CIA official with top security clearance charged for leaking highly classified docs about Israel’s plans to strike Iran

"A CIA official has been charged with leaking highly classified US documents about Israel’s
potential plan to strike back against Iran over a missile attack.

Asif W. Rahman, who worked overseas for the agency and held a top secret security clearance, was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia on Tuesday over the leaks.
His arrest comes after the top secret materials started circulating online last month detailing Israel’s apparent intention to retaliate after Iran launched a barrage of missiles back on Oct. 1.
The files, which were prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, in part detailed satellite imagery tied to the potential Israeli strike, as well as the various kinds of missiles on hand.
The top secret files were only meant to be seen by those with proper clearance in the US and the other members of the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance — Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Rahman, who is being brought to a federal court in Guam to face the charges, is charged with two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information.." NYP

Poland’s top general demands preparations for war with Russia

"Poland’s Chief of General Staff, General Wieslaw Kukula, has called for heightened military and civilian readiness against what he describes as a “real threat” from Russia.

In an interview with Rzeczpospolita published on Tuesday, Kukula told the newspaper that Warsaw must be fully prepared to defend the nation, emphasizing that a well-prepared nation, with strong defensive capabilities and a resilient society, would present a “huge risk” for any attacker.
“This is a real threat,” the general stated firmly, stressing that the possibility of a conflict should not be underestimated.
Kukula’s comments reflect a tradition among Polish leaders to adopt a hawkish stance toward Russia, given the countries’ historically turbulent relationship." RT

French Army on High Alert, 20,000 Troops Ready to Respond, Top Brass Says

"The French army is ready to immediately engage in combat to defend the country if

necessary, General Pierre Schill, the army chief of staff, said in an interview to the Journal du Dimanche.
"If the situation requires it, we are ready for combat starting this evening to protect the French people and the country's vital interests," he told the newspaper in an interview published on Monday.
The French army is undoubtedly prepared for high-intensity warfare with a peer adversary, the general added. A force of 20,000 soldiers is on standby, some of whom are currently deployed abroad, including in Lebanon, Iraq, Estonia and Romania. 

French instructors have been training Ukrainian soldiers in France and Poland. Schill said in his op-ed in March that the French army was ready for the "toughest" engagements after French President Emmanuel Macron repeatedly suggested that Europe should send troops to Ukraine." Sputnik

Lebanese Hezbollah Targets Israel's Tel Nof Airbase With Multiple Strikes

"Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah said on Tuesday that its fighters launched a series of strikes on Israel's Tel Nof Airbase in southern Tel Aviv.
"Islamic resistance fighters fired a series of strikes at an air force base in southern Tel Aviv," the statement said.
Earlier, the press service of the Shiite resistance reported a rocket strike on the Sharaga base north of the city of Acre and on Israeli army artillery positions in the Neve Ziv area." Sputnik

162 clashes on frontline over past day, Kurakhove sector hottest

"Over the past day, there were 162 combat clashes on the front.
In the Kupiansk sector, there were 17 enemy attacks over the past day. The Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled assaults near Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Kruhliakivka, and Lozova.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy laucnhed six attacks, attempting to advance near Novomykhailivka, Hrekivka, and Torske.

In the Siversk sector, the Ukrainian defenders repelled an attack near Verkhniokamianske.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy, in some cases supported by aviation, conducted 11 attacks near Toretsk and Shcherbynivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Ukrainian defenders stopped 28 assault and offensive actions by the aggressor in the areas of Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Hryhorivka, Pustynka, and Novooleksiivka.
In the Kurakhove sector, Ukraine’s Defense Forces repelled 47 attacks, with the most intense fighting in the areas of Illinka, Novoselivka, Voznesenka, Novodmytrivka, Dalnie, and Antonivka.
In the Vremivka sector, the enemy launched 15 assaults on the Ukrainian positions near Trudove, Maksymivka, Makarivka, Rivnopil, and Novodarivka, actively using assault and bomber aviation.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the Russian invaders attacked the Ukrainian positions five times, facing a tough rebuff and suffering losses.
In the Volyn and Polissia sectors, no signs of the enemy offensive groups formation were spotted." Ukrin

187 skirmishes in past day, most attacks repelled on Kurakhove, Pokrovsk axes

"187 combat clashes between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front lines.

The situation at the front remains difficult. 

The Russians, using their advantage in manpower and military equipment, relentlessly attacked the positions of the Ukrainian defenders, but Ukrainian forces steadfastly held back the onslaught and inflicted significant losses on the enemy, the General Staff said.

Enemy airstrikes targeted Novenke, Zhuravka, Basivka, and Krasnopillia of the Sumy region; Serhiivka, Zakitne, Siversk, Dronivka, Toretsk, Katerynivka, Petrivka, Kostiantynivka, Druzhba, Romanivka, Myrnohrad, Kurakhove, Novodonetske, Maksymivka, and Velyka Novosilka of the Donetsk region.
In the Kharkiv sector, Russian troops unsuccessfully attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk area eight times. The enemy dropped two guided bombs on Kozacha Lopan.
In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled three enemy assaults near Kindrashivka, Novoplatonivka, and Kolisnykivka.
Russian troops actively used aircraft in the Lyman sector. Glide bomb strikes hit Zarichne, Lyman and Yampolivka. In addition, the invaders attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders ten times and tried to break through Ukrainian defenses near Hrekivka, Nevske, Terny, Novomykhailivka, and Serebrianka.
On the Siversk axis, one Russian assault was repelled near Vyimka. The enemy carried out airstrikes on Zakitne, Dronivka, and Siversk.
Actively using aircraft in the Kramatorsk sector, Russian forces launched three attacks on Ukrainian positions near Chasiv Yar.
Over the past day, the invaders stormed Ukrainian positions in the Toretsk and Shcherbynivka areas four times in the Toretsk sector.
On the Pokrovsk axis, Ukrainian defenders repelled 50 enemy attacks near Myroliubivka, Promin, Hryhorivka, Krutyi Yar, Petrivka, Pustynka, Ukrainka, and Lysivka. The main efforts of the enemy were concentrated on Selydove and Promin.
On the Kurakhove axis, Ukrainian forces repelled 57 attacks. The Russians most actively tried to advance near Illinka, Novoselydivka, Vozdvyzhenka, Voznesenka, Novodmytrivka, Maksymilianivka, Dalnie, Antonivka, Katerynivka, Kreminna Balka, Sontsivka, Zoria, and Kurakhove.
In the Vremivka sector, the enemy carried out 14 assaults near Trudove, Makarivka, Novodarivka, and Rivnopil. The Russians actively used bombers and attack aircraft.
In the Orikhiv direction, with the support of aircraft, the enemy launched one attack on Ukrainian positions near Novoandriivka.
The invaders made five unsuccessful attempts to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions in the Dnipro River sector. In addition, the enemy struck Odradokamianka and Vesele with unguided air missiles." Ukrin

Russians attack Mykolaiv with drones

"Fires have broken out in residential buildings as a result of a Russian attack in Mykolaiv, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuries to one woman." Pravada

160 combat clashes on front lines in past 24 hours, fighting fiercest in Pokrovsk, Kurakhove sectors

"As many as 160 combat engagements between Ukrainian forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front lines in Ukraine.
In the Kharkiv sector, the enemy launched six attacks on Ukrainian positions near Starytsia and Vovchansk.
Three Russian attacks were recorded in the Kupiansk sector during the day. Ukrainian forces repelled assaults near Kindrashivka, Zahryzove, and Zelenyi Hai.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy launched six attacks near Hrekivka, Terny, Torske, and Serebrianka.

On the Siversk axis, Ukrainian forces repelled one Russian attack near Verkhniokamianske.
In the Kramatorsk sector, three combat clashes were recorded outside Stupochky and Chasiv Yar.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy launched 16 attacks near Toretsk and Shcherbynivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled 35 enemy assaults near Myroliubivka, Promin, Hryhorivka, Selydove, Lysivka, Sukhyi Yar, and Petrivka.
In the Kurakhove sector, Ukrainian forces repelled 48 attacks near Illinka, Vozdvyzhenka, Novoselydivka, Novodmytrivka, Sontsivka, Maksymilianivka, Antonivka, Dalnie and Katerynivka. Russian troops most actively tried to advance near Antonivka and Illinka.
In the Vremivka sector, the enemy carried out 13 assaults near Trudove, Kostiantynopolske, Uspenivka, and Makarivka, and actively engaged assault and bombing aircraft.
In the Orikhiv sector, the invaders launched two attacks near Novoandriivka and Mala Tokmachka.
In the Dnipro River sector, Russian invaders launched seven unsuccessful attacks.
Ukraine's operation in the Kursk region is ongoing. According to available information, Russian aircraft carried out 26 strikes using 48 glide bombs against its own territory." 

Ukrin

First Trump-Putin Call Since Election Focuses On The Quick 'Resolution Of Ukraine War'

"President-elect Donald Trump is already moving quite fast on his goal to quickly bring to an end the Ukraine war. It has been revealed Sunday he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin previously on Thursday, the first such communication between the two since Trump won the election.

Trump urged immediate de-escalation in the call with Putin. The Washington Post describes that "During the call, which Trump took from his resort in Florida, he advised the Russian president not to escalate the war in Ukraine and reminded him of Washington’s sizable military presence in Europe, said a person familiar with the call, who, like others interviewed for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter."
Multiple sources said the call focused on the "goal of peace on the European continent" and ended on a positive note with plans to hold future conversations on "the resolution of Ukraine's war soon". ZeroHedge

‘Deal of the Century’ in the Works: Boulos Reaches Out to Palestinians; Trump Talks to Netanyahu

"President-elect Donald Trump appears serious about achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace — the so-called “Deal of the Century” — that he pursued during his first term, which resulted in the Abraham Accords but did not bring the Palestinians aboard.
Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, has been reaching out to Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, according to the Times of Israel, in the hopes of renewing ties. He also ensured that Trump and Abbas exchanged letters after Trump survived an assassination attempt in July.

Boulos has also been tapped to lead negotiations with Lebanon on ending the war between Israel and Hezbollah there.
Abbas had a rocky relationship with Trump. When Trump was elected in 2016, the Palestinians were shocked and had no contacts in the incoming administration. While Trump met with Abbas after taking office, he grew furious with the Palestinian Authority (PA) for funding terror. He signed the Taylor Force Act, cutting off U.S. taxpayer funds to the PA while it still subsidized terror, and closed the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) office in Washington, D.C.
Trump invited Palestinians into the Abraham Accords, with the incentive of $50 billion in promised investment aid. The Palestinians refused.
Trump is not likely to pursue a “two-state solution,” especially in the aftermath of the Hamas terror attack of October 7, 2023. However, he may try to achieve a peace agreement on an alternative basis.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he had spoken with Trump directly three times since Trump won the U.S. presidential election last week, and that the two saw “eye-to-eye.”
In a statement (translated by the Government Press Office), Netanyahu said: “In recent days, I have spoken three times with US President-elect Donald Trump. These were very good and important talks designed to further enhance the steadfast bond between Israel and the US. We see eye-to-eye on the Iranian threat in all its aspects, and on the dangers they reflect. We also see the great opportunities facing Israel, in the area of peace and its expansion, and in other areas.” Breitbart

Qatar Tells Hamas to Leave, Days After Trump Wins Election

"Qatar has told the leaders of Hamas to leave the country where they have enjoyed a luxurious exile for many years, just days after President-elect Donald Trump won the U.S. election." Breitbart

Iranian operative charged in pre-election scheme to assassinate Trump, other U.S. targets

"An operative working for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told federal investigators that he was tasked in September with "surveilling, and, ultimately, assassinating" President-elect Donald Trump, according to court records unsealed Friday.

Prosecutors say Farhad Shakeri, who is believed to be residing in Iran, told investigators in a phone interview that unnamed IRGC officials pushed him to plan an attack against Trump last month.
If the plan could not come together in time, the Iranian officials directed Shakeri to delay the plot until after the presidential election because the official "assessed that [Trump] would lose the election," charging documents revealed." CBS

171 skirmishes with Russian forces over past day

"Some 171 combat clashes between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and the Russian army were recorded on the front lines.
In the Kupiansk sector, the invaders launched 14 attacks during the day. Ukrainian forces repelled Russian assaults near Kindrashivka, Kolisnykivka, Zahryzove, Lozova, Pishchane, and Berestove.

The enemy launched 12 attacks in the Lyman sector, trying to break through Ukrainian defense near Hrekivka, Zarichne, Terny, Torske, and Hryhorivka.
In the Siversk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled five assaults by the Russian invaders near Bilohorivka and Verkhniokamyanske.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian troops launched one attack in the Bondarne area.
In the Toretsk sector, the enemy, actively using aircraft, carried out ten attacks near Dyliivka, Druzhba, Toretsk, Shcherbynivka, and Petrivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian forces stopped 36 assaults by the invaders in the direction of Myroliubivka, Novotoretske, Promin, Lysivka, Krutyi Yar, Selydove, Vyshneve, and Chumatske.
In the Kurakhove sector, Ukrainian forces repelled 40 Russian attacks. The Russians most actively tried to advance in the areas of Illinka, Berestky, Novoselydivka, Novodmytrivka, Voznesenka, Maksymivka, Antonivka, Dalne, and Katerynivka.
In the Vremivka sector, the invaders carried out seven assaults on the positions of Ukrainian forces near Trudove, Kostiantynopil, and Sukhi Yaly.
In the Orikhiv sector, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions five times near Novoandriivka and Novodanylivka." Ukrin

Trump Effect: EU Chief Suggests Replacing Russian LNG with American Gas Imports

"In preparation for President-Elect Donald J. Trump returning to the White House, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen suggested that the bloc will look to replace Russian liquid natural gas (LNG) imports with supplies from the United States." Breitbart

Odesa Hit With Deadly Drone Strike as Top EU Diplomat Arrives in Kyiv

"One person died and 13 people were wounded by a Russian drone in a residential area in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa overnight, local officials said  as EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell arrived in Kyiv to discuss European support for Ukraine." Breitbart