1. Russia Pounds Ukraine With Missiles and Drones on Eve of Trump–Zelensky Meeting

Moscow launched a massive barrage of missiles and Shahed drones at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, killing at least one person and injuring many while damaging parts of the power grid. Zelensky said the assault was Russia’s “answer to peace efforts” as he prepared to travel to Florida. The strikes underscore how the Kremlin is using pressure on civilians and infrastructure to shape upcoming peace talks.

1. Thailand and Cambodia Sign Immediate Ceasefire After Weeks of Border War

After some 20 days of airstrikes, artillery duels and deadly clashes along their frontier, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire. Defense ministers signed the deal at a border crossing, halting troop movements and airspace violations and promising to release 18 captured Cambodian soldiers if the truce holds for 72 hours. The conflict has killed over 100 people and displaced more than half a million civilians, leaving deep mistrust despite the new agreement.

1. Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Shakes Northeastern Taiwan, No Major Damage Reported

A powerful 7.0-magnitude quake struck about 30 km off the coast of Yilan in northeastern Taiwan late on Saturday. The tremor was felt islandwide, swaying buildings in Taipei and briefly disrupting rail services, but authorities reported no serious structural damage or casualties. Seismologists warned residents to stay alert for aftershocks in the coming days.

1. Somalia and African Union Condemn Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, prompting fierce backlash from Mogadishu, the African Union and regional powers. Somalia called the move an attack on its sovereignty and demanded Israel reverse the decision, while Iran and others said it could destabilize the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. The dispute adds a new diplomatic flashpoint to already tense Middle East–Africa relations.

1. Winter Rains Deepen Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza Amid Ongoing Strikes

Heavy winter rain and cold weather flooded overcrowded displacement camps in Gaza, leaving families struggling in waterlogged tents with limited fuel and sanitation. Local officials in Rafah warned that without diesel to run pumps, sewage, garbage and stormwater systems are on the verge of collapse. At the same time, Israeli airstrikes and severe restrictions on aid deliveries continue, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

1. Russia Pounds Ukraine With Missiles and Drones on Eve of Trump–Zelensky Meeting

Moscow launched a massive barrage of missiles and Shahed drones at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, killing at least one person and injuring many while damaging parts of the power grid. Zelensky said the assault was Russia’s “answer to peace efforts” as he prepared to travel to Florida. The strikes underscore how the Kremlin is using pressure on civilians and infrastructure to shape upcoming peace talks.

1. Thailand and Cambodia Sign Immediate Ceasefire After Weeks of Border War

After some 20 days of airstrikes, artillery duels and deadly clashes along their frontier, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire. Defense ministers signed the deal at a border crossing, halting troop movements and airspace violations and promising to release 18 captured Cambodian soldiers if the truce holds for 72 hours. The conflict has killed over 100 people and displaced more than half a million civilians, leaving deep mistrust despite the new agreement.

1. Magnitude 7.0 Earthquake Shakes Northeastern Taiwan, No Major Damage Reported

A powerful 7.0-magnitude quake struck about 30 km off the coast of Yilan in northeastern Taiwan late on Saturday. The tremor was felt islandwide, swaying buildings in Taipei and briefly disrupting rail services, but authorities reported no serious structural damage or casualties. Seismologists warned residents to stay alert for aftershocks in the coming days.

1. Somalia and African Union Condemn Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, prompting fierce backlash from Mogadishu, the African Union and regional powers. Somalia called the move an attack on its sovereignty and demanded Israel reverse the decision, while Iran and others said it could destabilize the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. The dispute adds a new diplomatic flashpoint to already tense Middle East–Africa relations.

1. Winter Rains Deepen Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza Amid Ongoing Strikes

Heavy winter rain and cold weather flooded overcrowded displacement camps in Gaza, leaving families struggling in waterlogged tents with limited fuel and sanitation. Local officials in Rafah warned that without diesel to run pumps, sewage, garbage and stormwater systems are on the verge of collapse. At the same time, Israeli airstrikes and severe restrictions on aid deliveries continue, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.