IRAN

US President Donald Trump has called on Iranians to continue protests against the government in Tehran. On his platform Truth Social, he said that „help is on the way,“ without specifying what kind of support this would involve. He had previously threatened possible US military intervention in response to the violent actions of Iranian security forces. Human rights groups report widespread violence by the regime. According to the Norway-based organization Hengaw, more than 2,000 protesters have been killed since nationwide demonstrations began; other estimates suggest significantly higher numbers. Witnesses report that security forces in some cases fired into crowds without warning. tagesschau.de, n-tv.de, rnd.de

• Several European countries, including Germany, have summoned Iranian ambassadors over the violence. Berlin stated that Tehran must end its repression of the population. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of additional sanctions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the Iranian leadership as a regime that remains in power only through violence. spiegel.de
• Iran’s judiciary has formally charged the first protesters. Some face accusations such as „waging war against God,“ an offense under Islamic law that can carry the death penalty.
• Despite strict internet censorship, images circulating on social media allegedly show dead protesters in body bags. These images have not been independently verified but reinforce concerns about massive use of force by Iranian security forces. stern.de

UKRAINE

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the situation is becoming increasingly critical after nearly four years of war. He reported heavy Russian attacks, including 18 ballistic missiles launched in a single day, alongside drone and cruise missile strikes. Conditions at the front remain extremely difficult, worsened by sub-zero temperatures and targeted attacks on energy infrastructure that are disrupting electricity and heating supplies. Zelenskyy stressed that despite the strain, Ukraine’s defenses are holding. web.de

• A planned cabinet reshuffle has so far failed in Ukraine’s parliament. Proposed appointments for the defense and energy ministries did not receive sufficient support; a new vote is scheduled. n-tv.de
• Ukraine continues efforts to stabilize its energy supply. Workers repairing damaged networks will receive bonus payments. Lithuania has delivered dismantled components of a former power plant from Vilnius to Ukraine to be used as spare parts for facilities destroyed by Russian attacks. n-tv.de

Russia has continued nighttime air strikes against Ukrainian energy facilities. Authorities report that most households and social institutions remain supplied with heating, though hundreds of buildings in Kyiv are still without heat following earlier attacks.

• Fighting continues along the front line in eastern Ukraine, with Russia reporting small territorial gains near villages in the Donetsk region. Observers describe these as limited advances rather than a major breakthrough.
• Ukraine has struck a drone manufacturing facility in the Russian city of Taganrog, according to Ukrainian intelligence, calling it a significant blow to Russia’s drone production capabilities.
• In Russia’s Belgorod border region, authorities are warning of possible evacuations after renewed power outages caused by Ukrainian attacks, which have already left hundreds of thousands without electricity. n-tv.de

Germany’s former chancellor Olaf Scholz said Russia had planned its invasion of Ukraine years in advance, arguing that President Vladimir Putin deliberately chose war despite having non-military options to pursue his political goals. welt.de