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Ukraine Strikes Russian Energy Hubs with Missiles and Drones

A n artilleryman of the 44th Separate Artillery Brigade, named after Hetman Danylo Apostol, of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, carries a cartridge as he prepares to fire a M777 Howitzer towards Russian troops. On December 25, 2025 , Ukraine launched a coordinated assault on Russian energy infrastructure, deploying Storm Shadow cruise missiles alongside long-range drones . According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the strikes hit the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia’s Rostov region, one of southern Russia’s largest suppliers of diesel and jet fuel for the military. Multiple explosions were reported, and the facility was forced offline. In addition to the refinery, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) confirmed drone attacks on facilities in Temryuk and Orenburg . Fuel tanks in Temryuk caught fire, while a gas processing plant in Orenburg was shut down, further disrupting Russia’s energy output. Ukrainian officials stated that these operations are designed to undermine Russia’s milit...

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White House Showdown: Trump and King Abdullah Clash Over Gaza’s Future

 

At the White House on Tuesday, President Donald Trump is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in what promises to be a high-stakes discussion on the future of Gaza. In recent days, Trump has pushed a controversial proposal envisioning the transformation of the war‐torn Gaza Strip into what he calls the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His plan would require relocating Gaza’s Palestinian residents to neighboring Arab states—including Jordan and Egypt—a proposal that has already sparked widespread outrage in the region and raised fears of further instability.

The meeting comes amid heightened tensions surrounding a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. After Hamas announced a pause in the release of hostages—accusing Israel of violating the truce—Trump intensified his rhetoric, suggesting that if Jordan and Egypt do not accept Gaza refugees, he might withhold critical U.S. aid to these longtime allies. 

King Abdullah, known for his pragmatic approach to regional security, is expected to push back strongly against the proposal. Concerned that the influx of additional refugees could destabilize Jordan and undermine prospects for a two-state solution, the Jordanian monarch is likely to emphasize national dignity and long-standing regional dynamics in his response. 

As global attention remains fixed on the evolving crisis in Gaza, this tense encounter at the White House could signal a turning point in U.S.–Arab relations. Observers are keen to see whether a compromise can be reached or if divergent visions for the Middle East will further widen existing divides. 


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