Trump Claims He Boosted NATO Spending, Prevented Russia from Taking Ukraine, and Deserves Nobel Peace Prize
January 7, 2026 – International News

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy on Truth Social, claiming that before his presidency, most NATO members were failing to meet financial obligations, leaving the United States to shoulder the burden.

Key points from his post:

He allegedly pushed NATO allies to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, insisting they now pay promptly.

Trump claimed his leadership prevented a total Russian takeover of Ukraine, without providing detailed evidence.

He boasted that he ended eight wars during his presidency.

Expressed frustration that Norway did not award him the Nobel Peace Prize, describing it as “foolish.”

He credited himself with rebuilding the U.S. military, which he says is the only force respected by Russia and China.

Despite skepticism about NATO’s loyalty, he affirmed that the U.S. will continue supporting the alliance.


Trump framed these achievements as central to saving millions of lives and ensuring NATO’s relevance in global security.

US Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela and Russia Over Sanctions Violation
January 7, 2026 – International

The United States has confirmed the seizure of an oil tanker accused of violating U.S. sanctions, marking a major enforcement action against vessels attempting to bypass American restrictions. The tanker, originally identified as M/V Bella 1, had been renamed Marinera and was operating under a Russian flag while sailing in the North Atlantic. Reports indicate that the vessel previously flew a Guyana flag before its re-registration under Russia.

The U.S. European Command stated that the seizure was executed in coordination with multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Tracking operations were supported by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro. According to officials, the operation was carried out pursuant to a U.S. federal court warrant and reflects a “whole-of-government” approach to protecting U.S. interests and enforcing sanctions.

“The seizure supports the President’s proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten security and stability in the Western Hemisphere,” the U.S. European Command noted. Officials emphasized that the action was carefully planned to avoid environmental damage and focused on recovering the tanker rather than sinking it.

This operation follows recent diplomatic talks between U.S. and Venezuelan officials regarding potential exports of Venezuelan crude to American refineries along the Gulf Coast. U.S. refineries, which have historically processed Venezuela’s heavy crude, are reportedly capable of handling future imports once sanctions allow. Sources noted that the discussions come after years of restrictions that curtailed Venezuelan oil exports to the United States.

The seizure also comes in the wake of a controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela in early January 2026, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The U.S. justified the operation by citing federal indictments accusing Maduro’s government of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, alleging that the regime helped ship large quantities of cocaine into the United States. Following the operation, former President Donald Trump openly declared that the U.S. intended to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry, which he claimed was built with American investment and seized by Maduro.

In his first public comments after being taken to the U.S., Maduro described himself as “kidnapped” and insisted on his innocence. The tanker seizure is seen as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to reassert influence over sanctioned energy exports and prevent regimes like Venezuela and Russia from profiting from illicit oil trade.

Experts note that the operation highlights the strategic importance of maritime enforcement in the global energy market and underscores the U.S.’s commitment to sanctions enforcement. The tanker, part of what officials have described as a “shadow fleet” circumventing international regulations, was carefully monitored for weeks before the operation, demonstrating the complexity of tracking and intercepting high-value maritime targets.

The U.S. emphasized that similar operations may continue against vessels suspected of violating sanctions, particularly those tied to sanctioned nations or illicit networks. The seizure reinforces the administration’s dual approach of diplomatic engagement and targeted enforcement to secure energy markets and uphold international sanctions.

US special forces have arrived in the United Kingdom as Washington moves to intercept a sanctioned oil tanker accused of evading the Trump administration’s blockade on Venezuelan crude and racing toward Russia.

Cargo aircraft carrying helicopters and personnel landed at RAF Fairford, as US and allied forces stage for a possible high-risk boarding operation against the tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1.

The vessel, described by US officials as part of a “shadow fleet” used to bypass international sanctions, is believed to be operating under a Russian flag in the North Atlantic, roughly 500 miles west of Ireland, en route to Russia.

Troops from America’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, have reportedly deployed Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters capable of fast-roping commandos onto large vessels. Three V-22 Ospreys operating out of RAF Mildenhall have also joined the mission, alongside surveillance aircraft and refuelling jets.

US and UK military activity intensified after the tanker was tracked resurfacing at sea, having previously slipped away from US forces in the Caribbean following Donald Trump’s announcement of a “total and complete blockade” on Venezuelan oil exports.

The tanker is alleged to be linked to Iran and accused of helping sanctioned regimes, including those of Vladimir Putin and Nicolás Maduro, continue oil trading despite restrictions. During the pursuit, the crew reportedly painted a Russian flag on the hull and later re-registered the ship under a new name in Russia.

Defence sources said the build-up at RAF Fairford indicates preparations for a hostile boarding, while naval patrol aircraft continue to monitor the tanker’s movements.

US officials told American media that the preference is to seize the tanker rather than sink it, mirroring a helicopter-borne raid carried out last month on another sanctioned vessel. A decision on whether to proceed with the operation is expected within days.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Appears in New York Court Amid UN Debate Over Legality of U.S. Capture

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan federal court to face long-standing U.S. drug trafficking charges following a U.S. special forces operation in Caracas. The raid, described as the largest U.S. military intervention in Latin America since Panama in 1989, allegedly involved breaching Maduro’s security to arrest him.

U.S. authorities accuse Maduro of leading a vast cocaine-trafficking network linked to Mexico’s cartels, Colombian rebels, and Venezuelan gangs. Maduro denies the charges, calling them politically motivated.

Despite the arrest, Maduro’s allies still control Caracas, and Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, signaled cautious openness to dialogue with the U.S. The operation has sparked international controversy, with Russia, China, and Cuba condemning the U.S. action, while Western allies have urged dialogue and adherence to international law.

The UN Security Council is set to debate the legality of the U.S. operation, while markets reacted with modest gains in oil prices, Venezuelan bonds, and defense stocks amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Nigerian Activist Agena Robert Warns ‘If U.S. Can Invade Venezuela, They Can Invade Nigeria,’ Criticizes Trump as Dictator

Nigerian human rights activist Agena A. Robert has condemned the United States over its actions against Venezuela, labeling Washington’s foreign policy as hypocritical, imperialistic, and a threat to global sovereignty.

In a statement titled “The Hypocrisy of Empire: Why the U.S. Assault on Venezuela Is a Threat to Us All,” Robert argued that U.S. claims of promoting democracy are a pretext for controlling Venezuela’s resources. He accused U.S. President Donald Trump of acting like a dictator and criticized double standards in international relations, including tolerance for elites and selective criminalization.

Robert warned that developing nations, including Nigeria, are at risk of foreign intervention disguised as benevolence, citing U.S., Israeli, Chinese, Russian, and European influence under various pretexts. He called for countries in the Global South to resist domination and uphold sovereignty, stressing that Venezuela’s experience should serve as a wake-up call.

The activist emphasized solidarity with Venezuela and the importance of defending self-determination against neocolonial exploitation.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Slams Trump’s Military Action in Venezuela as Illegal, Unconstitutional and Dangerous Violation of International Law

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s military action in Venezuela, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional, and a blatant violation of international law. In a statement issued on January 4, 2026, the Vermont senator accused Trump of overstepping his authority as commander-in-chief and showing “contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law” by launching military operations without congressional approval.

Sanders stressed that the U.S. president does not have the constitutional right to unilaterally take the country to war, even against what he described as a corrupt and brutal dictator like Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He also rejected Trump’s claim that the United States has the right to “run” Venezuela, insisting that such rhetoric reflects dangerous imperial thinking.

Calling on Congress to act urgently, Sanders urged lawmakers to pass a War Powers Resolution to immediately end what he termed an illegal military operation and to reassert Congress’s constitutional responsibilities. He warned that the attack would have far-reaching global consequences, making both the United States and the world less safe, and setting a dangerous precedent in international relations.

Sanders compared Trump’s justification for the Venezuela action to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, arguing that it mirrors the same “logic of force” used by President Vladimir Putin. He further accused the Trump administration of reviving imperial ambitions in Latin America, citing references to the Monroe Doctrine and alleged interest in controlling Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which he described as “rank imperialism.”

Turning to domestic concerns, Sanders criticised Trump for focusing on foreign military adventures while major problems persist at home, including economic hardship, a struggling healthcare system, housing unaffordability, and job threats posed by artificial intelligence. He concluded that Trump was failing in his responsibility to govern the United States, stating that the president should focus on domestic crises rather than attempting to “run” Venezuela.

Analyst Who Predicted Trump’s Move Against Venezuela Reacts as Nicolás Maduro Is Removed, Says US Now Controls Global Oil Power

An Indian political analyst, Aravind, who accurately predicted the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has reacted after his forecast appeared to come true. In April 2025, Aravind had warned that once a Russia–Ukraine peace deal was concluded, the United States under Donald Trump would aggressively target Venezuela through sanctions, covert actions, or even direct military intervention.

By June 2025, he expanded his analysis, arguing that oil was the central driver of Washington’s strategy. He predicted that the US would engineer a coup against Maduro, gain control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, influence global oil prices, and reshape geopolitical alliances, including drawing Russia away from China.

Following the January 3, 2026 raid in which Maduro was reportedly captured by US forces, Aravind declared that Venezuela had been “couped” exactly as he predicted, claiming the US now controls Venezuelan oil and holds dominance over much of the world’s energy supply. His comments have reignited debates about US foreign policy, energy politics, rising oil prices, and the wider geopolitical consequences of Washington’s actions in Latin America.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres Condemns US Military Action In Venezuela, Warns It Sets Dangerous Precedent And Threatens Regional Stability

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly criticised the United States over its reported military action in Venezuela, warning that the escalation poses serious risks to regional stability and undermines international law. In a statement delivered by UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric on January 3, 2026, Guterres said he was deeply alarmed by the worsening crisis, describing the US action as a “dangerous precedent” with potentially far-reaching implications for Latin America and beyond.

The UN chief stressed that regardless of Venezuela’s internal political situation, all parties are obligated to respect international law, including the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. He expressed grave concern that the established rules governing the use of force may not have been adhered to, cautioning that such actions could weaken the global legal order.

Guterres urged Venezuelan stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and pursue inclusive dialogue rooted in respect for human rights and the rule of law. Meanwhile, reactions in the United States remained divided, with Congressman Riley M. Moore defending the military action by accusing President Nicolás Maduro’s government of narcotics trafficking and enabling strategic influence by China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere. The developments have further intensified international debate over the legality, consequences, and long-term impact of US intervention in Venezuela.

Russia Condemns US Military Strike on Venezuela, Calls for UN Security Council Meeting

The Russian Federation has strongly condemned the United States’ military action against Venezuela, calling it unjustified and warning against further escalation. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Washington’s justification as “untenable” and said ideological animosity has overridden pragmatic engagement.

Moscow emphasized that Venezuela must determine its own future without foreign interference and urged dialogue-based resolution of disputes. The ministry expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and support for the Bolivarian government, while backing calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address the crisis. Russian authorities confirmed that their embassy in Caracas remains operational and no Russian citizens have been reported injured.

Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Travel Ban on US Citizens in Retaliation Against Trump’s Expanded Travel Restrictions, Citing Reciprocity and Sovereignty

Mali and Burkina Faso have announced a travel ban on United States citizens in direct response to President Donald Trump’s expanded travel restrictions that placed both West African countries on a full no-entry list. The two military-led nations said the decision was based on the principle of reciprocity, with Burkina Faso’s foreign minister stressing fairness, while Mali emphasized mutual respect and sovereign equality. Mali also expressed regret that the US decision was taken without prior consultation. The move follows a similar ban imposed by neighbouring Niger, as the three junta-led states deepen regional cooperation and increasingly align with Russia amid strained relations with Western powers. The development comes against the backdrop of broader US immigration suspensions affecting multiple countries, which Washington says are driven by national security concerns.

Iran Launches New Satellites Ahead of Netanyahu–Trump Meeting

Iran has launched three locally developed satellites into space in a fresh show of defiance, coming just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss Iran and wider Middle East concerns.

The satellites — Paya, Zafar-2, and a second prototype of Kowsar — were successfully placed into Low Earth Orbit on Sunday using a Russian Soyuz rocket launched from a Russian space facility.

Before the June war, Tehran had carried out several satellite launches in recent years, some independently and others in partnership with Moscow. Iranian officials say the newly launched satellites include the country’s most advanced imaging technology, further highlighting Iran’s growing space and missile-linked capabilities amid rising regional tensions.

The timing of the launch is widely seen as symbolic, coinciding with high-level talks between Israel and the United States focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.

#Iran #MiddleEast #SpaceTechnology #GlobalPolitics

Russia Accuses Western Countries of Promoting “Gender Garbage” on Children, Condemns What It Calls Monstrous Experiments on Minors

Russia has accused some countries of pushing dangerous gender policies on children, warning that such approaches amount to what it described as “monstrous” experiments being carried out on minors. The allegation was made by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, who criticised governments she said have turned controversial gender ideologies into long-standing state doctrine.
Zakharova argued that these policies are no longer limited to adult self-identification but are now being enforced through legislation and imposed on children from birth. She described the trend as a dangerous global shift, claiming it represents a moral and societal abyss that humanity is being led toward by certain political regimes.
According to her, the most alarming development is that children have become the primary focus of these policies, with some countries legally allowing the possibility of gender change at birth. She said such measures are unprecedented and deeply troubling, stressing that these “experiments” are being conducted not on others’ children, but on citizens’ own children.
While stating she would never directly compare current policies to the crimes of Nazi Germany, Zakharova nonetheless claimed that humanity has arrived at something “comparable in form,” arguing that it is paradoxically being celebrated in some societies as progress in understanding human identity.
Her remarks reflect Russia’s long-standing opposition to liberal gender and LGBTQ+ policies in Western countries, a position Moscow consistently frames as a defence of traditional values and cultural norms against what it views as harmful ideological experimentation.

JUST IN: Top Russian General killed by car bomb in Moscow.

"The bombing targeted Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, and he died from his injuries. He was the third senior Russian military officer to be killed in a bombing this year."

Russian General Fanil Sarvarov Killed in Moscow Car Bomb Attack, Investigation Points to Possible Targeted Assassination

Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of operational training at the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, was killed in Moscow after an explosive device detonated under his vehicle. Authorities described the incident as a possible targeted assassination, with Sarvarov’s driver seriously injured in the blast. The Investigative Committee confirmed that forensic and technical analyses are ongoing to determine who was responsible. Some Russian officials have suggested Ukrainian intelligence may be involved, citing previous attacks allegedly carried out using explosives against Russian officials. Sarvarov, 56, was a career military officer with decades of experience, including counterterrorism operations in southern Russia and deployments in Syria. The assassination has raised security concerns amid a series of high-profile attacks in Russia, including the December bombing that killed Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov. Investigators continue to examine the device and surrounding circumstances to confirm motives and perpetrators.

New Year 2026 Prophecy: Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele Predicts “Nemesis Protests” Under Tinubu Administration

Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has forecast at least eight major “nemesis protests” against President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2026. Speaking at a church conference in Lagos on December 20, 2025, the cleric warned lawmakers to be cautious of attacks on their convoys. He also predicted mixed outcomes for Nigeria’s security, including emergency aircraft landings, plane crashes globally, and tensions between Iran, the EU, and Russia. Primate Ayodele’s prophecies often address politics, security, and international affairs, while his ministry continues philanthropic efforts across Nigeria.

The U.S. National Intelligence believes Russia is not planning to invade Europe

Director Tulsi Gabbard said that reports about such plans are “lies and propaganda.”

She made the statement while commenting on a Reuters publication that cited data from the U.S. intelligence community.

Tulsi Gabbard is known for her openly expressed sympathies toward Russia and her support for conspiracy theories.

According to Gabbard, Russia is instead trying to avoid a direct conflict with NATO. She accused the media and their sources of attempting to scare the public and sabotage Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the war.

Gabbard claims that this “false narrative” benefits those who want escalation and the direct involvement of the United States in a war with Russia.

Against this backdrop, Moscow continues to insist on its own terms. Putin has made it clear that he will not end the war until his maximalist demands are met.

The commander of the Russian neo-Nazi brigade to be buried in the main church of the Russian Orthodox Church

Recently, the mysterious death of Sergey Orlov, with the call sign "Spanish," was revealed — the founder of a neo-Nazi brigade Espanola made up of football hooligans that fought in Ukraine and committed war crimes.

According to preliminary information, Orlov was shot by security forces while attempting to arrest him. He allegedly tried to resist.

Ironically, the neo-Nazi who bent to the FSB and fought for the "Russian world" died at the hands of the Kremlin regime's henchmen. As they say, he got what he fought for.

To somewhat smooth over this incident, "Spanish" is to be buried in Christ the Savior Cathedral — the main church of the Russian Orthodox Church.

This is the first known participant in the war in Ukraine to be honored with such a high-level farewell. Previously, funerals for the highest Kremlin elite were held there.

A "spy" house across from the Russian embassy has been put up for sale in the U.S

Neighbors said that since the early '90s, the FBI used the house to monitor the embassy, according to Washingtonian.

The new owner renovated the property, listed it for sale at $3.85 million, and finds the house's history appealing to buyers.

OpEd: Is Russia Afraid of a Free Press in Africa? Oumarou Sanou Critiques Russian Embassy’s Reaction to Nigerian Media

Oumarou Sanou examines the Russian Embassy’s reaction to Nigerian media coverage of Russian-linked mercenaries in the Sahel. He argues that Russia’s attempt to discredit journalists and label criticism as “paid” or foreign-influenced reflects a fear of scrutiny rather than a defense of facts. Sanou emphasizes that independent African media must remain free to report on insecurity, human rights abuses, and regional developments, warning against external interference in Nigeria’s sovereign public discourse.

NDLEA Secures Court Order to Detain MV San Antonio, Crew Over 25.5kg Cocaine Shipment from Brazil

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained a Federal High Court order to detain the foreign vessel MV San Antonio, its captain, and 20 crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine at Apapa Seaport, Lagos. The vessel, arriving from Brazil, was found carrying the drugs concealed inside its cargo hatch. Crew members from Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan were arrested. The court granted the detention for 14 days pending further investigation and prosecution. NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) emphasized that Nigeria remains hostile to drug trafficking and praised officers for their professionalism and vigilance.