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On December 7, the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued separate statements strongly condemning the attempted coup in Benin that day. The AU statement said that any form of military intervention in a political process is a serious violation of the AU's fundamental principles and values. AU Commission Chairperson Yusuf called on all those involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all illegal actions and fully comply with the Benin Constitution. The ECOWAS statement said that the coup attempt violated the Benin Constitution, and ECOWAS commended the Benin government and its armed forces for their efforts to control the situation.

French President Macron: Monetary policy should take into account employment and economic growth.

On December 7th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on his official social media platform that Russia had launched over 1,600 drones, approximately 1,200 guided-missile bombs, and nearly 70 missiles of various types at Ukraine this week alone. Zelenskyy stated that on the 7th, the Russian military attacked Ukraine with over 240 drones and 5 ballistic missiles. Seven regions in Ukraine were damaged, with casualties reported in some areas. He indicated that Ukraine continues to cooperate with its partners to strengthen its defenses. Currently, Russia has not responded to this.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Russian forces launched a coordinated attack last night on Ukraine's transportation infrastructure, fuel and energy facilities, and long-range drone bases.

According to RIA Novosti: Russian troops have occupied Kucherivka in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine.

India's Ministry of Clean Energy: No guidance has been issued to suspend or halt new clean energy financing.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 5.2-magnitude earthquake 221 kilometers southwest of Tuar, Indonesia.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Russian air defense forces shot down 77 Ukrainian drones last night.

On December 7th, renowned tech journalist Gurman revealed that Apple CEO Tim Cook's hands "shake occasionally," but the cause of the tremors remains unclear. The report states that this phenomenon has been increasingly discussed within Apple over the past few months. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that both executives and ordinary employees have noticed Cook's trembling hands during meetings and large company events. However, those close to Cook indicate that his health is good.

Conflict Situation: 1. Russia – Over the past day, Russian forces struck 152 areas targeting Ukrainian energy and transportation infrastructure, military equipment depots, and temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries, shooting down 366 Ukrainian drones. 2. Ukraine – Over the past day, 184 battles occurred in the frontline areas. Ukrainian forces repelled dozens of Russian offensives in multiple directions, including Sloborzansk, Kupyansk, and Pokrovsk, destroying Russian tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and other equipment; Ukrainian forces shot down or suppressed 585 attack drones of various types. Other Developments: 1. Zelenskyy spoke with the US, and both sides agreed on the next steps and methods of dialogue. 2. French President Macron will travel to London to assess the situation in Ukraine with the leaders of Britain, Germany, and Ukraine. 3. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: Speaks with NATO Secretary General Rutte. 4. Turkish Foreign Minister: We are “on the right track” in our mediation efforts in Ukraine and hope that all parties will not leave the negotiating table. 5. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed that a protective enclosure used to contain the reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was damaged, and repairs have been initiated.

Market news: Anthropic is in talks to acquire a developer tools startup.

Johny Srouji, Apple's (AAPL.O) senior vice president of hardware technology, recently told CEO Tim Cook that he is considering leaving the company in the near future.

On December 7th, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on December 6th that he would travel to London on the 8th to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Andrea Merz to jointly assess the current situation in Ukraine and the peace negotiations being conducted under US mediation. Macron stated that the situation in Ukraine is related to the security of the whole of Europe, and Europe will continue to work with the United States to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.

Indian government: Diesel sales in India rose 4.7% year-on-year in November, while gasoline sales rose 2.6% year-on-year.

On December 6th, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Rehn stated that the medium-term inflation risks in the Eurozone are slightly tilted to the downside. He cited "relatively low energy prices, the appreciation of the euro, and expectations of slower inflation in the services and wage sectors" as downside factors. Factors pushing up inflation include "potential impacts on supply chains from geoeconomic fragmentation" and a stronger-than-expected economic rebound that could lower the savings rate. Rehn said, "We need to pay attention to both upside and downside risks." He refuted suggestions from some colleagues that another rate cut should be subject to high thresholds. Rehn stated, "We shouldn't impose any unnecessary constraints on our monetary policy, whether high or low thresholds. It's best to follow our strategy and be consistent in word and deed. I believe we will." When asked about ECB President Lagarde's recent comments that the central bank is in a "good but not fixed" position regarding interest rates, Rehn agreed.

December 6th - According to the Gaza Strip Media Office, since the ceasefire agreement took effect this year, Gaza has experienced a severe gas shortage. Originally, 660 gas delivery trucks were scheduled to enter Gaza, but only 104 have been approved so far, representing only about 16% of the agreed demand. This shortfall directly affects 2.4 million residents of Gaza, impacting essential sectors such as homes, hospitals, bakeries, and public kitchens. Currently, gas in Gaza is allocated based on the actual number of registered households to ensure fairness. Each household is allocated an 8kg gas cylinder per cycle, and can only collect it once per cycle. 252,000 households have already received their quotas, but the system targets approximately 470,000 households. Due to the continued shortage, each allocation cycle takes at least three months to complete the distribution to all registered households.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: He spoke by phone with NATO Secretary General Rutte.

Market news: The Indian government is preparing to take action against IndiGo, or may seek to remove IndiGo's CEO.

Qatar's Energy Minister stated that an oil price between $70 and $80 is sufficient to generate enough revenue for investment to meet future energy needs; however, a price exceeding $90 would be too high.