatedly doing so. He stressed that it was critical for the international community not to remain silent and allow Moscow to derail efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace, ANI reported. According to reports cited by EuroNews, Lavrov warned that the alleged attack would not go unanswered and accused Ukraine of launching 91 long-range drones at the residence. However, he did not clarify whether Putin was present at the location at the time of the purported strike. Zelenskyy dismissed the accusations as “another lie from the Russian Federation”, suggesting that Moscow was reacting to progress in Ukraine’s diplomatic engagement with Washington. He said Russia viewed any absence of discord between Kyiv and the US as a setback for its own interests. Claims emerge amid peace talks as Kyiv rejects attack allegations The allegations surfaced shortly after Zelenskyy indicated that a draft peace framework under discussion includes security guarantees from the United States for 15 years, with Ukraine seeking to extend those guarantees for up to 50 years, according to reports. Ukraine has repeatedly denied targeting Putin or his residence, maintaining that it remains committed to diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end. (With ANI inputs)
29 December,2025 10:40 PM IST | Kyiv | mid-day online correspondentClashes broke out on Syria's coast between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counter-demonstrators on Sunday, killing at least four people and injuring dozens of others, health officials said. The clashes came two days after a bombing at an Alawite mosque in the city of Homs killed eight people and wounded 18 others during prayers. Thousands of protesters gathered in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous, and elsewhere. Officials have said that preliminary investigations indicate that explosive devices were planted inside the mosque in Homs, but authorities have not publicly identified a suspect in Friday's bombing. Funerals for the dead were held on Saturday. A little-known group calling itself Saraya Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on its Telegram channel, in which it indicated that the attack intended to target members of the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam whom hard-line Islamists consider to be apostates. Sunday's demonstrations were called for by Ghazal Ghazal, an Alawite sheikh living outside of Syria who heads a group called the Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora. An Associated Press photographer in Latakia saw pro-government counterprotesters throw rocks at the Alawite demonstrators, while a group of protesters beat a counterdemonstrator who crossed to their side. Security forces tried to break up the two sides and fired into the air in an attempt to disperse them. Syria's state-run television reported that two members of the security forces were wounded in the area of Tartous after someone threw a hand grenade at a police station, and cars belonging to security forces were set on fire in Latakia. Later, state-run news agency SANA reported that a member of the security forces was killed by gunfire. The AP photographer in Latakia saw the bodies of four people killed in the clashes in local hospitals. Three of them had head wounds that appeared consistent with being hit by rocks, while one had a bullet wound in the chest. The state-run SANA news agency said 60 people were wounded by "stabbings, blows from stones, and gunfire targeting both security personnel and civilians".The country has experienced several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December 2024 that brought to an end nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad, an Alawite, fled the country to Russia. In March, an ambush carried out by Assad's supporters against security forces triggered days of violence that left hundreds of people dead, most of them Alawites. Since then, although the situation has calmed, Alawites have been targeted sporadically in sectarian attacks. They have also complained of discrimination against them in public employment since Assad's fall and of young Alawite men detained without charges. During the rein of the Assad dynasty, Alawites were overrepresented in government jobs and in the army and security forces. Government officials condemned Friday's attack and promised to hold perpetrators accountable, but have not yet announced any arrests. "We went out to protest the incidents of killing and the marginalisation and arrests and detentions and the employees who were fired," said Hussein Abbas, an engineer who joined the Alawite protest. Counterprotester Mohammed Ismail from Latakia blamed spoilers who benefitted from the former system under Assad for sowing discord. "We are calling for one Syria and one people, and they do not want that," he said. "They want to return us to chaos so they can benefit." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 07:47 PM IST | Latakia (Syria) | APA midair collision between two helicopters in southern New Jersey on Sunday (local time) left one person dead and another injured, prompting a federal investigation into the cause of the crash, CNN reported. The incident occurred around late morning near Hammonton Municipal Airport, where two Enstrom helicopters were flying at the time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft, an Enstrom F-28A and an Enstrom 280C, "collided in mid-air" at about 11:25 a.m. Only the pilots were on board the helicopters when they struck each other. Both helicopters came down in an open field in Hammonton. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and airlifted both victims to a nearby trauma centre, Hammonton Fire Department Chief Sean Macri said, CNN quoted. Macri said one of the pilots was in critical condition during rescue efforts. One of the victims was in "possible cardiac arrest" when he was transported by ambulance, he said. Authorities later confirmed that one person had died as a result of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board said it has launched a formal investigation and has dispatched an investigator to the crash site. The agency said it will examine multiple factors, including flight track data, aircraft maintenance history, air traffic control communications and witness accounts. "After the wreckage of both helicopters are documented, they will then be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation," the NTSB said. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker said his office is in touch with federal investigators and is seeking more details about the incident. "Reports of this morning's fatal helicopter crash over South Jersey are horrifying and tragic. My heart is with those impacted and their families. My office is in contact with the NTSB and requesting more information about the details of this tragedy, " Booker wrote in an X post. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | New Jersey | ANIUS President Donald Trump on Sunday said that Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood by his side while addressing the media, following hours of peace talks at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida (local time). Speaking to reporters, Trump said, "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed. It sounds a little strange, but President Putin was very generous in his feelings toward Ukraine succeeding, including supplying energy, electricity and other things at very low prices." Trump had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin just before talks with Zelenskyy, which he later called "very productive." Trump's statement comes even as Russia continues to attack Ukraine, including on the day of the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting. CNN reported that in the eastern city of Sloviansk, a bombing killed at least one person and injured several others. Earlier in the day, in a post on X, Zelenskyy said that this week alone, Russia launched more than 2,100 attack drones, around 800 guided aerial bombs, and 94 missiles of various types. He said the strikes were directed "against our people, against life itself and everything that sustains its normal functioning, above all, against our energy infrastructure." Meanwhile, Trump, who hosted Zelenskyy for dinner, also hinted at the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Zelenskyy, Putin and himself. When asked about the possibility of a trilateral meeting with Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, Trump said, "I see that happening, sure, at the right time. I saw a very interesting President Putin today. He wants to see it happen. He wants to see it. He told me very strongly. I believe him... I was on the phone with him for almost 2.5 hours... We discussed a lot of things..." "We went through the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax together," Trump said, referring to investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. On the peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said that a peace agreement to end the war is getting "very close." While expressing confidence in the state of the peace discussions, Trump underscored that the talks remain highly complex and declined to provide a firm timeline for their resolution. "In a few weeks, we will know one way or the other, I think," he said. He said there could be unexpected issues that arise and derail the entire effort. "We could have something where one item that you're not thinking about is a big item that breaks it up. Look, it's been a very difficult negotiation," he said. Trump is scheduled to speak with Putin as his meeting with Zelenskyy concludes. As negotiations continue, the Ukrainian and US sides could meet "as early as next week" to finalise the 20-point peace plan, Zelenskyy said in a post on X. He wrote, "We discussed all the aspects of the peace framework and achieved significant results. We also discussed the sequence of further actions. We agreed that security guarantees are key on the path to achieving a lasting peace, and our teams will continue working on all aspects. We agreed that our teams would meet as early as next week to finalize all discussed matters. We also agreed with President Trump that he will host Ukrainian and European leaders in Washington, D.C., in January." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 09:13 AM IST | Florida | ANIThe Chinese military said on Monday it was dispatching air, navy and rocket troops to conduct joint military drills around Taiwan, a move it called a "stern warning" against separatist and "external interference" forces. The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at a statement by Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, that its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that the world's second-biggest economy says must come under its rule. But the Chinese military did not mention Japan in its statement on Monday morning. Taiwan, an island off the southeastern coast of China, separated from the mainland in 1949 amid Civil War. It has operated since then with its own government, though the mainland's government claims it as sovereign territory. Senior Col. Shi Yi, spokesperson of the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command, said the drills, code-named "Justice Mission 2025", would be conducted in the Taiwan Straits and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of the island. Shi said the activities will focus on sea-air combat readiness patrol, "joint seizure of comprehensive superiority", blockades on key ports and deterrence outside the island chain. "It is a stern warning against 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, and it is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity," the command said in a statement released on WeChat. Beijing last week also imposed sanctions against 20 US defence-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington announced large-scale arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than USD 10 billion. If approved by the US Congress, it would be the largest-ever American weapons package to the self-ruled territory. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 09:06 AM IST | Hong Kong | APNorth Korea said on Monday it fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea to test the country's nuclear deterrence, days after it showed apparent progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine. Sunday's launches were the latest weapons display by North Korea ahead of its planned ruling Workers' Party congress early next year. Keen outside attention on the congress, the first of its kind in five years, will be on whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will establish new priorities in relations with the US and respond to Washington's calls to resume long-dormant talks. The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim expressed "great satisfaction" over Sunday's launches, which occurred off the country's west coast. It said Kim noted that testing the reliability of North Korea's nuclear deterrence and demonstrating its might are "just a responsible exercise of the right to self-defence and war deterrence" in the face of external security threats. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it was aware of several cruise missile launches made from North Korea's capital region on Sunday morning. It said South Korea maintains a readiness to repel any potential North Korean provocations through its alliance with the United States. UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from launches involving its huge stockpile of ballistic missiles. Its cruise missile tests are not banned, but they still pose a threat to the US and South Korea because they are highly manoeuvrable and fly at low altitudes to avoid radar detection. Analysts say North Korea would aim to use cruise missiles to strike US warships and aircraft carriers in the event of conflict. Last week, North Korea test-launched new anti-air missiles off its east coast and displayed photos showing a largely-completed hull of a developmental nuclear-powered submarine. North Korea implied it would arm the submarine with nuclear missiles. A nuclear-powered submarine is among a slew of sophisticated weapons systems that Kim has vowed to introduce to cope with what he describes as US-led security threats. Some experts say North Korea's recent alignment with Russia -- including sending thousands of troops and military equipment to support President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine -- may have helped it to receive crucial technologies in return. North Korea has focussed on weapons-testing activities to expand its nuclear arsenal since Kim's high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. But in an apparent response to Trump's repeated outreach, Kim suggested in September that he could return to talks if the US drops "its delusional obsession with denuclearisation" of North Korea. Experts say Kim might think his enlarged nuclear arsenal would give him greater leverage to wrest concessions in potential talks with Trump. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 09:02 AM IST | Seoul | APActor, sex revolutionary, singer, animal activist… Brigitte Bardot (1934-2025) was as versatile as they come. News of her passing away has affected people from various spheres. “The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot,a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,” was a statement sent to AFP on Sunday. Associated Press (AP) was told by Bruno Jacquelin, of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals, that Bardot died at her home in southern France but they would not provide a reason for her death and that no arrangements have yet been made for funeral or memorial service. Bardot was reportedly hospitalised last November. Brigitte Bardotduring the 20th anniversary celebration of her wildlife foundation, on September 28, 2006 in Paris. PIC/AFP “Bardot [also known as BB] became an international celebrity as a sexualised teen bride in the 1956 movie, And God Created Woman. Directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim, it triggered a scandal with scenes of the long-legged beauty dancing on tables naked,” reported AP. Brigitte Bardot and Swiss ecologist Franz Weber prepare a campaign against seal-hunting in Paris on March 3, 1977. PIC/AFP French President Emmanuel Macron was quick to post his tribute on social media: “Her films, hervoice, her dazzling fame, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne-Brigitte Bardot embodied a life of freedom. A French existence, a universal radiance. She moved us. We mourn a legend of the century. Featuring 28 films across two decades, became an accepted symbol of women’s sexual liberation. She retired at 39 in 1973 after which she devoted her life to animal welfare. Brigitte Bardot attends the international feline exhibition in Saint-Tropez, southern France, on June 4, 1977. PIC/AFP The Guardian newspaper said on Sunday that Bardot sent letters of protest to world leaders over issues such as dog extermination in Romania, dolphin killing in the Faroe Islands, and cat slaughter in Australia. She took acting seriously but once said, “I have not had very much chance to act, mostly I have had to undress.” Bardot’s India connection Brigitte Bardot plays with a dog as she arrives at Cabries kennels (South of France) on January 17, 1989, to promote adoption of abandoned pets. PIC/AFP Fondation Brigitte Bardot has significantly supported Friendicoes (Friendicoes SECA), located in New Delhi, providing crucial funding for new ambulances in 2019, which greatly helped their animal rescue and helpline services in India, showcasing Bardot’s commitment to animal welfare globally through her foundation’s donations to local welfare groups Brigitte Bardot’s philanthropy Brigitte Bardot started her foundation in 1986 to champion animal rights and welfare; while she is a French icon, her foundation supports animal welfare organisations worldwide, like Friendicoes in India, through grants and donations This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 07:14 AM IST | Paris | A CorrespondentIn a promising discovery, authorities have spotted the critically endangered flat-headed cat in Thailand for the first time in 30 years. Notably, the sighting involved more than a single individual. The last recorded sighting of this pescatarian, house-cat-sized feline near the Thailand-Malaysia border occurred in 1995. By 2014, Thai officials feared the species had gone extinct within their borders. The cats were found in the Princess Sirindhorn Wildlife Sanctuary. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 07:08 AM IST | Bangkok | AgenciesTwo primary suspects in the murder of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi have fled Bangladesh and are believed to be currently in India, a top Dhaka Metropolitan Police officer said Sunday. Hadi, 32, was shot in the head on December 12 during an election campaign in Dhaka. He was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment but died of his injuries on December 18. “The suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, crossed into the Indian state of Meghalaya with the help of local associates,” Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) S N Md Nazrul Islam said. “The suspects entered India via the Haluaghat border. After crossing, they were initially received by an individual named Purti. Later, a taxi driver named Sami transported them to Tura city in Meghalaya.” He added that the police received reports suggesting that the two individuals who assisted the fugitives, Purti and Sami, have since been detained by authorities in India. The DMP officer said the Bangladesh government is actively working to bring the suspects back. “We are maintaining communication with Indian authorities to ensure their arrest and extradition,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
29 December,2025 07:05 AM IST | Dhaka | AgenciesIndian-American Sanjay Mehrotra, who is the chairman, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of United States (US)-based memory-chip maker Micron Technology, has been named among the world’s top-performing executives of 2025 by The Economist. The recognition comes amid a year marked by geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI). The Economist assessed chief executives of companies listed on the S&P 1200 index, excluding mainland China and India, ranking them based on shareholder returns relative to their sectors. Executives with less than three years in office were not considered. While many companies struggled to translate AI-driven innovation into sustained profits, Mehrotra’s leadership placed Micron among the top performers, with the company emerging as a key supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component for AI data centres. Mehrotra joined Micron in 2017 after a distinguished career at SanDisk, which he co-founded in 1988 and led as president and CEO from 2011 until its sale in 2016. With more than 40 years of experience in the semiconductor memory industry, he holds over 70 patents and has published numerous articles on nonvolatile memory design and flash memory systems. Under his leadership, Micron has capitalised on growth in AI infrastructure, positioning itself as a major provider of memory solutions globally. Mehrotra has also been recognised for his contributions to engineering and the semiconductor industry, including induction into the National Academy of Engineering in 2022 and receiving the Semiconductor Industry Association’s Robert N Noyce Award in 2023. The publication also highlighted other top executives, including Armin Papperger of Rheinmetall, Tom Palmer of Newmont, Okada Naoki of Fujikura, David Zaslav of Warner Bros Discovery, Son Jae-il of Hanwha Aerospace, J Paul Rollinson of Kinross Gold, Vladimir Tenev of Robinhood, Kwak Noh-Jung of SK Hynix, and Dave Mosley of Seagate Technology.
28 December,2025 08:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe US State Department condemned the recent spate of religious violence in Bangladesh as a powerful US lawmaker described the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, as “horrific,” urging unequivocal condemnation of religious hatred. “The United States supports religious freedom and freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” the spokesperson told IANS, responding to a question on the recent killing of Das and the spate of attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh. “The United States unequivocally condemns religious violence in all its forms, and we welcome measures the Bangladeshi Interim Government is taking to ensure the safety and security for all communities in Bangladesh,” the spokesperson added. State Department’s response came amid growing concern in Washington and among advocacy groups over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, and reports of a broader pattern of attacks on minority communities. US lawmakers have also spoken out strongly on the incident. Congressman Ro Khanna described the killing as “horrific” and urged unequivocal condemnation of religious hatred. “The killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, is horrific, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family,” Khanna said on X. “We must unequivocally condemn and speak out against these vile acts of hatred and bigotry,” he added. A garment worker from Bhaluka, Bangladesh, Dipu Chandra Das, lost his life on December 18. He was attacked by a mob, beaten to death, and his body set ablaze following allegations of blasphemy. The killing has intensified scrutiny of the situation facing religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, following political upheaval in the country. Advocacy groups say attacks on minority communities have increased, citing incidents of mob violence, vandalism, and intimidation across several regions. While the State Department did not provide details on diplomatic engagements, its response to IANS emphasized condemnation of religious violence and welcomed steps taken by Bangladesh’s interim authorities to ensure security for all communities. US officials have consistently maintained that support for religious freedom and protection of minority rights are core elements of American foreign policy. Groups say attacks on minority communities have increased, citing incidents of mob violence, vandalism, and intimidation across several regions. While the State Department did not provide details on diplomatic engagements, its response to IANS emphasized condemnation of religious violence and welcomed steps taken by Bangladesh’s interim authorities to ensure security for all communities. US officials have consistently maintained that support for religious freedom and protection of minority rights are core elements of American foreign policy, and that concerns are raised through diplomatic channels when necessary. The United States regularly addresses religious freedom issues in its global human rights reporting and bilateral engagements. South Asia, including Bangladesh, has featured prominently in such discussions due to its complex social fabric and history of communal tensions. The State Department’s response underscores Washington’s stated position that religious violence is unacceptable and that ensuring the safety of all communities remains essential for long-term stability, as the situation in Bangladesh continues to draw close international attention. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 December,2025 09:48 AM IST | Washington | IANSADVERTISEMENT
