The Telegraph: Putin may need ceasefire in Ukraine if he loses Tartus naval base in Syria
Russia evacuates naval assets from Syria, signaling a strategic shift and potential loss of influence in the Mediterranean.
Experts urge Trump to ramp up pressure on Putin before any peace talks
FP analysts urge the US President-elect to weaken Russia's position by ramping up military aid to Ukraine, targeting Russian economics, and reinforcing NATO.
US, Germany “not ready” to invite Ukraine to NATO, alliance source says
Meanwhile, Hungary and Slovakia, under pro-Russian leadership, oppose extending a NATO invitation to Ukraine, the source says.
NATO chief Rutte stresses more weapons for Ukraine, less talk on peace process
The NATO Secretary General suggested the West should focus on strengthening Kyiv’s position before Ukraine considers peace talks with Russia.
Diamond giants Botswana and Angola agree to push Russia out of market
The world's top 2nd and 4th diamond producers are stepping up to help the G7 and EU prevent Russian stones from entering global markets.
Ukraine to increase missile production, Zelenskyy says after successful tests
Other key defense industry focuses include FPV and recon drones, further missile R&D, artillery, according to him.
CNN: Ukrainian troops hold ground in Kursk despite mounting pressure
Their efforts are vital for future peace talks, maintaining territorial leverage amid relentless and costly Russian attacks, CNN says.
ISW: Ukrainian EW tech increasingly grounds Shahed drones, complicating Russian airstrikes
Russia's drone assaults, now featuring numerous Shahed and decoy drones, are facing growing disruption due to alleged Ukraine's enhanced EW capabilities.
Forbes: Russian military prepares for a big “show” in Kursk Oblast, following heavy losses
Putin has set a February deadline for a Kursk victory as Russian forces shift to simpler, wheeled armored vehicles amid heavy losses.
NATO chief warns Trump: forced Ukraine peace deal could embolden China, Iran, and North Korea
Rutte cautioned the US President-elect that pressuring Ukraine into an unfavorable peace deal with Russia would lead to a significant global security threat.
Ukraine won’t accept anything less than NATO membership after failed Budapest Memorandum, Kyiv says
Kyiv urges NATO signatories, including the US and UK, to provide clear, binding security guarantees in light of Russia’s aggression.
Russian drones damage energy infrastructure in Ternopil, Rivne Oblasts
Ukraine intercepted 22 of 28 explosive drones, with three crashing or leaving Ukrainian airspace, suggesting at least three may have hit facilities.
ISW: Putin uninterested in negotiated peace, wants Ukraine’s capitulation
Kremlin-linked oligarch Malofeev claims Putin will only accept peace talks if Ukraine surrenders and the US renews a ban on ATACMS strikes in Russia and removes Zelenskyy.
Biden’s new $725 million Ukraine military aid package focuses on air defense, artillery
The US Department of Defense unveiled the package, aiming to address Ukraine's urgent battlefield requirements in its ongoing defense against Russian aggression.