On January 11, Valerii Klochok reported on major international and regional events. The Ukrainian Parliament is preparing a bill to cancel mobilization deferment for students over 25, as part of strengthening the nation's defense. MP Serhiy Babak said inspections in educational institutions have already led to the expulsion of nearly 50,000 people who were not actually studying.
Russia continues to face mobilization challenges and growing internal tensions. It is also recruiting foreigners for the war against Ukraine, prompting the creation of a special commission in Iraq to prevent recruitment of local youth to the Russian army.
The humanitarian situation has worsened in Ukraine due to repeated strikes on its power infrastructure. In the past week, Russia carried out 44 attacks on energy sites, especially in Kyiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions. Hundreds of thousands of subscribers remain without electricity and heat, but repair work continues.
In Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov’s health has reportedly deteriorated due to severe kidney problems, and potential successors are being considered. There is uncertainty within the Russian leadership; Putin has not appeared in public and there are no official updates on ongoing negotiations.
Internationally, the US plans to lift some sanctions on Venezuela to stabilize the oil market. The UK and its allies are discussing the possible deployment of forces in Greenland amid tense statements by Donald Trump. Tensions are rising between the US, NATO, and some European countries over Arctic security.
In Iran, mass protests are spreading nationwide and the government is responding with force. These developments may affect the Middle East and Russia's position in the region. The US is considering support options for protesters.
Overall, these geopolitical developments impact domestic politics, international relations, energy security, and the situation at the Ukrainian front.
