Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia embraces Trump’s new National Security Strategy
Russia has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly released National Security Strategy, describing the document as largely consistent with Moscow’s own geopolitical vision. The 33-page document adopts softer rhetoric than previous administrations, refraining from labelling Russia as a direct threat and instead warning of the potential "civilisational erasure" of Europe.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised the focus on dialogue over confrontation, though he cautioned that the practical implementation of these policies remains to be seen.
Zelenskyy heads to London as European leaders seek role in peace talks
President Zelenskyy is due in London on Monday for critical talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. As Washington pushes for a rapid conclusion to the war, European leaders are manoeuvring to secure a direct role in shaping the endgame, concerned that early drafts of the U.S. peace plan may have been overly favourable to Russian demands regarding the Donbas and limits on Ukraine's military.
British Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden described the negotiations as being at a "pivotal moment," emphasising that Ukraine’s self-determination must remain central to any agreement. While Trump’s outgoing envoy Keith Kellogg suggested a deal is "really close", significant deadlocks remain. European powers are advocating for a step-by-step diplomatic track bolstered by long-term security guarantees, a contrast to Moscow’s demand for territorial recognition.
Thailand launches air strikes as U.S.-brokered ceasefire collapses
Violence has flared in Southeast Asia as Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, signalling the collapse of a peace plan brokered just months ago by President Donald Trump. The Royal Thai Air Force stated it targeted military infrastructure in response to mortar attacks, while Cambodia accused Thai forces of unprovoked aggression. The breakdown in the truce has forced the evacuation of more than 35,000 civilians from the border region. Officials confirm that one Thai soldier has been killed and eight others wounded.
The conflict reignites long-standing tensions over the 817-kilometre frontier, which had previously escalated into a five-day war in July. Although the October ceasefire was hailed by Washington as a major diplomatic breakthrough, mutual accusations of breaches have led to a rapid deterioration in relations. Both nations are now engaged in their most intense clashes in years, threatening regional stability.
Netanyahu to meet Trump to finalise next phase of Gaza plan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced he will meet President Donald Trump in Washington later this month to discuss the second phase of the U.S. administration’s Gaza plan. With the first phase—focused on hostage releases—nearing completion. The upcoming talks will address the more complex challenges of disarming Hamas and establishing a future governance structure for the territory.
Speaking from Jerusalem alongside the German Chancellor, Mr Netanyahu insisted that Israel would retain security control over the West Bank but remains open to broader peace treaties with Arab neighbours. While the current ceasefire is holding despite sporadic violations, international partners, including Germany, are awaiting clarity from the upcoming Washington summit before committing to specific reconstruction efforts.
Iran’s Foreign Minister arrives in Baku for regional talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Baku on Sunday evening for high-level discussions with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.The visit is part of a broader diplomatic tour intended to strengthen bilateral relations and address stability in the Caucasus, which Tehran has highlighted as a priority for its foreign policy.
Mr Araghchi is then expected to travel to Russia and Belarus to continue regular consultations. The tour comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Iran seeking to maintain close coordination with its northern neighbours.
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, ...
Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence ...
Five skiers were killed in a pair of avalanches in Austria’s western Alpine regions on Saturday, with two others injured, one critically....
Uzbekistan is entering what regulators describe as the most complex phase of its banking reform, as the country moves to align its financial system wi...
The German and French finance ministers said on Monday that European powers would not be blackmailed and that there would be a clear and united respon...
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, according to geopolitical analyst Ana Evans.
The German and French finance ministers said on Monday that European powers would not be blackmailed and that there would be a clear and united response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of higher tariffs over Greenland.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday (19 January) she would call a snap national election on 8 February, seeking a popular mandate for higher public spending, tax cuts and a new security strategy expected to accelerate Japan’s defence build-up.
A fresh consignment of precision-guided munitions has departed from the Indian city of Nagpur bound for Yerevan, marking the latest phase in the rapidly expanding defence partnership between India and Armenia.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday (17 January) that concerns over security in Greenland should be addressed within the framework of NATO, describing a ground military intervention as highly unlikely.
Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, arguing that the companies profited unfairly from his early support of the artificial intelligence firm, according to a court filing made public on Friday.
European leaders voiced growing alarm on Sunday over U.S. threats to impose tariffs on eight NATO allies, warning the move could destabilize transatlantic relations and heighten tensions in the Arctic.
Trump administration officials held months-long discussions with Venezuela’s hardline interior minister Diosdado Cabello before the U.S. operation that led to the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree recognising Kurdish language rights, as government forces advanced against U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters despite U.S. calls for restraint.
Afghanistan and Qatar have signalled interest in expanding cooperation in investment and agriculture during talks in Doha, as Afghanistan’s defence chief attended a major regional defence exhibition.
U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of imposing trade tariffs on European countries is a maximalist move designed to force concessions on Greenland, according to geopolitical analyst Ana Evans.
The German and French finance ministers said on Monday that European powers would not be blackmailed and that there would be a clear and united response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of higher tariffs over Greenland.
An explosion at a steel plate factory in China's northern region of Inner Mongolia killed two people and injured 84, Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union said on Monday, adding that eight are missing.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday (19 January) she would call a snap national election on 8 February, seeking a popular mandate for higher public spending, tax cuts and a new security strategy expected to accelerate Japan’s defence build-up.
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