South Korea's UN ambassador, Joonkook Hwang, condemned North Korea for using Ukraine as a test site for nuclear-capable missiles, which were used by Russia on December 30, January 2, and January 4. He highlighted the global implications for nuclear non-proliferation and the existential threat to South Korea. The North Korea Missile Test Tracker noted an increase in missile launches by North Korea in 2022. Russia's acquisition of ballistic missiles from North Korea was confirmed by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. The Institute for the Study of War suggested that Russia turned to North Korea for missiles that are difficult for Ukraine to intercept and may also be seeking missiles from Iran.

Ukrainian LGBTQ+ soldiers are fighting for acceptance within the military and society, with some noting that the war with Russia has fostered a greater sense of unity and understanding among comrades. Despite homosexuality being legal in Ukraine, same-sex partnerships lack legal recognition. An online petition for legalizing same-sex marriage was rejected by President Zelenskyy due to constitutional constraints under martial law. However, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Ukraine violated the rights of a same-sex couple, creating a legal obligation to draft legislation. Attitudes are changing, with a significant increase in public support for LGBTQ+ rights, although support for same-sex registered partnerships remains low. Soldiers like Pavlo Lagodya and Ivan Ivanov have experienced varying degrees of acceptance, while others remain anonymous due to fear of discrimination. The military's need for support and alignment with EU values has led to a shift in commanders' attitudes, but challenges persist, with some soldiers still facing homophobia.

Two US Navy SEALs have been missing since a nighttime operation off the coast of Somalia on Thursday, with heavy waves causing one to fall into the water and the other diving in to assist. Despite a search and rescue operation by CENTCOM, no updates have been provided, and military experts suggest their chances of survival are slim after four days. Their elite training offers some hope, but the risk of hypothermia and the challenges of locating them in the water are significant concerns.

Military analysts believe that Russia's use of North Korean missiles in Ukraine presents an opportunity to assess their effectiveness in combat. South Korea's UN ambassador accused North Korea of using Ukraine as a testing ground, with Russia deploying the missiles on December 30, January 2, and January 4. The US and allies have condemned Russia's use of these missiles, which they say provides valuable insights to North Korea. Experts from various think tanks and institutions suggest that analyzing missile wreckage could reveal details about their technology and help improve Western defense systems.

Ukrainian naval commander Oleksii Neizhpapa stated that while drones have been successful in attacking parts of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, this strategy alone will not be sufficient in 2024 due to limitations such as size, armament, and weather resistance. Despite the success of drone attacks in 2022 and 2023, which led to the sinking of Russian ships and the relocation of the fleet, Neizhpapa emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to defeat the Russian navy. He also highlighted the importance of physical presence in claiming territory at sea.

Russian citizens have called for a 9-mile buffer zone along the Ukraine border to protect against raids, following a Kremlin pledge to protect Belgorod. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) considers such a military operation to create the zone in Kharkiv Oblast nearly impossible due to the Russian military's current capabilities. The ISW notes that Russian forces are better positioned in Kharkiv for an offensive than elsewhere, but they are only capable of tactical-level actions with uncertain outcomes. The UK Ministry of Defence has previously stated that both Russian and Ukrainian forces are struggling to make significant progress along the extensive front line.

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps reported that US and UK warships repelled the largest attack by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, involving 21 drones and missiles. The US Central Command confirmed no injuries or damage occurred during the attack. The incident raised concerns about potential disruptions to international maritime commerce and inflationary pressures. The Pentagon's Operation Prosperity Guardian, joined by over 20 countries, aims to counter such threats, but has faced criticism for being insufficient. The UK has warned of consequences if Houthi attacks continue.

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps reported that US and UK warships repelled the largest attack by Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, involving 21 drones and missiles. No injuries or damage were reported. The US Central Command detailed the involvement of multiple US warships in the incident. The attacks have raised concerns about potential disruptions to the world economy and inflationary pressures. The Pentagon's Operation Prosperity Guardian, joined by over 20 countries, aims to counter threats to international maritime commerce. However, Global Guardian's executive vice president, Brian Raymond, criticized the operation as inadequate and called for regional negotiations.

A video shared by Ukraine's intelligence service appears to show a Russian Su-34 fighter jet burning at Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) suggested the incident is under investigation, while Ukrainska Pravda reported it as a result of a DIU special operation, citing an unnamed source. The Su-34 is a significant asset in Russia's air fleet, valued at least $50 million. Ukraine has previously claimed attacks on Russian aircraft in Russian or Russian-occupied territories, including the destruction of helicopters, air-defense launchers, and fighter jets.

A Ukrainian serviceman from the 95th Separate Polesian Air Assault Brigade reported that his unit used drones to rescue a fellow soldier who had been captured and tied up in a Russian-occupied trench. The drones destroyed the enemy forces, allowing the captive to escape to safety. Anton Gerashchenko, an advisor in Ukraine's internal affairs ministry, shared a video detailing the incident. The use of drones in Ukraine has been previously reported, including their role in evacuating wounded soldiers from the battlefield.

The Pentagon has refuted claims that Houthi rebels attacked a US warship in the Red Sea, stating no Houthi activity was observed in the last 24 hours. Reports from Sky News Arabia citing Yemeni sources about missile attacks on a US warship were denied by US officials. The US Navy has been active in the Red Sea to prevent Houthi attacks on cargo ships, shooting down drones and missiles, and engaging with Houthi fighters attempting to board a vessel. Despite a Houthi official threatening to target Western warships, defense analysts doubt the credibility of such threats. The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has condemned the Houthi attacks as endangering commerce and violating international law. Major companies like CMA CGM Group, Hapag-Lloyd, and BP have suspended shipments through the Red Sea due to the conflict, potentially impacting global inflation.

A Ukrainian drone pilot's mission to attack the Russian frigate Admiral Makarov with exploding sea drones was thwarted when Elon Musk cut off Starlink access, which was being used to control the vessels. The incident occurred near Sevastopol in occupied Crimea, and Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Musk to restore access. The failed attack was later revealed in a Musk biography excerpt published by The Washington Post. Musk defended his decision, citing concerns over escalating the conflict to nuclear war. Despite this interruption, Ukraine has since conducted similar strikes without Starlink, and the war has not escalated as Musk feared.

The Pentagon has refuted claims that Houthi rebels attacked a US warship in the Red Sea, stating no Houthi activity was observed in the last 24 hours. Despite reports from Sky News Arabia citing Yemeni sources about missile attacks, US officials confirmed no such incident occurred. The US has been actively intercepting Houthi-launched drones and missiles targeting cargo ships in the region and recently engaged Houthi fighters attempting to board a vessel. The Houthis have threatened to target US and allied warships in retaliation for Israel's actions in Gaza, but defense analysts question the credibility of these threats. The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of stopping these attacks to protect the free flow of commerce and uphold international law.

Xi Jinping is actively reshaping China's military by purging senior commanders deemed unwilling or unable to go to war, with a focus on preparing for potential conflict. Since 2012, Xi has implemented military reforms and recently dismissed nine senior officers, raising speculation about the motives behind these actions. Analysts suggest that Xi's purges aim to ensure military readiness for war, possibly in regions like Taiwan, which could lead to a broader conflict involving the US. The article also references the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Xi's caution regarding military actions. The geopolitical tensions and military activities in various regions are compared to pre-World War II dynamics, suggesting the possibility of a global conflict.

Xi Jinping is actively reshaping China's military by purging senior commanders to ensure readiness for war, with a focus on those willing to engage in conflict. Since 2012, Xi has implemented military reforms and recently dismissed nine senior officers, raising concerns about the quality of China's military leadership and equipment. Analysts suggest that Xi's actions and warlike rhetoric, especially regarding Taiwan, could be setting the stage for conflict, potentially leading to a broader war involving Western countries. Observations are made in the context of global conflicts and historical parallels to World War II.

Xi Jinping is restructuring China's military, dismissing commanders deemed unwilling or incapable of engaging in war, according to military analysts. Since 2012, Xi has been working to gain control over the military, culminating in the dismissal of nine senior officers on December 29, 2023, suspected by US intelligence to be part of anti-corruption efforts. Analysts like Gordon Chang from the Gatestone Institute and Joel Wuthnow from the National Defense University suggest that these moves are also about preparing for potential conflict, with Chang highlighting Xi's increased war rhetoric and Wuthnow noting the importance of reliable military equipment. The article also discusses China's low-level hostilities with neighboring regions and the potential for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan to escalate into a larger conflict, drawing parallels with the dynamics leading to World War II.

The US military's strategy for the Ukraine war involves Ukraine sustaining its defense against Russia until 2025, with the aim of increasing domestic arms production to produce more long-range drones and missiles. This could potentially lead Russia to negotiate peace. US funding for Ukraine is nearing depletion, with the Biden administration planning one final aid package. Ukraine is working to enhance its domestic production capabilities, but it is uncertain if this will compensate for the reduced US and EU aid. Military analysts suggest that without US funding, Ukraine could lose against Russia.

The article by Thibault Spirlet discusses the threat to the EU membership prospects of Western Balkan countries due to foreign interference and growing anti-LGBTQ+ movements. The European Parliament has warned about foreign organisations, mainly from Russia and the US, funding anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns in Europe. These movements target sexual and reproductive health, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, often using disinformation. The article highlights the involvement of the US far-right and the Russian Orthodox Church in funding Europe-based ultra-traditionalist groups. Tactics used include SLAPPs, reputational laundering, physical harassment, and disinformation campaigns. The article also covers the recent attack on Georgia's gay pride festival by the Russian-affiliated group Alt Info, which is seen as an attempt to sabotage Georgia's EU candidacy. The article concludes with the need for pro-democracy governments to resist foreign-funded polarisation and continue pushing a progressive agenda.

A report by Louise Casey is expected to reveal that the Met Police is plagued with systemic issues of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Despite numerous warnings and evaluations over the years, the force has failed to make necessary changes. The report was commissioned following the murder of Sarah Everard by Met officer Wayne Couzens, and it will address whether institutional failings contributed to such incidents. The report will include new case studies and is anticipated to criticize former Met leaders, including Cressida Dick, for their management of the force. High-level discussions have taken place between Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Home Secretary Suella Braverman in light of the report's findings.

Josep Borrell, the EU's top diplomat, has expressed that Europe is currently experiencing its most perilous period since the Cold War due to the potential threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. During an event, he emphasized the need for the EU to lessen its reliance on Russian energy and to unite in forming a comprehensive security strategy. Borrell highlighted the EU's struggle to reach a consensus on how to respond to a possible Russian attack, particularly regarding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. He also mentioned the EU's need to fulfill citizens' expectations in security and defense, referencing the new EU “Security Compass” aimed at establishing a more assertive military strategy. The article also notes an update on Germany's position on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in relation to the EU's potential response to Russian aggression.