⌨The morning began with Lavrov's signals of negotiation readiness in his Tucker Carlson interview, while NATO's former diplomat von Loringhoven emphasized NATO's military superiority. By noon, reports emerged of Assad's forces withdrawing from Homs, with gunfire heard in Damascus. Moscow's apparent inability to support Assad, citing "other priorities," marked a significant shift from previous Russian positioning.
The EU-Mercosur trade agreement's finalization dominated economic coverage, with German automakers expressing support. Domestically, CDU's potential alignment with the Greens created tension between Merz and Söder, while Chancellor Scholz faced another Cum-Ex investigation hearing. Security concerns intensified after an Iraqi asylum seeker's arrest for planning a Christmas market attack.
By evening, rebel forces had captured several cities and an Iranian base, while Washington claimed no prior knowledge of these developments, suggesting a rapid collapse of Assad's control.