Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian oil depot in Volgograd, causing a fire, amid Russia's launch of a hypersonic missile and drone attacks that disrupted Ukrainian power and infrastructure, with ongoing tensions and military exchanges in the region.
Kyiv is struggling to stabilize its power grid after Russian missile strikes, amid ongoing conflict and international diplomatic efforts, including an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Both Ukraine and Russia report attacks affecting civilians and infrastructure, with Ukraine seeking support from the US to end the war.
Russia launched a hypersonic Oreshnik missile at Ukraine near the Polish border, marking a significant escalation in the conflict and raising concerns about European security, amid stalled peace talks and ongoing tensions with NATO.
A Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at a Russian oil depot in Volgograd, amid ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, including the use of a hypersonic missile, as tensions escalate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russian forces conducted a missile strike on Lviv Oblast as part of a broader campaign to deter Western support for Ukraine, while also launching extensive drone and missile attacks causing significant damage and power outages across Ukraine. The US Navy seized a Russian-linked oil tanker attempting to bypass sanctions, and Ukrainian forces continue their operations against Russian military targets. The conflict remains intense with ongoing military advances and strategic moves on multiple fronts.
Warships from China, Russia, Iran, and other countries participated in the weeklong naval drill 'Will For Peace 2026' off South Africa, focusing on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, and cooperation, amid geopolitical tensions and criticism from South African opposition parties.
Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine using drones and its new hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, marking only the second time this missile has been used. The attack resulted in casualties, damage to infrastructure, and a diplomatic escalation, with Western leaders condemning Russia's actions as unacceptable and escalatory.
President Donald Trump has approved a sanctions bill aimed at economically crippling Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, with Senator Lindsey Graham confirming the president's support. The legislation, primarily authored by Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal, targets countries purchasing Russian exports to cut off funding for Russia's military actions. A vote could occur as early as next week, amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.
Russia launched a nuclear-capable missile in a large-scale attack on Ukraine, claiming retaliation for a drone attack, amid concerns over Moscow's nuclear arsenal and a faltering peace plan.
Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships have arrived in South Africa for a week of naval exercises amid heightened geopolitical tensions following US military actions in Venezuela and sanctions on oil tankers, with the drills aimed at safeguarding shipping lanes and regional stability.
The UK, Germany, and France condemned Russia's use of the hypersonic missile Oreshnik in Ukraine, calling it unacceptable and escalatory, with Ukraine planning international action. Russia claimed the attack was a response to an alleged Ukrainian attempt on Putin, which Ukraine and the US deny. The missile strike damaged infrastructure in Ukraine, and Kyiv suffered a severe missile and drone attack that left half the city without heat amid cold weather, causing casualties and infrastructure damage.
Russian oil production significantly decreased in December by over 100,000 barrels per day due to US sanctions impacting export sales, marking the largest drop since mid-2024, with difficulties in selling crude overseas and potential effects from Ukrainian airstrikes on production facilities.
Russia launched the Oreshnik missile into Ukraine, marking its second use since 2022, with the missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads and designed to be highly destructive and difficult to intercept, signaling an escalation and warning to the West amid ongoing tensions.
Russia has significantly reduced its oil production due to difficulties in delivering crude to major buyers India and China, exacerbated by US sanctions and recent Ukrainian strikes, leading to a decline of over 100,000 barrels per day in December and a surplus of unsold oil at sea.
China, Russia, and Iran have sent ships to South Africa for naval exercises called Will for Peace 2026, involving Brics Plus nations, amid rising tensions over US military actions and expanding alliances. The exercises include joint maritime safety operations, but Iran's participation has raised concerns among Western critics, highlighting shifting geopolitical alliances and South Africa's balancing act in a complex international landscape.