Newsflash

Shifting global norms: Trump embracing 'different logic of power, defying international law'

In a significant shift in global geopolitics, former U.S. President Donald Trump has embraced a new "logic of power" that prioritizes deals over democratic values, defying international norms and laws. This approach was evident in his recent handling of the Ukraine conflict, where he chose not to impose sanctions on Russia despite its refusal to agree to a ceasefire, citing potential interference with future business opportunities. This transactional foreign policy has left Europe vulnerable, particularly on its eastern border, where Russia's military buildup poses a growing threat. As U.S. support becomes increasingly conditional on commercial interests, Europe faces the urgent need to bolster its defense capabilities and reduce its dependence on America. This requires not only increased defense spending but also collective investment in strategic enablers like satellite systems, intelligence, and heavy transport. To achieve this, Europe must overcome institutional and political challenges, including the fragmentation of its defense industry and the resistance of some member states to shared defense initiatives. The path forward demands swift action and a unified commitment to European security. 🌍💥

US and Europe "need each other" says NATO chief at Davos

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the critical importance of transatlantic unity during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He asserted that the U.S. and Europe "need each other" to address global security challenges, particularly in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Stoltenberg warned that a Russian victory would have severe consequences for European security and stability, underscoring the need for continued NATO support for Ukraine. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening European defense capabilities to reduce dependence on the U.S. and ensure long-term security. The speech comes amid growing concerns about the future of U.S. commitment to NATO under potential changes in American foreign policy. 🤝🌍

US moves up to 7,000 IS prisoners from Syria to Iraq

Around 150 ISIS members have been relocated from Syria's al-Hasakah province to Iraq, where they will be detained. However, the U.S. military command center CENTCOM indicates that approximately 7,000 prisoners may ultimately need to be transferred to ensure secure incarceration. This development follows the U.S. suspension of cooperation with Kurdish forces in the fight against ISIS in Syria. As a result, Kurdish-led SDF forces reportedly abandoned the al-Hol ISIS camp in al-Hasakah, leading to the escape of up to 1,500 prisoners, according to the SDF. The situation underscores the challenges of managing ISIS detainees and maintaining regional security amidst shifting alliances. 🚨🔒

Trump says agreed 'framework' for US deal over Greenland

In a recent development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a "framework" agreement has been reached regarding Greenland, suggesting a potential deal involving the strategic Arctic territory. Trump's statement comes amid growing geopolitical interest in Greenland, which holds significant strategic and natural resource value. The details of the agreement remain unclear, but the announcement has sparked discussions about the future of U.S.-Greenland relations and the broader implications for Arctic geopolitics. 🌍🇬🇱

"Sign of a growing front" against Donald Trump as Europe goes confrontational

Europe is increasingly adopting a confrontational stance against Donald Trump's foreign policy, signaling a growing resistance to his transactional approach. This shift is evident in the continent's push for greater defense autonomy, driven by concerns over U.S. reliability and the need to counter rising security threats, particularly from Russia. European leaders are calling for accelerated rearmament, with discussions underway to raise NATO's defense spending target to 3% of GDP. However, achieving strategic independence requires more than increased spending—it demands collective investment in critical capabilities like satellite systems and intelligence, areas where individual nations fall short.

To address these challenges, Europe must innovate. The scale of investment needed surpasses the capacity of national governments, necessitating new institutions and mechanisms. Proposals such as a European Rearmament Bank and a European Defense Mechanism offer promising solutions, modeled on existing financial institutions and designed to streamline procurement and reduce costs. While resistance may arise from nations protective of their defense industries, the urgency of the situation demands decisive action. Europe's future security hinges on its ability to unite and act decisively in the face of evolving geopolitical threats. 🌍💪

Republican congressman slams Trump's Russia policy, Greenland threats

In an interview with The Kyiv Independent, U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R) criticized President Donald Trump's approach to ending Russia's war against Ukraine, arguing that appeasing Russia would only encourage further aggression. Bacon emphasized the need for tougher sanctions on Moscow to counter Russian aggression effectively. He also expressed concern over Trump's threats to seize Greenland, warning that such actions could undermine NATO and weaken U.S. leadership in Europe and globally.

Bacon stressed that Ukraine should remain the top priority for U.S. and European security, urging a united front against Russian aggression. He highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine with billions in arms and financial aid to counterbalance the destabilizing effects of Trump's policies. The discussion underscored the critical need for a strong, coordinated response to Russia's actions to safeguard European and global stability. 🌍💥

Teaching journalism the Russian way: How RT Academy spreads propaganda in Global South

Russia is expanding its influence in the Global South through the RT Academy, a journalism training program that promotes pro-Kremlin narratives under the guise of professional education. In December 2025, RT held a three-day event in Jakarta, Indonesia, attracting over 250 journalists, media students, and content creators from Southeast Asia. While the program covers topics like fact-checking and ethical journalism, critics argue it is a tool for spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation.

The RT Academy is led by RT journalists and executives, including individuals linked to controversial programs and initiatives like Rusfluence, a Russia-Indonesia Influencer Club that has openly supported Russia's military actions in Ukraine. The training sessions often take place at Russian cultural centers, which have been scrutinized for their role in propaganda and espionage.

Despite RT's claims of fostering media literacy, experts argue that the curriculum reinforces Kremlin messaging and portrays Western media as biased. The program has been criticized for promoting narratives that deny well-documented Russian atrocities, such as the Bucha massacre. RT Academy's expansion into regions like Africa, India, and Southeast Asia underscores Russia's strategy to counter Western influence and project its own geopolitical interests. 🌍📢

Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil terminal in southern Russia's Krasnodar Krai, killing 3

On January 21, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck an oil terminal near the village of Volna in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, sparking a fire that killed three people and injured eight others. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed the attack, stating that four oil product tanks were ablaze and that emergency services were deployed to contain the situation. Volna is situated near Crimea's Kerch Peninsula, approximately 325 kilometers from Ukrainian-controlled territory.

This attack marks the second consecutive night of strikes in Krasnodar Krai. Earlier, on January 21, an overnight attack in Russia's Republic of Adygea resulted in 11 injuries and one fatality, while a separate drone strike ignited a fire at the Afipsky oil refinery, one of the largest in southern Russia. The refinery has been a repeated target in previous drone attacks, with fires reported in September and November of the previous year.

Ukraine views Moscow's energy sites as legitimate military targets, as they directly fund Russia's ongoing war. Kyiv has been conducting strikes deep within Russian territory to weaken the Kremlin's military capabilities. 💥🛢️

Cartoon (21/01/2026)

The openly racist and fascist Blue-Black Movement has been reinstated as a political party in Finland. The group, originally removed from the register in 2024 due to its program violating constitutional and human rights laws, successfully gathered the required 5,000 supporter signatures to re-register. Despite its extremist ideologies and ties to historical fascist movements, the Justice Ministry deemed its updated program "acceptable," allowing its return to the political landscape. The group recently held a May Day event in Tampere, where participants displayed nationalist symbols and slogans, raising concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies in Finnish politics. 🇫🇮⚠️

Trump in Davos: 'He's just like Putin, something European leaders never fully understood'

In a candid assessment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, former U.S. President Donald Trump drew parallels between his leadership style and that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that European leaders have historically misunderstood the similarities. Trump's remarks underscored his transactional approach to international relations, emphasizing deals over shared values. This perspective has raised concerns among European leaders, who fear that Trump's foreign policy could undermine long-standing alliances and democratic principles. The comments come amid growing tensions in Europe, where leaders are grappling with the implications of a shifting global order and the need to strengthen their own defense capabilities. Trump's comparison to Putin highlights the complexities of modern diplomacy, where personal relationships and strategic interests often intersect in unpredictable ways. 🌍🤝

Wednesday's papers: Greenland security, US cloud over Finland, opposition's top position

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized Europe's commitment to bolstering Arctic security, citing the deployment of liaison officers from Finland and seven other countries to Greenland. This move follows U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated threats to annex Greenland, which has sparked concerns about potential Chinese or Russian influence in the region. In response, Trump threatened retaliatory tariffs against the eight countries involved, but Valtonen argued that a trade war would be detrimental to both sides.

The escalating tensions have raised concerns about NATO's future and the broader implications for transatlantic relations. Valtonen urged the U.S. to consider its historical role, stating, "I hope this is a moment when Americans will think about which side of history they want to be on." Meanwhile, security expert Petteri Järvinen warned that Finland could face severe disruptions, including potential internet shutdowns, due to its reliance on U.S. cloud services. He advocated for greater European technological independence to mitigate such risks.

Domestically, a recent poll by Helsingin Sanomat showed the opposition Social Democrats leading with 25% support, while Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's National Coalition Party saw its lowest approval rating since taking office. The Finns Party, part of the ruling coalition, experienced a slight increase in support, while the Left Alliance gained ground and the Centre Party saw a minor decline. The survey highlights shifting political dynamics in Finland amid ongoing international tensions. 🌍💻

Trump tariffs on six EU nations could create US customs headache

President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on six specific EU nations—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden—along with Norway and Britain, could create significant challenges for U.S. customs authorities. The complexity arises from the EU's seamless movement of goods, making it difficult to trace the origin of products. While EU goods are generally marked as originating from the bloc, determining their specific country of manufacture is complicated due to extensive cross-border supply chains and the absence of customs controls within the EU.

Smaller companies could obscure production locations, while larger firms might relocate production to untargeted EU countries. However, shifting production is a lengthy process, typically taking at least a year. Well-known products like French champagne and Camembert, protected by the EU's geographical indications system, could be more easily targeted due to their strong association with specific regions. This system grants intellectual property rights to products linked to particular areas, reinforcing their heritage and origins. The U.S. has criticized this system as protectionist, particularly in trade agreements. With France leading in the number of protected products, the potential tariffs could have far-reaching implications for both EU and U.S. markets. 🍾🧀

Stubb: Europe can defend itself without the US

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Finnish President Alexander Stubb asserted that Europe is capable of defending itself without U.S. assistance. During a panel discussion with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Stubb emphasized Europe's growing military capabilities, citing Finland's robust defense as a prime example. He highlighted Finland's significant artillery, including long-range missiles, and its strong military force, which boasts Arctic capabilities, conscription, and the ability to mobilize 280,000 soldiers quickly. Stubb also underscored the importance of societal resilience, noting Finland's civilian shelters and strategic supplies to ensure national security.

Beyond military strength, Stubb addressed the diplomatic challenges posed by U.S. demands regarding Greenland, expressing optimism that a resolution could be found. He used a baseball metaphor to describe the complexities of international negotiations, suggesting that Europe and the U.S. would ultimately find a mutually acceptable solution. Stubb's remarks reflect Finland's confidence in its defense capabilities and its commitment to comprehensive security, both on the battlefield and at home. 🌍🛡️

Thousands of Golden Visa applicants pending

Greece's "Golden Visa" program, which grants residency permits to foreign investors, is facing a significant backlog, with over 10,500 applications pending approval. This surge in applications, particularly in 2023 and 2024, coincided with a boom in foreign investment in Greek real estate, totaling €4.93 billion. Since its launch in 2014, the program has attracted 39,490 investors, excluding their family members, with nearly half of these investments occurring in the last two years. The government's efforts to curb real estate absorption by raising investment thresholds initially led to a rush of applications, with a 95% increase in approvals in the first 11 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, new applications have since declined sharply, with only 377 submitted in November 2025, a 58.7% annual decrease, indicating that the higher investment limits are now having the intended effect. 🏠💸

Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday

In light of escalating global tensions, Norwegian politicians are advocating for stronger ties with the European Union. Guri Melby, leader of the centre-right Liberal (Venstre) party, emphasizes the need for Norway to deepen its involvement in EU defence and security cooperation. She also suggests exploring participation in the EU customs union without full membership, aligning with recent calls from business groups. Melby highlights the vulnerability of small nations like Norway, particularly in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics, and stresses the importance of reassessing Norway's strategic alliances.

Meanwhile, senior Conservative MP Erlend Svardal Bøe has sparked debate by proposing that Norway lift its restrictions on hosting nuclear weapons during peacetime. Bøe argues that this step is necessary given the central role of nuclear weapons in NATO's collective defence strategy. He believes Norway must recognize the increasing dangers in the world and adapt accordingly.

On a different note, Norway's Labour Inspection Authority has launched an AI chatbot named "Leon" to assist foreign workers in understanding their rights. The tool aims to bridge language barriers, which often leave foreign workers vulnerable to exploitation.

In sports news, Norwegian football team Bodø/Glimt made history by defeating Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League. The underdog team's victory in freezing conditions showcased their resilience and skill, delivering a stunning upset against one of Europe's wealthiest clubs. 🇳🇴💥

Ukraine war latest: Officer in Sumy Oblast unit suspected of torturing subordinates, abusing power, investigation says

In Ukraine, a military officer in Sumy Oblast faces severe allegations of abuse and torture against subordinates. The deputy battalion commander is accused of threatening soldiers, simulating executions, and causing injuries, including a torn meniscus and a gunshot wound to a subordinate's foot. The suspect has been detained and charged with torture, violation of military regulations, and abuse of power, potentially facing up to 12 years in prison.

Meanwhile, eleven Ukrainians have been charged with collaboration and treason for joining a Russian-backed armed group in occupied Kherson Oblast. The group, formed in 2023, was tasked with sabotage operations in southern Ukraine. The suspects, aged 35 to 66, face up to 15 years in prison, with one individual facing life imprisonment for additional treason charges.

In Zaporizhzhia, a Ukrainian soldier was critically injured after being stabbed by an alleged FSB agent. The attacker, a 25-year-old man, was paid to carry out the attack and now faces 10 to 15 years in prison or life imprisonment.

On the front lines, Russian forces may exploit frozen ground in Donetsk Oblast for mechanized assaults, though Ukrainian drones are striking deep into Russian rear areas. In Kyiv, 600,000 residents have fled due to severe power outages caused by Russian attacks, with nearly 60% of the city without electricity.

In Russia, a drone strike injured eleven people in Adygea, while another attack sparked a fire at an oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai. Meanwhile, Russian attacks across Ukraine have killed at least seven and injured 29 civilians in the past day. Since the invasion began, Russia has lost over 1.2 million troops and extensive military equipment, according to Ukrainian reports. 🇺🇦⚔️

At least 11 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza

In a tragic turn of events, two 13-year-old boys, three journalists, and a woman have lost their lives in recent Israeli military operations in Gaza. One boy was killed in a drone strike at the Bureij refugee camp, along with his father and a 22-year-old man, as reported by al-Aqsa Hospital. The second boy was fatally shot while collecting firewood in Bani Suheila, according to Nasser Hospital. His grieving mother recounted his last words, highlighting the devastating impact on families. The Israeli military justified one of the attacks, citing a drone threat to its soldiers. Meanwhile, three Palestinian journalists were killed while documenting a new refugee camp in the Netzarim area, as confirmed by the camp's Egyptian steering committee. Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on October 10, over 470 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, according to the Gaza Strip's Health Ministry. The ongoing violence continues to claim innocent lives and deepen the humanitarian crisis. 😢💔

Gunnar Strömmer reported to Riksdag's Constitutional Committee (KU) for his actions around Katja Nyberg

Katja Nyberg, a member of Sweden’s Security Service, Police, and Special Investigations' Transparency Council, faced calls for dismissal from the Sweden Democrats (SD) due to allegations of misconduct. Despite these requests, Minister Strömmer did not immediately remove Nyberg from her duties, a delay criticized by SD’s legal policy spokesperson, Teresa Carvalho. The delay was particularly notable as Nyberg was later stopped on suspicion of drunk driving, with rapid tests suggesting possible drug influence—a claim she denies. The situation has raised questions about accountability and the handling of such allegations within Sweden’s security apparatus. 🚔🚨

Lars Løkke Rasmussen after Trump's speech: The Greenland issue won't go away

Donald Trump, speaking at Davos, clarified his stance on Greenland, stating that he would not use military force to acquire the island from Denmark. Instead, he advocated for immediate negotiations. However, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen dismissed the idea of such negotiations, emphasizing that Denmark will not compromise on fundamental principles. Meanwhile, Greenland's government is urging its citizens to prepare for potential emergencies by stockpiling supplies, including hunting rifles and fishing gear, to survive without electricity and water for five days. The government reassures that this is a precautionary measure, reflecting the resilience of the Greenlandic people. 🇬🇱🔋

Police arrest 13 over fuel fraud that allegedly netted €5 million a year

Police have dismantled a criminal network operating petrol stations across Greece, accused of defrauding motorists through sophisticated software manipulation. The scheme allegedly generated €5 million annually by overcharging customers, typically by 10%, using custom-developed software to alter fuel pump readings. Authorities conducted coordinated raids on 20 petrol stations, nine residences, and a company office in multiple regions, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa. The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects, with warrants issued for five more. Police seized 59 computers, six handguns, a crossbow, small amounts of cannabis, and €250,000 in cash.

The suspects face charges including fraud, money laundering, tax offenses, and weapons and drug possession. The criminal ring, active since at least 2021, is estimated to have illegally amassed at least €25 million. Sixteen petrol stations linked to the scheme have been ordered closed for two years. 🚔💰