Southern & Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford reports from Lithuania, where some of the released prisoners were taken.

Condominium prices in Osaka are rising at a pace that shows no sign of slowing, with units exceeding 100 million yen becoming increasingly common as the city records the world’s fastest rate of condo price growth among major metropolitan areas. (News On Japan)

JR Group companies will introduce extensive timetable changes in March next year, with JR Central announcing that it will raise the maximum number of Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi services to 13 per hour during peak periods. (News On Japan)

As the end of the year approaches, companies across Japan are scaling back on traditional calendar giveaways, with major airlines such as JAL and ANA joining a growing list of firms ending long-standing distribution programs even as demand among some consumers remains strong. (News On Japan)

A series of graffiti markings discovered along the shores of Lake Biwa has drawn sharp criticism from local residents after damage was found on a site long regarded as one of Japan’s Three Famous Bridges, adding to a growing number of defacements occurring at renowned destinations across the country. (News On Japan)

The Pentagon said three other service members were injured in the attack, during which the gunman was "engaged and killed".

In Kyoto’s Gion district, the annual ritual known as Kotohajime, when preparations for the New Year formally begin, took place on December 13th as geiko and maiko visited their teachers to offer thanks for the past year and convey greetings for the year ahead. (News On Japan)

The recent Washington Accord was hailed as "historic" by the US president but the fighting continues.

Four people were killed and multiple passers-by injured in the strike, an official from Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence agency told the BBC.

Nigeria's biggest city is known for its vibrant arts scene, nightlife and creativity, but street art is relatively unknown.

Opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova is among those released in exchange for a deal with the US.

It comes despite US President Donald Trump saying both sides had agreed to a ceasefire deal.

The latest overnight attacks come as US envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to hold more talks with Ukraine's president.

Thousands of adoring supporters had paid up to 12,000 rupees (£100; $133) to catch a glimpse of the football star.

The Inter Miami and Argentina forward is in India for his 'GOAT tour', taking in events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Donald Trump's envoy will meet the Ukrainian president and European leaders in Berlin to discuss the latest peace plan.

A natural gas line leak triggered the house explosion, injuring six people and damaging several nearby properties.

The photos, which do not imply wrongdoing, are part of a trove of images the House Oversight Committee received from Epstein's estate.

The "trashed panda" is also suspected of burglarising snacks from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The "trashed panda" is also suspected of burglarising snacks from the Department of Motor Vehicles.