Poland’s Consulate in Russia Closes After 53 Years
The Polish consulate in St. Petersburg, Russia has been closed after 53 years of operation. The staff removed the Polish and EU flags from the building and cleared out the premises.
This decision comes after Poland ordered the closure of a Russian consulate in Poznan last year due to allegations of sabotage plots by Moscow.
Polish Ambassador to Russia Krzysztof Krajewski was present at the ceremony and described it as dignified. He also mentioned that the move had been planned for some time.
Poland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022, providing military aid and sheltering up to one million refugees.
Ukraine Situation
Russia has launched an attack on Ukraine with Shahed-type drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 41 drones over nine different regions. Three dummy drones flew back to Russia while one went to Belarus.
Additionally, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill to strengthen the process for adding groups and organizations to Ukraine’s terror list.
Venezuela Detains Ukrainians
Three Ukrainians were detained by Venezuelan authorities on January 5, accused of plotting a terrorist attack. They have been described as “mercenaries” by President Nicolas Maduro.
Jordan Maclachlan, a Scottish volunteer and medic, was killed in Ukraine on January 3 while serving with the Ukrainian army.
NATO to Guard Infrastructure
A fleet of up to 10 NATO vessels will guard infrastructure under the Baltic Sea until April. This comes after suspected sabotage led to the cutting of cables.
USA to Increase Defense Spending
US President-elect Donald Trump has called for an increase in NATO’s defense spending benchmark from 2% of GDP to 5%.
Russia and Ukraine Conflict Intensifies
Russia launched an attack on a fuel supply plant in Ukraine, damaging its ability to provide fuel. The operation was carried out by Ukrainian military intelligence and other units.
Ex-President Poroshenko Submits Bill Banning Russian Oil and Gas Transit
Petro Poroshenko, the ex-president of Ukraine, has submitted a bill banning the transit of Russian oil and gas through Ukraine’s territory during martial law.
Belarus and Azerbaijan Conflict
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called Armenia a “fascist state” and suggested that Baku might have to destroy its neighbor’s ideology.