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EU leaders hold talks on Russia's frozen assets

Ukraine is months from running out of cash.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Ukraine faces a financial shortfall of up to 60 billion dollars next year -- and could have to cut drone production. He was speaking in Brussels where EU leaders are meeting to discuss a plan to use frozen Russian assets to generate a substantial loan for Kyiv. We speak to our Europe digital editor and our colleagues from BBC Russian and BBC Ukraine.

Australia has announced a major crackdown on hate speech following the Bondi Beach shooting. We hear from a woman who shares how she survived Sunday’s attack.

Earlier this month, hundreds of women in Iran competed in marathon without wearing the hijab which is mandatory to wear by law in the country. Two organisers of the marathon in Iran are still in custody. Our reporter has been speaking to two women who competed.

In recent weeks, close to 2,000 people have been killed in storms, cyclones and flooding in parts of South and South East Asia. We hear from people affected.

Presenter: Luke Jones.

(Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a press conference on the day of the European Union leaders' summit in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. Credit: Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters)

3 days left to listen

50 minutes

Last on

Thu 18 Dec 202516:06GMT

Broadcast

  • Thu 18 Dec 202516:06GMT

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