German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has indicated her government’s willingness to support initiatives for lasting peace in Ukraine, including the potential deployment of German soldiers in the event of a peace agreement. Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, Baerbock emphasized that Germany would back “everything that serves peace in the future.”

The remarks come amid renewed debate over Europe’s role in Ukraine following reports that thousands of North Korean soldiers may have been sent to support Russian forces. These developments have raised questions about whether European troops might eventually be deployed to Ukraine under a peace arrangement.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added to the discussion, stating over the weekend that no options should be ruled out, though any deployment would hinge on Ukraine’s approval.

Ongoing Conflict and Diverging Peace Visions

Despite growing dialogue about potential peace arrangements, the conflict remains far from resolution as it nears its third anniversary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has advocated for NATO membership as a pathway to ending the “hot stage of the war,” urging that membership should extend to all territory under Kyiv’s control.

However, this proposal clashes with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands. Putin insists that any peace deal must acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains and include security guarantees, such as Ukraine abandoning aspirations to join NATO.

Zelenskyy hinted at a possible diplomatic solution earlier this week, telling Japan’s Kyodo News that Ukraine’s military lacks the capacity to fully reclaim all Russian-occupied territories.

Potential Shift in German Policy

To date, Germany has refrained from committing troops to Ukraine, focusing instead on financial and military support. During a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced an additional €650 million in military aid, underscoring Berlin’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.

However, Germany’s stance could evolve after snap federal elections scheduled for February 23. The centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, currently leads in the polls and has criticized Scholz’s hesitance to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles. Merz has advocated a more assertive approach, suggesting that allowing Ukraine access to such weapons could increase pressure on Russia.

As NATO allies prepare for the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in January, uncertainty looms over how his administration might influence the war. Trump has pledged to secure peace but has yet to outline a detailed plan. Reports suggest his team may propose deploying European troops to establish a buffer zone as part of a potential peace agreement.

The evolving geopolitical dynamics and domestic political shifts could significantly shape Germany’s role in Ukraine in the months ahead.

Romanians went to the polls on Sunday for a parliamentary election that has been overshadowed by recent political turmoil and allegations of electoral violations, including claims of Russian interference. The vote, which will determine the next government and prime minister, comes amid a highly contentious two-round presidential race that has rocked the nation.

By 5 p.m. on Sunday, approximately 7.5 million people, or 42% of eligible voters, had cast their ballots in the legislative election, according to the Central Election Bureau. The 466-seat parliament will be tasked with shaping the country’s future, including the formation of a new government.

The election follows last week’s first-round presidential race, which saw far-right populist Calin Georgescu, a controversial candidate, win the most votes despite polling in single digits. Georgescu, 62, will face reformist Elena Lasconi in a second-round runoff. His unexpected success has sparked widespread protests, particularly from those critical of his past remarks praising Romanian fascist leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Critics view Georgescu’s rise as a threat to Romania’s democratic values, with many blaming his popularity on the explosive growth of his TikTok presence.

Georgescu’s TikTok account reportedly saw a surge in engagement ahead of the election, which experts have called “artificial” and similar to his polling results. Romania’s defense body has raised concerns that Georgescu benefited from preferential treatment, suggesting that the country has become a “priority target” for Russian influence. The Kremlin, however, has denied any involvement in the election process.

Amid the political uncertainty, Romania’s top defense body recently called for a recount of the 9.4 million votes cast in the presidential election after a candidate claimed violations of electoral laws. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is set to rule on whether to annul the vote after an appeal was filed regarding campaign activity on election day.

Political analysts predict that the outcome of the presidential race will have a profound effect on Sunday’s parliamentary election. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant in Bucharest, warned that Georgescu’s success could lead to a surge in support for far-right parties, potentially reshaping Romania’s political landscape.

Despite the challenges, Romania’s political establishment remains divided. The ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) has become increasingly strained, and the prime minister’s office faces pressure from both populist factions and pro-European parties.

Incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, speaking after casting his vote, emphasized that Romanians must choose between “stability and chaos” and urged the public to remain aligned with Europe and NATO. Georgescu, meanwhile, framed his vote as a choice for “peace” and “respect” for Romania’s future.

Surveys suggest that the top contenders in the parliamentary race are the PSD, the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, and the PNL, while smaller parties like the USR and the nationalist S.O.S Romania party could also gain traction. With the political landscape in flux, many Romanians are hoping for a return to stability as the country navigates its uncertain future.

A harrowing encounter unfolded on a Melbourne freeway when a woman fended off one of the world’s most venomous snakes while driving at 50 miles per hour.

Victoria Police responded to reports of a barefoot woman frantically waving down vehicles on the Monash Freeway on Saturday. The woman recounted to officers her terrifying ordeal: she was driving at 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph) when she felt something on her foot. Looking down, she discovered a tiger snake—a species known for its potent venom—slithering up her leg.

Remarkably, she managed to fend off the snake while weaving through traffic. She then pulled over safely and leapt out of her car. Paramedics quickly arrived on the scene to assess her, confirming that she had not been bitten.

Victoria Police commended her composure, stating in a release, “Her quick thinking and calm actions likely prevented a much more serious outcome.”

Snake Safely Removed

Tim Nanninga of Melbourne Snake Control was called to handle the situation. He successfully captured and relocated the snake, which had moved to the back of the car by the time he arrived.

“It’s a miracle how she managed to safely park the car in such a dangerous situation,” Nanninga told 9News, a CNN affiliate. “Snakes in cars often find hidden spots where they can stay undetected for days. Luckily, this one became visible and was removed without further incident.”

Experts attribute the incident to Melbourne’s recent tropical weather, which has been drawing snakes out of their natural habitats, such as creeks and riverbeds.

Australia’s Dangerous Wildlife

Australia is no stranger to encounters with its diverse and deadly wildlife. The country is home to numerous venomous snakes, sharks, and two of the world’s most poisonous spiders.

In a separate incident last month, a hiker was found alive after surviving a snake bite while being lost for nearly two weeks in the Snowy Mountains.

While rare, encounters like these highlight the importance of staying alert, especially in regions where wildlife is active. Authorities remind drivers to thoroughly check vehicles if parked near natural areas and to seek immediate help in similar situations.

The woman’s extraordinary escape underscores the resilience often required when living alongside Australia’s unique and sometimes perilous fauna.