Russia, Ukraine report six civilians killed in attacks
Russia's military says it has shot down four Ukrainian army aircraft in 24 hours as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy declares "evil will be defeated".
International News
Israeli airstrikes kill dozens in Christmas Eve attack
Air strikes in central Gaza have killed at least 78 people, Palestinian officials say, as Pope Francis laments war in the land of the birth of Jesus.
Fighting rages in Gaza as Biden speaks with Netanyahu
An Israeli minister says the country's forces will continue operations in Gaza "until Hamas is eliminated" and all hostages are returned.
Ukraine reports warding off Russian attacks on Avdiivka
The Ukrainian general staff says Russian attempts to dislodge its forces that have crossed the Dnipro river in the southern Kherson region have failed.
Israeli forces battle Hamas in northern Gaza
Hamas' armed wing says it has engaged in combat with Israeli forces in the northern Gaza Strip town of Jabalia.
Mass drone attack hits several Kyiv districts
Kyiv has been hit with a Russian drone attack for the sixth time this month, setting off blazes in residential buildings and injuring two people.
Gunman kills 15 in rampage in Czech Republic
A student has shot his father and opened fire in a university building in Prague, killing 15 people and injuring 25 in the Czech Republic's worst mass shooting.
Israel broadens Gaza assault ahead of UN aid vote
Israel's military has ordered residents of Al-Bureij to move immediately as Gazan health authorities say 20,057 Palestinians have been killed since October 7.
Winston Peters rules out expelling Russian ambassador
Russia's ambassador will remain in New Zealand after a decision from Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who is also mulling the future of envoy Jacinda Ardern.
Houthis threaten US warships if they target rebels
Yemen's Houthi leader says his militia does not fear the United States and has warned outsiders not to target the rebels over attacks in the Red Sea.
Ukraine mulls army proposal to call up more civilians
Residents of Kyiv have given a mixed reaction to proposals by the Ukrainian army to conscript up to 500,000 more civilians amid the war against Russian forces.
Gaza ceasefire talks as Hamas, Israel assert demands
"Very serious" negotiations are taking place on a second Gaza ceasefire, the US says, but Hamas and Israel's conditions make the chances of a deal uncertain.
Ukraine says it defeated Russian drone attack on Kyiv
Russia's fifth air strike on Kyiv this month has been thwarted by Ukraine's air defence system with no injuries or damage reported.
NZ government axes $7b in projects as forecasts worsen
New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the previous government were "economic and fiscal vandals", revealing a worsening set of economic forecasts.
Colorado court disqualifies Trump from holding office
Colorado's top court has declared Donald Trump engaged in insurrection in 2021 and is ineligible to be on the state's presidential ballot.
Ukraine to produce 1m drones next year: Zelenskiy
Over one million drones will be made in Ukraine in 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says as the country works to increase its domestic weapons production.
US leads Red Sea operation amid attacks trade fears
The United States says "Operation Prosperity Guardian" will defend against attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Assange appeal against US extradition set for February
Julian Assange's supporters say a date has been set for the WikiLeaks founder's final appeal against extradition to the United States from the United Kingdom.
Israel battles Hamas in streets as UN delays vote again
The UN has delayed a vote on boosting aid deliveries to Gaza, while residents report fierce gunbattles on the streets of the enclave's second-biggest city.
Putin says Russia is ready to talk on Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country is open to talks about the future of Ukraine.
Google set to pay $1b in app store antitrust settlement
An antitrust settlement over Google's app store will cost the tech giant hundreds of millions of dollars, it has been revealed in court.
Northwest China earthquake death toll increases to 127
At least 127 people have been killed, hundreds more injured and houses and roads seriously damaged by an earthquake in northwest China.
‘A real solid’: NZ PM applauds Aust deportees move
Chris Luxon is set to represent New Zealand overseas for the first time, with the prime minister to visit Australia counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney.
North Korea fires second ballistic missile, condemns US
South Korean and Japanese officials say North Korea has fired what appears to be a long-range ballistic missile, its second aggression in less than 12 hours.
NZ PM Luxon caught out on Maori language lessons
Taxpayers have paid for New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon's Maori language classes despite his criticism of public servants receiving bonuses for its use.
Israel in fresh strikes on Gaza as UN nears vote on aid
Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza, countering raised hopes of a new ceasefire deal and the opening of a border crossing for aid.
Ukraine general criticises firing of recruitment chiefs
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi has criticised President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's decision to fire regional military draft office heads in August.
RSF enters Sudan aid hub city where many were displaced
Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces say they have entered Wad Madani, a city southeast of Khartoum that had taken in many displaced people.
Israel pounds Gaza, Houthis vow more Red Sea attacks
As more vessels are attacked by Houthi militants in the Red Sea, Israel has reiterated the war will not stop until all it's hostages are freed.
US announces mission to counter ship attacks in Red Sea
The US and a host of other nations are creating a force to protect ships in the Red Sea that have come under attack from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Houthi Red Sea attacks force rerouting of vessels
Attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemeni Houthi rebels have prompted the United States and its allies to discuss a task force to protect routes in the area.