JD Vance:

I think it’s sort of absurd for Zelensky to tell the [American] government, which is currently keeping his entire government and war effort together, that we are somehow on the side of the Russians.

JD Vance:

I think a lot of European nations were right about our invasion of Iraq.

And frankly, if the Europeans had been a little more independent, and a little more willing to stand up, then maybe we could have saved the entire world from the strategic disaster that was the American-led invasion of Iraq.

JD Vance:

You have to try to understand where both the Russians and the Ukrainians see their strategic objectives. That doesn’t mean you morally support the Russian cause, or that you support the full-scale invasion.

Trump's team plans to strengthen sanctions against Russia, WSJ reports.

The US State Department and the Treasury Department are considering this option if Trump believes that Russia is not interested in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Japan’s Population Plunges by Record 900,000 in 2024

Japan’s population fell by around 900,000 in 2024—the steepest drop on record and the 14th straight year of decline.

As of October, the population stood at 120.3 million, the lowest since 1950.

Key figures:

Births hit a record low of 720,000, down 5% from 2023.
Deaths reached 1.6 million, doubling births.
Only Tokyo and Saitama saw growth; Akita had the sharpest drop.
30% of the population is over 65, straining the economy and social systems.

Despite government efforts to boost births, the crisis continues.

Projections suggest Japan’s population could fall to 85 million by 2070, mostly elderly.

Chinese police seek 3 US citizens, alleged NSA employees, on cyberattack charges

Harbin authorities are pursuing three individuals linked to the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) over cyberattacks targeting China.

The Harbin Public Security Bureau has issued a statement alleging that Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson engaged in cyber activities during the Asian Winter Games held in Harbin last February.

Investigators say the attacks came from the NSA's Office of Tailored Access Operations. The public security bureau did not specify whether extradition or international cooperation requests have been made.

The U.S. government has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Source: WSJ, Xinhua

Iran’s Khamenei says he is “neither overly optimistic nor overly pessimistic” about talks with the U.S.

Putin’s new front isn’t a battlefield — it’s the peace table.

While peace talks were underway, Russian forces seized at least 9 Ukrainian settlements across Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Sumy, and Zaporizhia regions.

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa arrives in the State of Qatar and is received by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Ukraine's Airbus Helicopter Maintenance Issues Are About to Be Resolved

Ukraine's ongoing challenges with maintaining its Airbus helicopter fleet are approaching a resolution. This development follows mounting pressure on the manufacturer to take action.

In 2018, Kyiv signed a major deal with Airbus for 55 helicopters intended to bolster public services, including search and rescue operations. However, the fleet's maintenance has been difficult due to wartime conditions.

In response to mounting frustration from Ukrainian officials, Airbus is reportedly preparing to scale up its support.

The company is expected to strengthen its local partnerships and invest in Ukraine-based maintenance capabilities to ensure the long-term serviceability of the helicopters.

Kyiv anticipates that these measures will alleviate logistical bottlenecks and restore full functionality to its vital helicopter fleet.

Israeli far-right politician Itamar Ben Gvir:

Shin Bet chief could have prevented the October 7 attack if he had woken up the prime minister.

Maldives has officially banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country in “resolute solidarity” with Palestinians.

The ban, ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu in April 2025, applies to all Israeli nationals, including dual citizens, and takes effect immediately.

Bank of America CFO:

Research team doesn't believe we will see a recession.

The US has told G7 allies that it will not support a statement condemning Russia's strike on Sumy because it wants to continue negotiations with Moscow.

Source: Bloomberg

EU foreign policy Chief Kaja Kallas dropped her €40 billion Ukraine aid fund plan after failing to win support from key EU members—France, Italy, and Spain opposed it.

Source: Publico

Russian media briefly published a video showing troops operating FPV drones from a Moscow City skyscraper — then quickly deleted it.

Former French PM Michel Barnier says Trump wants separate deals with EU countries to weaken the bloc to “divide and conquer”.

Barnier also accuses Trump of backing far-right forces and undermining the EU from within.

J.D. Vance says the goal of Trump’s tariff policy is to reduce overall trade deficits—though some, like with bananas, are acceptable.

“Sometimes, a trade deficit makes sense. Like, America doesn’t produce bananas. So obviously, we’re gonna be importing bananas, not exporting bananas.”

Kremlin: No Ukraine Peace Deal Yet, But Talks With U.S. Are ‘Constructive’

The Kremlin said there is no clear outline for a U.S.-Russia agreement on Ukraine, but affirmed that political will exists to pursue one.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov described recent contacts with the U.S. as "constructive and meaningful," though he declined to give a timeline for a possible peace settlement.

“There are no clear outlines of any agreement yet... but there is political will to move towards one,” Peskov said.

While Ukraine and European allies accuse Russia of delaying talks, Moscow insists the situation is complex and will take time to resolve.

Source: Reuters

Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt says the island is seeking closer ties with China and may pursue a free trade deal, according to Xinhua.

"China is very important to us, and we are eager to strengthen our cooperation."