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Middle East conflict

UAE ends its counter-terrorism mission in Yemen

This decision was made in "the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase"

DUBAI, December 30. /TASS/. The United Arab Emirates has ended its counter-terrorism mission in Yemen, according to an UAE defense ministry’s statement released by the WAM news agency.

As follows from the statement, this decision was made in "the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase, and in line with the commitments of the United Arab Emirates and its role in supporting security and stability in the region."

"The UAE Armed Forces concluded their military presence in the Republic of Yemen in 2019 after completing the assigned missions within the agreed official frameworks. The remaining presence was limited to specialized personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners," the ministry said.

Earlier, the UAE foreign ministry categorically rejected Saudi Arabia’s accusations that it had put pressure on the separatists from the Southern Transitional Council to conduct military operations near the kingdom's borders.

Escalation in eastern Yemen

On December 9, Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, chairman of the the Southern Transitional Council (STC) loyal to the United Arab Emirates, announced seizing control of the eastern Yemeni governorates of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah. He said the next stage would involve establishing the institutions of a future state in southern Yemen.

The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry described the separatists’ actions as an unjustified escalation and called on the STC to withdraw its forces from the two governorates. On the evening of December 27, a government source told the SABA news agency that the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council had requested military assistance from the Saudi-led coalition to protect the population of Hadhramaut from the separatists.

Overnight to Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition carried out an airstrike on two ships sailing from the United Arab Emirates to the Yemeni port of Mukalla without official authorization. According to a statement by the coalition’s official spokesman, Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, the operation was limited in scope and targeted "weapons and military equipment unloaded from the two ships."

Later in the day, Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, the chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, ruled to sever a joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates and demanded the UAE withdraw its forces from the republic within 24 hours. He also declared a state of emergency across the country for 90 days. The Saudi foreign ministry accused the UAE of supporting the riot in eastern Yemen, slamming this as a threat to Saudi Arabia’s national security.

Escalation between UAE and Saudi Arabia diplomatic challenge for US — WSJ

The confrontation between the two Gulf states could lead to an expansion of hostilities in a region already gripped by conflict

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian units in northwest of Kupyansk — Defense Ministry

Offensive actions are underway

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 190 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed a US-made armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

IN BRIEF: What’s known about Kiev's attempt to attack Putin’s residence in Novgorod Region

According to Sergey Lavrov, Moscow will not leave Kiev's attack unanswered

Ukraine takes part in NATO Article 5 response drills for first time ever

Around 1,500 civil and military specialists took part in maneuvers all over Europe

Kremlin won’t publicly announce details of its tougher stance on Ukraine — spokesman

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that in the early morning hours of December 29, Kiev launched an attack using 91 drones on the state residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Novgorod Region

Russian troops liberate Dibrova community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,360 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

IN BRIEF: What we know about thwarted terrorist attack against schoolchildren in Adygea

A citizen of a Central Asian country, a supporter of an international terrorist organization banned in Russia, has been detained

Trump furious over Ukraine's attempted attack on Putin's residence — politician

Florian Philippot also stated the need to "assess as soon as possible the extent of Europe and NATO's involvement in this insane act of sabotage"

Russia’s response to any attack to be 'devastating', worth repeating it — top diplomat

Earlier, the Russian head of state warned that any strikes deep inside Russia with long-range Western-made weapons would be met with a "crushing response"

Terror plot targeting schoolchildren thwarted in Adygeya — FSB

A citizen of a Central Asian country, who supports an international terrorist organization outlawed in Russia, has been detained

Trump’s reaction to attack on Putin’s residence and contacts with Kiev: Putin-Trump call

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the US-Ukrainian talks in Florida and agreed to continue their dialogue in the future "in quite a friendly fashion"

Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence is ‘slap’ in Trump’s face — Russian diplomat

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists earlier in the day that overnight to December 29 the Kiev regime had attempted a terrorist attack on President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod Region with the use of 91 long-range combat drones

Russia's retaliatory measures to create operational problems for Euroclear — FT

According to the report, Euroclear has hired 200 additional employees to handle frozen Russian assets on a permanent basis

Kiev’s provocations have no power over Putin-Trump dialogue — Kremlin

"The leaders maintain a trusting dialogue and continue to engage in talks," Dmitry Peskov stressed

US strike on alleged drug vessel in Pacific Ocean kills two people

The strike was carried out by the Joint Task Force Southern Spear at the direction of Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth

Press review: Russia may revise Ukraine talks post attack and China launches Taiwan drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 30th

Ukrainian attack on Putin's residence shows Zelensky is 'impotent' — US expert

According to Eddie Gonzales, this signals an awareness of the dangers of further arming Ukraine

Arab coalition operation at Yemen's Mukalla port ends without casualties — statement

According to the coalition’s official spokesman, Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, the operation was limited in scope and targeted "weapons and military equipment unloaded from the two ships"

Merz confirms negotiations on Ukraine taking place in Berlin

The German Chancellor said that the European and Canadian leaders participate in the talks

Yemen declares state of emergency for 90 days amid UAE-backed offensive

The chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council also announced a 72-hour air, sea, and land blockade on all ports, airports, and border crossings

US Treasury removes ex-Sberbank executive Alexandra Buriko from sanctions list

The department did not provide any explanation for this move

Russia’s Battlegroup East advancing towards Zaporozhye city — Putin

In December, Russia’s Battlegroup East liberated over 200 sq. km of territory and 10 settlements, including the town of Gulyaipole

Prep for war with Moscow now top narrative in EU policy — Russian senator

At present, European leaders are not considering the option of a direct military conflict with Russia, Alexey Pushkov added

Attack on Putin's residence was guided by NATO systems, expert says

Andrey Marochko believes that disrupting negotiations on a peace settlement of the conflict was Kiev's primary aim in the attack

Three 22-year-olds become billionaires in 2025, youngest ever to reach mark — Forbes

The net worth of these three young entrepreneurs is estimated at $2.2 billion

Trump says Hamas to pay high price if it fails to disarm

"They're going to be given a very short period of time to disarm", US President said

Putin appoints Dmitry Polyansky permanent representative to OSCE in Vienna

Another decree relieves Alexander Lukashevich of his duties

Europe’s so-called ‘War Party’ ready to go to full extent — Lavrov

Whether leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron and the like have reached a point of no return is hard to say

Russian diplomat calls attack on president’s residence 'unprecedented'

Nevertheless, in Maria Zakharova's words, the US President Donald Trump's administration "has embarked on this course and is pursuing it on many tracks"

Poland views Ukraine as client country — Russian senator

According to Alexey Pushkov, Warsaw has always dreamed of a Poland 'from sea to sea'

Top Chinese diplomat points to stronger relations with Russia

Wang Yi added that "communication between the two countries’ leaders in this historic year highlights the essence of comprehensive strategic partnership and strategic mutual trust and support"

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland goes against Somali’s sovereignty — Russian mission

"We understand the justified reaction the move caused from the Somali government, the leadership of the African Union, the countries of the region, and the nations of the Arab-Muslim world," Dina Gilmutdinova noted

EU, NATO prepare for armed confrontation with Russia — diplomat

"All necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the Russian Federation's defense capability and security are 100% guaranteed under any circumstances," Alexander Grushko stated

UAE denounces Kiev’s ‘deplorable attack’ on Russian president’s residence

The Emirati Foreign Ministry affirmed solidarity with the Russian president, as well as with the country’s government and people

Top defense official calls Russian army ‘world’s most combat-ready’

According to Andrey Belousov, the Russian army has proven in practice that it can ensure the country's sovereignty

Russia should not limit response to Kiev’s attack on state residence to diplomacy — expert

Political scientist Dimitri Simes pointed out that both Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov had reiterated that "Russia remains ready for talks"

West using Ukraine to analyze Russia’s combat tactics — head of Kherson region

Vladimir Saldo added that the line of engagement along the Dnieper River in the Kherson Region has not been an exception

Russian economy to transition to sustainable growth rates in 2026 — minister

Anton Siluanov added that GDP growth will be around 1% by the end of this year

Trump’s treatment of Zelensky points to fragility of US-Ukrainian relations — newspaper

The paper notes that Putin "was welcomed to the United States in August with full ceremony, Mr Trump waiting for him at the end of a red carpet in Alaska"

Russian troops establish control over southeastern part of Grishino

About a half of Novopavlovka settlement in the Dnepropetrovsk Region has been liberated, Chief of General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov noted

Putin orders to expand security belt on border with Ukraine in 2026

"This is a very important task," the Russian president said

Kiev attacked Russian president’s residence by long-range drones — Kremlin aide

The attack against the state residence of the Russian leader took place actually right after talks between the US and Ukraine in Mar-a-Lago, Yury Ushakov noted

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian servicemen attempting to break through to Kupyansk

According to the Russian Defense Ministry the FPV drones destroyed three pickup trucks used by Ukrainian militants to transport assault troops and Ukrainian infantry

Russia calls up 135,000 conscripts for military service in autumn draft

As in the previous army drafts, Russian conscripts had the right to choose military service in various military branches and armed services, considering their health condition and the results of professional psychological selection

President vows Iran's response to further US aggression will be harsh

Masoud Pezeshkian said the retort "will make the enemy regret"

President Milei says sovereignty over Falklands 'non-negotiable' issue for Argentina

The Argentinian president also stressed that he wants "to improve trade" with the United Kingdom

Trump confirms US strike on target presumably on Venezuela’s territory

US President gave no further details and did not elaborate on the exact location of the targeted site

FACTBOX: What is known about meeting on special op with Putin

Russian President instructed to continue fulfilling special operation’s objectives in accordance with the General Staff’s plans

Ukrainian forces near Druzhkovka lost 15 armored vehicles to UAV strikes Rubicon center

The targeted equipment included T-64BV and T-80U tanks, an M113 armored personnel carrier, and an American-made M109A6 Paladin self-propelled gun

Zelensky wouldn't dare to attack Putin's residence without direct order — ex-PM

Nikolay Azarov also stressed that the target had been chosen deliberately

Trump says US ready for dialogue with Iran but could also use force

US President pointed out that "Iran may be behaving badly," but added that it had not been confirmed

Kiev attacked Putin's residence in attempt to provoke Russia into quitting talks — expert

According to Vitaly Kiselev, each of Zelensky’s trips to meet with world leaders is "accompanied by a large number" of drone strikes on Russian regions

EU leadership's policies are leading Europe to war — Szijjarto

Peter Szijjarto assured that the Hungarian government remains committed to maintaining an independent position within the EU

Saudi-led coalition conducts strike on vessels carrying military cargo from UAE

The coalition’s spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said that vessels’ crews had disabled tracking systems and unloaded a lot of weapons and military hardware meant for the Southern Transitional Council

Kiev to face retaliation for terrorist actions, Russian diplomat says

Maria Zakharova pointed out that Vladimir Zelensky "is trying to accuse Russia of lying, and claim that nothing like that happened"

UAV attack on Putin's residence undermines US peacekeeping efforts — Russian lawmaker

Leonid Slutsky also expressed confidence that Russia's retaliatory measures "will inevitably follow," including a change in its negotiating position

Putin extends Christmas, New Year greetings to foreign leaders — Kremlin

Among NATO leaders, US President Donald Trump and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Putin’s greetings

Medvedev slams Zelensky ‘pathological liar, freeloader’

Security Council Deputy Chairman also noticed that Zelensky made US President Donald Trump sick of himself

West seeking Zaluzhny’s possible return for a ceasefire with Russia — Dotcom

Starting from a year prior to current election planning, many political analysts identified Valery Zaluzhny as the main rival to Vladimir Zelensky in future elections

Kremlin says will 'toughen' negotiating stance after Kiev's attack on Putin's residence

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov recounted that Vladimir Putin in his most recent phone call with President Donald Trump drew the US leader’s attention to Kiev’s attack, which was launched "almost immediately" after US-Ukraine talks in Mar-a-Lago

Attack on Putin’s residence marks major step towards Kiev’s collapse — expert

"The Kiev regime is betting on another round of escalation", Vadim Gigin, a member of the Belarusian lower house of parliament, said

Arms control in Europe has no prospects unless Russia's interests are respected — diplomat

Yulia Zhdanova added that despite the escalation of military and political tensions, some NATO countries have recently been promoting the idea of resuming discussions on the future of conventional arms control mechanisms within the OSCE

Russia to retaliate Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia’s actions against Russian embassies — MFA

On December 30, the charges d'affaires of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia were summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where they were presented with a strong protest

Group of mercenaries from Ukrainian National Guard wiped out Kharkov Region

The battalion of Colombian mercenaries within the brigade was formed with the appointment of Cuban-born Daniel Vincentovich Kitone, as brigade commander, Russian security sources said

Gas companies of Russia, Lithuania ink transit agreement

The natural gas transport volume stipulated in the agreement totals 10.5 mln cubic meters per day

Zelensky, Western media's denial of attack on Putin's residence is insane — Kremlin

In response to a question from a Western agency journalist regarding the possible public presentation of the attack’s evidence, Dmitry Peskov replied: "I don't think there should be any evidence here when such a massive drone raid was carried out"

Kiev saboteur killed in southwest Russia while attempting to blow up gas supply system

According to the FSB, the man had undergone special training at a Ukrainian special operations forces camp before returning to Russia via other countries

US, China can only draw closer if Americans stop aiding Taiwan — Russian MP

Leonid Slutsky described the Taiwan issue as a "long-standing" conflict in which, he said, "fuel is periodically poured on the fire"

Switzerland declines to comment on Kiev's attempt to hit Putin's residence

The Swiss Foreign Ministry called on the parties to the conflict to "respect international humanitarian law" and again expressed its readiness to "act as a mediator" to resolve the crisis in Ukraine

Zelensky's presumptuous demands could doom Ukraine talks to failure — expert

According to Andrew Day, these demands will not be convincing but will create serious political and geopolitical risks for the Trump administration

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia dies at 79

She was handed long prison terms on corruption charges in 2018 but was released in August 2024 following anti-government protests that resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Zelensky will have to hide for rest of life, Medvedev predicts

"The stinking Kiev bastard is trying to derail the settlement of the conflict", Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman said

Share of cashless payments in Russia to exceed 90% by 2030 — Central Bank

The number of transactions using bank cards slipped by 3% in Q3 2025

Trump says he understands Putin who questions need of ceasefire for Ukraine referendum

Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov revealed that in the phone call the two presidents "generally shared the view that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and Europeans would only prolong the conflict"

Trump recalls that he personally blocked Tomahawk deliveries to Ukraine

US President commented on Ukraine’s attempted attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence

Russia to continue dialogue with US on Ukraine — Kremlin

The Russian leader warned that the attack would not go "unanswered"

Yemen severs defense agreement with UAE amid tensions in eastern republic

Yemen also demanded that the UAE withdraw all its forces and technical personnel from the republic within 24 hours

LazerBuzz laser system hits FPV drone at 1 km range

According to LazerBuzz representatives, during testing, the system completely damaged the battery and other components of an FPV drone

Belarusian top brass confirms Oreshnik missile system goes on combat duty in republic

The Oreshnik missile system arrived in Belarus pursuant to a decision made by the Russian and Belarusian leaders

Oreshnik missile system assumes combat duty in Belarus — Russia’s top brass

The Oreshnik road-mobile intermediate-range missile system was employed for the first time in November 2024

Ukrainian attack on Putin's residence threatens peace efforts — Mirziyoyev

The Uzbek president strongly condemned the attempted attack

Belorusneft lifted 2 mln tons of oil first time in 30 years

The record was registered by the Center of Integrated Operations of Rechitsaneft Oil and Gas Production Division

Diplomat points to OHCHR biasedness due to silence after attack on Putin’s residence

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Geneva Office and other Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov noted that an increasing number of states condemned the Kiev regime's terrorist attack

Kiev loses nearly 17,000 soldiers, mercenaries near LPR in December — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the number of the Ukrainian armed forces’ sanitary losses and irreparable personnel losses has been increasing

Venezuelan air force destroys dozens of drug traffickers’ planes in 2025 — president

Nicolas Maduro stressed that as many as such 430 planes had been destroyed since the adoption of a law to combat drug trafficking

Indian PM voices concern over reports of Ukrainian attack on Putin's residence

Narendra Modi urged all concerned parties to remain focused on the ongoing diplomatic efforts

Russian troops advance in Krasny Liman — Chief of General Staff

The liberation of the settlements of Bogoslavka and Dibrova was completed today

US blogger blames EU elites for Ukrainian attack on Russian president’s residence

"European elites are mired in corruption and are profiting from the war," Jozef Schutzman said

Port infrastructure in Odessa region damaged in overnight explosions

Facilities in the ports of Yuzhny and Chernomorsk were damaged

Duma insists on tough response to Ukraine's drone attack on Putin's residence — Volodin

"For Vladimir Zelensky, military action is the only chance to remain in power and receive financial support from the European Union," Vyacheslav Volodin said

Russian forces penetrate Ukraine’s defenses along entire frontline — Putin

"Ukrainian troops are retreating everywhere, along the entire combat engagement line," the Russian leader noted

Trump warns about potential strikes on Iran if it tries to revive its nuclear program

However, according to US President, he would prefer a diplomatic solution

Trump urges PM Netanyahu to refrain from West Bank provocations — media

According to sources, during talks at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence near West Palm Beach, Florida, the US president and his aides "expressed concern about the situation in the West Bank"

Starlink being used to destabilize governments — diplomat

The diplomat cited as examples Iran and Venezuela, where thousands of Starlink terminals were imported to coordinate protests and spread disinformation

Industrial facility damaged in Kiev-controlled city of Zaporozhye

An air raid warning is currently in effect in the Kiev-held part of the Zaporozhye Region

Obligatory evacuation announced in 45 settlements in Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region

Local authorities in Ukraine call evacuation when the frontline approaches populated localities

Drone attack against Krasnodar damage railway infrastructure

Two people were injured as a result of a drone attack against Krasnodar

Ukraine included in list of countries to receive US aid through UN in 2026

According to the UN agency, the list consists of 16 countries, including Syria, Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Ethiopia

Putin's whereabouts cannot be discussed publicly under current circumstances — Kremlin

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier that Kiev launched an attack on President Vladimir Putin's state residence in the Novgorod Region on December 29 using 91 drones

IN BRIEF: Global reactions to Kiev’s attack on Putin’s residence

The Russian leader told Donald Trump that Moscow's position in negotiations to resolve the conflict would be reassessed