US skips peacekeeping pledge with Europe, Russian drones hit Dnipro - Wednesday brief
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The United States declined to sign a joint peacekeeping statement with Europe and Ukraine following talks in Paris, despite claims that security protocols were largely finalized. At the same time, Russian forces launched a mass drone attack on Dnipro, damaging residential buildings and injuring civilians, including children.
For more details on what happened on Wednesday, January 7, see the report.
Russian drones strike Dnipro, homes damaged and children hurt
Russian forces carried out a mass drone attack on Dnipro overnight. Fires broke out across the city, buildings were damaged, and children were among the injured.
Several fires erupted in the city and have since been extinguished by emergency crews. Enemy strikes damaged apartment buildings, a private house, administrative buildings, civilian vehicles, and a gas pipeline.
Security forces defect to protesters, gunfire and casualties - Iran protests intensify
At least 36 people have been killed in Iran during large-scale protests that have spread across most of the country and have now lasted for 10 days. Protesters claim they have managed to take control of two cities, driving out the ayatollah regime’s security forces.
According to the reports, protesters have allegedly taken full control of the city of Abdanan in Ilam province. The small city, with a population of about 20,000, became the first place where security forces lost control of the situation and, according to some accounts, partially defected to the protesters’ side.
US declines to sign joint peacekeeping statement with Europe and Ukraine
After the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris, the United States did not sign a joint document with Ukraine and the EU on peacekeeping forces.
"We have largely finished the security protocols," US special envoy Steve Witkoff said.
However, as Politico learned, the United States ultimately did not sign the joint document.
US seizes Russian oil tanker — Reuters
The US seized a Venezuelan-linked oil tanker after over two weeks of pursuit across the Atlantic Ocean.
The operation, which could exacerbate tensions with Russia, began after the tanker, formerly known as Bella-1, broke through the US maritime blockade of sanctioned vessels and refused to allow US Coast Guard representatives on board.
Greenland under Trump’s spotlight: Potential dangers for Europe and Ukraine
After a successful operation in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump mentioned Greenland once again. This time, it seems, he is seriously determined to annex the island to the US.
RBC-Ukraine explains why Trump is eyeing Greenland and what risks this situation poses to the world, and to Ukraine in particular.
