AnewZ Morning Brief - 8 December, 2025

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.

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