German Chancellor hosts Azerbaijan President Aliyev for energy-focused bilateral talks

Confirmed reports indicate former German officials engaged in back-channel diplomacy with Russian representatives in Baku, Azerbaijan, concurrent with Germany's efforts to diversify natural gas imports from Azerbaijan. The nature and agenda of these discussions remain largely unconfirmed, raising questions about potential unofficial dialogue regarding the Ukraine conflict or energy. Russia continues diplomatic engagements with ASEAN and North Korea, while intensifying offensive operations in Ukraine.

The US has conducted 11 consecutive nights of strikes against Iranian targets, with President-elect Trump threatening Iranian nuclear facilities. Concurrently, Iran has expanded its offensive to Gulf states, while Brent crude prices have risen above $90. Separately, Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian logistics and energy infrastructure with drone strikes.