Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared Ukraine’s current government under Volodymyr Zelensky 'illegitimate', arguing that any peace negotiations with Kyiv are now meaningless. Speaking after a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Putin stated that Zelensky’s term has expired without elections, rendering his administration invalid. Kyiv, however, maintains that elections cannot be held under martial law amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Putin also dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan as merely a set of discussion points rather than a draft peace deal. He reiterated that Russia would halt its military operations only if Ukrainian forces withdraw from all contested territories, including regions not under Russian control. Putin further emphasized that Ukraine must abandon its NATO ambitions and prevent Western military presence. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow next week, while U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll may travel to Kyiv, signaling continued diplomatic engagement despite escalating rhetoric.

Armenia has suspended negotiations to purchase India’s Tejas fighter jets following a crash during the Dubai Airshow, where an Indian Air Force pilot was killed. The deal, valued at $1.2 billion for 12 aircraft, was in its final stages between the Armenian government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). According to The Jerusalem Post, this would have been the first export contract for the Tejas, a 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft developed by India to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet. The crash has raised concerns about the aircraft’s reliability and could impact India’s ambitions to become a major defense exporter. Neither the Armenian nor Indian governments have issued official statements regarding the suspension. The Tejas A1 variant, currently in production, includes Israeli radar and electronic warfare systems aimed at improving its competitiveness with Western fighters.

Israeli security agencies have acknowledged that Hamas has regained significant control over the Gaza Strip, rebuilding its administrative and police structures after the recent ceasefire. Reports from Israeli Channel 13 and Press TV indicate that Hamas now oversees most municipalities in Gaza, with its police force redeployed and checkpoints reestablished. The Wall Street Journal noted that Hamas’s popularity among Palestinians has increased since the ceasefire, as its renewed presence has reduced crime and restored order. Local residents reportedly welcome the stability brought by Hamas’s return. Meanwhile, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have held talks in Cairo to strengthen efforts for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials view Hamas’s resurgence as a major obstacle to U.S. strategic plans for Gaza and regional stability.

Iran is reportedly expanding its espionage network within Israel by exploiting social media platforms, financial incentives, and societal vulnerabilities. Analysts suggest that Israel’s internal political instability, economic strain, and public distrust have created fertile ground for Tehran’s recruitment efforts. According to the Washington Institute, between 2013 and 2025, 39 Iran-linked espionage cases were identified in Israel, 31 involving Israeli citizens, mostly young adults. Iran allegedly uses Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram to target socially isolated or economically distressed individuals. Several cases, including that of former Israeli energy minister Gonen Segev, highlight Iran’s deep infiltration efforts. The number of Iran-related espionage incidents reportedly rose 400% in 2024, with plots even targeting top Israeli leaders. Israeli authorities have launched arrests, cyber monitoring, and awareness campaigns such as “Easy Money, Heavy Cost” to counter the threat. However, officials admit that human vulnerabilities continue to be exploited, making them Iran’s key entry point for intelligence gathering.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will soon launch a ground assault in Venezuela aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks. Speaking at a military event on Thursday, Trump said that recent naval operations have already disrupted maritime drug routes, prompting traffickers to shift their operations inland. He warned that the US would now take the fight to land, urging traffickers to stop sending narcotics into the country. The statement comes amid heightened US military activity around Venezuela, including the deployment of dozens of warships and 15,000 troops under 'Operation Southern Spear' in the Caribbean. Washington has also designated Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and several of his associates as members of a foreign terrorist organization, allowing further sanctions and asset seizures. However, it remains unclear whether lethal force will be used directly against Maduro. The move signals a sharp escalation in US-Venezuela tensions under the guise of anti-narcotics operations.

A devastating fire that engulfed several high-rise residential buildings in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court complex has been brought under control after more than 24 hours of intense firefighting. The death toll has risen to 94, with around 300 people still missing. Authorities have arrested three executives from the construction company responsible for renovation work at the site, suspecting negligence and unsafe materials contributed to the tragedy. Built in 1983, the complex was undergoing renovation and was surrounded by bamboo scaffolding and mesh coverings, which may have accelerated the fire’s spread. Residents reported receiving no fire alarms and had to alert neighbors manually. This incident is considered Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in nearly 80 years. Rescue teams faced extreme heat and thick smoke as they worked to reach trapped residents in the upper floors. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and assess accountability for the disaster.

On the first anniversary of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli military carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, Israeli aircraft targeted multiple sites in the Jezzine area, including Al-Mahmoudiya and Al-Jarma. The Israeli army stated that the strikes destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure, including launch sites, military posts, and weapons depots. Israel claimed the attacks aimed to neutralize threats posed by the Iran-backed group. Despite the 2024 ceasefire deal requiring Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and dismantle its southern military infrastructure, cross-border hostilities have persisted. The Lebanese government plans to remove all Hezbollah military structures from the south by the end of the year. Israel reaffirmed its commitment to continue operations to eliminate any threats to its security, signaling ongoing instability along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly suspended issuing visas to Pakistani citizens over alleged involvement in begging and other criminal activities, according to Pakistan’s Senate Human Rights Committee. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri confirmed that most Pakistani applicants are facing visa rejections or delays, with only a few successfully obtaining visas after significant difficulties. Pakistani employment entrepreneur Asim Baig stated that the UAE’s concerns stem from increasing reports of Pakistanis’ involvement in petty crimes, leading to the suspension. However, a senior UAE diplomat in Islamabad denied any formal visa ban, saying no restrictions exist on Pakistani passports. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s key trade partners and a major source of remittances, with over 800,000 Pakistanis applying annually for travel and work visas. Islamabad’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly raised the issue with his UAE counterpart to resolve the growing visa concerns.

The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, described the move as a 'strategic, bold, and historic decision' aimed at countering a major source of extremism. In an interview with CNN, Gargash argued that the Brotherhood uses Islam as a political tool and that the designation would limit its influence, particularly in controlling mosques and funding networks. He also alleged an 'organic link' between Sudan’s armed forces and the Muslim Brotherhood, claiming some factions sought to regain power during the country’s civil war. Addressing the Sudan conflict, Gargash reiterated the UAE’s stance in favor of an unconditional humanitarian ceasefire and a transition to civilian governance. He denied allegations that Abu Dhabi supports the Rapid Support Forces militarily or politically, emphasizing that the UAE’s goal is to preserve Sudan’s unity and stability.

A growing number of Israelis are leaving the country, citing security concerns, political instability, and economic pressures following the Gaza war. Abraham Binenfeld, an Israeli reservist, is among those reconsidering emigration after continued rocket threats and government policies he views as misguided. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, over 80,000 citizens left the country in 2024, with similar numbers expected this year. A recent Israel Democracy Institute survey found that 27% of Israelis are considering leaving, including 30% of Arab and 26% of Jewish respondents. Secular Jews, particularly young professionals in high-tech, medical, and finance sectors, show the strongest inclination to migrate. Many cite safety, cost of living, and political tensions as key reasons, though most admit lacking a concrete plan. Analysts warn that mass emigration could pose long-term risks to Israel’s social and economic stability.

US President Donald Trump has urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to provoke China amid rising tensions over Taiwan. The appeal came after Takaichi stated that Tokyo might intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked, sparking one of the most serious diplomatic disputes between Japan and China in recent years. Beijing strongly protested, demanding a retraction of her remarks, which Takaichi refused. During a phone call with Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that Taiwan’s return to China is an integral part of the international order. Shortly afterward, Trump spoke with Takaichi, advising her to avoid actions or statements that could inflame Beijing but stopped short of pressuring her to withdraw her comments. The Japanese Prime Minister’s office declined to comment when approached by AFP. The situation underscores the delicate balance in US-Japan-China relations amid the ongoing Taiwan question.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has received the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Europe Award in recognition of Turkey’s humanitarian initiatives for Palestinians and its role in transferring patients from Gaza for medical treatment abroad. The award was presented in Ankara by WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge. During the ceremony, Erdogan criticized the international community’s silence over the destruction of hospitals and the killing of patients, health workers, and children in Gaza over the past two years. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to global humanitarian values and highlighted the country’s progress in healthcare reform over the last 23 years, ensuring affordable and quality medical services for its 86 million citizens with the support of more than 1.47 million healthcare workers.

Tunisian President Kais Saied has summoned the European Union’s ambassador, Giuseppe Perrone, accusing him of violating diplomatic protocol. The president’s office issued a brief statement confirming the summons but did not provide details about the alleged breach. The move follows Perrone’s meeting with Noureddine Taboubi, head of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), a group that has been critical of Saied’s government. EU representatives in Tunis said Perrone had praised the UGTT’s role, while Taboubi called for stronger cooperation between Tunisia and the EU. The UGTT, part of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize-winning National Dialogue Quartet, remains a key political player and one of Saied’s main domestic critics. Since taking power in 2021, Saied has faced accusations of authoritarianism and has imprisoned several opponents. The diplomatic tension highlights growing friction between Tunisia and the EU amid concerns over governance and political freedoms.

Tensions between India and China have resurfaced after an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly detained and harassed for 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The woman, Prema Wangjam Thongdok, was traveling from the UK to Japan when Chinese authorities questioned the validity of her Indian passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh is part of China’s ‘South Tibet’. She was reportedly pressured to buy a new ticket and suffered financial losses before being released with help from the Indian consulate. China denied any wrongdoing, asserting it acted within its laws, while India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and accused China of violating international transit norms. The incident has reignited long-standing disputes over the McMahon Line and territorial claims dating back to colonial times. Analysts believe the episode may not severely impact bilateral relations, which had shown signs of stabilization since the 2020 Galwan clash, but mutual distrust remains entrenched.

Venezuela has banned several international airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM, Gol, and Turkish Airlines, accusing them of supporting 'state terrorism' after they suspended flights following a US travel warning. The Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority announced the decision on November 26, claiming the airlines unilaterally halted commercial operations in solidarity with US actions. The move follows Washington’s increased military activity in the Caribbean, which the US says is part of anti-drug operations but Caracas views as a regime change attempt. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had recently urged private aircraft to exercise caution over Venezuelan airspace due to rising security risks. Despite being given 48 hours to resume flights, none of the airlines complied, leading to the cancellation of over 40 flights and stranding more than 8,000 passengers, according to the Venezuelan Travel and Tourism Agency Association (AVAVIT).