Russia is using the online game ARMA3 and the Discord app to recruit South Africans for the war against Ukraine. Two men in their 20s left South Africa, one of whom was killed in battle in Luhansk Oblast.
The Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, has regained control of the city of Mukalla and Hadramaut province. This happened after a series of Saudi coalition airstrikes on separatist positions.
In Switzerland, 24 of the 40 victims of the bar fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort have been identified. Among the deceased are citizens of Switzerland, Italy, the UAE, Romania, France, and Turkey, aged between 14 and 39. A national day of mourning is scheduled for January 9, 2026, with a minute of silence and church bells ringing.
OPEC+ agreed to maintain stable oil production, despite an 18% price drop in 2025 and tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Eight countries raised their production targets by 2.9 million barrels per day from April to December 2025.
Yemen's Transitional Council agreed to talks with Saudi Arabia after losing the eastern port of Mukalla. This happened amid military successes of the Yemeni government and the weakening of separatist positions.
The governor of Yemen's Saudi-backed Hadramaut province announced the start of an operation to reclaim positions in the south of the country.
Yemen's main air gateway, Aden International Airport, has suspended operations due to a dispute between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over flight restrictions. This happened amid the biggest crisis in relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in a decade.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the leaders of these countries would express deep concern about Russia's real attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine and solidarity with Ukraine, against which Russia has been waging an unjustified and unprovoked aggression for the fourth year.
Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday but are expected to fall by more than 15% over 2025. This is due to fears of oversupply, despite wars, tariffs, and sanctions.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing sanctions with Great Britain against 8 individuals and 40 legal entities involved in the deportation of children and the supply of components for Russian weapons. Ukraine also imposed sanctions against 8 military leaders of South Sudan in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Separatists in southern Yemen accused Saudi Arabia of airstrikes on their forces in Hadhramaut after a warning about troop withdrawal. This escalates the situation in the country and jeopardizes the coalition fighting the Houthis.
Western sanctions have reshaped India's oil trade, reducing its reliance on Russian oil. Imports from Russia decreased by 17.8% in January-October 2025, while imports from the US increased by 83.3% and from the UAE by 8.7%.
The global oil market is experiencing an oversupply of "black gold," pushing oil prices down. A record 1.3 billion barrels of crude oil are in transit or awaiting buyers in the world's oceans.
The criminal prosecution of Roman Mileshko's group of aviation companies has been ongoing for more than three years without any charges being filed. A number of law enforcement agencies have found no evidence of a crime, which indicates possible pressure from competitors.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms are raging in the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, causing traffic jams and accidents. Police urge drivers and pedestrians to be careful on the roads.
Over 25% of new cars sold globally in 2025 are electric, according to an Ember analysis. This growth is driven by emerging markets, which are now leading the transition to electromobility.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against 9 individuals and entities supporting Russia's "shadow fleet" that transports oil. This decision aims to limit Russia's revenues and targets companies associated with "Rosneft" and "Lukoil" that use illegal shipping practices.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is forming a coalition to counter China's dominant control over critical minerals and technology sectors. On Friday, the Pax Silica declaration will be signed with the participation of Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel.
Sovereign wealth funds from Gulf countries have joined forces to finance Warner Bros. Discovery's potential acquisition of Paramount. This move underscores their growing desire for Hollywood assets and influence in the global media market.
Yemen's airspace was briefly closed after the separatist Southern Transitional Council group seized territory in Hadramaut province. This exacerbated internal divisions within the anti-Houthi forces and led to hundreds of passengers being delayed.
South African state broadcaster presenter Nonkululeko Mantula, accused of recruiting citizens to fight for Russia, has been released on bail along with four co-accused. The court rejected her request for the return of her passport, as she had repeatedly visited Russia.
Expert Alexander Gabuev predicts the exhaustion of the Kremlin's economic resources in 12-18 months if sanctions are strengthened. He notes that time is working against Putin, and further sanctions could shorten this period.
A Belarusian factory that produces tableware has been supplying drones to Russia for several years, bypassing European sanctions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reacted to the arrest of Nonkululeko Mantuli, a SAFM South African Republic host, suspected of recruiting men for the war in Ukraine on the side of the Russian Federation. MFA spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi called it an example to follow.
Samsung Electronics has released its first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, priced at 3. 59 million won ($2,440.17). The model with a 10-inch display will go on sale on December 12 in South Korea, and later in China, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE, and the US.
South African police have arrested 39-year-old Nonkululeko Mantuli, a SAFM host, on suspicion of recruiting men to fight in the war in Ukraine on Russia's side. Four other people have also been detained, three of whom were trying to fly to Russia, and one has already joined the Russian army.
Indian state-owned refineries Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum are resuming purchases of discounted Russian crude oil at around $5 a barrel. India's total purchases are unlikely to exceed 600,000 barrels per day, with payments made in UAE dirhams and US dollars.
South African law enforcement officers detained four men at an airport near Johannesburg, suspecting them of being mercenaries for the war against Ukraine. They planned to fly to Russia via the UAE to join the occupation forces.
Russian propaganda, through a pocket 'American expert', threatens General Kyrylo Budanov with murder amid negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, stated that the Kremlin had not discussed the US peace plan, having received several unofficial options. He added that representatives of the Russian and Ukrainian special services periodically meet in the UAE to discuss sensitive issues, including prisoner exchanges.
