Russia withdraws troops and weapons from Syria
Russia is withdrawing troops and equipment from the frontline in northern Syria, including sending hardware and senior officers home. However, Moscow insists it is not withdrawing from its two main military bases, Hmeimim and Tartus, and will maintain a presence there.
Satellite imagery shows Antonov AN-124 transport aircraft operating from the Hmeimim base, with some flights believed to be to Libya. Russian equipment and forces are being redeployed in line with the situation on the ground, while military bases remain strategically important in the Mediterranean.
Russia announces plans to create new military unit
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov announced plans to create the "Unmanned Systems Force", which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025 under the orders of President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian military currently uses more than 3,500 drones a day, with supplies increasing 23-fold by 2024 compared to the previous year. President Putin has ordered increased drone production and training of operators to develop the technology, integrate artificial intelligence and improve combat effectiveness.
Former Chinese official executed for corruption
On December 17, China executed Li Jianping, 64, former secretary of the Party Work Committee of the Hohhot Economic Development Zone. He was convicted of embezzlement of more than 3 billion yuan ($412 million), including bribery, embezzlement of public funds, and collusion with a criminal organization.
The death sentence, approved by the Supreme People's Court, marks a bold step in Beijing's anti-corruption campaign, which has seen a number of high-ranking officials and business leaders punished severely in the past.
Trump and Elon Musk join forces to demand US government shutdown
President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have called for a temporary funding bill to be rejected, demanding a government shutdown unless provisions they call a "gift to Democrats" are removed.
Elon Musk, who has been nominated to head the Government Performance Board, said it was necessary to shut down the government until January 20, 2025. The declaration sent Congress into chaos, with the House postponing a vote and Democrats warning of dire consequences.
