Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first nation to do so. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has lacked widespread diplomatic recognition. Israel said the move strengthens ties and expands cooperation in trade and security. Somaliland controls key ports near the Red Sea, making it strategically important. Somalia condemned the decision, calling it a violation of its sovereignty. The recognition is likely to shift diplomatic alignments in East Africa and the Middle East, as other nations watch how bilateral relations evolve with both Israel and Somaliland.
UKRAINE PUSHES PEACE TALKS WITH U.S. ON LAND AND SECURITY
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida to discuss peace negotiations with Russia. Key issues include territory control and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskiy suggested significant progress could be reached before the New Year, and raised the possibility of a referendum if strong guarantees are not secured. Trump said no agreement is final without his approval. Peace discussions could involve Ukrainian territories like Donbas and nuclear-linked Zaporizhzhia. Russia’s position remains different, and fighting continues, even as diplomats seek diplomatic solutions.
MYANMAR SETS NEXT PHASE OF MILITARY-LED ELECTIONS
Myanmar’s ruling military government announced that a third phase of general election voting will be held on January 25, 2026. This follows earlier votes in December and January planned across a total of 202 townships. These elections are happening against the backdrop of ongoing conflict since the 2021 coup that ousted the civilian government. The junta calls the process a step toward civilian rule, but critics argue the polls lack legitimacy and fairness amid civil war. No date has been set for counting or results. International observers remain sceptical of the election’s credibility.
NORTH KOREA TESTS SHORT-RANGE MISSILES AHEAD OF YEAR-END
North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean and Japanese defence officials. The launch came just days before Pyongyang’s annual ruling party meeting, where military policy is reviewed. Seoul described the test as a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Japan activated missile alert protocols but reported no damage. Analysts say the timing suggests North Korea is signalling strength ahead of diplomatic uncertainty in 2026, especially as U.S. election politics and regional security dynamics evolve in East Asia.
CHINA TIGHTENS EXPORT CONTROLS ON RARE EARTH PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
China announced new export restrictions on advanced rare-earth processing technologies, citing national security concerns. Rare earths are critical for defence systems, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and renewable energy. The move could affect supply chains in the U.S., Europe, Japan and India, all of which rely heavily on Chinese processing capacity. Western governments expressed concern that the decision could deepen technology decoupling. Analysts see this as part of China’s broader strategy to leverage economic tools for geopolitical influence amid ongoing trade and technology competition with the West.
U.S.–VENEZUELA TENSION KEEPS GLOBAL ENERGY MARKETS ON EDGE
Tension between the United States and Venezuela continues to influence energy markets as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Caracas’s oil exports. The stance has included directives focusing on a “quarantine” of Venezuelan shipments to curb revenues. This policy, tied to U.S. sanctions, keeps global markets cautious due to the risk of reduced supply from a historically significant oil producer. While the U.S. pursues economic measures rather than overt military action, geopolitical uncertainty around Venezuelan oil adds to market sensitivity as nations consider broader Geopolitical risk premiums in energy pricing for 2026.
