Hello,

China has launched surprise military drills around Taiwan in what Beijing calls a "stern warning," while President Trump confirmed the US struck a Venezuelan drug trafficking facility in an escalating anti-narcotics campaign.

Meanwhile, tensions continue in Eastern Europe as Russia and Ukraine trade accusations, and the US offers Kyiv 15-year security guarantees.

More below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇨🇳🇹🇼 China launches live-fire drills around Taiwan: China began surprise live-fire drills under “Justice Mission 2025,” deploying naval, air, rocket, and coastguard forces to simulate port blockades and maritime strikes, calling it a “stern warning” to “Taiwan independence” forces. Taiwan said it detected 28 ships, at least 89 warplanes, and four amphibious assault ships, and warned more than 850 flights would be affected.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸🇮🇱 Trump threatens Hamas and Iran after Netanyahu talks: US President Donald Trump warned Hamas there would be “hell to pay” if it failed to disarm under the Gaza ceasefire plan and said the US would “quickly eradicate” any Iranian attempt to rebuild nuclear or ballistic missile programmes after talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said Israel had met its ceasefire commitments and signalled US support for further strikes if Iran resumed such activity.

3️⃣ 🇷🇺🇺🇦 Lavrov warns after alleged drone attack on Putin residence: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov said Moscow’s negotiating stance would change after what he described as a Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s Novgorod region residence, claiming 91 long-range drones were launched. Zelenskyy called the claim “another lie,” cited conflicting Russian figures, and Trump said Putin told him the attack occurred but it was “possible” it did not.

4️⃣ 🇺🇸🇺🇦 US offers Ukraine 15-year security guarantees: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the US has offered 15-year security guarantees as part of a proposed peace plan following talks with Donald Trump, adding he prefers commitments lasting up to 50 years. Trump said Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever” to peace but warned negotiations could still collapse.

5️⃣ 🇹🇭🇰🇭 Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaching ceasefire: Thailand’s army said it detected more than 250 drones flying from Cambodia, accusing Phnom Penh of violating a ceasefire that froze front lines, banned reinforcements, and allowed civilian returns. Cambodia’s foreign minister called it a minor border issue, while Thailand warned it may reconsider releasing 18 detained Cambodian soldiers and would act if violations continued.

Major Story

🇺🇸 🇻🇪 U.S. STRIKES VENEZUELAN DOCK IN ANTI-DRUG OPERATION

President Trump confirmed on Monday that the United States carried out an attack on a Venezuelan "dock area where they load the boats up with drugs." He stated "we hit all the boats" and the "implementation area," but declined to specify whether the military or CIA conducted the operation or confirm if additional strikes occurred.

Trump had mentioned destroying "a big facility" during a Friday radio interview. It remains unclear if this relates to a Christmas Eve explosion at the Primazol chemical plant in San Francisco, Venezuela. The company "categorically rejected" any US involvement in that blast. The Trump administration reports conducting 29 strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels since September, killing at least 105 people.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇺🇳 US pledges $2bn to UN but warns ‘adapt or die’: The United States pledged $2bn for UN humanitarian programmes, with Trump’s under secretary Jeremy Lewin warning the organisation must “adapt or die.” Funding will prioritise 17 countries, exclude Afghanistan, and restrict spending on climate-related projects, while UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the sum is far below past US contributions.

2️⃣ 🇹🇷 Three police and six militants killed in Turkey shootout: Three police officers and six militants were killed in a shootout in Turkey’s Yalova province after police raided a house housing suspected Islamic State militants. At least eight officers and a night guard were wounded, and the clash occurred during more than 100 simultaneous raids across 15 provinces.

3️⃣ 🇪🇪🇷🇺 Estonia says Russia not planning NATO attack: Estonian intelligence chief Kaupo Rosin said there is no indication Russia plans to attack NATO or the Baltic states, saying Moscow currently respects NATO and seeks to avoid open conflict. He warned the situation could change and said sustained deterrence and continued support for Ukraine are needed to maintain stability.

Weekly Updates?

Want weekly updates as well as daily?

Subscribe to our sister publication Geopolitics Weekly here ⤵️

Grow Your Audience With Us

Build your reach. Strengthen your brand.

We’ve helped brands, podcasts, and media organisations grow audiences using proven short-form video systems.

From scripting and editing to analytics and optimisation — every decision is driven by data, not guesswork.

Visit www.horizonatlasmedia.com to learn more.