Boris Johnson:

I think the whole logic that Russia somehow lost something because of Ukrainian independence is completely wrong. What is bad for Russia about having a free and prosperous neighbor?

But there is an answer as to why it matters specifically to Putin. Putin wants to preserve a particular political model. He does not want democracy, and Ukraine presents an alternative future for Russia: a free country, a free press, a pluralistic society, free media.

He hates that. That is the problem. The threat to his ideology is not Ukraine as such, but a free Ukraine.

If Russia wanted to live with Ukraine in peace and harmony, both countries would prosper.

Former CIA Director David Petraeus:

Ukrainian forces are now killing or wounding more Russian soldiers each month than Russia is mobilizing each month, which should be something that worries those in the Kremlin considerably.

Former CIA Director David Petraeus:

There are some countries in the Middle East, for example, that have bought interceptors for years. Yes, they’re under pressure from Iran.

Yes, they need to keep a substantial number, but some of those, perhaps in return for help from Ukraine to deal with some of the issues again with Iran or the Houthis in Yemen, could in fact loan them.

Zara Larsson said "I will not be going to Abu Dhabi" in an Instagram comment after fans pressured her over the UAE's role in arming Sudan's RSF terror group.

The date was a Dec. 3 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert.

Former CIA Director David Petraeus:

There are reports — I talked to specific corps commanders who said they have cases in which they’ve actually captured a Russian soldier who was in the military less than two weeks.

That includes taking the oath, drawing your equipment, being transported to the front. There’s not much training in there. There’s certainly no integration into the unit.

Damon Albarn held up a Palestinian flag at Gorillaz's Orlando tour opener, telling the crowd:

Don't forget this. Ever. Stand your position. Don't ever be neutral.

BREAKING: Flames and a large plume of black smoke were seen rising near Riyadh airport, according to an eyewitness.

Source: Reuters

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

Conditions for people in Gaza aren’t good. I want to send them out of Gaza. I’m humanitarian, okay?

I’m doing them a favor. I’m getting them out of there.

Russia is building ~42,000 m² of underground production facilities at the Alabuga special economic zone for Geran (Shahed-type) kamikaze drones.

The site has also added dozens of anti-drone net towers.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

If we get the Palestinians out of Gaza, that means more lives for us.

And then Gaza can become a real-estate arena. It can become a beautiful coastal gem.

Settlements need to be built there. A lot of things need to be done there.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

When they asked me what I would do if my son were LGBT, I said I would hug him.

LGBT people are my brothers. Completely my brothers.

I represent all the people of Israel — secular, religious, traditional.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

Most of the Israeli public is right-wing. Most of the public genuinely wants these changes.

Most of the public just wants us to keep going and keep going.

I walk around in the street — that’s the feeling I get.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

Sometimes I can’t even cross the street because when I go from one side to the other, there’s so much love for me.

I sit with my wife at a café and I get up 50 times — selfie, selfie, selfie, selfie.

I love it.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

There are two million people in Gaza. In my opinion, 1.7 or 1.8 million of them are potential migrants who could leave Gaza.

Most Gazans — I did a survey, I did checks — 60% of them say, "We want to leave now. We want to get out of here now."

I’ll give you a scoop: there are countries willing to receive them.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

There were at least four countries in the last two years that said they were willing to take in Gazans.

Of course they want money; they want various things from us.

It’s crazy that this wasn’t done. It was a huge mistake.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid:

We are working toward making Afghanistan self-reliant and ensuring that the resources the country possesses, including oil, gas, minerals, and other resources, are properly utilized.

We want countries to invest in Afghanistan in a way that benefits both the Afghan people and the countries making those investments.

Afghanistan is secure and ready to attract investment.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid:

We call on the people of Pakistan to urge their officials not to pursue the path of war, but instead to engage with Afghanistan in a positive and constructive manner.

We also want the problems that arise in the region to be resolved peacefully and through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Our message to all countries in the region is that Afghanistan as a country in this region can serve as a bridge connecting the region.

If Afghanistan has a strong economy, that will have a positive impact on both security and the economy across the region.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

A week before October 7, I was sitting in the cabinet saying, "Let’s bomb Gaza. Let’s bomb. Let’s carry out targeted killings. Let’s kill, let’s kill."

Everyone looked at me — everyone, including Netanyahu, our prime minister — and said, "Leave them alone. Leave them alone."

I’m telling you, it was a huge missed opportunity.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid:

The unrest in Pakistan did not begin today. It has existed for the past 20 years. Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch groups, and other internal problems already existed there.

Pakistan therefore should not attribute its internal situation to Afghanistan.

If Pakistan is being harmed by activities originating from anywhere inside Afghanistan, it should provide us with the information and cooperate with us so that we can address and prevent it.

We control all Afghan territory and the country’s borders, and we do not see any such activity taking place.

Moscow Denies Potential US Business Deals Before Ukraine War Ends

Russia says Washington has given no indication that it wants to conclude economic agreements with Russia before the Ukraine war is settled, despite a report suggesting otherwise.

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Ukraine’s SBU says it has developed and successfully deployed a new interceptor drone designed to counter jet-powered Shahed drones.