Global Tensions Spike: Ukraine and Myanmar Conflicts Intensify, Bulgaria’s Government Resigns Amid Protests – 12/12/2025, 12:25:06 PM

Top world news stories as of December 12, 2025, focus on escalating conflicts in Ukraine and Myanmar, political crises in Europe and Africa, and humanitarian disasters.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans urgent talks with leaders from about 30 countries amid U.S. President Trump’s push for a swift peace deal with Russia[1]. Ukraine has handed a revised 20-point peace plan to the U.S., while Russia claims to have captured Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast after heavy fighting; overnight, Russia shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones as both sides exchanged attacks, including a Russian Iskander missile strike on Dnipro killing four and injuring at least 40[1][2]. Trump has criticized European leaders on Ukraine dealings[1].

Myanmar Civil War

Myanmar’s military airstrike on a hospital in Mrauk U, Rakhine State, killed 34 people and injured 80 others[1][2].

European Political Turmoil

Bulgaria’s government resigned amid mass protests over corruption, just weeks before joining the eurozone, with tens of thousands protesting[1].

South Korea’s former acting leader Choi Sang-mok was indicted over the 2024 martial law imposition[1].

Africa Conflicts and Crises

Over 400 civilians killed in eastern Congo fighting despite a peace deal, linked to Rwanda-backed M23 escalation[1]. In Nigeria, 100 of 315 abducted students from St. Mary Catholic School in Papiri were released, but over 160 remain missing[1][2]. Nigerian Air Force airstrikes targeted pro-coup forces in Benin, with ECOWAS deploying troops from multiple nations[2].

Other Key Developments

• Gaza faces worsened crisis from Winter Storm Byron, highlighting aid delivery failures[1].
• U.S. President Trump announced seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, heightening U.S.-Venezuela tensions; opposition leader María Corina Machado emerged from hiding and commented on government unawareness[1].
• Pakistan’s military court sentenced ex-spy chief Faiz Hameed to 14 years[1].
• South Korea library collapse in Gwanju killed 1, trapped 3[1].
• Migrant boat capsized in Croatia’s Sava River, killing at least 1[1].
• Trump pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández on cocaine trafficking charges[2].
• Rapid Support Forces captured Sudan’s largest oilfield, Heglig[2].
• Iceland joins boycott of 2026 Eurovision in Austria over Israel’s participation[2].

These stories are drawn from reports dated December 10-11, reflecting the most recent available updates[1][2].