Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may call early general elections in February 2026 to convert high approval ratings into a stable majority. The vote could take place on February 8 or 15.
Donald Trump ordered the Joint Special Operations Command to prepare a plan for a military invasion of Greenland. This initiative is being promoted by a group of political "hawks" to preempt Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic.
Asian tech giants started 2026 with a strong surge, outperforming American competitors in the field of artificial intelligence. The region's key technology index rose by 6%, three times more than the Nasdaq 100.
The US is completing preparations for the first crewed mission to the Moon in 54 years. On January 17, the SLS rocket will be transported to the launch pad for final testing.
NATO is bolstering its northern flank: British Marines are being deployed to Norway year-round to counter the Russian-Chinese alliance. 1,500 troops will be based at Camp Viking, monitoring underwater activity and protecting infrastructure.
Multinational exercises "Will to Peace 2026" have commenced in South African territorial waters, involving warships from Russia, China, and Iran. The event aims to practice aspects of maritime security and the protection of commercial shipping.
Trafigura Group plans to load its first vessel with Venezuelan oil next week. This comes as part of a new US strategy to control Venezuela's energy resources.
Donald Trump stated that the US is ready to mediate the sale of Venezuelan oil to China and Russia. He expects oil and gas companies to invest $100 billion in restoring Venezuela's infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump expressed his conviction that his contribution to establishing peace is unprecedented. He also stated that he saved NATO and justified the necessity of controlling Greenland.
EU countries have supported a trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, paving the way for its signing next week. The agreement, which concludes 25 years of negotiations, will create an integrated market with 780 million consumers.
Chinese intelligence gained access to the email systems of staff members of influential committees in the US House of Representatives. This is part of the "Salt Typhoon" cyber-espionage campaign, which has been ongoing for several years.
Oil prices rose after a reduction in US inventories and events in Venezuela. Brent futures rose to $60.34, WTI to $56.36.
Trump's team is preparing potential deals to strengthen US influence in Greenland, including mineral extraction. Denmark, which controls the island, refuses to sell but offers to strengthen the US military and economic presence.
European governments, concerned about Donald Trump's intentions regarding Greenland, are considering four strategies to counter them. These include seeking a compromise, financial injections, an economic response, and the deployment of ground forces.
US Vice President J. D. Vance called the detained tanker Marinera (Bella 1) a "fake Russian oil tanker," and the country's Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that its crew faces criminal prosecution.
US President Donald Trump supported a bipartisan bill on sanctions against Russia. The document will allow punishing countries that buy Russian oil, which finances the war.
Donald Trump stated that without his intervention, Russia would have had all of Ukraine, and recalled ending eight wars. He also noted that Russia and China do not fear NATO without the US.
US President Donald Trump said that the interim government of Venezuela would transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. The sale of oil at market prices and the revenue will be controlled by Trump for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
The Trump administration has informed Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, that the country must expel China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, and grant the US an exclusive partnership in oil production. This is a condition for increasing oil production, as Venezuela's existing tankers are already full.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine will become the main guarantor of Europe's stability because it has an army that understands modern warfare. He emphasized that European military autonomy is gaining special meaning, as Europe was late with militarization.
Tarr's distinctive features were long, hypnotic shots. His career ended after the release of "The Turin Horse" in 2011.
China reaffirmed its consistent position on the war in Ukraine, emphasizing respect for state sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China advocates for peace and dialogue, promoting a political settlement of the crisis.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhiy Tykhyi and head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council Andriy Kovalenko commented on a Reuters publication in which a high-ranking Russian source claims that after the US military operation in Venezuela, "Russia also has its own sphere of influence. "
Japan's Ministry of Defense recorded a group of Chinese military aircraft, including H-6 bombers and J-16 fighters, flying between the islands of Okinawa and Miyako. In response, the Japan Self-Defense Forces scrambled fighter jets for observation.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new driver assistance system, MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO, which allows vehicles to navigate US city streets autonomously. This technology, already operational in China, will be a direct competitor to Tesla FSD.
The leaders of China and South Korea have agreed to intensify trade cooperation and protect regional stability. The visit of South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung took place against the backdrop of North Korea's ballistic missile tests.
Tankers with Venezuelan oil and fuel have left the country's territorial waters, ignoring the US naval blockade. This happened after President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on all sanctioned tankers in December 2025.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the US military operation in Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro was arrested. Venezuela condemned the US actions as an illegal armed attack, while the US called it a law enforcement operation.
US special forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, depriving Vladimir Putin of an ally and strengthening US oil influence. Moscow views this as an attempt to control Venezuela's oil wealth and a possible sign of the Monroe Doctrine's revival.
The US State Department stated that the Western Hemisphere is a zone of Washington's interests. President Trump will not allow threats to US security in this hemisphere.
