Trump’s plan to take Venezuelan oil angers China, pushes prices down, and it’s certainly stirred up a lot of controversy. The former President’s stated intention, to control the sale of Venezuelan oil and direct the funds for the benefit of both Venezuela and the United States, has sparked a geopolitical ripple effect.
One of the most immediate consequences appears to be China’s displeasure. China, a major consumer of oil and a significant player in the global market, has strong economic ties with Venezuela. Any move that disrupts or undermines those ties is bound to ruffle some feathers in Beijing. They probably feel as if their interests are being stepped upon, and that’s not something they take lightly.… Continue reading
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that there are no current discussions regarding military action in Greenland, despite the Trump administration’s historical interest in the territory and previous consideration of purchasing it. Johnson emphasized the importance of diplomatic channels, dismissing the possibility of military intervention, and highlighted Greenland’s geopolitical significance. While the White House has alluded to the US military being an option, other countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom have stated that Greenland belongs to its people. Johnson was also asked about Trump’s announcement regarding Venezuela and the control of the money from the country’s crude, to which Johnson responded that the House had not been apprised of the details.
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Overnight on January 7, Ukrainian forces struck a fuel depot in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, causing a large fire, and a logistics warehouse in occupied Donetsk Oblast, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. The fuel depot, which supplied the occupying army, sustained direct hits to its fuel tanks. The strike on the logistics warehouse aimed to disrupt enemy logistics, with the damage being assessed. Additionally, the General Staff provided details on a New Year’s strike on a strategic fuel depot in Yaroslavl Oblast, which resulted in damage to two fuel tanks.
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The White House claims control over Venezuela’s government despite the acting president’s assertion of independent rule after the removal of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. White House officials, including President Trump, are reportedly coordinating with Venezuelan “interim authorities,” with the U.S. supposedly dictating their decisions. This contradicts claims from acting president Delcy Rodriguez, who declared Venezuela’s government to be in charge. Trump’s decision to allow Rodriguez to lead, rather than installing opposition figures, is reportedly due to her military support and Trump’s disapproval of opposition leader Machado.
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In an apparent effort to evade U.S. sanctions, the Venezuela-linked oil tanker Bella 1, part of the “dark fleet,” changed its name to Marinera, painted a Russian flag, and reflagged to Russia. This occurred mid-voyage as the vessel was fleeing U.S. Coast Guard interception. Following this, the tanker was spotted off the coast of Ireland, prompting aerial surveillance by the U.S., U.K., France, and Ireland. Russia subsequently deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker to its own waters, while the U.S. continues to track the vessel, which has been under U.S. Treasury sanctions since June 2024.
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President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine has yet to receive new air defense systems from the United States, although missile deliveries for existing systems are gradually arriving. He emphasized the need for an accelerated supply of these resources and expressed gratitude to European partners, particularly Norway. Zelensky highlighted air defense as a critical priority, discussing the matter during meetings in December 2025 and at the recent Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris. Furthermore, the Ukrainian delegation noted “concrete results” from the January 6th meeting in Paris, according to Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov.
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In Minneapolis, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a driver during an immigration crackdown, sparking protests and conflicting accounts of the incident. Federal officials claimed the shooting was self-defense, while the mayor condemned it as reckless and unnecessary, citing video evidence that contradicted the official narrative. The victim, a 37-year-old woman, was shot in her car, leading to calls for investigation and outrage from local officials and residents. This incident, part of a larger enforcement operation in the Twin Cities, resulted in the cancellation of school activities and a call for peaceful protests amidst heightened tensions.
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Following the death of a woman by an ICE agent, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vehemently condemned the agency’s actions. He dismissed the official account of self-defense as untrue, using strong language to express his disapproval. Frey’s statement reflects the city’s opposition to ICE presence and operations. His response signals a significant clash between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
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A highly confidential CIA assessment warned of a wider conflict in Venezuela if the U.S. supported the democratic opposition after the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The assessment, commissioned by senior policymakers, influenced President Trump’s decision to authorize Operation Absolute Resolve, which aimed to seize Maduro. However, instead of backing the opposition, Trump aligned with Maduro’s chosen vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, who was subsequently named interim president. This decision, according to experts, stemmed from a desire to avoid the mistakes made during the Iraq invasion and potentially an attempt to work with elements of the existing government.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit China from January 13 to 17, aiming to enhance engagement on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security. This marks the first such visit since 2017, following a period of strained relations due to the arrest of a Huawei executive and the subsequent detention of Canadian citizens. Despite previously labeling China a security threat, Carney has signaled intentions to deepen ties, having met with Chinese officials in recent months, suggesting a potential “turning point” in the relationship. While Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe welcomes the visit and hopes it addresses canola tariffs, others like Michael Kovrig have cautioned against prioritizing China for economic diversification, especially regarding tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Agent Shoots, Kills Woman During Minneapolis Immigration Enforcement
In Minneapolis, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a driver during an immigration crackdown, sparking protests and conflicting accounts of the incident. Federal officials claimed the shooting was self-defense, while the mayor condemned it as reckless and unnecessary, citing video evidence that contradicted the official narrative. The victim, a 37-year-old woman, was shot in her car, leading to calls for investigation and outrage from local officials and residents. This incident, part of a larger enforcement operation in the Twin Cities, resulted in the cancellation of school activities and a call for peaceful protests amidst heightened tensions.
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