News

Ukraine to move Christmas Day in symbolic split from Russia

Published

2 years ago

July 29, 2023

Ukraine has made a significant symbolic gesture by moving its official Christmas Day state holiday from 7 January to 25 December.

The move is seen as an attempt to distance the country from its historical ties with Russia and align itself more closely with the West. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law after it was passed by Ukrainian lawmakers, signaling the country’s ongoing efforts to abandon Russian cultural and religious influences.

The decision comes in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which further strained the already complex relationship between the two nations. For centuries, Ukraine has struggled against Russian attempts to control its religious and cultural identity, including the authority of the Russian Orthodox Church over Ukrainian churches. However, in 2019, the newly formed Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) was granted independence by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leading to tensions with the Russian Orthodox Church.

The OCU’s adoption of the Gregorian calendar, in contrast to the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church, marks a symbolic shift in religious practices. Many Ukrainian worshippers have been joining the OCU in recent years, and now, a majority of them are expected to celebrate Christmas on 25 December. Nevertheless, millions still follow the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), another established branch with a significant presence in the country.

Ukraine’s decision to move Christmas is just one of many measures taken to assert its independence from Russia. The country has renamed streets associated with Russian and Soviet historical figures, removed monuments, and banned Russian films produced after 2014. These actions reflect the ongoing tensions and the aftermath of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The move to celebrate Christmas on 25 December signifies Ukraine’s desire to carve out its unique identity and distance itself from Russia’s influence. By aligning with the Western calendar and adopting a more independent religious and cultural stance, Ukraine aims to assert its sovereignty and strengthen its ties with the international community.

News

Trump declares US ready to support Iranian protesters

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

Published

16 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ahron Young

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

In Short:
– Trump supports Iranian protesters and promotes their quest for freedom amid government crackdowns.
– Iran reports arrests and increased military threats against protesters, with international demonstrations in solidarity emerging.

Donald Trump has warned Iran’s clerical regime that the US is “ready to help” anti-government protesters facing a crackdown. He stated on his social media platform, Truth, that the nation is witnessing a push for freedom like never before.On Saturday, Iran’s government reported the arrest of 100 “armed rioters” amid ongoing demonstrations. Rights groups claim at least 116 protesters have been killed, with unrest erupting over Iran’s currency collapse and demands for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Iranian military has intensified threats against protesters, warning that anyone participating could be deemed “enemies of God”, carrying a potential death sentence. There have been claims of “terrorist agents” linked to the US and Israel stirring unrest.

Protester Responses

International protests have also emerged in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.

In London, an individual was seen tearing down the Iranian flag from the embassy, drawing attention to the global dissent. Iranian state media has accused “rioters” of violence and targeting military bases, amidst a climate of increased government scrutiny and restrictions.

With the internet down in Iran, accurate assessment of the situation remains challenging. Reports indicate scattered protests continue, but fear of government retaliation complicates participation.

The Iranian government’s response highlights the volatility of the political situation, and the growing international pressure on Tehran.

News

Minneapolis protests erupt after fatal ICE shooting

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Tensions in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of a mother by a U.S. Immigration agent. The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest as public anger continues to mount.

State and federal officials are now at odds over the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has stepped back after the FBI assumed control, while the state attorney general has warned that state-level charges could still be pursued independently. The political divide adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

In response to the protests, schools in Minneapolis have closed and the National Guard has been activated to maintain order. Citizens are being urged to stay safe as tensions remain high and the city braces for further demonstrations.

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News

Iran protests escalate as economy crumbles

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Protests are spreading across Iran after the country’s currency suffered a dramatic collapse, pushing inflation to more than 42 percent in December. Rising prices are squeezing household budgets, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Iranians.

What began as frustration over the cost of living has quickly grown into widespread public anger, as families struggle to keep up with soaring expenses amid a weakening rial and economic uncertainty.

These economic pressures have become the catalyst for demonstrations across major cities, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest linked directly to inflation in recent years.

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