World

Latest World News

📅January 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Ukraine war, Iran protests, US–Venezuela tensions, Greenland takeover talk, La Niña collapse, terror attacks and elections dominate today’s global agenda.
1

Fighting intensifies around Kupiansk as Russia pressures eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have stepped up offensive operations around the **Kupiansk** sector in eastern Ukraine, escalating clashes along the front line.Source 7 Ukrainian positions near the city are under sustained artillery and ground attacks, raising concerns about further territorial gains by Russian troops and worsening conditions for civilians in the area.Source 7

2

Slovakia reaffirms it will not provide military aid to Ukraine

The Slovak government has again **refused to send military assistance** to Ukraine, while saying it supports a negotiated end to the war.Source 7 Bratislava’s stance underscores divisions within the EU and NATO over continued arms deliveries, even as fighting near Kupiansk and other fronts intensifies.Source 7

3

Iran tightens control amid large-scale anti-government protests

Iranian authorities have **cut off internet access nationwide** in response to intensifying protests, part of a broader crackdown on dissent.Source 2 Security forces have vowed harsh punishment for demonstrators, while exiled opposition figures are calling on protesters to prepare to seize control of city centers, deepening fears of prolonged unrest.Source 3

4

United States escalates pressure on Venezuela after airstrikes and blockade

The United States recently carried out **airstrikes across northern Venezuela**, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores during Operation Southern Spear.Source 2 Washington has also seized tankers in a broader oil blockade, while several **“shadow fleet”** tankers are reported to be slipping through off Venezuela’s coast, moving millions of barrels of crude to market despite sanctions.Source 2Source 7

5

US seizes Russian-flagged tanker in sanctions enforcement drive

US authorities have **intercepted and detained a Russian‑flagged oil tanker**, alleging violations of sanctions linked to the Venezuela oil blockade.Source 7 The seizure signals a tougher enforcement posture targeting ships believed to be part of a shadow fleet circumventing US restrictions on sanctioned crude.Source 7

6

Wave of bomb attacks hits petrol stations in southern Thailand

Eleven **petrol stations were bombed** across three provinces in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border, prompting a major security response.Source 1Source 7 Authorities are assessing damage and investigating the perpetrators, amid long-running insurgent activity and concerns about cross‑border militancy in the region.Source 1Source 7

7

US and allies launch large airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria

The United States and allied forces have conducted **large-scale airstrikes** on Islamic State targets across Syria, in retaliation for a recent deadly attack in Palmyra.Source 5 US Central Command confirmed the strikes, which followed an assault that killed American soldiers and a civilian, aiming to degrade ISIS infrastructure and leadership networks.Source 5

8

Iran protests deepen as authorities threaten executions

Nationwide protests in Iran have entered a **second week**, with over 100 deaths reported amid clashes with security forces.Source 5 The government has threatened severe punishments, including the **death penalty** for some detainees, even as foreign leaders voice support for demonstrators and debate possible policy or military responses.Source 5

9

Trump signals tougher line on Russia and Ukraine peace talks

According to reports citing White House sources, US President **Donald Trump is increasingly impatient with Vladimir Putin**, now viewing him as a greater obstacle to peace in Ukraine than President Volodymyr Zelensky.Source 1Source 7 Washington has hinted at a more **hard‑line approach** toward Moscow, linking sanctions and other pressure to a rapid end to the war.Source 1Source 7

10

Greenland becomes flashpoint as US military ‘takeover’ scenario discussed

A Greenland MP warned it would be a **“wrong move if Denmark reacts”** during any potential US-led takeover scenario of Greenland, amid rising geopolitical tension over the Arctic territory.Source 3 Parallel commentary and broadcasts have discussed US military readiness regarding Greenland, reflecting renewed strategic interest in the island’s location and resources.Source 3Source 8

11

La Niña collapse raises concern over 2026 hurricane and weather patterns

Meteorological reports suggest **La Niña conditions are collapsing**, marking a potential turning point for 2026 global weather patterns.Source 1Source 7 Forecasters warn this shift could reshape the upcoming hurricane season and increase the risk of more extreme weather events worldwide, though precise regional impacts remain under study.Source 1Source 7