Latest Politics News
US Military Operation in Venezuela Triggers International Backlash
The recent US special-forces raid that captured Venezuelan President **Nicolás Maduro** has sparked condemnation at the UN Security Council and fears of regional destabilization. UN officials warned the 3 January operation could intensify instability and set a troubling precedent for relations among states, emphasizing the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force against other members’ territorial integrity or political independence.
Domestic US debate is also sharpening, with senators weighing war powers limits and Trump claiming he cancelled a planned second wave of strikes on Caracas.
Trump Administration Signals Withdrawal from Global Climate Treaty System
The Trump administration has announced its intention to withdraw the US from the **UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)** and dozens of other international bodies. The move would also cut US participation and funding for key climate institutions such as the **IPCC** and **IRENA**, a step analysts say would further isolate Washington on climate policy and weaken multilateral climate governance.
Iran Faces Expanding Anti-Government Protests and Harsh Crackdown
Large anti-government demonstrations in Iran have widened, with clashes leaving dozens dead, including members of the security forces, according to Iranian officials. Authorities have restricted internet and phone access in several areas, vowed to punish protesters “without any leniency,” and drawn renewed threats of intervention from US President Trump, raising fears of a sharper regional confrontation.
US–Venezuela Oil Politics Deepen After Caracas Operation
Following the Venezuela raid, Trump met US oil executives, urging up to **$100 billion** in investment in Venezuelan oil and promising them “total safety.” Exxon’s CEO reportedly told Trump the company could deploy a team in Venezuela within weeks, even as the country’s interim authorities seek to ease tensions with Washington by releasing political prisoners and pursuing talks.
EU’s Carbon Border Tax Comes Into Force, Triggering Trade Tensions
The EU’s landmark **Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)** took effect on 1 January, imposing a levy on carbon-intensive imports despite strong opposition from some trading partners and European industries. The measure is designed to prevent “carbon leakage” by equalizing carbon costs between EU producers and foreign competitors, but it is already prompting diplomatic pushback and concerns about potential trade disputes.
Zelenskyy Reshuffles Ukrainian Leadership Amid War and US Pressure
Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelenskyy** has appointed military intelligence chief **Kyrylo Budanov** as his new presidential chief of staff, replacing Andriy Yermak. Analysts say the reshuffle is aimed at restoring public trust, centralizing power, and neutralizing political rivals as Ukraine faces renewed Russian strikes on energy infrastructure and strong US pressure to accept a negotiated peace backed by a “Coalition of the Willing.”
Russia Intensifies Missile Strikes on Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure
Russia has continued long-range missile attacks on Ukraine, including a recent strike using a nuclear-capable missile against energy facilities and residential areas. The attacks have left over a million people without heating or water in the Dnipropetrovsk region amid freezing temperatures, compounding humanitarian risks and increasing pressure on Kyiv’s government.
Trump Administration Moves to Exit Multiple International Organizations
Alongside its climate moves, the White House has circulated a memorandum listing **65 international organizations** it plans to leave, citing that they “no longer serve American interests.” The exits would withdraw significant US funding and influence from a range of multilateral bodies, prompting warnings that global institutions dealing with climate and energy could see their effectiveness and reach curtailed.
UN Envoys Engage on Yemen and Lebanon Amid Fragile Regional Security
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen concluded talks in Riyadh focused on stabilizing the country and advancing an inclusive dialogue, including a Saudi-hosted southern dialogue initiative. Separately, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon visited Israel for meetings with senior officials, part of efforts to manage cross-border tensions and broader regional security risks.
Far-Right Ascendancy Reshapes France’s Political Landscape
France’s **far-right** is nearing “the apex of power,” according to recent international analysis of European politics. The trend underscores a broader shift across parts of Europe toward nationalist and anti-immigration parties, with implications for EU policy on migration, security, and relations with both Washington and Moscow.