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The week in Global Affairs
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The proposed energy ceasefire collapsed as strikes continued, while Washington pursued diesel arrangements, asset relief, and paused sanctions against Moscow. Trump then promoted a trilateral summit that could center Russia, the United States, and China while leaving Ukraine without a guaranteed seat, deepening the rupture with Kyiv and shifting more responsibility toward Europe.
Houthi attacks moved from Saudi airports and civilian areas to energy facilities and Yemen’s governing center, while fighting around Taiz worsened the humanitarian crisis. The scale of the attacks tested US restraint and prompted Egypt to consider military assistance to Saudi Arabia.
Attacks around the Strait of Hormuz intensified from repeated vessel strikes to damaged and sinking tankers, sharply reducing transits and pushing Brent crude to $110. The crisis now threatens energy markets, shipping costs, insurance, and wider supply chains.
Restrictions and reported disruptions to Starlink and Starshield weakened Ukrainian communications and defenses during Russian attacks. The dispute exposed Kyiv’s dependence on a privately controlled network and turned satellite access into a direct US-Ukraine pressure point.
Settler attacks on Palestinian harvesters, journalists, a US journalist, and European diplomats expanded the diplomatic fallout. Condemnations from US and European officials increased pressure on Israel to prosecute attackers and protect Palestinian livelihoods.
Israel halted commercial supplies to Gaza, cutting access to food, fresh produce, meat, and winter clothing while civilians remained dependent on limited humanitarian channels. Continued deaths during the declared ceasefire further weakened its credibility and civilian protections.
China paired selective openings to foreign payment networks with warnings over trade and plans for export controls on AI, semiconductor, and solar technologies. Its technology gains and control over strategic supply chains increasingly function as counterweights to US pressure.
Concerns about Russian influence and coercion extended across sabotage, cyber activity, political lobbying, bot operations, maritime deception, and a possible Polish airspace breach. The pattern broadened the security challenge facing NATO members and neighboring states.
Day’s Recap