AnewZ Morning Brief - 30 December, 2025

AnewZ Morning Brief - 30 December, 2025
AnewZ
Reuters

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 30th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting Putin residence amid peace talks

Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Monday, a claim President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed as a “complete fabrication” as sensitive peace negotiations continue. The allegation added to tensions, with Moscow saying it was reassessing its position in talks, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Putin raised the issue in a phone call, calling the timing “not right” even as he maintained that a peace deal could still be close.

Trump says U.S. and Israel differ on West Bank future

The United States and Israel do not fully agree on the future of the West Bank, President Donald Trump said after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, without detailing the differences. Trump said discussions were ongoing and an announcement would come later, as international pressure mounts on Israel over settlements and settler violence in the territory, which is seen as central to any future Palestinian state.

Israel defends Somaliland recognition amid UN backlash

Israel has defended its decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state after several countries at the United Nations raised concerns that the move could be linked to plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza or establish Israeli military bases. Arab League and Muslim-majority states criticised the decision at the UN Security Council, while Israel said the recognition was not hostile to Somalia and did not preclude dialogue, as Somaliland seeks wider international recognition after more than three decades of self-rule.

U.S. claims strike on Venezuelan drug trafficking dock

The United States has carried out a strike on a Venezuelan dock allegedly used to load boats with drugs, according to President Donald Trump, who said the attack caused a major explosion and rendered the site inoperable. Trump did not say which U.S. agency was responsible, as Washington steps up military operations against narcotics trafficking amid broader pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Türkiye and Armenia ease visa rules in normalisation step

Türkiye and Armenia have agreed to ease visa procedures for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports, allowing free e-visas from 1 January in a move aimed at facilitating official travel. Both sides said the measure reflects their commitment to advancing the normalisation process without preconditions, though broader issues such as reopening the shared land border and establishing full diplomatic relations remain unresolved.

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