Good morning! It’s Friday, January 17, 2025, and we’re wrapping up the week with your daily briefing on defense and global affairs. Here’s what’s making headlines today.
UK Strengthens Ties with Ukraine in Century-Long Defense Deal
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Thursday, signing a historic 100-year defense partnership with Ukraine amidst the ongoing war.
The agreement strengthens military cooperation, supports Ukraine’s defense industry, and acknowledges Ukraine as a “future NATO ally.”
Starmer emphasized the UK’s unwavering support, pledging £3 billion ($3.7 billion) annually “for as long as it takes” to ensure Ukraine’s security and independence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the agreement and hinted at the potential for similar partnerships with other allies.
Starmer also indicated the UK would discuss deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine with international allies, though he made no firm commitments.
The visit coincides with fears that incoming US President Donald Trump might reduce military aid to Ukraine or push for a ceasefire favoring Russia.
Good morning! It’s Friday, January 17, 2025, and we’re wrapping up the week with your daily briefing on defense and global affairs. Here’s what’s making headlines today.
UK Strengthens Ties with Ukraine in Century-Long Defense Deal
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Thursday, signing a historic 100-year defense partnership with Ukraine amidst the ongoing war.
The agreement strengthens military cooperation, supports Ukraine’s defense industry, and acknowledges Ukraine as a “future NATO ally.”
Starmer emphasized the UK’s unwavering support, pledging £3 billion ($3.7 billion) annually “for as long as it takes” to ensure Ukraine’s security and independence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the agreement and hinted at the potential for similar partnerships with other allies.
Starmer also indicated the UK would discuss deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine with international allies, though he made no firm commitments.
The visit coincides with fears that incoming US President Donald Trump might reduce military aid to Ukraine or push for a ceasefire favoring Russia.
Meanwhile, fighting on the eastern front intensifies, with Russian forces gaining momentum in certain areas, while Zelensky urges Western nations to leverage frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Russia and Iran Sign Strategic Partnership Ahead of Trump Presidency
Iran and Russia are set to sign a major 20-year “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow.
This agreement solidifies the close ties between two heavily sanctioned nations, deepening their military, political, and economic cooperation.
Iran has been supplying Russia with drones used in Ukraine, while both countries have ramped up trade in response to Western sanctions.
BREAKING:
President of the Islamic Regime in Iran Masoud Pezeshkian is meeting Putin in Moscow to sign a 20-year Strategic Partnership Agreement btw Iran & Russia.
The China-Russia-Iran-North Korea-Venezuela-Cuba-Belarus alliance is growing stronger pic.twitter.com/hfX4rn7C7R web
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 17, 2025
The treaty, which has been in the works for years, reflects a mutual effort to counter US-led “global hegemony,” according to Russian officials.
While details are scarce, it will not include a mutual defense clause like Russia’s agreement with North Korea.
Both leaders emphasized the constructive and collaborative nature of their alliance, particularly in light of challenges from the West.
The timing of this pact is significant, coming days before US President-elect Trump takes office, with his plans to address conflicts involving Iran and Russia likely to reshape geopolitical dynamics.
Norway Delivers F-16s, France Preps Mirage Jets for Ukraine
France and Norway are staying on track with their commitments to deliver fighter jets to Ukraine, the countries’ defense ministers announced during a meeting in Oslo.
Norway has pledged six US-made F-16s, with deliveries continuing into 2025, while France is set to provide Mirage 2000-5 jets starting in early 2025.
Both nations emphasized the sensitivity of delivering military aid to a country at war but reassured that their timelines were being met.
The ministers also signed an agreement to boost military cooperation, including safeguarding underwater infrastructure against hybrid threats from Russia.
France is vying to sell intervention frigates to Norway, competing with the US, Britain, and Germany.
Additionally, Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime will supply the French navy with Hugin seabed exploration vehicles capable of diving to extreme depths.
Biden Grants Cyprus Access to US Military Equipment
The US has taken a significant step in its relationship with Cyprus, granting the Mediterranean nation access to American military equipment.
President Joe Biden’s memorandum, announced Wednesday, highlights Cyprus as a key ally in promoting regional stability and strengthening US security interests.
The decision enables Cyprus to purchase defense equipment through US programs like Foreign Military Sales and the Excess Defense Articles initiative.
Ο US President Biden με προεδρική πράξη (memorandum) που έχει ισχύ νόμου, κατέστησε την Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία επιλέξιμη χώρα να δεχθεί αμυντικό εξοπλισμό και υπηρεσίες, προνόμιο που απολαμβάνουν συμμαχικές χώρες. #Cyprus pic.twitter.com/0dRwMVCL4t
— Theo Peters (@deepblue318) January 15, 2025
This shift reflects Cyprus’s pivot towards a pro-American stance under President Nikos Christodoulides, who has strengthened ties with the US since his election in 2023.
The move also builds on Cyprus’s cooperation with the US during Middle East crises, including delivering aid to Gaza and evacuating US nationals.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, and while the US lifted a decades-old arms embargo in 2022, this latest agreement underscores its growing role as a “pillar of stability” in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Pakistan Supply Convoy Ambushed Despite Ceasefire in Kurram
A convoy delivering vital supplies to Pakistan’s conflict-stricken Kurram region was ambushed by gunmen on Thursday, despite a recent ceasefire intended to calm ongoing sectarian violence.
The attack targeted a 33-vehicle convoy carrying food, medicine, and other essentials, leaving several trucks stranded and some set ablaze.
One security officer was killed, three others wounded, and casualties were reported among the attackers as gunfire erupted at multiple locations.
Kurram, a remote area bordering Afghanistan, has long been a hotspot for Sunni-Shiite tensions.
Since November, renewed violence has claimed around 140 lives, with frequent ambushes and no ceasefire proving effective.
The region remains largely cut off, deepening the crisis for local residents.
Boko Haram Kills Nine Nigerian Soldiers Returning from Mass Burial
Clashes between Nigerian forces and Boko Haram militants left nine soldiers dead and five missing in northeast Nigeria, according to military officials Thursday.
The fighting broke out earlier this week near the fishing town of Baga as soldiers returned from the mass burial of farmers killed days earlier by rival jihadist group ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
The ISWAP attack had targeted farmers in the Dumba area, reportedly as punishment for encroaching on the group’s territory, with death toll estimates ranging from 40 to over 100.
A mass burial was held today for the 147 victims of Boko Haram’s horrific Sunday 12 January slaughter of farmers and fishermen at Dumba near Baga Borno state. Boko Haram must be held to account for its years of atrocities, including war crimes:https://t.co/rACIZUNpew
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 16, 2025
The soldiers, en route from the burial site, engaged Boko Haram fighters who may have been expecting an ISWAP attack.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have been battling for control of the Lake Chad region since their split in 2016.
The jihadist conflict in Nigeria has killed over 40,000 people and displaced two million since 2009.
Gaza Ceasefire: Hostages Set to Return in Long-Awaited Agreement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday a breakthrough deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
The agreement includes a temporary ceasefire to pause the 15-month war, allowing 33 Israeli hostages to return home in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
It also enables displaced Palestinians to return to their homes and paves the way for increased humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu emphasized that preparations are underway to receive the hostages, while his government faces internal tensions over the agreement, particularly from far-right coalition partners.
The ceasefire comes amidst heavy Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which killed 72 people on Thursday.
Israel escalates attacks on Gaza City, killing dozens of Palestinians, ahead of Sunday’s planned ceasefire.
🔴 Follow our LIVE coverage: https://t.co/SSIgFf8zjU pic.twitter.com/5oAaUmtobW
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 17, 2025
Hamas has denied allegations of backtracking on the agreement, while Netanyahu’s coalition remains divided, with threats of resignations from key members opposing the deal.
The first phase of the agreement will last six weeks, with a more complex second phase, including further hostage releases, requiring additional negotiations.
Long-term questions about Gaza’s governance and reconstruction remain unresolved, as both sides brace for the potential resumption of conflict.
Sources: News Agencies
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