We bring you the latest updates on a shocking event in Moscow: the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Defense Forces.

* The Attack: Kirillov was killed in an explosion triggered by a bomb planted on an electric scooter. The attack occurred as he exited his residential building in Moscow, also claiming the life of his assistant. The device, reportedly containing approximately 300 grams of TNT equivalent, generated a blast with the force of 1 kg of TNT.

* Claim of Responsibility: Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility, labeling Kirillov a "war criminal and a legitimate target."

* Accusations Against Kirillov: Ukraine has accused Kirillov of ordering the use of chemical weapons against its defenders. The SBU alleges over 4,800 documented cases of chemical weapons usage by Russian forces since the war began. Specific allegations include deploying chloropicrin, a suffocating toxic agent, and irritant-laden grenades.

* Context: A prominent military figure, Kirillov had led Russia's NBC forces since 2017 and was sanctioned by multiple countries, including the UK and Canada, for his actions in Ukraine.

* Reactions:

* Russia has condemned the attack as terrorism and vowed retaliation.

* The UK stated it would not mourn Kirillov's death.

* The US adopted a cautious stance, emphasizing it had no prior knowledge of the attack and does not support such operations.

* Additional Background: Kirillov accused Western nations of using chemical and biological weapons in Ukraine and was involved in developing Russia's TOS-2 'Tosochka' heavy flamethrower system.

This assassination marks a significant escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising concerns about potential reprisals and further violence.

Germany is headed for early elections following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party coalition government. The move, largely anticipated after weeks of political gridlock, comes as the nation braces for an election campaign centered on economic recovery and its role within Europe.

What Happened?

* Scholz's coalition, made up of the SPD, Greens, and FDP, unraveled after months of disputes over economic and budgetary policies.

* The dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) in November triggered the coalition's collapse.

* Scholz requested a no-confidence vote on December 16, an unusual but constitutional step to prompt early elections.

The No-Confidence Vote

* In the Bundestag vote, 394 MPs opposed Scholz's government, exceeding the 367 votes needed for the motion to pass.

* Following protocol, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to dissolve parliament and announce the February election date.

Election Date Set: February 23

* Germans will head to the polls seven months ahead of schedule.

* Campaigns have already begun, with parties focusing on key economic, social, and foreign policy issues.

* Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, is the frontrunner for chancellor, as the CDU leads in early polls.

Key Campaign Issues

* Economy: Tackling inflation, energy crises, and industrial competitiveness.

* Foreign Policy: Continued support for Ukraine, managing relations with Russia, and Germany's leadership in the EU.

* Immigration: Strengthening border controls and revising asylum policies.

* Social Policies: Raising the minimum wage and expanding welfare programs.

* Defense: Increasing investments in military and national security.

The Political Landscape

* Polls place the CDU ahead, followed by the AfD, SPD, and Greens.

* Smaller parties, including the FDP and The Left (Linke), may struggle to meet the 5% threshold for parliamentary representation.

* Despite setbacks, the SPD has reaffirmed Scholz as its candidate for chancellor.

* A significant majority of parties have ruled out any collaboration with the far-right AfD.

What's Next?

* Coalition-building is expected to take weeks post-election, with potential outcomes including a Grand Coalition (CDU-SPD) or a three-party alliance involving the Greens or smaller parties.

* The February elections will shape Germany's domestic policy agenda and its leadership role in Europe.

Germany faces a critical moment, and the coming weeks will set the stage for a pivotal election in its modern history.

In a historic move, South Korea's Parliament impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol following his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3. The impeachment motion, driven by opposition parties, passed with the support of several members from Yoon's ruling People Power Party.

Out of 300 lawmakers, 204 voted in favor of impeachment, surpassing the two-thirds threshold required, while 85 voted against. The president now faces allegations of insurrection and treason. As a result, Yoon has been suspended from his duties, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assuming interim presidential powers.

All Eyes on the Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court of South Korea now has 180 days to decide whether to uphold Parliament’s decision. If six of the nine justices rule in favor, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days.

Nationwide Protests Reflect Divided Public Opinion

The impeachment has intensified public demonstrations across Seoul. An estimated 200,000 protesters gathered near the National Assembly to demand Yoon's removal, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Meanwhile, thousands of supporters rallied near Gwanghwamun Square, calling for the president to remain in office.

What’s Next for South Korea?

The nation braces for uncertainty as the Constitutional Court deliberates the fate of its president. The decision will not only shape the future of Yoon Suk-yeol’s political career but also impact South Korea’s democratic stability and international standing.

Sources:

Open, New York Times, Adnkronos, ANSA, l'Unità , Affari Italiani, South China Morning Post, CNBC, NPR, Global News, Al Jazeera, France24, Il Sole 24 Ore, Huffington Post.