On January 19, Valeriy Klychok recapped the day’s major events. Donald Trump has established a so-called "Peace Council" to address the Gaza crisis, inviting several controversial leaders including Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban, Giorgia Meloni, and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Putin has received an official invitation, and Russia is studying the details of the initiative. Similar invitations were extended to other authoritarian leaders. Trump's project is viewed as an alternative to the UN, but its goals and outcomes remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, some EU officials are considering forming a new military alliance involving Ukraine but excluding the United States. These discussions have intensified against the backdrop of Trump’s tough rhetoric and potential threats regarding Greenland. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the situation around Greenland has become a focal point, and Denmark has decided not to send an official delegation due to the crisis. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that America’s nuclear shield limits Britain’s ability to respond to US tariffs over Greenland but does not expect military action against the island.
Diplomatic tension and rivalry continue between the US, Europe, and NATO allies concerning security matters and possible defense blocs without US involvement. Trump emphasizes that Europe should focus on the war in Ukraine.
Additionally, anti-corruption investigations are ongoing in Ukraine. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has launched an inquiry into alleged systemic bribes within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) during Ivan Bakanov’s tenure. Businessman Serhiy Vaganyan claimed he paid off officials to avoid regulatory problems and is reportedly ready to cooperate with investigators. The High Anti-Corruption Court continues to review the arrest of Yulia Tymoshenko’s assets; Tymoshenko accuses investigators of political persecution. Corruption scandals remain a central issue in Ukrainian public life.
