In a gesture of wartime support, the European Union has exempted Ukrainian truckers from EU limits on how many drivers can enter Europe. Polish truckers say that's destroying their businesses.

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter says the world urgently needs to study and adopt her father's philosophy of nonviolence to avoid self-destruction. The Rev. Bernice King used an address Thursday to announce events for the upcoming holiday in honor of her father to warn that humanity was at a critical juncture.

Ukrainian authorities said 230 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned home in the first exchange in almost five months. Russia's Defense Ministry said 248 Russian servicemen have been freed.

Russia launched dozens of attack drones and missiles — including its advanced Kinzhal ballistic missile — according to Ukrainian officials.

There have been touching moments — sometimes away from the headlines, and the front lines — that have moved the world this year.

Several large Ukrainian cities were attacked, including the capital, Kyiv, as well as Dnipro, Lviv, Odesa and Kharkiv.

Russia launched 122 missiles and 36 drones against Ukrainian targets, officials said Friday, killing at least 18 civilians across the country.

Belarus' authoritarian president attended a government-organized meeting with children brought from Russia-controlled areas of Ukraine, openly defying an international outrage over such deportations.

The U.S. announced military aid of up to $250 million. It could be the final package of military aid to Ukraine unless Congress approves supplemental funding legislation now stalled on Capitol Hill.

In a stark rebuke of Russia, Ukraine joins the West in celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 instead of Jan. 6-7 as it traditionally has done.

Lawmakers didn't have a very productive year, but they did manage to pass 27 pieces of legislation. Here's what the laws accomplish.

The aid package for Ukraine was vetoed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The EU did approve opening membership negotiations with Ukraine and its neighbor Moldova.

Some of these traditions' origin stories and how they are implemented can vary by region or households, but they nonetheless help bring holiday cheer to those who celebrate.

Utility workers have raced to repair Ukraine's damaged energy grid. Russia has resumed targeted attacks on Ukraine's energy system — and parts of it may be more vulnerable than ever, experts warn.

The targeting of hospitals and medical workers is a fact of modern warfare — in Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Gaza and Israel. International law say such attacks are unacceptable. Are there any consequences?