AnewZ Morning Brief - 9 December, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Ukraine presents revised peace plan amidst European push for security

Ukraine is set to hand the United States a revised 20-point peace plan today, following urgent talks in London between President Zelenskyy and key European leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The European bloc is attempting to steer the Washington-brokered ceasefire framework away from territorial concessions, fearing the current draft leans too heavily towards Moscow’s demands whilst failing to guarantee Kyiv's long-term sovereignty.

Whilst the White House is pressing for a swift settlement as the conflict approaches its fourth year, Brussels and London are insisting on robust security guarantees to deter future aggression. With Russian forces advancing in the east and diplomatic channels involving Trump’s envoys yielding no breakthroughs, Zelenskyy faces a decisive week in securing terms that align European support with American expectations.

Ceasefire collapses as Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodian border

The U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia has effectively collapsed after Thai forces launched air and ground operations along the border, resulting in casualties on both sides. Bangkok claims the strikes were a necessary pre-emptive measure against a Cambodian military build-up and weapons deployment, a charge vehemently denied by Phnom Penh, which has accused its neighbour of unprovoked aggression.

The escalation has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, with nearly half a million civilians evacuated from the affected provinces as fighting intensifies. International bodies, including the UN and ASEAN, have urged immediate restraint, warning that the breakdown of the July truce threatens to plunge the region into prolonged instability.

Tsunami warnings lifted following 7.5-magnitude quake in Japan

Authorities in Japan have lifted all tsunami warnings following a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture late Monday. The tremor injured at least 30 people and prompted the temporary evacuation of approximately 90,000 residents, though officials have confirmed there is no major structural damage or irregularities at regional nuclear facilities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a "megaquake" advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant for strong aftershocks over the coming week. The event caused brief disruption to rail services and financial markets.

Trump threatens Mexico with tariffs over water treaty dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 5 per cent tariff on Mexico, accusing the country of failing to honour a bilateral water-sharing treaty. In a social media statement, Trump demanded the immediate release of 200,000 acre-feet of water for American farmers before the year’s end, labelling Mexico’s current lack of response as "very unfair".

This latest ultimatum heightens tensions over the management of the Rio Grande’s shared resources, a critical issue for agriculture along the border. With the 31 December deadline fast approaching, the threat of economic sanctions marks a significant escalation in the dispute, utilising trade policy as leverage for resource management.

Baku hosts launch of the 'AI Index for the Islamic World'

Baku has hosted the opening of an international conference to launch the "AI Index for the Islamic World", organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in partnership with ICESCO. The event, attended by the Foundation’s Vice-President Leyla Aliyeva, focused on fostering cooperation on artificial intelligence across the Islamic world, whilst addressing the ethical, social, and economic impacts of the technology.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Baku Declaration, which lays the groundwork for member states to develop national AI strategies that prioritise safety and inclusive development. During the proceedings, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was also honoured with the "Hamdan-ICESCO" award in recognition of its extensive contributions to education and school construction globally.

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