Geopolitics Daily
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📰 White House eyes Greenland

📰 White House eyes Greenland

and Russia sends navy to guard tanker

Ross Crabtree & Billy Robinson
January 07, 2026

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Russia has deployed naval assets to escort an oil tanker pursued by U.S. forces over alleged sanctions violations, while the UK and France agreed plans to deploy troops to Ukraine if a postwar settlement is reached.

These developments come as Donald Trump praised the operation that removed Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro, and said Caracas would hand over millions of barrels of oil.

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇷🇺🇺🇸 Russia deploys navy to escort tanker: Russia said it deployed naval assets to escort an oil tanker pursued by US forces across the Atlantic, as Washington signalled plans to seize the vessel over alleged sanctions violations. The ship’s position, legal status and the outcome of any boarding remain unclear, with both sides issuing statements asserting compliance with international law.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇺🇦 UK and France agree troop plan for Ukraine: The UK and France said they would deploy forces in Ukraine if a peace deal with Russia is reached, signing a declaration of intent after talks in Paris involving 35 countries. Coalition members outlined post-ceasefire security guarantees including troop deployments, military hubs and US-led monitoring, while Russia has previously rejected foreign forces.

3️⃣ 🇾🇪🇸🇦 Yemen coalition strikes after STC leader disappears: The Saudi-led coalition said it launched air strikes in Yemen’s Dhale governorate after Southern Transitional Council leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi failed to board a flight to Riyadh and allegedly mobilised armed forces. His whereabouts remain unknown, the STC did not comment, and Yemen’s recognised government said he was removed from its leadership council and faces investigation.

4️⃣ 🇻🇪🇺🇸 Trump says Venezuela to hand over oil: US President Donald Trump said Venezuela will transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil in storage to the United States, to be sold at market prices under his control. Analysts cited uncertainty over the timeframe, revenue handling, and the scale of the announcement’s impact.

5️⃣ 🇹🇷🌍 Turkey declares Africa intelligence priority: Turkey’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin said Africa is a strategic priority, pointing to intelligence, security and diplomatic activities from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa and citing what he described as positive results from “intelligence diplomacy.” He highlighted Turkey’s expanding trade, diplomatic presence and security engagement on the continent, with analysts describing Ankara as a consequential external actor whose role has become increasingly military and strategic.

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Major Story

🇺🇸🇬🇱 White House confirms Greenland options

The White House said President Donald Trump and his team are discussing multiple ways to acquire Greenland, including the potential use of the US military, describing the territory as a national security priority. The comments prompted a joint statement from several European countries supporting Denmark, which stated that Greenland’s status can only be decided by Denmark and Greenland, and must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law.

Danish and Greenlandic leaders rejected the idea of annexation while calling for dialogue grounded in international law, as Nato allies stressed Arctic security should be pursued collectively. US officials separately indicated that options under discussion include purchasing Greenland or forming a Compact of Free Association, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said the administration does not plan an invasion.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇻🇪 Trump praises Venezuela attack to Republicans: President Donald Trump described the military operation that captured Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro as “brilliant” while addressing House Republicans, receiving strong support from attendees. He dismissed criticism from former allies and used the speech to rally Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

2️⃣ 🇮🇷 Protests grow as forces clash in Tehran: Iranian security forces clashed with protesters at Tehran’s grand bazaar as nationwide demonstrations over economic conditions entered their tenth day. Rights groups reported at least 35 deaths and more than 1,200 arrests, while officials warned intervention could worsen inflation and announced investigations into alleged abuses.

3️⃣ 🇮🇱🇵🇸 Israel clears hurdle for E1 settlement project: Israel issued a government tender clearing the final procedural step before construction of the E1 settlement near Jerusalem, involving 3,401 housing units. The project has drawn opposition from international actors and critics who say it would divide the West Bank and undermine prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state.

4️⃣ 🇮🇱🇱🇧 Israel strikes Lebanon despite ceasefire: Israel carried out strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon after warning it would target Hezbollah and Hamas sites in four villages, according to Lebanese state media. The attacks occurred despite an existing ceasefire, with reports of property destruction and additional strikes without warning.

5️⃣ 🇵🇭 Philippines moves to protect undersea cables: The Philippine Navy said it is exploring surveillance measures to safeguard undersea cables from sabotage and espionage amid concerns over global cable incidents. Officials cited unclaimed underwater drones, discussions with allies, and alleged espionage risks, which China has denied.