Ukraine reported its largest wave of winter missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure as temperatures dropped across the country. Russian strikes targeted power stations in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa regions, causing blackouts and heating shortages. Ukrainian officials said air defences intercepted many projectiles but warned that civilian hardship will grow during winter. Western allies condemned the attacks as targeting civilians, while Moscow said it was hitting military-linked infrastructure. The renewed strikes underline how energy warfare remains central to the conflict as peace efforts remain stalled.
CHINA WARNS PHILIPPINES AFTER NEW US MILITARY ACCESS DEAL
China issued a strong warning to the Philippines after Manila approved expanded U.S. military access to additional bases near the South China Sea. Beijing said the move threatens regional stability and accused Washington of militarising the region. Philippine officials defended the agreement, stating it strengthens disaster response and national defence. The U.S. said the deal supports freedom of navigation. The development adds pressure to an already tense maritime region, where overlapping territorial claims and major power rivalry continue to shape Indo-Pacific geopolitics.
ISRAEL AND HEZBOLLAH EXCHANGE FIRE ALONG LEBANON BORDER
Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters exchanged artillery and rocket fire along the Israel–Lebanon border, raising fears of a wider escalation. Israel said it struck launch sites after rockets crossed into its territory. Hezbollah blamed Israeli air activity for provoking the response. The United Nations urged both sides to respect ceasefire understandings. Border communities on both sides reported evacuations. Analysts warn that continued clashes could pull Lebanon deeper into regional conflict, further destabilising a country already facing economic collapse.
EU LEADERS DEBATE LONG-TERM SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR UKRAINE
European Union leaders held talks on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, including defence production support and multi-year funding frameworks. While there was broad agreement on continued backing, divisions emerged over financing methods and defence burden-sharing. Some countries pushed for stronger commitments independent of NATO, while others stressed coordination with the United States. Ukrainian officials urged faster decisions as battlefield pressures increase. The discussions show Europe’s struggle to balance political unity, military readiness and domestic economic concerns.
AFRICA CALLS FOR DEBT RELIEF AMID RISING GLOBAL INTEREST RATES
African finance ministers urged international lenders to accelerate debt relief, warning that high global interest rates and geopolitical shocks are squeezing national budgets. Leaders said rising defence and food costs linked to global conflicts are worsening debt stress. Talks with the IMF and World Bank are ongoing, but progress remains slow. Analysts note that unresolved debt could trigger political instability in vulnerable regions. The issue has become a growing geopolitical concern as economic distress fuels migration and security risks.
JAPAN INCREASES DEFENCE BUDGET AMID REGIONAL THREATS
Japan approved a record defence budget, citing threats from North Korea, China and Russia. The budget includes funding for missile defence, cyber security and joint operations with allies. Tokyo said the measures are defensive and necessary for national security. China criticised the move as destabilising. Japan’s defence expansion reflects a broader shift in its post-war security posture and underscores growing military competition in East Asia.
