On Tuesday, December 12th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington seeking additional air defense support amid uncertainty if Congress will pass a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. Zelenskyy and President Biden discussed strengthening Ukraine's defense, focusing on air defense and disrupting Russian logistics. Zelenskyy aims for air superiority to intensify ground offensives in 2024. Despite bipartisan support, House Republicans, hesitant about additional aid, pose a challenge. Zelenskyy urged swift aid, emphasizing the need for better air and missile defense systems. The aid package also includes funds for Israel and Indo-Pacific security.

On Wednesday, December 13th, the U.S. destroyer Mason shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle, believed to have originated from Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen. This marks the second instance this month where the Mason had to take such action. The incident occurred as the Mason responded to reports of a commercial oil tanker under attack from suspected Houthi forces. The Mason, part of the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower's strike group, has been actively involved in intercepting air drones and missiles, as well as providing assistance to commercial vessels in the Middle East amid heightened tensions in the region.

On Monday, December 18th, North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile, confirmed by Japanese and South Korean officials. South Korea identified it as the solid-fuel Hwasong-18 ICBM, with a range of over 9,300 miles, capable of reaching anywhere in the U.S. The missile flew 620 miles, landing between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. U.S. National Security Adviser condemned the launch as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. This follows North Korea's earlier tests of the Hwasong-18 in July and April. The launch coincided with another short-range ballistic missile test. The U.S. and South Korea's joint defense efforts prompted these responses from North Korea.

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