18 December 2025
Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the media that Western peacekeepers in Ukraine would have the authority to move against corresponding Russian violations and attacks. This would be part of the role to secure a demilitarized zone between two belligerent parties. Earlier, Polish President Donald Tusk confirmed that, for the first time, US negotiators stated that there would be a military response if Russia were to violate a peace agreement.
United States
The US Senate passed the defence policy bill, and it is expected that President Trump will sign it, even though the bill could force the Pentagon to turn over footage of strikes against suspected drug smugglers and rein in the administration’s ability to limit troops abroad. The $901 billion Defense Authorization Act saw substantial support from Democrats and Republicans, with the vote share being 77-20.
Somalia
The number of airstrikes committed by the United States during this Trump administration exceeds the combined total of the Bush, Obama, and Biden administrations. There have been at least 111 airstrikes against al-Shabab and ISIS militants in Somalia this year.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Field Marshal Munir met with Libya’s Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar to discuss strengthening defence ties based on mutual interests. Both sides discussed the importance of collaboration in training, capacity building, and counter-terrorism domains.
South Korea
The American-led UN Command in South Korea objects to the latest push to give South Korea control over the demilitarized zone. The South Korean government is seeking authority to allow non-military access to the DMZ as part of efforts to promote the peaceful use of the military buffer zone. The UNC cited Article 1 of the armistice agreement, which set out the UNC chief’s responsibilities.
Israel
Israel’s Mossad chief stated that Israel has the duty not to allow Iran to restart its nuclear programme. The outgoing chief, David Barnea, said: “The idea of continuing to develop a nuclear bomb still beats in their hearts. We bear responsibility to ensure that the nuclear project, which has been gravely damaged, in close cooperation with the Americans, will never be activated.”
Social media wires
Meeting of Munir and Haftar
The Black Sea Fleet is effectively boxed in now
Featured Photo: “Reconnaissance Squadron of Multinational Brigade Latvia prepares to commence EXERCISE RESOLUTE WARRIOR, at Military Base Ādaži, on 03 November 2024. Credit: Multinational Brigade Imagery Technician”, CombatCamera, 2025
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.