Author: Asif Shahid

Asif Shahid brings twenty-five years of journalism experience to his role as the editor of Defense Talks. His expertise, extensive background, and academic qualifications have transformed Defense Talks into a vital platform for discussions on defence, security, and diplomacy. Prior to this position, Asif held various roles in numerous national newspapers and television channels.
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent speaks at the White House, in Washington.
DISPUTES

US Treasury’s Bessent suggests Russia could gain sanctions relief in conflict negotiations

Russia may find some relief from U.S. sanctions if it demonstrates a genuine willingness to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday. Bessent also mentioned that he plans to engage with his Chinese counterpart on Friday, encouraging China to shift its economic focus towards greater consumer spending. When asked about … Continue reading US Treasury’s Bessent suggests Russia could gain sanctions relief in conflict negotiations

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department in Washington, U.S.
DIPLOMACY

Trump is reportedly quite displeased with Zelensky, according to Rubio

US President Donald Trump is reportedly “very upset” with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, as stated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who highlighted a disagreement regarding a proposed mineral rights agreement. This development indicates escalating tensions between the United States and Ukraine. On Wednesday, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator without elections,” accusing him of poorly managing the conflict with Russia and misappropriating American … Continue reading Trump is reportedly quite displeased with Zelensky, according to Rubio

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A U.S. Air Force B-1B bomber, top second from left, and South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets, right bottom, conduct a joint aerial drill over the Korean Peninsula on Thursday.
DEFENCE

South Korea and the United States carry out a military exercise featuring B-1B bombers and fighter aircraft

The U.S. and South Korean armed forces carried out an aerial exercise featuring at least one U.S. B-1B bomber alongside several fighter jets, marking the first joint air force drill during President Donald Trump’s second term. According to Seoul’s Defense Ministry, the exercise included South Korean F-35 and F-15 fighter jets as well as American F-16s, although the exact number of aircraft was not disclosed. … Continue reading South Korea and the United States carry out a military exercise featuring B-1B bombers and fighter aircraft

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Buildings lie in ruin in North Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from Israel.
DIPLOMACY

Arab leaders will meet to discuss a postwar initiative for Gaza to counter Trump’s ‘Riviera’ proposal

Arab leaders are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia on Friday for their inaugural meeting aimed at addressing US President Donald Trump’s proposal for the US to assume control of Gaza, displace its Palestinian inhabitants, and transform it into a Middle Eastern “Riviera.” This gathering will include representatives from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf Arab states, and is … Continue reading Arab leaders will meet to discuss a postwar initiative for Gaza to counter Trump’s ‘Riviera’ proposal

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DIPLOMACY

Pakistan and EU officials discuss Middle East and Afghanistan, focusing on global security challenges

Officials from Pakistan and the European Union (EU) convened for their 9th Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, where they addressed both regional and global challenges, including the situations in the Middle East and Afghanistan, as reported by the Pakistani foreign office on Thursday. This dialogue is part of the broader Strategic Engagement Plan established in 2019 between the EU and Pakistan, aimed at strengthening collaboration on … Continue reading Pakistan and EU officials discuss Middle East and Afghanistan, focusing on global security challenges

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Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
DIPLOMACY

China’s mediation ambitions in the Ukraine conflict clash with its goals concerning Trump and trade relations

Over the past three years, China has consistently expressed its intention to serve as a mediator in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This has included various diplomatic efforts by Beijing’s envoy, who has engaged with nations ranging from South Africa to Indonesia. Additionally, China has proposed a peace initiative in collaboration with Brazil, formed a coalition of “friends for peace” among developing countries, and even … Continue reading China’s mediation ambitions in the Ukraine conflict clash with its goals concerning Trump and trade relations

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French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he arrives for a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France.
TOP STORIES

EU leaders are more concerned about U.S. influence than the threat from Russia

The recent uproar regarding the transatlantic divide showcased at the Munich Security Conference is expected to resonate for an extended period. We can anticipate further remarks from Western European politicians, opinion pieces in British media advocating for Europe to assert itself against Washington, and calls for greater strategic independence. However, despite the noise and commotion, it is unlikely that any significant changes will occur in … Continue reading EU leaders are more concerned about U.S. influence than the threat from Russia

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DIPLOMACY

China supports Trump’s Ukraine peace initiative at the G20, while U.S. allies back Zelenskiy

China expressed its support for U.S. President Donald Trump‘s initiative to negotiate a deal with Russia aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine during a G20 meeting in South Africa on Thursday. Meanwhile, U.S. allies rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. In the early days of his presidency, Trump significantly altered U.S. policy regarding the war, abandoning a strategy to isolate Moscow following a phone … Continue reading China supports Trump’s Ukraine peace initiative at the G20, while U.S. allies back Zelenskiy

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DIPLOMACY

American and Russian officials have discussed the Ukraine conflict through a Swiss intermediary

U.S. and Russian representatives have engaged in discreet meetings in Switzerland over the past few months to discuss the Ukraine conflict, with the most recent gathering occurring last week, according to three informed sources. These discussions are characterized as a side channel, with some interactions taking place during the transition period following President Donald Trump’s election victory on November 5. The participants possess diplomatic and … Continue reading American and Russian officials have discussed the Ukraine conflict through a Swiss intermediary

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Aircraft air refueling during US Central Command (CENTCOM) Bomber Task Force Mission.
DEFENCE

CENTCOM Executes Bomber Task Force Operation in the Middle East

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has executed a Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East aimed at bolstering its operational capabilities in the area. For this operation, two B-52 bombers were deployed from the Royal Air Force Base Fairford in the UK. The mission also saw participation from nine partner nations, which contributed to aerial refueling and live munitions drops. Additionally, US F-15s and … Continue reading CENTCOM Executes Bomber Task Force Operation in the Middle East

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