The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) lifted a tsunami advisory for northern Japan’s Pacific coast after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture. Two 20-centimeter waves were observed in the northern island of Hokkaido and the Aomori region, but there was no noticeable change in port conditions. Authorities reported no abnormalities at regional nuclear facilities, and this quake was less severe than a previous 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the same region earlier in the week. Following the earlier quake, the JMA issued a rare special advisory warning of a potential for a powerful earthquake within a week.
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The Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) has identified the US as a threat, marking the first time the country has been listed as such. The report highlights the US’s use of economic and technological power to exert influence, including against allies. The increased competition between superpowers, particularly in the Arctic, poses a specific threat to Denmark, especially concerning Greenland. While acknowledging the US as its closest ally and guarantor of European security, the report also warns of the uncertainty surrounding the US’s future role, which could embolden Russia.
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A new report from a U.S. congressional committee highlights the negative economic impacts of declining Canadian tourism to the United States. The report indicates that U.S. businesses in border states are experiencing significant losses due to decreased travel, citing factors such as Trump-era tariff policies and strained diplomatic relations. Examples are provided for several states, showcasing reduced border crossings and drops in revenue across various sectors, including hospitality and retail. Business owners report diminished sales, increased vacancies, and the need to reduce staffing due to the decline in Canadian visitors, with some fearing long-term damage to cross-border relationships.
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The House of Representatives recently passed a $900 billion defense spending bill including military aid to Ukraine, specifically reauthorizing the USAI and allocating $400 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The legislation also restricts the Pentagon’s ability to reduce troops in Europe below 76,000 for more than 45 days and mandates congressional notification regarding restrictions on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Despite the bill’s support, the Trump administration is currently using the PURL to sell arms to Ukraine via NATO partners instead of allocating new defense aid. In his push for a peace deal, Trump has emphasized that the U.S. is not directly funding the war but rather profiting from weapons sales to NATO.
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Ukraine and its European allies have submitted revisions to the U.S.-proposed peace framework, adding pressure to ongoing negotiations. Territorial concessions, particularly regarding the Donbas region, remain a significant point of contention, with Zelensky emphasizing that any decisions on territory should be made by Ukrainians. While the U.S. has floated compromise ideas, Russia continues to demand full withdrawal from the Donbas. Despite previous hesitations, Trump has indicated willingness to participate in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, though NATO membership is still not on the table.
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President Zelensky visited Kupiansk, a frontline city, to commend Ukrainian troops, contradicting recent Russian claims of capturing it. The visit coincided with Ukraine’s National Guard announcing a successful counterattack north of Kupiansk, carried out by the 2nd Khartiia Corps, which reportedly blocked Russian land routes and liberated villages. This success is seen as crucial for Ukraine’s diplomatic leverage, as highlighted by Zelensky. The corps reported significant casualties inflicted on Russian forces during the period of September 22 to December 12.
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In response to the influx of low-cost imports, EU finance ministers have decided to implement a €3 tax on all small parcels entering the bloc beginning July 1, 2026. This decision follows the earlier agreement to eliminate duty exemptions for packages under €150, primarily from Chinese platforms. The temporary fixed fee aims to address unfair competition faced by European retailers and will remain in effect until a permanent import tax solution is established. With a staggering 4.6 billion small packages entering the EU last year, the majority originating from China, this move is a priority, especially for countries like France.
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On December 12th, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy released a video address near Kupiansk, thanking soldiers fighting on that front, where Russia has repeatedly claimed complete occupation. Intense fighting has occurred in Kupiansk since summer 2025, with Russia aiming to seize the city and the nearby logistics hub. Recent reports from DeepState indicate a Ukrainian counteroffensive, pushing Russian troops out of northwestern Kupiansk and into the city center. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have liberated surrounding villages and buildings, demonstrating progress in the ongoing conflict.
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Ukrainian forces have successfully pushed Russian troops out of the northwestern part of Kupiansk, trapping approximately 200 remaining Russian soldiers in the city center. This counteroffensive, planned and commanded by the 2nd Corps “Khartia,” involved blocking and cutting off the Russian garrison from their main forces, resulting in the recapture of several villages and the targeting of Holubivka. The offensive intensified after Russia initiated an assault in the summer of 2025 with the goal of occupying the city and seizing a key logistics hub, but since then, Ukrainian forces have reportedly killed over 1,000 Russian troops. The operation in central Kupiansk is still ongoing.
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Despite Russian claims that Ukrainian forces were surrounded in Kupiansk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the city to highlight Ukrainian successes in the region. Zelenskyy’s visit, marked by a video address thanking soldiers and acknowledging the importance of results on the front lines, contradicted earlier reports from Russian state media. These reports detailed Russian General Staff briefings to Putin about the alleged capture of Kupiansk and an invitation to journalists to witness the supposed encirclement of Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out a successful counteroffensive near Kupiansk, encircling a Russian force inside the city, as reported by the command of the 2nd Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine’s Khartiia formation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker