Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the upcoming Ramstein meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group may be its last, as the incoming US administration is likely to propose a different format for these events. The 25th meeting of the group will take place in Germany on January 9, where Ukraine's defense plan and urgent needs in the war against Russia will be discussed.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3946329-upcoming-udcg-meeting-may-become-last-polish-defense-minister.htmlPolish Defense Chief suggests that a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group may be its last in the current format due to potential changes proposed by the incoming US administration. The group, which meets on January 9 in Germany, will discuss Ukraine's defense plan and urgent needs in the war against Russia at its 25th meeting.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3946339-big-five-defense-chiefs-to-meet-in-warsaw-ukraine-also-invited.htmlSwanton emphasized the importance of cooperation between Ukraine and the US defense industries, particularly in developing joint production projects to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities. This comes ahead of a meeting on January 9 in Germany where the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group will discuss Ukraine's defense plan and needs in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3946268-us-delegation-arrives-in-kyiv-before-ramstein-to-discuss-aid-to-ukraine-for-2025-with-dm.htmlThe US government is planning a new aid package for Ukraine, although the exact amount has not been disclosed. According to officials, it will be a substantial sum, but less than the $4 billion remaining from congressionally authorized funding. The package is expected to be announced by the White House under the leadership of President Donald Trump. A meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is scheduled for January 9 at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, chaired by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, to discuss strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3946088-us-to-announce-new-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-at-ramstein-meeting-ap.htmlUkraine, along with Poland and Denmark, has developed a plan to initiate EU accession talks in two stages starting from mid-2025. This comes as the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is set to take place on January 9 at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany under the chairmanship of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3946111-zelensky-on-eu-accession-2025-should-be-as-productive-in-negotiations-as-ukraine-needs-it-to-be.htmlThe US Department of Defense plans to provide $15 million to Lebanon's Internal Security Forces to rebuild police stations and improve their capabilities. The funds will also be used to purchase vehicles and enhance radio communications, with the goal of making them the primary law enforcement entity in the country. Additionally, the department will allocate $3.06 million to support Palestinian Authority police operations in the West Bank and $2.5 million to Jordan's Public Security Directorate for its response to public demonstrations.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2025/01/07/us-shifts-over-100m-in-military-aid-from-israel-egypt-to-lebanon/Chinese technology companies including Tencent and CATL are protesting the listing of several US-based companies with ties to the Chinese military on a US government list. The move is seen as an escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations. The list, which was released by the US Department of Defense, includes 34 entities that have been deemed to be owned or controlled by the Chinese military.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/chinese-tech-giants/XXVLLYJVTBFKFMNPJLILYY3RWQ/The US Department of Defense has added Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd., known for its WeChat messaging app, to a list of companies it believes are working with China's military. The list also includes Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), the world's largest battery manufacturer for electric vehicles, and ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc. The move is part of US efforts to limit China's development of advanced technologies for military use under its "military-civil fusion strategy", which has helped modernize the People's Liberation Army.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250107/p2g/00m/0in/009000cThe US Department of Defense has added several Chinese companies to its list of Chinese military companies, including CATL, Quectel, COSCO, Tencent, MGI Tech, and Origincell Technology. The move is part of a broader effort by the US government to restrict Chinese companies it deems pose security risks. The affected companies have responded with criticism, with some calling the designation a mistake. CATL and Quectel said they do not engage in military-related activities and will ask the Pentagon to reconsider its decision. Tencent's shares fell nearly 7% after the announcement, while COSCO's HK-listed shares dropped more than 4%. The Chinese embassy in Washington has also opposed the move, calling it discriminatory and urging the US to correct its practices.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-lists-chinese-giants-tencent-catcl-as-firms-working-for-pla-13850533.html