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China has expanded large-scale military drills around Taiwan, while Russia claims to have deployed a nuclear-capable missile system to Belarus following disputed allegations involving Ukraine.

Elsewhere, Thailand has delayed the release of Cambodian troops despite a ceasefire.

More below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇨🇳🇹🇼 China expands military drills around Taiwan: China fired rockets into waters north and south of Taiwan during a second day of large-scale military drills, deploying naval, air and rocket forces in exercises it said were aimed at rehearsing a blockade and issuing a warning against separatist and external forces. Taiwan reported increased Chinese military activity around the island and said its forces were prepared to defend the territory without seeking escalation.

2️⃣ 🇷🇺🇧🇾🇺🇦 Russia claims missile deployment after attack allegation: Russia said it had deployed its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system to Belarus after alleging Ukraine carried out a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, an accusation for which no evidence was provided and which Kyiv rejected as fabricated. Russian officials warned of reprisals, while witnesses and independent reports said there were no visible signs of an attack.

3️⃣ 🇹🇭🇰🇭 Thailand delays release of Cambodian troops: Thailand said it was delaying the release of 18 captured Cambodian soldiers despite a ceasefire holding for more than 72 hours, citing alleged Cambodian drone incursions into Thai airspace as a breach of the truce. Cambodia said it was monitoring the situation and had not yet responded, while Thai officials said the timing depended on security conditions.

4️⃣ 🇬🇳 Guinea coup leader wins election: Guinea’s military leader Mamady Doumbouya was declared the winner of the December 28 presidential election with 86.72 percent of the vote, according to provisional results, after constitutional changes allowed him to run while major opposition leaders were barred. Some opposition figures and observers raised concerns about restrictions, turnout figures and alleged irregularities, which the government did not comment on.

5️⃣ 🇵🇱🇺🇸🇺🇦 Tusk cites US role in Ukraine security: Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the United States had indicated readiness to provide postwar security guarantees for Ukraine, potentially including the deployment of American troops after a peace agreement with Russia, though this has not been publicly confirmed by Washington or Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said such decisions rest with the United States and that any deal would require reliable security guarantees.

Major Story

🇸🇦 🇦🇪 SAUDI—UAE CONFRONTATION THREATENS GULF STABILITY IN YEMEN

🇸🇦🇦🇪🇾🇪 Saudi forces bombed alleged weapons shipments at Yemen's Mukalla port, claiming the UAE was sending combat vehicles and arms to separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki called these "flagrant violations of pacification." Riyadh issued a 24-hour deadline demanding the UAE withdraw and cease supporting groups along its Yemeni border.

The UAE denied the allegations, stating the shipment was coordinated with coalition partners, and announced withdrawal of remaining "counter-terrorism teams" from southern Yemen. Both nations have been coalition partners since 2015 fighting Houthi rebels. Expert Elisabeth Kendall warned this represents "the most serious clash yet" between Gulf powers, with researcher Maysaa Shuja al Deen expressing concern for civilian safety in previously secure eastern regions.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇪🇺🇺🇦🇷🇺 EU backs Ukraine accession amid stalled talks: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine’s accession to the EU should form part of its future security guarantees as European leaders continued diplomatic talks amid stalled peace efforts following Russia’s claim of an attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence, which Kyiv denied. EU officials acknowledged progress on security discussions while noting unresolved territorial issues and internal disagreements over enlargement.

2️⃣ 🇮🇱🇵🇸 Israel to suspend aid groups: Israel said it will revoke the licences of 37 aid organisations operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank from 1 January under new registration rules, citing failures to provide complete staff information and security concerns. Foreign ministers from 10 countries and humanitarian bodies warned the move could severely affect access to essential services, while Israel said aid would continue through approved channels.

3️⃣ 🇮🇷 Protests spread across Iran: Protests and strikes over inflation and the collapse of Iran’s currency spread from Tehran to multiple cities for a third day after the rial hit a record low, with the government saying it recognised the unrest and would engage with representatives while replacing the central bank governor. Demonstrations included shopkeepers and students, while foreign figures and governments expressed support for protesters.

4️⃣ 🇺🇸🇸🇾 US operations against Islamic State: The U.S. military said nearly 25 Islamic State operatives were killed or captured in Syria this month during 11 missions conducted with regional partners following an ambush near Palmyra that killed two U.S. troops and an American civilian interpreter. U.S. officials said the operations reflected increased cooperation with Syria’s new government and targeted IS members and weapons sites.

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