NATO
🇺🇸 Senator Chris Van Hollen introduces legislation to halt US weapons sales to the UAE until it is certified that the UAE is not supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
🇷🇺 Russia warns that a new U.S. missile defense base in Poland raises nuclear danger. In response, Warsaw states that threats from Moscow reinforce the need for stronger NATO defenses.
🇷🇺 Russia will retaliate against NATO countries aiding Ukraine in long-range missile strikes, warns foreign intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin in a recent interview.
🇷🇺 Putin is willing to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine with Trump but won’t make major territorial concessions. He insists Kyiv must abandon its NATO ambitions, according to five sources familiar with Kremlin views.
🇹🇷 President Erdogan at G20 states Russia must take steps to protect itself amid concerns over lowered nuclear strike thresholds. He urges NATO to carefully review Russia’s statements.
🇺🇦 Ukraine remains “cautiously optimistic” after discussing potential deep strikes in Russia with the U.S., as Kyiv seeks NATO integration amidst fears Trump’s policies could force concessions to Moscow. With pledged aid on track, Ukraine prepares for strategic battlefield actions before Biden exits.
🇦🇺 Australian Senator Ralph Babet, of Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, faces widespread condemnation after posting slurs targeting people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the disabled. Despite public outrage and calls for his removal, Babet has refused to apologize, doubling down on remarks.
🇷🇺 Putin is open to discussing Ukraine with President-elect Trump but remains firm on demands: Kyiv must abandon NATO ambitions and relinquish contested regions. While Trump claims he can end the war swiftly, Zelenskiy worries this will mean concessions.
🇷🇺 Putin stages massive nuclear response drill, launching missiles from land, sea and air amid critical phase in Ukraine war. Kremlin flexes military muscle as NATO confirms North Korean troops on Russian soil. Putin warns of “growing geopolitical tensions.”
🇬🇪 Biden condemns Georgia’s election fraud amid ruling party’s 54% victory claim, citing voter intimidation and resource misuse. West fears Tbilisi’s tilt toward Moscow as protests erupt and EU, NATO demand investigation into polling irregularities.
🇺🇸 Pentagon won’t restrict Ukraine’s use of US weapons if North Korea enters the fight, as NATO confirms 10,000 NK troops are now in Russia’s Kursk region. Biden calls it “very dangerous” while Ukraine urges allies to lift long-range strike limits.
🇭🇷 Croatia strikes major deal to buy 50 modern Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, enabling transfer of 60 Soviet-era vehicles to Ukraine. Agreement strengthens NATO standards and includes German funding for spare parts and ammo support.
🇷🇺 Putin warns West against helping Ukraine strike deep into Russia, signaling potential major escalation as Russian forces advance in Donetsk. Russia’s changed nuclear doctrine and NATO involvement could transform this regional conflict into a global showdown.
🇰🇷 South Korea rushes to NATO to brief on 12,000 North Korean troops deployed to Russia, as Putin brazenly defends military alliance with Kim Jong Un - marking dramatic escalation in Ukraine war’s global reach.
🇷🇺 Putin dodges but does not deny U.S. claims of 3,000 North Korean troops in Russia, citing mutual defense clause with Pyongyang as “our business.” Putin welcomes Trump’s rhetoric of “peace” (at Ukraine’s expense) and accuses NATO of escalating a war that Russia started.
🇷🇺 BRICS flexes growing muscle at Putin-hosted Kazan summit, drawing UN chief and NATO’s Turkey as potential member. While far from challenging IMF or dollar dominance, the bloc’s expansion signals shifting global power as developing nations seek alternatives to Western-led systems.
🇺🇸 Chinese-controlled bots are targeting U.S. down-ballot races in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, spreading antisemitic messages and false corruption claims against lawmakers including Senators Marco Rubio and Marsha Blackburn.
🇦🇺 King Charles embraced by Indigenous elder at Sydney ceremony amid mixed reactions to activist senator’s Parliament protest, as royal visit spotlights Australia’s violent colonial history and ongoing reconciliation battle.
🇦🇺 Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe fiercely confronted King Charles during his Canberra visit, accusing him of “genocide” and demanding a return of stolen land and a national treaty. Thorpe’s protest disrupted his speech, challenging the monarchy’s legitimacy in Australia.
🇩🇪 Germany is stepping back while Britain leads the charge on supplying Eurofighter jets to Turkey. Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed the project is still in its early stages, with the UK taking point in a potential deal with NATO ally and “strongman” Erdogan.