Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts After Millennia
Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has erupted for the first time in an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 years, sending ash plumes into the atmosphere and causing significant concern across the region and beyond. The volcanic activity, which began over the weekend, has since subsided as of Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The eruption led to flight cancellations, particularly impacting routes over affected areas, with airlines like Air India cancelling several flights due to directives from aviation safety regulators. Ash clouds from the volcano had temporarily reduced air quality, including in Delhi, but are expected to clear Indian airspace and move eastwards towards China. Residents in the Afdera district of Ethiopia's Afar region reported coughing, and livestock were affected by ash covering grazing lands and water sources. Scientists are closely monitoring the event, which highlights Ethiopia's location along an active rift system prone to volcanism and earthquakes.
US and Russia Engage in Ukraine Peace Talks Amidst Renewed Attacks
US and Russian officials held unannounced talks in Abu Dhabi to explore a proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts come as Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, was subjected to a barrage of missile and drone attacks overnight, resulting in at least six fatalities. US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a key figure in US diplomatic initiatives, led the talks, with more meetings anticipated. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized on November 25 that any revised US peace plan for Ukraine must align with the "spirit and letter" of the December 2024 summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The specifics of the discussions were not immediately clear, and Ukraine has expressed caution about being pressured into a deal largely on the Kremlin's terms, particularly regarding territorial concessions and NATO membership.
Hamas Agrees to Return Israeli Hostage's Body as Ceasefire Remains Fragile
Hamas announced its intention to return the body of an Israeli hostage on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement. This development is part of ongoing exchanges and attempts to uphold a truce that has been tested by continued Israeli strikes on Gaza, mounting Palestinian casualties, and mutual accusations of violations. Hamas stated that difficulties in retrieving all remains were due to them being buried under rubble from Israel's two-year offensive in the Palestinian territory. Since the US-brokered ceasefire began on October 10, Palestinian militants have returned the bodies of 25 hostages, with three believed to still be in Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister's office had earlier deemed a delay in the return as a ceasefire violation.
UN Begins Search for Next Secretary-General
The United Nations has officially commenced the process to elect its next Secretary-General. Member states have been invited to submit nominations for the term set to begin in 2027, as the current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, approaches the end of his tenure.
Escalating Threats: Houthi Attacks on Shipping Rise
The risk of renewed Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has increased. This escalation coincides with the fragile ceasefire situation in Gaza, where the initial phase ended without further agreements. Despite a previous halt in attacks by the Houthis on US and UK shipping, major companies remain wary of fully resuming services in the area due to the unstable nature of the ceasefire. There are concerns that instability in the region could have broader implications, particularly for oil and gas supplies.
China-Taiwan Tensions and Amphibious Exercises
Tensions between China and Taiwan remain a significant geopolitical concern. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly experimented with various civilian vessels in amphibious landing exercises during July and August 2025 to enhance its sealift capabilities. These exercises involved roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ships and deck cargo ships, demonstrating their potential to support military vehicle landings. Concurrently, PRC-Japan tensions have escalated following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi concerning Taiwan, which China views as an internal affair. The US Senate also introduced the Six Assurances to Taiwan Act, aimed at codifying long-standing US commitments to Taiwan.