Ukraine has opened a criminal probe into desertion and "abuse of power" after hundreds of soldiers were reported to have fled an army unit partly trained by France.
Israel warned that it will intensify its strikes in Gaza if Hamas keeps up its rocket fire, as Palestinian rescuers reported dozens of deaths from Israeli strikes on the first day of the New Year.
China sanctioned 10 US defense firms over arms sales to Taiwan, its second round of measures against American companies over the issue in less than a week.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces has received its first batch of night combat devices recently procured for $17.7 million as part of a larger investment in its soldiers.
A submarine drone suspected to be from China was recovered in waters off the central Philippines, warning of "potential national security implications."