NEW: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet says it will take all necessary steps to protect its national security and reiterating its commitment to Yemen’s security, stability, and sovereignty, as well as full support for Yemen’s presidential leadership and government.

Saudi cabinet says it hopes the UAE will respond to the request to withdraw its forces from Yemen within 24 hours, stop any military or financial support to Yemen’s STC.

Zelensky:

It would be good if Trump flew by plane directly to Ukraine rather than stopping in Poland — this would definitely allow us to count on a ceasefire.

Zelensky:

I have decided on the new head of the Presidential Office, the information will be released later.

Zelensky:

Trump wants to triple the average salary in Ukraine, including through the entry of American businesses into the market.

Zelensky:

What truly causes misunderstanding and unpleasant feelings is that some representatives — such as India, the United Arab Emirates, and a few others — condemned Ukraine over alleged drone strikes on Putin’s residence, which never happened.

At the same time, there has been no condemnation of the fact that Russia has been striking our cities every day, killing civilians, including children, and destroying civilian infrastructure.

I honestly do not hear anything from India right now, nor from the Emirates, about Russia’s ongoing attacks on our people.

Zelensky:

If what Putin did in Bakhmut, Vovchansk, and Chasiv Yar — or what he is doing in Pokrovsk right now — is what he calls “success,” then let them build that kind of success back home in Russia.

Zelensky:

The first documents regarding the peace plan will be ready for signing as early as January.

NEW: Israel has asked the Trump administration to exclude Turkish President Erdogan from the planned Board of Peace, aiming to limit Türkiye’s role in Gaza.

Israeli officials oppose Turkish troops and reconstruction involvement, fearing Ankara would gain influence in the Strip.

Trump publicly praised Türkiye and Erdogan, saying he trusts him, while a final decision on the board’s makeup has not yet been made.

Source: The Jerusalem Post

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The oil tanker Bella 1 is fleeing U.S. forces after the U.S. Coast Guard tried to intercept it in the Caribbean.

During the pursuit, the crew painted a Russian flag on the ship and now claim Russian status.

The tanker is under U.S. sanctions for carrying Iranian oil and was heading toward Venezuela. Its tracking signal went dark on Dec. 17, and it has since changed course.

Source: NYT

A source close to French President Macron told Reuters there was no evidence to support Russia’s claim that Ukraine attacked a residence belonging to Putin.

The source said the allegation was unsubstantiated and accused Moscow of using false claims to justify continued military action and to avoid taking steps toward ending the war.

Qatar says it is closely monitoring developments in Yemen, fully supports Yemen’s legitimate government, and stresses Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity.

Doha also affirms that Saudi and GCC security is inseparable from its own, welcomes Saudi and UAE statements, and reiterates that dialogue and diplomacy are the best path to regional stability.

Ukraine has launched a new wave of drone attacks toward Russia and occupied territories.

Ukraine sharply increased strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in December, carrying out at least 24 attacks — the highest monthly total since the war began — targeting refineries, pipelines, tankers, ports and offshore fields.

Source: Bloomberg

NEW: Germany’s military now treats cyberattacks, sabotage and disinformation as possible early acts of war.

The Operational Plan for Germany (OPLAN) warns that hybrid attacks may be used to prepare a full military confrontation.

As NATO’s main logistics hub, Germany expects to be targeted early in any major conflict, including attacks on both military and civilian infrastructure.

Source: POLITICO

WATCH: Footage of a Saudi Arabian Air Force attack on targets at the port of Mukalla in southern Yemen.

NEW: Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil depot in Russia’s Tuapse, with video footage showing fires at the site.

Guinea Leader Mamady Doumbouya Wins Presidential Election

Guinea’s leader Mamady Doumbouya won the presidential election with 86.72% of the vote, according to provisional results, ending the post-transition period amid opposition concerns.

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