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Ukraine kills Russian general in Moscow, accuses him of using chemical weapons. The Ukrainian secret service SBU says it has killed Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Forces, in Moscow. Kirillov, accused of using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops, died in an explosion of an e-scooter rigged with explosives outside a residential building. The murder of Kirillov, the highest-ranking officer killed in Russia, is causing tensions and could result in retaliatory measures by Moscow. Ukraine regards targeted killings as a legitimate means in the war against Russia.

As expected, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has lost the vote of confidence in the Bundestag. 207 MPs voted for him, 394 against him, while 116 abstained. This clears the way for new elections on February 23.

China is planning a record budget deficit of 4% of GDP in 2025 to cushion weak growth, high debt and the threat of US tariffs. An additional 1.3 trillion yuan is to be financed through special bonds. The growth target remains at 5%.

Andhra Pradesh approved a controversial solar project worth USD 490 million per year in 2021, 97% of which will go to Adani Green. The decision was made despite warnings from financial and energy experts who pointed to falling solar costs and financial risks. US investigators are accusing Adani of bribery to the tune of USD 228 million. The state is now considering suspending the contract.

A 15-year-old girl shot a teacher and a classmate at a school in Madison, Wisconsin, and took her own life. Six other people were injured, two of them seriously. The police are investigating the motive and how the teenager obtained the weapon. President Biden again calls for stricter gun laws.

The resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland weakens Canada's government shortly before the inauguration of Donald Trump, who is planning tariffs on Canadian exports. Freeland warned against Trudeau's spending policy and possible risks for the economy. Her resignation has led to criticism of the lack of leadership in Ottawa. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called for new elections to ensure stability. Freeland was considered a key figure in the trade negotiations with the USA. Her absence calls into question the government's strategy towards Trump.

Germany is facing a new election on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition collapsed. The political parties present their election manifestos to lead Europe's largest economy out of the crisis and combat the rise of the far right. The CDU under Friedrich Merz calls for tax relief and lower electricity prices. Scholz's SPD wants to reform the “debt brake” and stimulate private investment. One point of contention is support for Ukraine, with the AfD rejecting arms deliveries and calling for better relations with Russia. Migration is also a key issue, with a tougher stance on refugees and a proposal to process asylum applications in third countries.

792 suspects were arrested in Lagos, including Chinese and Filipinos. They ran a call center that defrauded victims in America and Europe with fake crypto investments. The Nigerian anti-corruption agency confiscated computers and cell phones. International investigations are underway.

The notorious drug lord Osiel Cardenas, former head of the Gulf Cartel, was deported from the USA to Mexico on December 16. He was released in August after more than 20 years in prison in the USA and is now standing trial in Mexico for organized crime and the use of illegal funds. Cardenas is known for extreme violence, including beheadings, and founded the Zetas cartel.

Bashar al-Assad said in a statement that he was evacuated from the Russian airbase Hmeimim on December 8 when it was under drone attack. He had previously withdrawn from Damascus in the morning as the rebels were closing in. Assad emphasized that he never considered resigning or seeking asylum. After capturing the last army positions, he was taken to the Russian base, where the Russian authorities ordered his evacuation to Moscow.

Donald Trump has lost a motion to overturn his conviction in connection with hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. The motion was based on the US Supreme Court's decision to recognize immunity for official acts of presidents. Judge Juan Merchan ruled that the case concerned Trump's personal actions and not his presidential duties, so the conviction stands. The case revolves around a payment of 130,000 US dollars before the 2016 election to get Daniels to shut up about an alleged affair with Trump, which Trump denies. It is the first time a US president has been convicted of a crime.

Russia has classified the murder of General Igor Kirillov as a terrorist attack. He and his aide were killed in Moscow in a bomb explosion that was presumably detonated by a cell phone. Kirillov was a prominent figure in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The Ukrainian secret service SBU accused him of being responsible for the use of chemical weapons. Moscow has repeatedly blamed Ukraine for attacks on Russian military personnel and propagandists.

The European Union has signed contracts for the development of the IRIS2 satellite network. The 10.6 billion euro project will provide governments, the military and private users with encrypted global internet connections.  The network, which is to be completed by 2030, will consist of 290 satellites. The EU will invest 6 billion euros, with the remaining funds being provided by private companies and the European Space Agency.

Ukraine says it has developed a laser weapon called Tryzub (Trident) that can shoot down targets at an altitude of more than 2 km Ukraine has a laser weapon capable of shooting down air targets at an altitude of more than 2 kilometers, the commander of Ukraine's drone forces, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, said on Monday.

In Georgia, the candidate of the ruling party “Georgian Dream”, Mikhail Kavelashvili, was elected president. Due to the opposition's decision not to participate in the elections, Kavelashvili was also the only candidate for the office. The president was elected by an electoral committee.

Poland is the first EU country to introduce compulsory firearms and shooting lessons in all elementary school.  Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Polish state wants to familiarize all children with weapons at an early age.  Patriotism is a central component of teaching

South African ex-presidential candidate Julius Malema calls for violence against whites: “Black consciousness cannot coexist with white consciousness... one of the two must die - our revolution requires us to kill.”   Malema made this shocking statement two days ago.

Assad: Sent planes with $250 million cash to Moscow. Bashar al-Assad relied on a controversial ally in the civil war: the Kremlin. And that came at a cost - so much so that between 2018 and 2019, the ruler sent planeloads of cash to Moscow, nearly two tons of $100 and €500 bills. (FT)

•  Scholz: Loses vote of confidence as planned (TGS)
• Insolvencies: Are at their highest level for almost 10 years (NTV)
• Scout24: Acquires real estate data provider Bulwiengesa (HB)
• KTM: Employees accuse motorcycle manufacturer of forced redundancies (NTV)
• Switzerland: Halves value of goods that can be imported tax-free from Germany from 300 Sfr. to 150 SFr. (TGS)
• Trump & Softbank: Announce $100 billion investment in USA (WSJ)
• Forbes: Opens first members club in Madrid (FT)
• Apple: Plans foldable iPhone (NTV)
• Palantir & MicroStrategies: Included in the Nasdaq 100 (FIN)
• Iran: Shutdown in major cities due to smog and energy shortages (FT)