Ukrainian Negotiators Arrive in US for Talks on Ending War with Russia

Ukrainian negotiators have arrived in the United States for discussions with the Trump administration aimed at ending nearly four years of conflict with Russia, a member of the delegation confirmed on Saturday.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he hopes Ukraine will sign agreements with the US next week as part of efforts to secure a resolution to the ongoing war.

#Ukraine #USNegotiations #RussiaWar #VolodymyrZelensky

Nigerians Lured Abroad for Jobs End Up Forced to Fight in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Bankole Manchi, 36, left Lagos for a promised N500,000/month job but was handed over to armed men in Russia and forced to fight in Ukraine. Recruits from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and other countries report brutal military training, injuries, and near-starvation. Networks allegedly used fake job offers via companies like ST3 Metal LLC to lure young Africans. Human rights groups are demanding urgent investigations as some recruits remain missing or dead.


#NigeriaNews #AfricaAbused #RussiaUkraineWar #HumanRights #JapaCrisis

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.

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.

128 Journalists, Media Workers Killed Worldwide in 2025 as IFJ Warns of Worsening Global Threat to Press Freedom

At least 128 journalists and media workers were killed across the world in 2025, according to the International Federation of Journalists’ (IFJ) final “Killed List” released on December 31. The death toll, which includes 10 women and nine accidental deaths, marks a sharp increase from the 122 journalists killed in 2024, highlighting what the IFJ describes as a worsening global trend against press freedom.

The Middle East and Arab World recorded the highest number of casualties with 74 deaths, including 56 journalists killed in Palestine amid the Gaza war. Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, India, Peru, and several other countries also recorded multiple killings, while Africa saw nine work-related journalist deaths, largely linked to the conflict in Sudan.

Reacting to the figures, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the deaths as a global crisis, calling on governments to protect journalists, end impunity, and support the adoption of a United Nations convention to guarantee the safety and independence of media workers worldwide.

Two North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine have requested to be handed over to South Korea

They sent a letter to a human rights organization in Seoul, asking for asylum:

“We firmly believe that we are never alone, and we consider the people of South Korea our own parents, brothers, and sisters. We have decided to surrender ourselves into their embrace,” they wrote.

South Korea’s constitution guarantees citizenship to all North Koreans, as Seoul does not recognize the DPRK.

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.

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.

Beaten, tortured, and burned alive: Son of Kharkiv’s deputy mayor killed in Vienna over crypto

21-year-old Danylo Kuzmin, the son of Kharkiv’s deputy mayor, was murdered over $200,000 in cryptocurrency, Austria’s Kronen Zeitung reports. According to the outlet, he was lured into a trap in the underground garage of the luxury Sofitel hotel by a 19-year-old compatriot he trusted.

During meetings in Vienna, Kuzmin allegedly carelessly told the acquaintance about his father’s assets stored in digital wallets. The young man then teamed up with a 45-year-old Ukrainian to plan the murder. In the garage, the victim was brutally beaten — blood traces were found in the stairwell, and Kuzmin was left with almost no teeth. Under torture, he gave up the access codes to two crypto wallets.

The severely injured Kuzmin was forced into the back seat of his father’s Mercedes, driven to the Donaustadt district of Vienna, doused with gasoline, and the car was set on fire while he was still alive.

Using hotel surveillance footage, Vienna police quickly identified the suspects. After an international manhunt, they were arrested in Ukraine, where they will stand trial. The killers managed to withdraw $200,000; about $100,000 was found on the 19-year-old at the time of arrest.

According to unofficial reports, the 45-year-old suspect is a former senior official of the Odesa customs service, while the 19-year-old is the son of a well-known businessman from Chernivtsi and the stepson of Ukraine’s ambassador to Bulgaria.

Historic EU decision: Russia's assets frozen indefinitely

All frozen assets will remain under the EU's control for an unlimited period.

The final decision on the fate of the assets and the reparations loan for Ukraine will be made on December 18–19 at the EU summit.

Central Bank of Russia sues Euroclear over frozen Russian assets

The Central Bank of Russia has filed a lawsuit in the Arbitration Court of Moscow against the Belgian depository Euroclear, claiming that its actions caused harm by blocking access to Russian assets. The lawsuit was filed the day after nearly all EU countries approved the indefinite freezing of Russian funds.

Thus, the Central Bank of Russia is attempting to prevent the use of frozen assets for financing aid to Ukraine. This lawsuit has raised concerns in Belgium and Euroclear, which oppose the plan to fund Ukraine using Russian assets, supported by several EU member states.

BREAKING: A well-known Russian archaeologist has been detained in Poland at Ukraine’s request

According to investigators, after the annexation of Crimea, Aleksandr Butyagin led an archaeological expedition for the Hermitage Museum. He had no permits from Ukrainian authorities, yet he carried out excavations at a protected heritage site — the “Ancient City of Myrmekion” in Kerch.

The Russian citizen was only passing through Poland on his way from the Netherlands, where he had been giving a series of lectures.

After questioning him, the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office decided to place the “Hermitage representative” in temporary custody.

Butyagin will now spend at least 40 days not in a European hotel room, but on a prison bunk.

Russia has legalized outright lawlessness: Ukrainian homes will be taken over by colonizers

Mass property seizures in occupied territories are now officially legal.

Occupation authorities have been given the power to declare homes “ownerless” and hand them over to other people. The rule will remain in force until 2030.

There are no clear criteria, meaning it targets everyone — those who fled because of the war and even those who still live in their homes. This was reported by Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation.

The seized apartments are set to be handed to occupants — Russian soldiers, security forces and officials being brought into the captured regions to accelerate their russification and change the demographic makeup.

RSF: Israel Responsible for Nearly Half of Journalist Deaths Worldwide in 2025

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Israel of causing nearly half of all journalist deaths recorded globally in 2025. In its annual report, the group revealed that 67 journalists were killed between December 2024 and December 2025, with Israeli forces responsible for 43% of the fatalities—29 of them Palestinian reporters in Gaza. RSF highlighted a deadly “double-tap” airstrike on a Gaza hospital that killed five journalists, suggesting deliberate targeting. The organisation also noted that nearly 220 journalists have been killed since the Gaza conflict began in 2023. Outside the Middle East, Mexico, Sudan, and Ukraine remained dangerous for media workers. RSF further reported 503 journalists imprisoned worldwide as of December 2025, underscoring escalating threats to press freedom.

#PressFreedom

#RSFReport

#JournalistSafety

Germany Approves Voluntary Military Service for 18-Year-Olds Amid Rising Security Concerns

Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has voted to introduce voluntary military service, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The move is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s plan to build Europe’s strongest conventional army.

Starting January 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a mandatory questionnaire asking if they are interested in joining the armed forces. The form will be compulsory for men and voluntary for women. From July 2027, all 18-year-old men will undergo medical examinations to assess their fitness for possible military service.

The decision has sparked widespread opposition among students, with strikes planned in as many as 90 cities. Protesters argue that compulsory training promotes drill and obedience, offering little benefit while disrupting young people’s lives.

Currently, Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, have around 182,000 personnel, with plans to increase the number to 260,000 by the early 2030s, supplemented by 200,000 reservists. The government says that while service is voluntary, compulsory measures could be considered if too few volunteers come forward or if security thr+ats escalate.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday, taking a draft peace plan that Washington hopes can bring about an end to the war in Ukraine.

South African Radio Presenter Arrested for Allegedly Recruiting Fighters for Russia’s War in Ukraine



South African radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula, 39, has been arrested for allegedly recruiting men to join the Russian army in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Police apprehended her along with four men she reportedly arranged to send to Russia, three of whom were detained at an airport before departure. Authorities said it is illegal for South Africans to enlist in a foreign army without government approval. Mantula, a presenter at SAFM, remains in custody as investigations widen, including a separate probe involving Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, who is accused of deceiving 17 South African men into travelling to Russia under false pretences. The South African government has received distress calls from the recruits, who claim they were forced to fight and had their documents confiscated. Officials say they are working with international partners to repatriate the victims and warn citizens to be wary of misleading job and study offers linked to Russia.

BREAKING:

Ukraine is now targeting Russian commercial ships.

This morning Kiev attacked the Russian tanker Midvolga-2 which was carrying sunflower oil.

In the past few days Ukraine has attacked a total of 4 Russian commercial vessels.

Talks between the American and Ukrainian delegations in Florida produced "no progress" on the issue of territorial concessions.

According to ABC News, which cited a source familiar with the meeting, Russia is not ready to discuss a ceasefire, while Ukraine is not ready to make territorial concessions.

The parties also discussed frozen Russian assets, security guarantees for Ukraine, and the issue of holding elections in the country.

However, the source noted that there were no signs of any breakthrough on the most difficult issues.