Russia hammers Ukraine’s capital ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting

On the eve of a crucial meeting between the United States and Ukrainian leaders, Russia launched drone and missile strikes on Kyiv, killing at least one person and leaving the city without heat in the region, according to local authorities.

Russian ballistic missiles and drones shook Kyiv on Saturday morning, setting a nearly 10 hour airstress.

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According to the mayor and regional governor of Kyiv, the attacks left a 47-year-old woman dead and at least 19 others injured. Two children were among the injured, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s City military administration.

As of 10:45 a.m. (08:45 GMT), Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the attack was “still ongoing” and that 40 missiles and 500 drones had been launched. At 11:20 a.m. local time (09:20 GMT), the capital’s air raid alert came to an end.

[Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters] Municipal employees and firefighters work on the site of an apartment complex that was struck by Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Andrii Sybiha, the country’s foreign minister, claimed that one-third of the capital, where temperatures remained below zero (0 degrees Celsius), was without heat.

According to Kyiv regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk, about 320, 000 households in the wider Kyiv region, which includes the capital but does not include it, also lost power.

upcoming peace negotiations

As Zelenskyy and Donald Trump discuss ending the nearly four-year war in Florida on Sunday, the Russian attack occurred.

The main issues in the negotiations, Zelenskyy said, are security guarantees and questions about pending territorial control.

In order to take complete control of the Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Russia has demanded that Ukraine renounce the portions of the eastern Donetsk region that Russian troops have been occupying for almost four years.

Kyiv wants to put an end to the current lines of fighting.

If Ukraine leaves parts of the Donetsk region, the US has proposed creating a free economic zone as a result of a compromise. Zellenskyy stated on Friday that he would seek a stronger position for Ukraine and that he might re-vote the US-backed plan if necessary.

Trump and Zelenskyy both expressed optimism about the meeting, with the Ukrainian leader saying he hopes to finalize a framework on Sunday and that the majority of the US-Ukraine agreement has been ironed out.

Before the New Year’s Eve, Zelenskyy said on Friday on social media that “many things can be decided.”

However, Zelenskyy’s tone was allegedly altered by Saturday’s attack. He claimed in a post that the Russian government “does not want to end the war” and that their drones and missiles “does not want to end the war” and that their “long conversations” were more muted.

Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s leadership intends to “use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even more suffering and put pressure on others around the world.”

Somalia demands Israel withdraw Somaliland recognition

The move, which Somaliland has criticized as an “aggression that will never be tolerated,” has been demanded by Somaliland.

In an interview on Saturday, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Omar, stated in an interview that the government would use all legal means to challenge what it termed “state aggression” and Israeli interference in the country’s internal affairs.

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The immediate condemnation followed Israel’s declaration to be the first country in the world to officially recognize Somaliland, which sparked furious protests in Arab and African countries, and raised questions about whether the remark was intended as part of an alleged Israeli plot to forcibly displaced Palestinians.

Following a brutal civil war, Somaliland split away from Somalia in 1991, but it has never received recognition from any of the United Nations. Although its eastern territories are still up for debate, the self-declared republic has its own currency, flag, and parliament.

Omar remarked that this will never be tolerated or acceptable for our country’s people who are committed to protecting our territorial integrity. The State of Israel is strongly advised by our government to rescind its conflicting policies and abide by international law.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, president of Somalia, was making it clear for weeks that an unnamed state would soon grant recognition, even though he had not specified which nation. In recent weeks, billboards had been dotted throughout the capital of Somalia, Hargeisa, to warn residents that recognition was on the way.

Omar claimed that foreign interference and interest were being fueled by the Horn of Africa’s strategic significance. “This region’s significance is not new. He continued, “It is still significant for international trade today.”

Palestinian displacement

Omar claimed that Israel wanted to evict Palestinians from Gaza further by pursuing Somaliland’s recognition. He told Al Jazeera, “One of the motivating factors is the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.” Israel’s position on that matter has been widely known.

The foreign ministry of Palestine supported Somalia, citing Israel’s prior designation of Somaliland as a potential “red line” for forcibly displacing Palestinians from Gaza.

The Israeli move was “not directed against any state, nor does it pose a threat to regional peace,” according to Somaliland’s Cirro on Saturday.

Somalia’s prime minister’s office issued a statement a few hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recognition on Friday, blaming Israel’s actions as a deliberate violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and as an unlawful step, and highlighting the fact that Somaliland is still a significant and “indissociable” part of Somaliland.

Netanyahu said he would support Somaliland’s cause during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on Monday, and that the diplomatic arrangement with Somaliland was in keeping with the Abraham Accords. Cirro has also been invited to Israel by Netanyahu, which the latter has accepted.

Trump, however, has distanced himself from close ally Netanyahu on the subject, telling The New York Post he would not act in Israel’s place.

Ayub Ismail Yusuf, the prime minister of Somalia, thanked Trump for his support, saying, “Thank you for your support, Mr. President.”

Trump’s statements marked a change from his earlier statements from August, when he stated at a press conference that his administration was working on the Somaliland problem. The US president has frequently attacked the Somali community in recent weeks.

The US has also expressed frustration with Somalia, claiming at a recent UN Security Council meeting that the country’s government had failed to improve security despite receiving billions of dollars in aid and that it will no longer support a pricey peacekeeping mission.

In addition, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the African Union’s president, objected to any initiative that would allow for the recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation, fearing that it would set a dangerous precedent with repercussions apprehensive. The fundamental principle of the continental bloc was cited as a 1964 decision on the intangibility of borders inherited at a nation’s independence.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the secretary-general of the Arab League, also criticized what he termed an Arab and African state’s provocative assault on Israeli territory. He claimed that the recognition of Israel was a flagrant violation of international law.

Despite the international reactions, thousands of people poured onto Hargeisa’s streets on Friday to mark the diplomatic transition that many saw as close to 30 years. Residents of the country applauded the breakthrough, and the Israeli flag was emblazoned on the national museum.

Israel’s prior diplomatic ties to Somalia’s regional rival Ethiopia have contributed to the country’s historically contentious relations with it.

Israel provided military training, weapons, and intelligence to Ethiopia during the Cold War, while Somalia, a country that had ties to Arab nations, was defeated in the Ogaden War in 1977, a setback that contributed to decades of civil unrest.

Following years of persecution under former leader Mohammed Siad Barre, Somalia officially renounced its relationship with Somalia in 1991.

Israeli deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel revealed earlier this month that the government of Somalia and the Israeli government had spoken about their shared concerns about Houthi influence in the area.

England win chaotic fourth Ashes Test against Australia in Melbourne

With a gutsy four-wicket victory, England’s first Test match on Australian soil since 15 years ended a tense fourth Ashes encounter that was all but over on Saturday.

Following the 20 wickets that fell on day one, the pumped-up tourists quickly dismissed Australia for 132 in front of a crowded 92, 045 crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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With Harry Brook and Jamie Smith both unbeaten on 18 and Jamie Smith on three, they were chasing 175 to win, with the “Barmy Army” of fans roaring in droves as they came home with six wickets lost.

Zak Crawley contributed 40 and Jacob Bethell contributed 37.

England’s captain Ben Stokes described the tour as “a good feeling” and “a tough one to follow.”

Many thanks must go to the players, staff, and management for keeping the focus on cricket in the wake of the build-up to the Test, which was a lot thrown our way, in order to put in a performance on the back of it and defeat a very good Australian team.

“Very proud,” We exhibited bravery and bravery.

England suffered a devastating defeat in their first three Test matches and was under enormous pressure in Melbourne as a result of concerns over their limited preparation and claims of excessive drinking during a mid-series beach break.

But they did succeed, and they will head to Sydney for their fifth and final Test, brimming with confidence.

England had lost 16 of its previous eight Tests in Australia in January 2011 at Sydney, and openers Crawley and Ben Duckett had made it clear that they wanted to end the streak, “play ultra-aggressive” Bazball “style.”

In his first over, Duckett hit a boundary over Mitchell Starc, and Crawley hit Michael Neser for six and four in a row.

They had a fantastic opening partnership of fifty and Duckett was bowled for 34 by a Starc yorker.

Brydon Carse, a fast bowler, replaced Bethell in the middle with a surprise number three.

However, Carse’s pinch-hitting experiment in England failed because it only involved eight balls before sending Jhye Richardson to Cameron Green.

After a nasty knock, Crawley lost to Scott Boland, and Bethell was caught by Usman Khawaja from the same bowler.

By the time only 10 runs were required, Brook and Smith had already provided the run, Richardson had trapped Joe Root for 15 and Starc had accounted for Ben Stokes for two.

Steve Smith, the captain of Australia, said, “It was a challenging game.

“The situation might have been different if we had won both innings by getting 50-60 more.” The wicket played as anticipated, but once the ball softened, things didn’t turn out as expected.

When 36 wickets are lost in two days, he continued, citing the MCG pitch’s “tightness”

On Saturday, William West [AFP] led England in the second innings with 40 runs scored from just 46 balls.

Pitch criticized

After taking 20 wickets on a blistering opening day of searing pace, the hosts were dismissed for 152 and England were only allowed to take 110. Australia resumed with a 4-0 in their second innings.

Since 1909, there have been more wickets taken on an Ashes Test first day than on the series opener in Perth.

It was a bowler’s dream come true with 10mm of grass on the track, but many former Olympians have criticized the pitch for “doing too much” and being unfair to the batters.

Gus Atkinson was bowled by Nightwatchman Boland, who had pushed him to the wicketkeeper Smith, but the bowler quickly left the field with his left hamstring.

Jake Weatherald whipped his full ball for three as Josh Tongue, who had already taken the final two wickets for Australia on day one, brought a hat-trick into the attack.

Weatherald had to get a good knock to secure his position at the top of the order, but he failed once more when he was bowled by Stokes for five, leaving a delivery that slammed in the back.

Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head were the only ones Root’s caught in the slips off the Tongue allowed to make.

When Khawaja (0) and Alex Carey (4) left in nine balls, England had the same momentum as before the bowled on 46 by a peach of a delivery from Carse that beat the outside edge.

With the score of 119, Green (19), who had a 98-6 advantage over Harry Brook, edged a rising Stokes ball to Harry Brook for slip, to become the seventh wicket to fall.

Without allowing a score, Carse defeated Neser and Starc, and Steve Smith fell to Stokes for 13 runs in the final four wickets, leaving Steve Smith unbeaten on 24.

England cricket fans react.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground’s supporters celebrate England’s first victory on Australian soil since 2010 [Martin Keep/AFP]

Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire starts, first 72 hours seen as critical test

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After weeks of bloody fighting across the border, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to end their hostilities. Assed Baig of Al Jazeera reports that the artillery fire has stopped, but the next 72 hours will determine whether the truce will hold. Hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people hope it lasts.

Turkiye holds military ceremony for Libyan army chief killed in crash

A group of Libyan officials, including military chief Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, were honored in a military ceremony in Turkiye in honor of their tragic deaths earlier this week in a plane crash over Turkish territory.

Al-Haddad and four other military officers who were in Turkiye for high-level defense discussions before the crash on Tuesday were honored at the ceremony, which took place on Sunday at Murted Airbase outside the capital, Ankara.

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Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, the country’s military chief, and Yasar Guler, the country’s defense minister, were present at the ceremony. An official funeral will be held there after the Libyan officials’ remains are brought back home.

Following what Libyan officials described as a technical malfunction, the plane carrying the Libyan delegation crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara on Tuesday. Three crew members and all the passengers on board died.

Libya’s highest-ranking military officer, Al-Haddad, played a significant role in the UN-brokered efforts to unite the country’s divided armed forces. Even the opposing factions expressed condolences for his passing.

Al Jazeera’s Malik Traina, a journalist from Misrata, Libya, al-Haddad’s hometown, reported that the strong, charismatic leader “always]sought] peace in the country.” He was a peaceful man who enjoyed respect from allies in the nation.

Those who expressed sympathy included Khalifa Haftar, the head of the rival government in eastern Libya, whose forces al-Haddad opposed during a 2019 advance against western Libya.

Haftar expressed “deep sorrow over this tragic loss” in a statement, and he also expressed condolences to the entire Libyan population.

“Big shoes to fill,”

Five coffins adorned with Libyan national flags were loaded onto a plane for repatriation to Libya following the ceremony in Turkiye. Bayraktaroglu, Turkey’s military chief, was also on the aircraft, according to state-run news agency TRT.

After the country’s 2011 uprising, Muammar Gaddafi, a long-time ruler, was toppled and killed, Libya became a rogue state. The east and west have rival governments, supported by a number of rogue militias and various foreign governments, and the country is divided.

Although Turkiye has long supported Libya’s west-based government, she has recently begun to strengthen ties with the administration in the east.

UN renews Sudan ceasefire appeal over ‘unimaginable suffering’ of civilians

Sudan’s brutal civil war, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has slammed for an immediate ceasefire.

The UN Security Council on Monday received a peace initiative from Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris, which demanded that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) be disarmed.

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The RSF deemed the idea “wishful thinking” and rejected the plan.

The Sudanese army and the RSF paramilitary group engaged in a power struggle in April 2023, which sparked a conflict. According to UN figures, 30.4% of Sudanese people now require humanitarian assistance, while 9.6 million internally displaced and 4.3 million forced to flee to neighboring countries.

Fears of intensifying fighting during the dry season have been confirmed, according to UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari, who addressed the UNSC this week.

He claimed that “each day brings shocking levels of violence and destruction.” “Civilians are enduring enormous, unimaginable suffering without a cure in sight.”

Sudan’s central Kordofan region, where the RSF seized the key Heglig oilfield on December 8, has recently seen a shift in the conflict. South Sudanese forces entered Sudan to defend the infrastructure, which Khiari argued reflects “the conflict’s growing regional dimensions and its increasingly complex nature.”

In addition to attacking towns in the Dar Zaghawa region close to the Chad border since December 24, the RSF has launched a final push to regain full control of North Darfur state. The last escape route for civilians fleeing the country to Chad is being threatened by the offensive.

Two Chadian soldiers were killed in a drone attack at a military camp in Tine, which spread across Sudan’s borders on Friday.

Sudanese drone was reported to have come from Sudan, but it’s not clear whether it was launched by the army or the RSF, according to a Chadian military intelligence officer. If the strike is determined to be deliberate, the Chad air force is on high alert and will “exercise our right to retaliation.”

The UN made a remarkable breakthrough by conducting its first assessment mission to El-Fasher since the city fell to the RSF, which came on Friday in a rare development.

According to UN Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown, “months of intense fighting, siege, and widespread violations against civilians and humanitarian workers” followed, and “hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee El-Fasher and surrounding areas.”

A report from Yale University earlier this month revealed systematic mass killings by the RSF in El-Fasher, with satellite imagery demonstrating widespread human remains burning and burial.

Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at a press conference that “everyone involved is going to look bad and the story of what actually happened is going to be known.”

There is no compelling evidence that any significant progress has been made, despite Rubio’s claim that he desired the end of the conflict before the new year.

In accordance with Prime Minister Idris’ peace plan, a full withdrawal of the RSF from Sudan, which it controls, is required immediately. However, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo’s advisor, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti,” called the idea “closer to fantasy than politics.”