Warriors and Water: A Glimpse at This Week's Global Stories

This week's photo selection showcases significant happenings across the globe, from Olympic traditions to environmental disasters.

A Maasai warrior showcases athleticism in a high-jump contest at the Maasai Olympics in Kajiado, Kenya, as reported by Luis Tato/AFP. Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, South Africa, residents of Coronationville experience dire water shortages, waiting in queues for relief. The crisis continues to grip the city as water supplies dwindle, according to Roberta Ciuccio/AFP.

In Ukraine, Anna and her mother are seen awaiting evacuation from Donetsk as Russian forces press onward, an image captured by Roman Pilipey/AFP. Cyclone Chido's devastation has left the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte grappling with a humanitarian crisis, as reported by Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters. With a reported 31 dead and many missing, concerns grow over a potentially higher casualty count.

Anatoly Maltsev/EPA-EFE captures the illuminated monument to Admiral Ivan Kruzenshtern against a cold St Petersburg backdrop, where temperatures plummet to -10C (14F). In Folkestone, Kent, Gareth Fuller/PA Media highlights the transformation of the White Horse on Cheriton Hill into a festive Rudolph ahead of Christmas celebrations.

Elsewhere, Paris boasts its vast indoor ice rink at the Grand Palais des Glaces where skaters glide gracefully, as shown by Stephane De Sakutin/AFP. Dutch violinist Andre Rieu dazzle audiences in Maastricht with a concert featuring his orchestra, soloists, dancers, and skaters, exemplified by Leonhard Foeger/Reuters.

Kyle Negomir from the United States is hard at work on the downhill course in Val Gardena, Italy, preparing for the Alpine Ski World Cup, while Danny Lawson/PA Media documents the training. Lastly, Alida Freding wears a candle crown symbolizing St Lucy during the Sankta Lucia Festival of Light, an event captured in photography at York Minster.