Category: 27-7

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The US President did not rule out the possibility of war with Venezuela.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Washington, December 19 (Xinhua) — US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he does not rule out the possibility of war with Venezuela.

"I'm not ruling it out, no," he said in a phone interview with NBC News released Friday.

In addition, D. Trump refused to specify whether his ultimate goal is to remove current Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

"He [N. Maduro] knows exactly what I want. He knows it better than anyone," the US president said.

The American leader also announced that additional oil tanker seizures would be carried out.

"It depends. If they're stupid enough to keep sending [tankers], they'll head to one of our ports," Trump said.

On December 16, D. Trump issued an order for a complete blockade of all sanctioned tankers traveling to or from Venezuela, thereby intensifying a months-long pressure campaign against N. Maduro. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The first batch of Azerbaijani gasoline arrived in Armenia.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Yerevan, December 19 (Xinhua) — For the first time in nearly 35 years, a train carrying gasoline from Azerbaijan arrived in Armenia. The train, which traveled part of the way through Georgia, crossed the Armenian border on Friday afternoon. Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan announced this on social media.

According to him, this is perhaps the first trade and economic deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan since these countries declared independence in 1991.

On Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the imports were being carried out by private companies, and the deal itself was made possible thanks to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The delivery is being carried out within the framework of agreements reached on November 28 in the Azerbaijani city of Gabala at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan.

As reported by Azerbaijani media on Thursday, the first batch of petroleum products produced by the state oil company of Azerbaijan, SOCAR, was sent from Azerbaijan to Armenia on the same day, consisting of 22 tankers. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Arms sales to Taiwan will not hinder China's reunification, says China's Foreign Ministry /more details/

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, December 19 (Xinhua) — No matter how many modern weapons are sold to the Chinese region of Taiwan, they will not be able to curb the historical trend toward Chinese reunification, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated on Friday.

Guo Jiakun made the announcement at a regular press briefing, commenting on the arms deal with Taiwan recently approved by the United States.

"No one should underestimate the strong will and powerful capabilities of the Chinese government and people to safeguard their national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Guo Jiakun noted.

According to him, large-scale sales of American arms to the Taiwan region constitute gross interference in China's internal affairs, seriously undermine the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the PRC, significantly disrupt peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and send a serious wrong signal to separatist forces advocating "Taiwan independence" and to outside circles.

"China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute disagreement in this regard and immediately lodged a serious protest with the American side," Guo Jiakun said.

The diplomat emphasized that it is unacceptable to harm China's fundamental interests, interfere in the Taiwan issue, and cross China's red lines.

According to Guo Jiakun, "Taiwan independence" and peace across the Taiwan Strait are as incompatible as fire and water, and any action to arm Taiwan will face serious consequences.

The so-called assistance to Taiwan in countering "threats" only fuels the unbridled arrogance of supporters of "Taiwan independence," places the island's residents on a "powder keg," brings the Taiwan Strait closer to a dangerous situation, and inevitably increases the risk of conflict and confrontation between China and the United States, the Chinese diplomat stated.

“China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Guo Jiakun said, calling on the United States to firmly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, implement the serious commitments made by US leaders, stop dangerous steps to arm Taiwan, stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces seeking “Taiwan independence.” –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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China has expressed strong protest against US interference in Taiwan's affairs.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — State Council Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Chen Binhua on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the U.S.'s continued attempts to "weaponize Taiwan" and interfere in China's internal affairs.

Chen Binhua made the statement in response to a media question about the US National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes a US$1 billion budget for “security cooperation” with Taiwan.

The official noted that by including erroneous content related to Taiwan in the law, the United States sent a very wrong signal to separatist forces advocating for "Taiwan independence."

He called on the United States to strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués, refrain from implementing Taiwan-related provisions of the law, eliminate the negative consequences of this document, and approach the Taiwan issue with the utmost caution.

Chen Binhua also warned the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan authorities that no matter how hard they cling to the US in their pursuit of secession, they will never be able to change the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the PRC, influence the inevitable failure of the secessionist forces, and curb the inexorable historical trend toward national reunification of China.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Gaza: Famine threat recedes, but humanitarian crisis persists

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 19, 2025 Peace and security

The threat of full-scale famine in Gaza has, for now, receded. This was stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, commenting on the publication of a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

Speaking to journalists at UN headquarters in New York, he reported that new data showed that many more people in the enclave now had access to food. According to Guterres, humanitarian agencies are preparing over 1.5 million hot meals daily, and food parcels continue to be distributed throughout the sector.

"Clean water is reaching more communities. Some health facilities have resumed operations," he noted. During the winter storms, UN agencies "immediately provided tents, blankets, clothing, and other assistance."

Continuing threats

The Secretary-General emphasized that the progress achieved was made possible thanks to the "intense work of humanitarian organizations and Member States, as well as expanding cooperation with the Civil-Military Coordination Centre." However, he cautioned that these achievements remain "dangerously fragile."

An estimated 1.6 million people in Gaza—more than 75 percent of the population—will face critical levels of food insecurity. According to the report, no area in the Strip is currently classified as in a state of full-scale famine (IPC Phase 5), but almost the entire enclave remains in a state of emergency (IPC Phase 4).

Malnutrition remains a serious problem, particularly among children and pregnant and lactating women. By mid-October 2026, nearly 101,000 children aged six months to five years are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, including more than 31,000 severe cases. An estimated 37,000 pregnant and lactating women will also require treatment.

"My heart breaks when I see the scale of the ongoing human suffering in Gaza," Guterres said. He noted that children are forced to sleep in flooded tents, and buildings "already devastated by bombing are collapsing under the weight of rain and wind, claiming civilian lives."

The UN chief noted that in more than half of Gaza, where Israeli troops remain, "agricultural land and entire neighborhoods remain inaccessible." Attacks and fighting continue, resulting in rising civilian casualties and placing humanitarian teams at serious risk.

UN support

Guterres recalled that since October, the UN has done "everything possible to maintain vital aid channels": supporting bakeries, delivering millions of meals, reopening feeding centers, rebuilding hospitals, vaccinating children, clearing rubble, and repairing water pipes. However, he emphasized, the need for aid is growing faster than it is being delivered.

In this regard, the Secretary-General stated: “We need a truly sustainable ceasefire.” He also called for the opening of additional crossing points, the lifting of restrictions on the import of critical goods, the removal of bureaucratic obstacles, the provision of safe routes within Gaza, stable funding, and “unimpeded access –including for NGOs".

International law

Guterres specifically noted the "rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank," where Palestinians are facing "escalating violence by Israeli settlers, land seizures, home demolitions, and tightening restrictions on movement." He said tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes following Israeli operations in the northern West Bank.

He stressed that international law must be respected throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The Secretary-General recalled the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice andAdvisory Opinion of the Court of 22 October 2025 year, according to which Israel “is obligated to permit and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance, to cooperate with the United Nations in the fulfillment of its mandates, and to respect the privileges and immunities of the UN and its personnel, including in time of armed conflict.”

Guterres reiterated his support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressing that the agency "plays an indispensable role in providing services to Palestinians – in Gaza and elsewhere in the region."

In conclusion, he stated: "This is a crisis created by human decisions. It can be resolved by human choices—if there is the political will to act." The Secretary-General called for full implementation of the ceasefire, an end to the "endless cycle of violence," and clearing the way for a two-state solution.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Sudan: North Kordofan's capital is 'one step' away from collapse

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 19, 2025 Peace and security

Amid escalating fighting in Sudan, people frightened by the scale of the violence are fleeing their homes en masse, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Friday. According to the organization, approximately 50,000 people have been forced to flee in Kordofan alone since the end of October.

“People are not moving of their own free will; they are fleeing out of desperation and in the hope of finding a safe place,” said Mohamed Refaat, IOM’s head of mission in Sudan.

Speaking via video link from Port Sudan to reporters in Geneva, Refaat called on all UN member states and "all those who can support the people of Sudan" to ensure their protection.

Shelling of residential buildings

Latest reports from the war-torn country indicate that the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF), along with its allies from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), have been shelling residential buildings in the town of Dilling, South Kordofan, for the past 48 hours.

The SRF has been waging war against the Sudanese army since April 2023, following the collapse of the transition to civilian rule. In late October, after a 500-day siege, they captured El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, triggering a new wave of mass displacement. Humanitarian organizations are deeply concerned about the fate of those still remaining in the city, who are reportedly forced to eat peanut shells and animal feed.

"People are scared"

"The mass exodus from Kordofan is no accident. It's a sign that people are extremely frightened," Refaat said.

Humanitarian organizations are expressing alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, where six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed in drone strikes last Saturday. The Blue Helmets were stationed at a logistics base for the UN mission in Abyei, a disputed region bordering South Sudan.

Hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk

"We estimate that there are still approximately 90,000 to 100,000 people in the city of Kadugli who will be forced to flee their homes if the fighting continues and if they have the opportunity to leave the city," Refaat said. He added that El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, is "one or two steps away from becoming the next target," which would affect more than half a million local residents.

Asked about the impact of severe funding cuts to humanitarian activities in Sudan and beyond, the IOM chief of mission reported that the agency had lost $83 million in resources this year alone. This has forced humanitarian teams to massively reduce their presence in Sudan.

"Because of these cuts, we have to choose who we can save and what support we have to cut off," Refaat said. "We pass by places every day where people are in dire straits, but we can't help because we have to prioritize those who are literally one step away from death."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Russia has become a leader in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, says Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 19 (Xinhua) – Russia has become a leader in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this on Friday during a direct line-in broadcast combined with his annual press conference.

"It must be said, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about, I think we've become the undisputed leader in this area [of drones]. In terms of the number of drones, yes, we lack heavy ones like the enemy's Baba Yaga, but overall, we currently outnumber the enemy in practically all sectors of the front. Perhaps there are specific areas where we're lacking something, but overall, it's an obvious fact," Putin said.

According to the Russian leader, Russia currently lacks heavy drones, but this problem will be solved. "It's well known that there's a shortage of heavy drones. The Ministry of Defense and industry are working on this, and this problem will also be solved," the Russian president noted.

The program "Year in Review with Vladimir Putin," which combines the head of state's major press conference and a live Q&A session, aired on Friday.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The All-Belarusian People's Assembly unanimously approved the country's socio-economic development program for 2026-2030.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Minsk, December 19 (Xinhua) — The Belarusian Social and Economic Development Program for 2026-2030 was unanimously adopted on Friday by delegates to the second session of the Seventh All-Belarusian People's Assembly (ABPA). The event took place in Minsk from December 18 to 19.

The Belarus Socioeconomic Development Program for 2026-2030 defines seven priorities. These include national demographic security, human development, the creation of a high-quality and comfortable living environment, and increased competitiveness through accelerated technological development and digital transformation. Other priorities include strong regions, strengthening Belarus's defense capability and developing its defense sector, and realizing the country's tourism potential.

As Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin noted, implementing these priorities will allow citizens to experience an improvement in their quality of life. The program is funded, and the sources of funding have been calculated based on the actual capabilities of the economy.

The Belarusian economy is expected to grow at least 3 percent annually over the next five years, and 15.8 percent over the entire five-year period. Investment in fixed capital is also projected to increase by 16.7 percent, labor productivity by 19.8 percent, and exports of goods and services by 19.5 percent over the next five years. Real disposable income growth is projected at 21 percent.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Three people were killed and six were injured in an attack in Taipei.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

TAIPEI, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — At least three people were killed in a knife and smoke bomb attack in Taipei City, Taiwan Province, China, on Friday.

According to media reports, the attacker was among the dead. Six others were injured.

The attack occurred around 5:30 PM. CCTV footage showed the suspect, wearing a gas mask, throwing smoke bombs near the entrance to the Taipei Railway Station subway station. One passerby suffered smoke inhalation injuries as a result of the smoke bomb explosion.

According to media reports citing a medical facility, the suspect attacked a man who later died from his serious injuries.

The suspect then fled the scene into another busy business district and attacked several more bystanders, injuring six, one of whom died from his serious injuries.

The suspect has been identified as a 27-year-old man who died after falling from a window. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Update 328 – Statement by the IAEA Director General on the situation in Ukraine (EN)

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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Two Ukrainian nuclear power plants (NPPs) have been operating at reduced capacity for the past ten days after a military attack damaged an electrical substation critical for nuclear safety and security, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

Substations are critical nodes in a country's electrical grid, serving as facilities where voltage levels are transformed and controlled to ensure reliable power transmission. For nuclear power plants (NPPs), they are indispensable for maintaining off-site power supplies that support safety systems and cooling functions, making their integrity vital for nuclear safety and security.

Following the latest military activity targeting a substance, during the night of November 7, the Khmelnitskyy and Rivne NPPs were each disconnected from one of their two 750 kilovolt (kV) power lines. In addition, the grid operator ordered a reduction in electricity output of some of their reactors.

Today, although one of the affected lines has since been restored, the other remains out of service. Three reactors continue to operate at limited power, at the request of the grid operator.

"Reliable off-site power is vital for the maintenance and operation of nuclear safety functions. To this end, Agency experts will, through dedicated expert missions, continue to assess the functionality of substances critical for nuclear safety and security," Director General Grossi said.

The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains connected to the grid after repairs carried out under the protection of IAEA-brokered localized ceasefires in late October and ten days ago.

Ending a month-long outage of off-site power, this has allowed the resumption of maintenance of the plant's safety systems.

However, one of the two off-site power lines that were re-connected thanks to the recent repairs – the 750 kilovolt (kV) Dniprovska line – was again disconnected on Friday evening after the actuation of a protection system. The cause is still being investigated. The IAEA is engaging with both sides to assist in the timely restoration of the line, Director General Grossi said.

The IAEA continues to implement its comprehensive program of assistance to Ukraine in nuclear safety and security.

As part of the program, the IAEA completed partial deliveries of items to the Joint Stock Company Mykolaivoblenergo consisting of electrical cabinets, circuit breakers surge arresters and similar items needed to maintain a reliable power supply for the safe operation of Ukraine's NPPs. Additional items, that are still in production, will be delivered in the coming months. These deliveries were possible with the support from Austria, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union.

In addition, the South Ukraine NPP received 12 gamma dose rate monitoring stations intended to enhance its radiation monitoring capability. The stations, once in operation, will feed also the IAEA's International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS) with monitoring data, providing information on the radiological situation on the ground in the plant's normal operation and during an accident. The delivery was supported by the European Union.

Ukraine's Central Enterprise for the Management of Radioactive Waste received IT equipment and the Chornobyl NPP received an off-road vehicle. Both deliveries were funded by the United Kingdom and aimed at enhancing nuclear security measures at the two sites.

These deliveries brought the total organized during the conflict by the IAEA to 174, amounting to over €20.5 million.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.