Ukrainian military saying it was ready for the facility to be “critically damaged”.
The reservoir supplies water to the city of Kharkiv, which is Ukraine’s second-largest metropolis." AJ
Monday, December 8, 2025
Russian forces hit the Pechenihy reservoir dam in Kharkiv
Ukrainian military saying it was ready for the facility to be “critically damaged”.
G3 – Strong geomagnetic storm forecast following Earth-directed CME produced by M8.1 solar flare
"The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather
Prediction Center (SWPC) issued the G3 – Strong Geomagnetic Storm Watch at 04:43 UTC on December 7.
The forecast covers December 8–10, with G1 – Minor storming predicted on December 8, G3 – Strong on December 9, and G1 – Minor again on December 10. This watch supersedes all prior alerts in effect." W
The forecast covers December 8–10, with G1 – Minor storming predicted on December 8, G3 – Strong on December 9, and G1 – Minor again on December 10. This watch supersedes all prior alerts in effect." W
Ukraine deploys laser and shoots down 15 drones in 2km record strike
"Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, led by Commander Vadym Sukharevskyi, have
unveiled the Tryzub laser system, marking the country as the fifth globally with operational directed-energy air defense. Developed over several months during active hostilities, the prototype utilizes domestic talent and industrial resources to facilitate rapid innovation.
This system highlights Ukraine’s wartime ingenuity and cost-effective defense strategy, combining industrial expertise with commercial laser technologies. It also signals a shift in air-defense tactics, demonstrating the country’s growing technological edge. However, understanding its range and function is key to grasping its battlefield impact. “Today, we can already shoot down aircraft with this laser at an altitude of over 2 kilometers. It truly works, it truly exists,” said Commander Vadym Sukharevskyi on December 18, 2024, affirming Tryzub’s functionality.
This declaration signals real operational capability, boosting confidence in domestic development. However, the extent of combat-proven results remains classified, leaving experts curious about its full effectiveness in sustained engagements."
This system highlights Ukraine’s wartime ingenuity and cost-effective defense strategy, combining industrial expertise with commercial laser technologies. It also signals a shift in air-defense tactics, demonstrating the country’s growing technological edge. However, understanding its range and function is key to grasping its battlefield impact. “Today, we can already shoot down aircraft with this laser at an altitude of over 2 kilometers. It truly works, it truly exists,” said Commander Vadym Sukharevskyi on December 18, 2024, affirming Tryzub’s functionality.
This declaration signals real operational capability, boosting confidence in domestic development. However, the extent of combat-proven results remains classified, leaving experts curious about its full effectiveness in sustained engagements."
msn
Thousands protest in Berlin against new German military conscription bill
Germany’s parliament approved the controversial conscription legislation after months of heated debate. It comes amid a pledge by NATO allies to increase defense spending, boosting Europe’s defense capabilities amid fears Russia’s war on Ukraine could spill across its borders." AJ
Benin coup attempt thwarted by soldiers loyal to the Republic
"A coup that was announced in Benin on Sunday has been “foiled,” the country's interior minister said in a video on Facebook.
“In the early morning of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions,” Alassane Seidou said.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the Republic. Their response allowed them to maintain control of the situation and thwart the attempt.”
Earlier, a group of soldiers had appeared on Benin’s state television and announced the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup.
The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president had been removed and all state institutions dissolved. Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri was appointed president of the military committee, the soldiers said.
There has been no official news about President Patrice Talon since gunshots were heard around the presidential residence. However, the signal to the state television and public radio which was cut off has now been restored."
“In the early morning of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions,” Alassane Seidou said.
Earlier, a group of soldiers had appeared on Benin’s state television and announced the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup.
The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president had been removed and all state institutions dissolved. Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri was appointed president of the military committee, the soldiers said.
There has been no official news about President Patrice Talon since gunshots were heard around the presidential residence. However, the signal to the state television and public radio which was cut off has now been restored."
AfricaNews
Militants from Russia's African Corps committing atrocities in Mali
"Militants from Russia's African Corps are committing numerous killings, rapes and other crimes in the African country of Mali. These fighters, subordinated to Russia's Defense Ministry, have replaced the Wagner Private Military Company, once a powerful Russian paramilitary formation used in covert overseas operations.
According to the refugees, the African Corps uses the same tactics as Wagner. Two refugees
showed video footage of villages burned by "white men". Two others said they had found the bodies of their relatives with their livers and kidneys missing, something that had previously been reported in connection with Wagner's activities.
"It's a scorched-earth policy. The soldiers speak to no one. Anyone they see, they shoot. No questions, no warning. People don't even know why they are being killed," said a Malian village chief who fled.
AP noted that the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have turned from Western allies to Russia for help in fighting militants linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State.
When the African Corps replaced Wagner six months ago, civilians hoped the brutality would decrease. The United Nations says they have suffered abuses by all sides in the conflict. But refugees have spoken about a new reign of terror by the African Corps.
AP gained access to the Mauritanian border, where thousands of Malians have fled in recent months due to intensified fighting. The agency spoke to 34 refugees who described indiscriminate killings, abductions and sexual violence. Most of them spoke on condition of anonymity.
"They are the same men, paid by the government, and continue the massacres. There is no difference between Wagner and Africa Corps," the village elder said.
The Malian authorities have never publicly acknowledged the presence of Wagner But in recent weeks, Russian state media have released reports from Mali praising the African Corps for protecting the country from "terrorists", and Russia's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the unit operates "at the request of the Malian authorities", providing ground escorts, conducting search-and-rescue operations and other tasks, AP says." Pravda
According to the refugees, the African Corps uses the same tactics as Wagner. Two refugees
"It's a scorched-earth policy. The soldiers speak to no one. Anyone they see, they shoot. No questions, no warning. People don't even know why they are being killed," said a Malian village chief who fled.
AP noted that the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have turned from Western allies to Russia for help in fighting militants linked to al-Qaeda or Islamic State.
When the African Corps replaced Wagner six months ago, civilians hoped the brutality would decrease. The United Nations says they have suffered abuses by all sides in the conflict. But refugees have spoken about a new reign of terror by the African Corps.
AP gained access to the Mauritanian border, where thousands of Malians have fled in recent months due to intensified fighting. The agency spoke to 34 refugees who described indiscriminate killings, abductions and sexual violence. Most of them spoke on condition of anonymity.
"They are the same men, paid by the government, and continue the massacres. There is no difference between Wagner and Africa Corps," the village elder said.
The Malian authorities have never publicly acknowledged the presence of Wagner But in recent weeks, Russian state media have released reports from Mali praising the African Corps for protecting the country from "terrorists", and Russia's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the unit operates "at the request of the Malian authorities", providing ground escorts, conducting search-and-rescue operations and other tasks, AP says." Pravda
5.6 Earthquake - North Pacific Ocean, 65 km southeast of Kasivobara, Sakhalin Oblast, Russia
"A strong magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean near Ostrov
Shumshu island, Russia, in the early morning at 3.34 am local time (GMT +11). The quake had a shallow depth of 64 km (40 mi) and was felt by many near the epicenter. The shallow depth of the quake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicenter than a deeper quake of similar magnitude would." VD
5.2 Earthquake - North Pacific Ocean, 184 km south of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Kamchatka, Russia
from Kamchatka, Russia, at 01:32 GMT. The quake had a very shallow depth of 28 km (17 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD
5.5 Earthquake - North Pacific Ocean, 120 km east of Ostrov Shumshu Island, Kamchatka, Russia
Russia in the early morning at 4.35 am local time (Asia/Kamchatka GMT +12). The quake had a very shallow depth of 16.4 km (10 mi)." VD
161 clashes on frontline
"A total of 161 engagements between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders were recorded on the frontline over the previous day.
The enemy carried out two missile strikes and 60 air strikes on positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, dropping 143 guided aerial bombs. In addition, Russian forces employed 6,360 kamikaze drones and conducted 4,291 shelling attacks, including 117 using multiple-launch rocket systems.
Russian aircraft struck Malomykhailivka, Danylivka, Zaliznychne, Huliaipole, Veselianka in the Zaporizhzhia region, and Olhivka in the Kherson region.
The Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Defence Forces hit four areas where Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment were concentrated.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the invaders delivered one air strike, dropping a total of four guided bombs, and carried out 165 shelling attacks, including three with MLRS.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the Defence Forces stopped six enemy assaults near Vovchansk, Synelnykove, and toward Izbytske and Kolodiazne.
In the Kupiansk sector, nine assaults took place in the directions of Petropavlivka, Pishchane, and Kolisnykivka.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked 13 times, attempting to break through near Hrekivka, Serednie, Tverdokhlibove, and Zarichne, as well as toward Novoselivka, Drobysheve, Novoserhiivka, Novyi Myr, and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, the Defence Forces repelled 13 enemy attacks near Yampil, Dronivka, Serebrianka, Siversk, and Fedorivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, an engagement occurred near Minkivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 23 attacks around Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Shcherbynivka, Pleshchiivka, and toward Stepanivka, Sofiivka, and Berestok.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian forces stopped 45 assault actions by the aggressor toward Nove Shakhove and Novopavlivka, as well as in the areas of Hryshyne, Chervonyi Lyman, Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, and Dachne.
In the Oleksandrohrad sector, the enemy carried out 16 attacks near Yalta, Ivanivka, Zelenyi Hai, Vorone, Rybnе, Oleksandrohrad, Sosnivka, Stepove, Uspenivka, Pavlivka, and toward Danylivka.
In the Huliaipole sector, the Defence Forces repelled 14 attacks near Huliaipole, Solodke, and toward Dobropillia.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attempted to breach Ukrainian defensive lines near Stepove once.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Russian forces did not conduct offensive actions." Ukrin
The enemy carried out two missile strikes and 60 air strikes on positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, dropping 143 guided aerial bombs. In addition, Russian forces employed 6,360 kamikaze drones and conducted 4,291 shelling attacks, including 117 using multiple-launch rocket systems.
Russian aircraft struck Malomykhailivka, Danylivka, Zaliznychne, Huliaipole, Veselianka in the Zaporizhzhia region, and Olhivka in the Kherson region.
The Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Defence Forces hit four areas where Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment were concentrated.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the Defence Forces stopped six enemy assaults near Vovchansk, Synelnykove, and toward Izbytske and Kolodiazne.
In the Kupiansk sector, nine assaults took place in the directions of Petropavlivka, Pishchane, and Kolisnykivka.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked 13 times, attempting to break through near Hrekivka, Serednie, Tverdokhlibove, and Zarichne, as well as toward Novoselivka, Drobysheve, Novoserhiivka, Novyi Myr, and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, the Defence Forces repelled 13 enemy attacks near Yampil, Dronivka, Serebrianka, Siversk, and Fedorivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, an engagement occurred near Minkivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 23 attacks around Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Shcherbynivka, Pleshchiivka, and toward Stepanivka, Sofiivka, and Berestok.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian forces stopped 45 assault actions by the aggressor toward Nove Shakhove and Novopavlivka, as well as in the areas of Hryshyne, Chervonyi Lyman, Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, and Dachne.
In the Oleksandrohrad sector, the enemy carried out 16 attacks near Yalta, Ivanivka, Zelenyi Hai, Vorone, Rybnе, Oleksandrohrad, Sosnivka, Stepove, Uspenivka, Pavlivka, and toward Danylivka.
In the Huliaipole sector, the Defence Forces repelled 14 attacks near Huliaipole, Solodke, and toward Dobropillia.
In the Orikhiv sector, the enemy attempted to breach Ukrainian defensive lines near Stepove once.
In the Prydniprovske sector, Russian forces did not conduct offensive actions." Ukrin
Japan and China trade blame after jets square off over Pacific
"Tokyo and Beijing have exchanged accusations after their fighter jets had at least two close calls amid Chinese naval drills.
Japan was the first to report the incident, stating that Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked their fire control radars on Japanese F-15J warplanes on at least two occasions on Saturday. The
confrontation occurred over international waters to the southeast of Okinawa, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
“These radar illuminations are a dangerous act that went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters on Sunday, adding that Tokyo had already lodged a complaint over what she called “extremely regrettable” actions.
Beijing has rejected the allegations, stating that Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and harassed the Chinese Navy while it was conducting previously announced carrier exercises in the area.
“We solemnly demand that the Japanese side immediately stop slandering and smearing and strictly restrain front-line actions,” Chinese Navy spokesperson Colonel Wang Xuemeng said. He cautioned that China would “take necessary measures… to resolutely safeguard its own security and legitimate rights and interests.” RT
Japan was the first to report the incident, stating that Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked their fire control radars on Japanese F-15J warplanes on at least two occasions on Saturday. The
“These radar illuminations are a dangerous act that went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters on Sunday, adding that Tokyo had already lodged a complaint over what she called “extremely regrettable” actions.
Beijing has rejected the allegations, stating that Japanese aircraft repeatedly approached and harassed the Chinese Navy while it was conducting previously announced carrier exercises in the area.
“We solemnly demand that the Japanese side immediately stop slandering and smearing and strictly restrain front-line actions,” Chinese Navy spokesperson Colonel Wang Xuemeng said. He cautioned that China would “take necessary measures… to resolutely safeguard its own security and legitimate rights and interests.” RT
5.6 Earthquake - Coral Sea, 58 km northwest of Port-Olry, Sanma Province, Vanuatu
Vanuatu, late in the evening at 11.16 pm local time (Pacific/Efate GMT +11).
The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.
The quake was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD
The quake was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Hamas and Israel move towards phase two of US-backed Gaza plan
"As Israel and Hamas prepare to move towards phase two of a United States-led blueprint to
end war in Gaza, disagreements loom over the as-yet undefined role of an international stabilization force in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said on Sunday that the U.S. draft required “a lot of clarifications”. While the group was ready to discuss “freezing or storing” weapons during the ongoing truce, he said it would not accept that an international stabilization force take charge of disarmament. “We are welcoming a [United Nations] force to be near the borders, supervising the ceasefire agreement, reporting about violations, preventing any kind of escalations,” he said, adding that Hamas would not accept the force having “any kind of mandates” on Palestinian territory." AJ
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said on Sunday that the U.S. draft required “a lot of clarifications”. While the group was ready to discuss “freezing or storing” weapons during the ongoing truce, he said it would not accept that an international stabilization force take charge of disarmament. “We are welcoming a [United Nations] force to be near the borders, supervising the ceasefire agreement, reporting about violations, preventing any kind of escalations,” he said, adding that Hamas would not accept the force having “any kind of mandates” on Palestinian territory." AJ
5.8 Earthquake - 93 km N of Yakutat, Alaska
5.2 Earthquake - Banda Sea, 35 km northwest of Pulau Molu Island, Maluku, Indonesia
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