📰 Zelenskiy Pushes Back: Ukraine Not Obstacle to Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hit back at President Donald Trump’s remarks, affirming Ukraine’s commitment to peace after Trump suggested Kyiv was less ready than Russia to clinch a deal. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy stressed, “Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace,” referencing his recent talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
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Trump’s Provocation, Zelenskiy’s Response
In an interview with Reuters, Trump claimed Ukraine was less eager than Russia to reach an agreement, singling out Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy countered by highlighting Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukrainian energy sites and infrastructure, arguing that Moscow’s actions prove Russia has no interest in reaching any agreement. “It is precisely Russian missiles, Russian ‘Shaheds’ (drones), and Russia’s attempt to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that Russia isn't interested in any agreement,” he said.
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Kremlin Echoes Trump
The Kremlin backed Trump’s assessment, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that President Vladimir Putin and the Russian side remain open to talks, but accusing Zelenskiy of stalling negotiations.
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Diplomacy vs. Destruction
Zelenskiy pledged Ukraine would pursue diplomatic efforts more actively, but with Russia continuing its strikes, the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. Trump’s comments and the Kremlin’s response reveal a familiar game: blame-shifting and political theater, while the war grinds on.
​
#Ukraine #Zelenskiy #Trump #PeaceTalks #Russia #Kremlin #Diplomacy

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📰 Arctic Boot Camp: Britain’s Royal Marines Train for War with Russia

In the deep snow of Norway’s Arctic mountains, Britain’s Royal Marines are preparing for war with Russia, enduring minus 20°C temperatures and finishing drills by jumping through ice holes, shouting their name, rank, and number before being pulled out. This extreme training, rooted in Cold War history, has taken on new urgency since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Camp Viking set to host up to 2,000 personnel by next year.
​

NATO’s Arctic Sentry
Britain and Norway are pushing for a new NATO “Arctic Sentry” mission to counter Russian threats in the region, hoping to reassure President Trump of Europe’s commitment. The mission’s details are still unclear, but the idea is to extend similar exercises to Greenland and its shipping lanes, where Russian and Chinese vessels are increasingly active.
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Trump’s Greenland Gambit
While Europe focuses on Russia’s northern fleet and the threat to undersea cables, President Trump is demanding control of Greenland, complicating transatlantic security. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide warned that the Kola Peninsula and Murmansk, just east of Norway, host Russia’s largest concentration of nuclear weapons. If a crisis erupts, the region could quickly become the epicenter of global tension.
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Solidarity or Showdown?
European allies are walking a fine line—signaling solidarity and readiness, but wary of antagonizing Trump. Some officials suggest NATO’s silence on Greenland is undermining alliance credibility, pushing allies toward bilateral deals instead of relying on multilateral cooperation. As one British official put it,

“There are three schools of thought about Trump’s comments on Greenland: security, business, or just wanting to make America bigger.”.

​
#Arctic #NATO #RoyalMarines #Russia #Trump #Greenland #Security

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Delcy ‘Trumpriguez’ Is About to Reshape Venezuela


Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez said on Thursday she was submitting a proposal to reform the country's hydrocarbon law, as investors in the U.S. push for easier access to the South American country's oil industry.

Rodriguez — or Trumpriguez, as they call her — said the reforms would "allow these investment flows to be incorporated into new fields, fields where no investment has ever been made and into fields where there is no infrastructure."

Rodriguez said funds from oil would go to workers and public services.

The U.S. says around $500 million has already been generated from oil sales under a deal with Caracas and this is being held in U.S.-controlled bank accounts.

An industry source familiar with the plan said the main account was located in Qatar.

As the Trump administration sets its sights on Venezuela's vast but underproductive oil reserves by implementing a $100 billion reconstruction plan, potential investors have called for urgent legal reform in the OPEC member nation.

Venezuela's hydrocarbon law has until now stipulated that foreign partners must work together with state firm PDVSA, which must hold the majority stake. Rodriguez did not say how the law would be reformed.

Rodriguez, who was sworn in ten days ago after the U.S. ouster of her predecessor, spoke in an annual presidential address to lawmakers.

She took over the presidency on an interim basis after the U.S. military captured Maduro and flew him to the U.S. to stand trial on drug charges, which he denies.

Rodriguez also called for diplomacy with the U.S., marking a shift in historically tense rhetoric between the two countries, and said should she need to travel to Washington, she would do so "walking on her feet, not dragged there."

Rodriguez said she had a plan for 2026 and would "forge a new politics in Venezuela".

Her announcement came hours after the U.S. seized a sixth Venezuela, linked oil tanker, part of a campaign that began to force Maduro out of power.

Trump has since said the U.S. plans to control Venezuela's oil resources indefinitely.

#trump #venezuela #oil #maduro #rodriguez

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Trump Created a New Governement for Gaza


Trump has appointed the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and former British prime minister Blair to a newly created Gaza “board of peace”, a body he claims will steer the next phase of reconstruction and governance in the war-ravaged territory.

The White House said the seven-strong “founding executive board” will also include Trump’s special envoy, the property developer Steve Witkoff; the World Bank president, Ajay Banga; and the president’s son-in-law and long-time adviser Jared Kushner.

Trump himself will serve as chair, with further appointments expected in the coming weeks.

“The United States remains fully committed to supporting this transitional framework, working in close partnership with Israel, key Arab nations, and the international community.”

Blair’s inclusion is likely to prove contentious in the region. The former Labour leader remains a divisive figure in the Middle East for his role in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Soon after leaving office in 2007 he became special representative of the Quartet, a group composed of the US, EU, Russia and the UN seeking peace between Israel and the Palestinians. But he became seen as too close to the Israelis and stepped down in 2015.

Acknowledging that Blair remains a divisive figure, Trump conceded last October: “I’ve always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he’s an acceptable choice to everybody.”

Its creation follows the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with running day-to-day affairs in post-war Gaza.

The body will be headed by Ali Sha’ath, a Gaza native and former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority.

The White House said: “Dr Sha’ath brings deep experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement, and is widely respected for his pragmatic, technocratic leadership and understanding of Gaza’s institutional realities.”

Hamas has yet to publicly commit to full disarmament – a key Israeli demand and one of the most contentious elements of the longer-term settlement.

Seth Masket, a political scientist at the University of Denver, suggested that the board’s name was undermined by Trump’s bellicose actions.

“I hope he can find time to attend Board of Peace meetings between meetings about invasions of Venezuela, Iran, Greenland, Canada, and Minneapolis,” Masket observed on social media.

#blair #trump #gaza #autority #palestinien #governement

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📰 Trump Pushes Turkey’s Role in Gaza, Despite Israel’s Objections

The U.S. administration is pushing for Turkey to play a bigger role in the Gaza peace process, according to U.S. media, despite Israel’s protests. Axios reported that U.S. officials believe Hamas is now ready to disarm, and President Donald Trump wants this to move forward. Officials say Hamas has sent positive signals and is willing to surrender its weapons—though they stress it must be real, not just for show.
​

Hamas: Ready to Lay Down Arms?
U.S. officials claim Hamas has been in contact with mediators, signaling readiness to give up its weapons. One official said, “We have a plan. The president wants this to move forward. Hamas is signaling readiness. We believe we can achieve it.” However, the U.S. insists the disarmament must be genuine, not a tactical maneuver.
​

Turkey’s Crucial Role
The Trump administration wants Turkey involved in the Gaza process, saying Turkey has influence over Hamas. Officials stressed, “We think it’s important that Turkey is involved because it has influence over them.” The White House also wants Turkey and Israel to rebuild their relationship, urging both sides to tone down their rhetoric and work together.
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Who Calls the Shots?
As the U.S. pushes for Turkey’s inclusion and Hamas’s disarmament, Israel’s objections are being sidelined. Is this a new era of regional diplomacy—or just another round of power plays, with Washington pulling the strings and everyone else adjusting their moves?
​

#Gaza #Trump #Turkey #Hamas #Israel #PeaceProcess #Diplomacy

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📰 Beijing Orders Firms to Ditch US, Israeli Cybersecurity Software

Chinese authorities have told domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software from more than a dozen U.S. and Israeli firms, citing national security concerns. The ban includes products from Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, Check Point, Mandiant, Wiz, SentinelOne, Rapid7, and others, as Beijing seeks to replace Western-made tech with domestic alternatives amid escalating trade and diplomatic tensions with the U.S.
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Why the Crackdown?
Chinese officials are worried that Western cybersecurity software could collect and transmit confidential data abroad, making it a potential threat to national security. The move is part of a broader effort to cut reliance on foreign technology and boost homegrown cybersecurity providers like 360 Security Technology and Neusoft.
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Who’s Affected?
Some of the banned companies, like Recorded Future and McAfee, say they don’t do business in China. Others, including Fortinet, Check Point, Broadcom, and Palo Alto, have significant operations and offices in the country. The ban could hit their revenue streams and force Chinese firms to scramble for alternatives.
​
Tech War or Just Paranoia?
As the U.S. and China prepare for President Trump’s visit to Beijing, this move underscores China’s growing distrust of Western tech. But is it a legitimate security measure—or just another round in the global tech war, with both sides accusing each other of hacking and espionage?
​
#China #Cybersecurity #US #Israel #TechWar #Trump #TradeTensions

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📰 Trump Slaps Tariffs on Europe Over Greenland Standoff

President Trump has escalated his campaign to seize control of Greenland, announcing a 10 percent tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland—NATO allies who have backed Denmark in rejecting his demands. The tariff will rise to 25 percent on June 1 if the countries don’t agree to negotiate the sale of Greenland, according to Trump’s social media post.
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Tariff Threats and Legal Uncertainty
The move marks a sharp escalation in Trump’s pressure campaign, targeting European allies with economic measures. The Supreme Court is currently weighing whether Trump can legally use emergency powers to impose such tariffs, and if it rules against him, he may be forced to seek other legal avenues.
​
Trump’s Justification
Trump claims the U.S. has long subsidized Europe and is now demanding payback.

“Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!”

he wrote, echoing his longstanding worldview that America has been taken advantage of for decades.
​
Allies Under Fire
Trump’s threats come as European countries, including France, send troops to Greenland for joint military exercises with Denmark. With tensions rising, the question is whether economic coercion will break the deadlock—or just deepen the rift between the U.S. and its closest allies.
​
#Trump #Greenland #Tariffs #Denmark #Europe #NATO #TradeWar

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📰 Federal Agencies Drown Americans With Unreleased Regulatory ‘Guidance’

While the federal government issued fewer new rules in 2025 than any year since the 1970s, the regulatory state has simply shifted its tactics. Instead of formal rules, agencies increasingly rely on “guidance” documents—memorandums, notices, bulletins, and even blog posts—that carry the weight of policy but often fly under the radar of public scrutiny.

The Rise of Regulatory ‘Dark Matter’
Agencies have found that issuing guidance is easier than going through the formal rulemaking process, which requires public notice, comment periods, and legal review. The result is a growing body of regulatory “dark matter”—documents that shape policy but aren’t always published in a single, accessible place.

The Good Act: Transparency or Window Dressing?
A bill called the Guidance Out Of Darkness Act (Good Act) passed the House in 2025 and would require agencies to compile all guidance documents in one public repository. While some guidance is already public, the Good Act would ensure that Americans can find everything in one place, much like laws are compiled in the U.S. Code and rules in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Who Controls the Rules?
As agencies regulate more through guidance than formal rules, the need for transparency grows. But will the Good Act actually make a difference, or will agencies just find new ways to operate in the shadows?

#Regulation #Guidance #GoodAct #Transparency #FederalGovernment #DarkMatter

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📰 Syria’s Kurds Fold: Government Absorbs Militia After Clashes

After weeks of sporadic fighting, Syria’s government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (S.D.F.) have agreed to a cease-fire and full merger of the militia into the national military. The deal hands the government control of most of the S.D.F.’s former territory, including key dams, oil fields, and border crossings, leaving only Hasakah under Kurdish authority.
​
End of Autonomy
The Kurds, Syria’s largest ethnic minority, have long fought for autonomy, establishing their own administration and legal system in the northeast. But recent battlefield losses left them in a weak position, forcing concessions. The government will now run all prisons, including Al-Hol, which holds thousands of Islamic State detainees and their families—a major concern for the U.S.-led coalition.
​
U.S. Caught in the Middle
The U.S. has backed both the government and the S.D.F., making this merger a diplomatic headache. While U.S. officials welcome the cease-fire, they worry about losing influence and the fate of the Islamic State prisoners. The new agreement means S.D.F. fighters will join the military as individuals, not as a unified force, further weakening Kurdish leverage.
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Who Really Wins?
For the interim government, the deal consolidates control and access to Syria’s resources. For the Kurds, it’s a major retreat from autonomy. But with ethnic minorities still uneasy and the U.S. watching closely, can this uneasy peace hold—or is it just another chapter in Syria’s endless cycle of power struggles?
​
#Syria #Kurds #SDF #Ceasefire #Damascus #USPolicy #MiddleEast

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📰 Netanyahu Asked Trump to Slow Down: Israel Caught Off Guard by Iran Attack Plans

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called President Donald Trump last week to request a delay in the U.S. attack on Iran. The move came after Israel was caught flat-footed by the rapid shift in Washington’s stance—from apparent hesitation to sudden readiness for action, according to foreign reports.
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Surprise and Uncertainty
Until recently, there was significant uncertainty about what Trump would do. Israeli officials were surprised by the speed of the escalation, especially after Trump had seemed aloof and deliberate in his approach. The sudden pivot to attack mode left Israel scrambling to coordinate its own readiness and assess the potential fallout.
​
Behind the Request
The request for a pause likely stemmed from concerns about Israeli air defense readiness, doubts about the effectiveness of a U.S. strike, and worries about the timing and planning of the operation. Israeli officials reportedly felt pressed into an unusual position, forced to directly ask for a delay rather than simply consult and share strategies.
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Who’s in Control?
With both the U.S. and Israel behind the curve on Iran’s unfolding crisis, the question remains: Who’s really driving the action, and who’s just reacting? As protests surged and the situation evolved faster than anyone expected, both sides found themselves playing catch-up, not in control.
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#Israel #Trump #Netanyahu #Iran #Protests #MiddleEast #Diplomacy

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📰 Europe Refuses to Be Blackmailed: Trump’s Tariff Threats Backfire

European leaders are standing firm against President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on eight countries unless they give in to his demands for Greenland. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson declared, “We will not let ourselves be blackmailed,” while French President Emmanuel Macron said, “No intimidation nor threat will influence us.”

Unity in the Face of Pressure
The eight countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland—issued a joint statement affirming their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. They stressed that tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. European officials warned that such actions could fracture NATO and embolden Moscow and Beijing.

Mixed Reactions, Muted Responses
While most leaders condemned Trump’s threats, Germany’s official response was more cautious, announcing only a brief statement and the withdrawal of its small troop contingent from Greenland. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the tariffs “completely wrong,” and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni described them as “an error”.

Who’s Playing the Game?
Europe’s refusal to be bullied may signal a new era of transatlantic tension. As Trump pushes for Greenland, Europe is rallying behind sovereignty and territorial integrity. But with NATO on the line and Russia and China watching, the question is: Who’s really winning—and who’s being played?

#Europe #Trump #Greenland #Tariffs #NATO #Diplomacy #Transatlantic

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📰 Pentagon Readies 1,500 Troops for Minnesota as Tensions Mount

Military on Standby
The Pentagon has ordered about 1,500 active-duty soldiers from the Eleventh Airborne Division in Alaska to prepare for a possible deployment to Minnesota. The move comes amid escalating protests and violent confrontations following the fatal shooting of a protester by an ICE agent. While it’s unclear if troops will be sent, the readiness signals Washington’s growing concern over unrest in the state.
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Political Backlash
Minnesota’s governor has mobilized the National Guard, and local leaders warn that military intervention would only inflame tensions. “That would be a shocking step,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “We don’t need more federal agents to keep people safe. We are safe.”
​
The Insurrection Act Looms
President Trump has repeatedly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow the use of federal troops to quell civil unrest. The rationale cited includes not only the protests but also a scandal over stolen federal funds in Minnesota, which the administration has used to justify sending in thousands of immigration agents.
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Rising Rhetoric
Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have called for “peaceful protest zones” to avoid further violence. Critics, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, argue that more troops would “just put another match on the fire.”
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The Stakes
As federal and state authorities square off, the situation in Minnesota has become a flashpoint for broader debates about immigration, executive power, and the limits of federal intervention.

#minnesota #pentagon #insurrectionact #protests #immigration #troops

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📰 Trump’s Billion-Dollar Peace Board: Who Pays, Who Plays?

The Price of Peace
The Trump administration is demanding at least $1 billion from countries that want a permanent seat on his new Board of Peace. President Trump would serve as chairman, handpicking members and approving all decisions. Countries that pay the fee get permanent membership; everyone else gets three years—renewable only by the chairman’s say-so.
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The UN Alternative?
Critics see this as a direct challenge to the United Nations, an organization Trump has long attacked. The Board of Peace is described as an “international organization” aiming to promote stability and rebuild conflict zones, starting with Gaza. But the draft charter suggests Trump would control the money and the agenda—a deal many nations find unacceptable.
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Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Trump has invited leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Canada’s Mark Carney, but Israel’s Netanyahu slammed the plan over its lack of coordination. European nations are reportedly pushing back, while a US official confirmed the billion-dollar fee is for permanent membership, with funds earmarked for rebuilding Gaza.
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The Real Power Play
Trump’s peace board gives him sweeping authority: he can approve the seal, set the agenda, and even remove members—unless two-thirds of the board objects. The board will meet regularly, but only when the chairman deems it appropriate. The first executive panel includes Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair.
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The Bottom Line
Trump’s peace board is less about peace, more about power—and who’s willing to pay for a seat at the table.

#trump #peaceboard #gaza #un #diplomacy

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Khamenei’s Hangmen Sexually Abused a Teen Protester


A 16-year-old was among protesters sexually assaulted in custody by the security forces in Iran during the nationwide uprising that has left thousands dead, according to a human rights group.

Two people, one of them a child, detained in the city of Kermanshah in western Iran told the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) that they were subjected to sexual abuse by riot police during their arrest.

“During the transfer, security forces touched their bodies with batons. They beat and applied pressure to the anal area with a baton through the clothing,” said Rebin Rahmani, of the KHRN, which has been in contact with sources close to the minor’s family.

Rights groups have expressed fear about the treatment of more than 20,000 protesters estimated to have been arrested since the start of protests in late December.

Since the start of the current protests in late December, 3,766 people have been killed and 8,949 other reported deaths are under investigation, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

The Norway-based Kurdish human rights group Hengaw said Sholeh Sotoudeh, a pregnant woman from Langarud, was killed along with her unborn child after forces opened fire on protesters in north-west Iran on 10 January.

In the latest unrest, at least one protester, 40-year-old Soran Feyzizadeh, has died as a result of torture while being held in custody, according to Hengaw.

It said Feyzizadeh was detained during protests on 7 January and that his family was informed of his death two days later.

The US-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran has documented the cases of more than 549 protesters, including 51 women, who have been transferred to Yazd central prison, and it expressed extreme concern over the lives of detainees.

“As street protests wind down, arbitrary arrests have increased as has the risk of torture for detainees,” said Roya Boroumand, the centre’s executive director.

“Over the past decades we have documented numerous cases of death in custody alongside severe physical and psychological torture, including beating, flogging and sexual assault.”

#iran #protesters #sexual #assault #abuse

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Trump's Tariff War 2.0. Greenland Is Becoming an American Taiwan


The EU was weighing up retaliatory tariffs on American goods and even deploying its most serious economic sanctions against the US as European leaders lined up to criticise Trump’s threat to levy new taxes on imports from eight nations who oppose his attempt to annex Greenland – which one minister called “blackmail”.

Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” the leaders of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland said in a joint statement. “We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”

The EU’s top diplomats met for crisis talks on Sunday and were expected to discuss reviving a plan to levy tariffs on €93bn of US goods, which was suspended after last summer’s trade deal with Trump.

France’s Macron, called on fellow leaders to activate the EU’s powerful anti-coercion instrument – commonly known as the “big bazooka” – if Trump went ahead with his tariff threats, French media reported, citing his team.

Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, said Trump’s tariffs would be a mistake, and the Dutch foreign minister, David van Weel, described the US president’s threats to allies as “blackmail”, as reaction from European leaders continued to pile up.

The anti-coercion law, which has so far never been used, enables the EU to impose punitive economic measures on a country seeking to force a policy change.

According to diplomatic sources, the EU was also considering reactivating a package of counter-tariffs against €93bn US goods, which were drawn up in response to Trump’s previous economic threats but suspended after the two sides struck a trade deal last summer.

The ambassadors of the EU’s 27 member states were meeting on Sunday in an emergency session after Trump threatened tariffs on the six EU nations plus the UK and Norway.

The threats to Greenland have cast a long shadow over Nato and thrown into doubt the EU-US trade deal that the bloc signed with Trump last August.

The leader of the European parliament’s largest group, the centre-right European People’s party, Manfred Weber, tweeted on Saturday that “approval is not possible at this stage”, a conclusion Socialist and Green MEPs had already reached.

Ratification of the deal, which would reduce EU tariffs on some US goods to zero, had been expected by February.

Macron said on Saturday that Europe would not change course in its opposition to a US takeover of Greenland, declaring:

“No intimidation or threat will influence us – neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations.”

In a joint statement, the EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa said tariffs would “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral”.

The pair, who had been in Paraguay signing a trade deal with four South American countries in the Mercosur bloc, are understood to have been blindsided by Trump’s latest threats.

Meloni, one Trump’s strongest EU allies, told journalists in Seoul that she had spoken to him “and told him what I think”, describing the proposed sanctions as a “mistake”.

The Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, who bonded with Trump over their shared love of golf, said European countries stood united in support of Denmark and Greenland.

“Tariffs would undermine the transatlantic relationship and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” he wrote on X.

Germany’s deputy chancellor, Lars Klingbeil, said his country would always extend a hand to the US in the search for common solutions, but “we will not be blackmailed, and there will be a European response”.

#trump #tariff #greenland #american #taiwan #denmark

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#trump #greenland #norway

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Two High-Speed Trains Collided in Southern Spain


At least 39 people have been killed and 24 others seriously injured after two trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday night in what the prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, called “a night of deep pain for our country”.

A high-speed Iryo train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed near the municipality of Adamuz in Córdoba province, crossing on to the other track where it hit an oncoming train, Adif, Spain’s rail infrastructure authority, posted on X.

The second train, which was operated by the state rail company, Renfe, also derailed and went down an embankment, authorities said.

The accident happened about 10 minutes after the Iryo left Málaga at 6.40pm (1740 GMT), Adif said.

“Approximately 300 people were on board at the time of the accident,” Iryo said.

“The derailment affected cars six through eight. The Guardia Civil and firefighters are currently working intensively at the scene to evacuate all passengers and have set up a joint emergency response team.

“Iryo deeply regrets the incident, has activated all its emergency protocols, and is collaborating closely with Adif, Renfe, and the relevant authorities to determine the causes and manage the situation as effectively as possible.”

Another witness told the public broadcaster RTVE that one of the carriages of the first train had completely overturned.

An unidentified passenger on the second train – which was going from Madrid to Huelva – told public broadcaster TVE:

“There were people screaming, their bags fell from the shelves. I was travelling to Huelva in the fourth carriage – the last, luckily.”

Television images showed medical crews and fire services at the scene.

Spain’s transport minister, Óscar Puente, said the cause of the accident had yet to be established. Speaking at a press conference at Atocha station in Madrid, he added it was “really strange” that a derailment should have happened on a straight stretch of track. This section of track was renewed in May, he said.

Puente said most of those killed and injured had been in the first two carriages of the second train.

#trains #collided #spain #puente #Iryo

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#graham #war #islam

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📰 Ukraine’s Davos Diplomacy: Talks Resume, Results Unclear

The Davos Agenda
Ukraine’s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, confirmed that talks with U.S. officials will continue at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The meeting follows two days of discussions in Florida, where the focus was on security guarantees and post-war recovery plans. No concrete agreements were announced, but both sides agreed to maintain dialogue at the working level during Davos.

Trump’s last-minute move to withdraw Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from the Florida negotiations was widely seen as an attempt to pressure President Zelensky. Now, the Ukrainian delegation is shifting its focus to the upcoming Davos summit, where key meetings are scheduled for tomorrow.

What’s at Stake
The Ukrainian delegation, including Kyrylo Budanov and Davyd Arakhamia, pressed for clarity on Russia’s position regarding U.S.-backed peace efforts. Umerov reported that recent Russian strikes had severely damaged Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving thousands of homes without heat or electricity.

Diplomatic Realities
President Zelensky emphasized that Russia’s continued attacks show little interest in diplomacy.

“If the Russians were seriously interested in ending the war, they would have focused on diplomacy,”

he said in his nightly address.

The outcome of the Davos talks could shape the next phase of negotiations—but for now, clarity is scarce.

#ukraine #davos #peace #diplomacy #zelensky #trump

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The Political Crisis in Japan Is Gaining Momentum


Japan's prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called an early election as she tries to capitalize on high approval ratings since becoming the country's first female prime minister three months ago.

Takaichi, a conservative embroiled in an increasingly deep dispute with China over Taiwan's security, said on Monday she would dissolve the lower house of the Diet – Japan's parliament – on January 23, with elections to follow on February 8.

Describing the decision to call early elections as “very difficult,” Takaichi told reporters: “I'm putting my future on the line as Prime Minister.

I want the people to decide directly whether they can entrust me with the management of the country.”

The next lower House election was not scheduled until October 2028, but Takaichi seems confident that she can use her personal popularity to reverse the recent series of poor electoral results of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The LDP and its former junior coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the powerful lower house in October 2024 and in the upper house last July, forcing Takaichi to forge a fragile partnership with the populist Japan Innovation party, which shares many of her conservative views, when she became prime minister in October.

After making an encouraging debut as prime minister during meetings with Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Takaichi then angered Beijing by suggesting that Japan could become militarily involved in any conflict between China and Taiwan if its own security was threatened.

Takaichi's refusal to withdraw his remark has strengthened his support among voters, but despite strong approval ratings, his decision to call early elections carries significant risks.

A protracted dispute with China – which has urged its citizens not to travel to Japan, leading to the cancellation of meetings and events – could have negative repercussions for Japan's export-oriented economy.

This month, China banned exports to the Japanese military of so-called dual-use items, a decision that Takaichi said violates international protocols.

Dual-use goods are goods, software or technologies with civil and military applications. Beijing has said its ban will only apply to Japanese military companies.

A supporter of major spending to stimulate Asia's second-largest economy, Takaichi said this weekend that she had instructed ministers to ensure the implementation of an additional budget for the financial year, which extends until March, and to obtain parliamentary approval for next year's budget.

A strong indication that Takaichi was preparing to run for her first public term as Prime minister came earlier this month, when she wrote on Instagram:

“I have made a new determination as a leader who must assume the heavy responsibility of leading Japan.”

#japan #takaichi #beijing #china #budget #politics

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📰 Trump’s Ultimatum: Is the U.S.-Europe Alliance Doomed?

The Greenland Gambit
President Trump has upped the ante, threatening to raise tariffs on several European countries unless they let him acquire Greenland. His latest move—“the easy way or the hard way”—has sent shockwaves across European capitals. For decades, the U.S.-Europe alliance was built on shared values and mutual security. Now, it feels like a high-stakes poker game, with Trump holding all the chips.
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Europe’s Dilemma
European leaders are scrambling to respond. Some, like French President Emmanuel Macron, are ready to fight back, urging Europe to deploy an economic “bazooka” in retaliation. Others, like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, call for diplomacy and caution, warning that grandstanding does nothing for ordinary people whose livelihoods depend on transatlantic ties.
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The Precipice
Veteran observers say the alliance is fundamentally altered.

“To use what is essentially economic warfare with allies is unprecedented in this way,”

said Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund. The consensus is clear: Europe needs to build new economic and military capacities to reduce its dependence on the U.S.—but that will take years, if not decades.
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The Stakes
Recent cease-fire negotiations in Ukraine have only underscored that Europe cannot fend off Russian aggression without American support. Yet, Trump’s National Security Strategy now questions whether European countries are “reliable allies,” and his rhetoric about “patriotic European parties” is widely interpreted as a nod to the far right.
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The New Reality
Europeans are beginning to realize that capitulating to Trump’s demands often leads to more demands.

“Reality is sinking into the mind-sets of those who have been advocating caution,”

said Rosa Balfour of Carnegie Europe.

“You can feel that kind of change.”

#trump #greenland #eu #alliance #nato #diplomacy

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