In Short

BudapestWhile politicians from many EU countries are in favor of even more arms deliveries to Ukraine, Hungary and Serbia are now pleading for a quick end to the war. In his statement on the matter, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also delivered a dig at the United States.

KievIn the face of the constant barrage of Russian missiles, the demand for bombproof accommodation in Ukraine has increased enormously. A Ukrainian company is offering an expensive solution. Only a few Ukrainians can afford the "cosy", modern bunkers, starting at 66 000 euros however.

TokyoJapan has now launched an official investigation into the high number of people who have died after the Covid vaccination. There has been a striking correlation between the start of vaccination campaigns and the increase in mortality.

KabulWhile Western governments are trying to ignore or isolate the Taliban regime, which was able to take power in Afghanistan in August 2021, an Afghan-Chinese deal worth millions was concluded. China wants to develop an extensive oil field in Afghanistan. The Afghan mining minister and Chinese representatives signed a corresponding agreement in Kabul.

ZagrebThe Croatians are experiencing quite a nasty surprise: After joining the EU at the beginning of the year, the country has now also introduced the euro – as a result, prices are going up steeply. Many Croatians are venting their anger on social media.

WashingtonAfter a tough internal power struggle, Republican Kevin McCarthy became the new chairman of the US House of Representatives.

Clermont-FerrandIn Clermont-Ferrand, the police were surprised to find that the Cameroonian migrant they arrested for driving without a licence is serving a 22-year prison sentence in Italy for atrocious acts.

BerlinThe Greens are pushing to hasten the planned release of cannabis in Germany.

WashingtonThe new year 2023 begins without any hope of an economic recovery – on the contrary. Rather, all three important global economic areas, the US, EU and China, are weakening.

StockholmAbas Abdikarim Bakar, 25, the gangster rapper who previously campaigned with climate activist Greta Thunberg, lives at the address of a recent bombing in Grimsta, Sweden.