December 21, 2022

*) Zelenskyy to visit US in first trip abroad since conflict began Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Washington for a meeting with his American counterpart Joe Biden and an address to Congress. This will be his first trip abroad since Russia started its offensive in February. The trip comes on the same day Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to meet his top military officials to assess the results so far of the war on Ukraine and set goals for next year. *) UN eases weapons embargo on DRC, extends peacekeeping force The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution that eases a weapons embargo on the Democratic Republic of Congo. The resolution removes a stipulation that previously required countries to inform the 15-member council of arms sales or military assistance to the DRC government. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya hailed the move as "a battle won, an injustice repaired". *) Deadly earthquake jolts northern California At least two people have died after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of northern California, triggering rockslides and cutting power to tens of thousands. According to the US Geological Survey, the relatively shallow 6.4-magnitude quake hit overnight, 40 kilometres southwest of the port city of Eureka, in Humboldt County. County emergency officials said there was significant damage in the Eel River Valley community. *) Musk says will step down as Twitter CEO once successor found Elon Musk has said that he would resign as Twitter CEO once he finds a replacement. The announcement comes in an apparent response to a poll he launched, which suggested users wanted him to step down. Musk has fully owned Twitter since October 27 and has repeatedly courted controversy as CEO. He has sacked half of its staff, readmitted far-right figures to the platform and tried to charge for previously free services. *) Messi's photo with World Cup trophy most-liked Instagram post in history Lionel Messi's 2022 FIFA World Cup victory photo has rec