**Biden Approves New National Security Memorandum Ahead of Trump’s Return to White House**
US President Joe Biden has approved a new national security memorandum, just before Donald Trump returns to the White House. The document was revealed by the Associated Press on December 11.
The memorandum is meant to be a guide for the next administration and aims to counter growing cooperation between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It contains four main recommendations:
* Improve US government interagency cooperation
* Accelerate information sharing with allies on key adversaries
* Adjust sanctions and economic tools for maximum effectiveness
* Enhance preparations for resolving simultaneous crises involving adversaries
The document will not be published due to sensitive findings.
**US-Russia Relations in Focus**
Biden’s memorandum comes as Russia strengthens its ties with China, Iran, and North Korea. The two countries have increased cooperation on military and economic fronts, including joint patrols in the Arctic region.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced €170 million in financial support for six European countries bordering Russia and Belarus to bolster their border protection efforts.
**Ukraine and Russia Conflict**
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
US officials see the experimental Oreshnik missile as more of an intimidation tactic than a game-changer on the battlefield in Ukraine.
SkyUp has chosen Chisinau Airport in Moldova as its base due to its proximity to Ukraine.
The EU has agreed on a 15th package of sanctions against Russia, and Ukrainian authorities have allocated 26.3% of their GDP for defense and security expenditures next year.
**Russia’s Actions**
Russian occupation authorities have jailed nine Ukrainian soldiers captured after defending Mariupol, sentencing them to between 24 years and life imprisonment.
Moscow has cut funding to Abkhazia, a region facing energy restrictions due to its spat with Russia.
President Zelensky said the Russian military is using a record number of troops in battles and assaults.
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