On January 6, President Zelensky, President Macron, and Prime Minister Starmer signed a declaration outlining plans for a multinational force deployment in Ukraine following a ceasefire. The agreement, forged within the “Coalition of the Willing” framework, includes a multinational force to bolster Ukraine’s armed forces, U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring, and binding commitments for future defense. While specific details on troop numbers and weapons were discussed, Italy has already declared it will not send troops on the ground. The U.S. will participate in the monitoring and deterrence efforts and both sides confirmed that additional talks would follow on security guarantees and ending the war.
Read More
The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a “significant increase” in tax collection and compliance, prompted by the slowdown in Russia’s wartime economy. This directive includes a rise in consumption taxes from 20% to 22% and the planned introduction of a new tax on electronics. The government aims to stimulate economic growth and investment while simultaneously managing inflation, targeting a rate between 4% and 5% by the end of 2026. These measures come amid concerns over declining oil prices and potential impacts from the US’s approach to Venezuelan oil, which could further weaken Russia’s economic standing.
Read More
On January 4, a fire erupted at Russia’s Energia defense plant in Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, following a reported Ukrainian drone attack. The Energia factory is a critical production site, manufacturing components like batteries for Russian missiles and drones, including the Iskander ballistic missile system. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media depict smoke rising from the facility. While Russian authorities have yet to comment, the plant has been previously targeted by Ukrainian forces, and is known to produce essential components for various Russian defense and state agencies.
Read More
Russia has formally requested that the United States cease its pursuit of the oil tanker Bella 1, which was initially destined for Venezuela. The diplomatic request, submitted to the State Department on New Year’s Eve, follows the vessel’s evasion of US custody for nearly two weeks and its apparent registration under a new name in Russia. The US Coast Guard’s pursuit of the tanker is part of a broader escalation of US actions against Venezuela, including military buildup and strikes, despite prior campaign promises to avoid foreign entanglements. This situation is further complicated by conflicting statements from the administration regarding the primary goals of these actions.
Read More
A leader of a prominent British far-right group, Mark Collett of Patriotic Alternative, addressed a summit of European extreme nationalist groups in Russia, organized by an oligarch with ties to Vladimir Putin. The event in St Petersburg, the inaugural gathering of the Forum of the International Anti-Globalist League, included other far-right figures from across Europe and was hosted by Konstantin Malofeyev, who has been linked to financing Russian interests. Collett delivered a speech on birthrates and immigration. The revelations have raised concerns among MPs regarding the Kremlin’s attempts to exploit extremist groups to disrupt democracy and sow divisions in the UK.
Read More
During a recent trip on Air Force One, President Trump told reporters that U.S. officials have determined Ukraine did not target Vladimir Putin’s residence in a drone attack, contradicting initial concerns. The Kremlin had claimed Ukraine launched a drone strike, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied. However, Trump later downplayed the claim after initially taking the allegations seriously and speaking with Putin, even expressing anger over the situation. Despite some progress in talks with Zelenskyy, Putin has shown little interest in ending the war until all of Russia’s objectives are met.
Read More
According to Finnish police, the anchor of the vessel suspected of damaging the undersea cable was dragged along the seabed for a significant distance before impact. The cargo ship, the Fitburg, was detained on December 31, 2025, while en route from St. Petersburg to Haifa, Israel, due to the incident. Finnish authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, citing charges of aggravated criminal damage and interference with telecommunications. Many speculate the damage is part of a hybrid war waged by Russia.
Read More
On January 4th, President Zelensky enacted sanctions against 95 individuals and 70 entities involved in supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex. These sanctions, targeting both Russian and Chinese citizens, include asset freezes, trade restrictions, and transportation bans, intending to cripple Russia’s weapons production capabilities. The measures also extend to key industrial sectors like chemicals, mining, and energy. Notably, some entities targeted by Ukraine are also facing sanctions from the European Union, which recently expanded its sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers.
Read More
Following protests across dozens of Iranian cities, many shops in Tehran’s bazaar remained closed amidst reports of plainclothes security agents, and videos showed clashes between protestors and security forces. Overnight demonstrations were reported in various neighborhoods of Tehran and several provincial cities, fueled by economic pressures like inflation and unemployment, with labor and civil organizations supporting the protests. Internet access was disrupted in areas with intense protests, and opposition figures, including exiled prince Reza Pahlavi, paid tribute to the slain protestors, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. The Komala Party Leader also condemned the alleged actions of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, emphasizing the power of the popular movement.
Read More
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the recent developments in Venezuela, specifically the detention of Nicolás Maduro. Ukraine reaffirmed its stance that Maduro’s regime violated democratic principles and human rights, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha underscored Ukraine’s support for the Venezuelan people’s right to freedom and democratic values. Ukraine’s position stems from its consistent defense of nations’ rights to live free from oppression and dictatorship, having refused to recognize Maduro’s legitimacy after contested elections and crackdowns.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker