International Relations
China deploys more than 130 aircraft and 22 ships in Taiwan blockade drills
During large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, China deployed more than 130 combat aircraft and 22 ships. The manoeuvres simulated a blockade of the island and a possible invasion, and Taipei put its defence forces on high alert.
Dozens of balloons with contraband flew from Belarus to Poland
On Christmas Eve, 59 weather balloons flew from Belarus to Poland. Some of them were carrying cigarettes, others had GPS trackers. The services found 13 balloons with cargo and five packages, and one incident caused damage to the power grid
Trump to host Netanyahu in Florida to discuss second phase of Gaza plan
After talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. The two sides will discuss the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, as well as the situation around Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.
Students in Serbia rally support for early elections, hoping to unseat Vucic
In Serbia, students across the country collected signatures in support of early parliamentary elections. The action was the next stage of pressure on President Aleksandar Vucic amid ongoing protests and corruption allegations.
DPRK reports launching two strategic cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea
North Korea announced the test launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles. The flight lasted almost three hours, and the launch took place under the control of Kim Jong-un.
Zelenskyy on peace talks with the US and Europe: security guarantees, timing of the war and format of dialogue with Russia
Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up the talks with Donald Trump and his partners. They talked about security guarantees for 30-50 years, a 20-point peace plan, the role of the United States and Europe, possible meetings with Russia, and the issue of reparations.
China launches large-scale military exercises around Taiwan with live firing
The Chinese army has begun a two-day Just Mission 2025 exercise near Taiwan with live-fire exercises. Beijing calls the manoeuvres a defence of sovereignty amid rising tensions and arms supplies to Taipei from the United States.
Italy has provided Ukraine with military assistance worth more than 3 billion euros
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Italy has provided Ukraine with more than €3 billion worth of weapons and equipment and is preparing to approve the 12th military aid package
Poland prepares €2bn anti-drone air shield on eastern border
Poland plans to create a drone countermeasure system along its eastern border within two years. The project, worth more than €2 billion, is intended to strengthen defence amid threats from Russia.
UK and Germany sign $70m deal for joint purchase of mobile artillery
The UK and Germany have signed a £52 million contract to jointly acquire modern self-propelled artillery systems capable of firing on the move and hitting targets at a distance of over 70 km.
Former Moldovan Prime Minister Filat put on international wanted list after sentencing in France
Interpol puts former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat on the international wanted list after French court verdict in money laundering and corruption case
Netanyahu to meet with Trump today for talks on Gaza, Iran
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Donald Trump in the United States. The talks will focus on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, regional security, and the Iranian issue.
