On January 8, news anchor Valeriy Klychok presented the latest global updates. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expressed hope that the war might end within the next six months. He noted that negotiations with European partners and the US have reached a new stage and that an agreement may coincide with Cyprus's presidency of the EU Council. However, the outcome will depend on various circumstances, not solely on Cyprus.
In Paris, the Ukrainian delegation met with US and European representatives for a series of talks focused on peace settlement frameworks, security guarantees, and future high-level contacts.
US Senator Lindsey Graham announced that Donald Trump supports a new sanctions bill targeting countries buying Russian oil or gas, singling out China, India, and Brazil. The White House also vowed to continue confiscating sanctioned oil tankers, including Russian vessels.
The US Department of Justice intends to bring criminal charges against crew members of a seized tanker. Meanwhile, Trump has announced plans to lower oil prices and take control of Venezuela's PDVSA company. US oil firms are currently evaluating the risks of re-entering Venezuela due to ongoing uncertainties.
Trump also announced his intention to increase the US military budget to $1.5 trillion in 2027, a significant rise responding to heightened global security challenges.
The situation around Greenland remains tense. Europe is considering various responses to US efforts to strengthen control over the island, including increased financing, military options, and economic countermeasures. There is also discussion about a potential deal trading Greenland for security guarantees for Ukraine.
Yesterday, Russia conducted a large-scale drone attack. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 70 out of 97 drones, but strikes caused temporary power outages in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. As of this morning, power has been restored in Zaporizhzhia, while work continues in Dnipropetrovsk.
Protests continue in Iran, with reports of protesters taking control of the third city, Karaj. This may have significant implications for the region. Follow our broadcasts for further developments and analysis.
