ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 3, 2024

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - January 3, 2024

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• ZeroFox Intelligence January 2025 Geopolitical Brief
• Individual Indicted on Terrorism Offense and for Lying to FBI
• Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit Through Ukrainian Territory

ZeroFox Intelligence January 2025 Geopolitical Brief

Political and social unrest is very likely across Europe in the early part of 2025. Both France and Germany are struggling with minority-led governments unable to address key issues surrounding immigration and the cost of living. Simultaneously, several Eastern European states are likely to experience energy shortages. There will likely be a years-long battle for control of Syria that will likely result in a deeply fractured society, with some parts of the country influenced by Türkiye, other parts by Iran and Iraq, and still others controlled by groups like the Islamic State. After decades of geopolitical tensions and military neutrality, Japan and South Korea agreed to mend ties in order to become military powerhouses. However, the two presidents who pushed through policies aimed at focusing on greater enemies in China and North Korea were suddenly removed from office, risking wider political instability in East Asia.

Individual Indicted on Terrorism Offense and for Lying to FBI

An individual has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempting to support the foreign terrorist organization Hizballah and making false statements involving international terrorism to a department or agency of the United States. As alleged in the indictment and complaint, from August 2024 through December 2024, in Lebanon, Syria, the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, the individual attempted to provide material support and resources—namely, personnel (including themselves) and services — to Hizballah.

Ukraine Halts Russian Gas Transit Through Ukrainian Territory

Ukraine has halted the transit of Russian gas through its territory, stopping supplies via the Druzhba Pipeline. Ukrainian officials have long warned they would not renew the agreement, arguing the transit deal provided Russia with annual revenues of USD 6.5 billion that Russia used to finance its war in Ukraine. While much of Europe has transitioned away from Russian natural gas transported via Ukrainian pipelines in recent years, several states continue to rely on Russian volumes, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova.