Putin envoy hails ‘constructive’ talks with U.S. delegation

"Russian President Vladimir Putin’s envoy Kirill Dmitriev has said he held a “constructive”

meeting with a US delegation in Florida ahead of a new round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations planned for Sunday.
Dmitriev arrived in the US earlier on Saturday, with Moscow issuing no prior announcement. He teased the visit by posting a social media map showing his plane approaching Miami.
“Constructive meeting with the US peacemaking delegation. Productive discussion also on the U.S.–Russia Economic Working Group,” Dmitriev wrote on X." RT

5.3 Earthquake - Northeast, 205 km east of Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

"A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit 205 km (127 mi) away from Reykjavik, Capital
Region, Iceland, in the morning at 11.54 am local time (Atlantic/Reykjavik GMT +0). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow. The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

Technical failure causes simultaneous blackouts in Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine

"A technical malfunction occurred between the power grids of Romania, Moldova, and

Ukraine, resulting in a simultaneous power outage.
According to Ukrinform, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal reported this on Telegram.
"Today at 10:42 a.m., a technical failure occurred, causing a simultaneous shutdown of the 400 kV line between the power systems of Romania and Moldova and the 750 kV line between the western and central parts of Ukraine. This caused a cascade shutdown in Ukraine's power grid and triggered automatic protection mechanisms at substations. Nuclear power plant units were unloaded," Shmyhal said." Ukrin

204 clashes on front lines

"Ukrainian forces engaged in 204 combat clashes with Russian invaders on the front lines.
Russian aircraft struck areas near Prosiana, Havrylivka, and Novoselivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, as well as Rizdvianka, Barvinivka, Kopani, Vozdvyzhivka, Zaliznychne, Verkhnia Tersa, Huliaipilskе, Dorozhnianka, Charivne, and Zarichne in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy attempted to breach Ukrainian defensive lines 25 times near Starytsia, Prylipky, Vovchanski Khutory, and Vovchansk, as well as toward Kruhle, Ternova, Hryhorivka, Fyholivka, and Petro-Ivanivka.

In the Kupiansk sector, there were six enemy attacks. Ukrainian forces repelled Russian assaults near Kurylivka, Petropavlivka, and Novoosynove.
In the Lyman sector, Russian troops carried out nine attacks, attempting to break into Ukrainian defenses near Zarichne and Tverdokhlibove, and toward Druzheliubivka and Drobysheve.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attempts by the invaders to advance toward Zakitne and in the areas of Dronivka, Yampil, and Sviato-Pokrovske.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the enemy did not conduct offensive operations.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian forces launched 14 attacks near Shcherbynivka, Pleshchiivka, Ivanopillia, and Sofiivka, as well as toward Illinivka, Stepanivka, and Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled 46 Russian assaults in the areas of Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Filiia, and toward Ivanivka, Novopidhhorodnie, and Rodynske.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy carried out nine attacks near Rybne and Zlahoda, and toward Oleksandrohrad and Nove Zaporizhzhia.
In the Huliaipole sector, 19 Russian attacks were recorded in the area of Huliaipole and toward Zelene, Dobropillia, Huliaipilske, and Olenokostiantynivka.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled three enemy attacks near Stepnohirsk and toward Prymorske.
In the Dnipro River sector, the enemy carried out one unsuccessful offensive action." Ukrin

Trump claims Putin agreed not to strike Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities 'for a week', Zelensky welcomes initiative

"U.S. President Donald Trump said that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreed to his request not to strike Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities and towns for a week.

The U.S. president did not clarify when or how he relayed this request to Putin, or from what date the supposed ceasefire would begin.
"I personally asked President Putin not to fire on Kyiv and the cities and towns for a week," Trump said during a cabinet meeting, stressing that Ukraine is currently facing extremely cold temperatures. "And he agreed to do that. And I have to tell you, it was very nice."
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump and called his remarks “an important statement” on the possibility of providing security for Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities during the extreme winter period. He added that Ukrainian and U.S. teams discussed the issue during recent trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates with Russia.
"Power supply is a foundation of life. We value the efforts of our partners to help us protect lives," Zelensky said on X." KI

5.2 Earthquake - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

"A strong magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 83 km (52 mi) from
New Zealand in the early afternoon at 2.28 pm local time (GMT +13). The quake had a shallow depth of 35 km (22 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

5.4 Earthquake - Southern East Pacific Rise

"A strong magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 796 km (495 mi)
from Chile in the late afternoon at 7.34 pm local time (GMT -7). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.
The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

279 battles on front line

"279 combat clashes between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders were recorded on the front line.
The Russian army carried out air strikes on the areas of Havrylivka, Pokrovske in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Verkhnia Tersa, Barvinivka, Vozdvyzhivka, Kushuhum, and Malokaterynivka in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Defense Forces struck one area where personnel were concentrated, eight ground-based UAV control stations, and seven command posts of the Russian invaders.

In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the defenders of Ukraine repelled 11 Russian attacks, and the enemy carried out 75 shellings of Ukrainian troops' positions and populated areas, five of which were with MLRS.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russians stormed Ukrainian positions 17 times in the areas of Vovchansk, Starytsia, Tykhe, and toward Fyholivka, Ternove, Hrafske, Vovchanski Khutory, Hryhorivka, and Kolodiazne.
There were 12 Russian attacks in the Kupiansk sector. Defense forces repelled assaults in the Borivska Andriivka area and toward Kupiansk, Petropavlivka, Pishchane, and Novoosynove.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy attacked 13 times, attempting to advance in the areas of Drobysheve, Stepy, Hrekivka, Zarichne, and toward Druzheliubivka and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attempts by Russian invaders to advance in the Yampil area and toward Rai-Oleksandrivka and Zakitne.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the Russians carried out 19 attacks in the areas of Pleshchiivka, Shcherbynivka, Rusyn Yar, and toward Novopavlivka, Kostiantynivka, Illinivka, Berestok, Stepanivka, and Sofiivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 87 Russian assaults and offensive actions in the areas of Toretske, Nykanorivka, Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Rivne, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Novomykolaivka, and toward the settlements of Chervonyi Lyman, Kucheriv Yar, Vilne, Bilytske, Novyi Donbas, Hryshyne, Novopidhorodnie, Muravka, Ivanivka, and Filiia.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the Russian army attacked Ukrainian positions 23 times, in the area of Verbove and toward Ivanivka, Iskra, Oleksandrivka, Oleksiivka, Danylivka, Nove Zaporizhzhia, and Lisne.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian invaders attempted to advance on the positions of the Defense Forces 42 times, in the area of Huliaipole and toward Dobropillia, Radisne, Varvarivka, Zelene, Pryluky, Zaliznychne, Olenokostiantynivka, Sviatopetrivka, and Staroukrainka.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled two attacks towards Lukianivske and Pavlivka." Ukrin

Casualties, damage to infrastructure reported as Russia launches missiles, drones at various regions of Ukraine

"Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on several Ukrainian regions, including

Kyiv and surrounding areas, overnight on Jan. 28, local authorities reported.
The attack killed and injured civilians in cities across the country, caused widespread power outages, and damaged a monastery in Odesa.
Russia launched one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 146 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 103 drones. At least 36 drones and the missile made it through, striking 22 locations." KI

South Atlantic Ocean, 81 km northeast of Montagu Island, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

"A very strong magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred in the South Atlantic Ocean near the coast
of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in the early morning at 5.30 am local time (GMT -2). The quake had a moderate depth of 75 km (46 mi)." VD

117 combat clashes on front lines

"Ukrainian forces engaged in 117 combat clashes with Russian invaders along the front line.
The enemy carried out one missile strike using a single missile and 77 airstrikes, dropping 223 guided aerial bombs. In addition, Russian forces deployed 6,757 kamikaze drones and carried out 3,840 attacks, including 79 using multiple launch rocket systems.
Russian aircraft struck areas near Havrylivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, as well as Ternuvate, Zaliznychne, Verkhnia Tersa, Vozdvyzhivka, Barvinivka, Dolynka, Charivne, Kopani, and Tersianka in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Ukrainian missile and artillery forces hit one Russian artillery piece at a firing position and four UAV command posts of the Russian invaders.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, Ukrainian forces repelled 15 attacks. The invaders carried out 102 shelling attacks, including 11 with MLRS.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the enemy attempted to breach Ukrainian defenses 14 times in the areas of Vovchansk, Starytsia, Prylipka, and toward Obukhivka, Zelene, Vovchanski Khutory, Kolodiazne, and Kutkivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian forces repelled two Russian attacks near Radkivka and Pishchane.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy carried out seven attacks, attempting to penetrate Ukrainian defenses near Myrne and toward Lyman, Drobyshcheve, and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped six attempts by Russian forces to advance near Yampil, Sviato-Pokrovske, and toward Rai-Oleksandrivka.
In the Kostyantynivka sector, Russian troops carried out nine attacks near Kostiantynivka, Predtechyne, Pleshchiivka, Sofiivka, and toward Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders halted 22 Russian assault actions near Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Kotlyne, Molodetske, Filiia, and Dachne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy carried out two attacks toward Yehorivka.
In the Huliaipole sector, 12 Russian attacks were recorded near Huliaipole, Myrne, and toward Dobropillia.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian forces repelled two attacks near Stepnohirsk and toward Prymorske.
In the Dnipro River sector, the enemy carried out one unsuccessful offensive action.: Ukrin

Ukraine war latest: Russian drones strike passenger train in Kharkiv Oblast

"Russian drones struck a passenger train in Kharkiv Oblast on Jan. 27, hitting a locomotive and passenger car and causing a fire, Ukrainian officials said.
At least five people were killed, and two others were injured in the attack, the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported later in the evening.
According to Ukrzaliznitsia and regional officials, the train – operating on the Barhinkove-Lviv-Chop route – was carrying 291 passengers at the time of the strike." KI

Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai

"Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in the town of Slavyansk-na-Kuban in Russia's

Krasnodar Krai overnight on Jan. 26, Ukraine's military confirmed following reports on social media.
Photos and videos recorded by residents and posted on social media on the morning of appear to show a glowing night sky from the direction of the oil refinery.
The region's Operational Headquarters claimed that drone debris fell onto the territory of "two enterprises," without specifying the type of facility." KI

103 clashes on frontline

"103 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops.
The invaders targeted settlements including Velykomykhailivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and Zaliznychne, Verkhnia Tersa, Charivne, Kopani, Rizdvianka, Vozdvyzhivka, Yurkivka, and Tavriiske in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Over the past day, Ukraine’s missile troops and artillery struck a concentration area of enemy personnel, three UAV command points, an MLRS, and an enemy command post.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy launched six airstrikes,

dropping 11 guided bombs dropped, and 77 shellings of Ukrainian positions and settlements, including one MLRS strike.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russians attempted five assaults near Prylipka, Vovchansk, Dvorichanske, and toward Lyman.
In the Kupiansk sector, two Russian attacks were repelled near Petropavlivka.
In the Lyman sector, there were three attacks; enemy tried to advance toward Drobysheve and Lyman.
In the Sloviansk sector, Russians carried out two attacks near Platonivka and toward Yampil.
In the Kramatorsk sector, one engagement occurred near Chasiv Yar.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy launched 15 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Shcherbynivka, Pleshchiivka, Kleban-Byk, Rusyn Yar, Sofiivka, and toward Stepanivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 33 assault and offensive actions near Nove Shakhove, Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Molodetske, Filiia, and toward Shevchenko, Bilytske, and Hryshyne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russians conducted four attacks near Zelenyi Hai and toward Nove Zaporizhzhia." Ukrin

Russia strikes Druzhba oil pipeline for first time

"Russian forces have struck an infrastructure facility in the town of Brody in Lviv Oblast. 

The site is linked to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Details: According to earlier reports, oil products caught fire in Brody, Lviv Oblast, on 27 January following the Russian attack, causing heavy smoke.
Brody City Council reported the fire. After the strike, schools in the town cancelled classes and residents were urged to stay at home and, if possible, not to go outside." NV

Tensions rise in Africa’s youngest nation

"South Sudan’s army has ordered civilians and personnel from the UN mission (UNMISS) and humanitarian organizations to evacuate three counties in Jonglei, the country’s largest state, as it prepares for an operation targeting opposition forces.

Jonglei has experienced the fiercest fighting in Africa’s youngest country in recent months, with clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) described by the UN as the most intense since 2017.
SPLA-IO forces, aligned to South Sudan’s suspended Vice President Riek Machar, captured the town of Pajut in northern Jonglei in mid-January, bringing the state capital Bor into closer range of their offensive.
In a statement on Sunday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang announced the “imminent” launch of ‘Operation Enduring Peace’ and directed all civilians in SPLA-IO-held areas of Uror, Nyirol, and Akobo to immediately evacuate to nearby government-controlled areas for their safety." AfricaNews

Australia swelters in a record heat wave

"Parts of Australia

sweltered in record temperatures of close to 122 degrees Fahrenheit on
Tuesday as the country sweated through a prolonged heat wave.
The rural towns of Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria state registered preliminary highs of 48.9 C (120 F), which if confirmed overnight would top records set on the day in 2009 when 173 people were killed in the state’s devastating Black Saturday bushfires." msn

'Colossal destruction' – Russian drone strike on Odesa -- many may be under rubble

"A massive Russian drone attack on Odesa in southern Ukraine struck several apartment and university buildings, killing at least one person, injuring dozens of others, and leaving an unknown number still stuck under rubble, officials said on Jan. 27.
Russia sent a swarm of 50 drones into the city in an attack that began shortly after 2:00 AM. The explosions injured 23, of which nine have been hospitalized, Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper wrote on Jan. 27. The strikes damaged dozens of residential buildings, a preschool, and a church.

"[Emergency workers have pulled out 14 people, among them one child. It is tentatively known that people may still be stuck under the rubble," Kiper wrote.
Odesa Mayor Serhiy Lysak wrote on Telegram on Jan. 27 that emergency workers had recovered the first known fatality from the attack after hours of excavations.
"The destruction is colossal, and repair work will require extended time to return equipment to working condition," energy provider DTEK wrote, identifying its facilities as among those under attack.
Lysak specified in a separate Telegram post that 43 buildings and 122 apartment units fell under the drone attack in Odesa's Prymorskiy Neighborhood, the downtown area near the Black Sea that includes much of the city's famous port. Three other buildings were damaged in the neighborhood of Perespylsky, which includes the rest of the main ports." KI

5.7 Earthquake near Ponorogo, Indonesia

"A magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred near 19 km SSW of Ponorogo, Indonesia at 01:20 AM UTC. This intermediate earthquake originated at a depth of 127.0 kilometers below the Earth's surface. 19 people reported feeling this earthquake to the USGS. The earthquake was detected by 115 seismic monitoring stations operated by the USGS." QP

4.3 earthquake reported near Lake JB Thomas, Texas

"You might have been asleep while it happened, but the first earthquake greater than
magnitude 4.0 for 2026 has shaken West Texas.
TexNet reported a magnitude 4.3 earthquake at 4:22 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, located about 2.5 miles east of Lake J.B. Thomas and about 14 miles southwest of Snyder. The depth was about 23,400 feet below the surface.
The 4.3-magnitude temblor wasn’t the only earthquake in the area. As of noon Monday, it was the first in a cluster of 13 quakes; the others ranged between magnitude 0.9 and 1.9, according to TexNet." msn

France and EU clash over UK missiles for Ukraine

"France has clashed with several EU nations over a proposal that would allow Ukraine to use

an EU-backed loan to buy British Storm Shadow missiles, The Telegraph reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources. Paris has consistently pushed for preferential treatment for the EU’s military industry on procurements destined for Kiev.
The outlet noted that Paris is the center of the EU’s drive for “strategic autonomy” amid concerns about overreliance on US defense after a rift with Washington over its push to acquire Greenland.
Under the current design of the €90 billion loan, spending on weapons would follow a four-layer procurement cascade that prioritizes Ukrainian producers first, then EU defense firms, followed by partner countries such as the UK, with suppliers outside Europe – including the US – treated as a last resort.... the aim of Britain and its partners was to keep the system “open enough for the UK” to ensure that reaching the third layer of the cascade “is not so hard.” RT

103 clashes on frontline over past day

"Over the past day, there were 103 combat engagements between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops.
According to updated information, Russian forces carried out 99 airstrikes on Ukrainian territory, dropping 227 guided aerial bombs. They also deployed 7,462 kamikaze drones and carried out 3,838 shellings of Ukrainian positions and settlements, including 74 strikes with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).

The invaders targeted settlements including Velykomykhailivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and Zaliznychne, Verkhnia Tersa, Charivne, Kopani, Rizdvianka, Vozdvyzhivka, Yurkivka, and Tavriiske in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Over the past day, Ukraine’s missile troops and artillery struck a concentration area of enemy personnel, three UAV command points, an MLRS, and an enemy command post.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy launched six airstrikes, dropping 11 guided bombs dropped, and 77 shellings of Ukrainian positions and settlements, including one MLRS strike.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russians attempted five assaults near Prylipka, Vovchansk, Dvorichanske, and toward Lyman.
In the Kupiansk sector, two Russian attacks were repelled near Petropavlivka.
In the Lyman sector, there were three attacks; enemy tried to advance toward Drobysheve and Lyman.
In the Sloviansk sector, Russians carried out two attacks near Platonivka and toward Yampil.
In the Kramatorsk sector, one engagement occurred near Chasiv Yar.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy launched 15 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Ivanopillia, Shcherbynivka, Pleshchiivka, Kleban-Byk, Rusyn Yar, Sofiivka, and toward Stepanivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 33 assault and offensive actions near Nove Shakhove, Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Molodetske, Filiia, and toward Shevchenko, Bilytske, and Hryshyne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Russians conducted four attacks near Zelenyi Hai and toward Nove Zaporizhzhia." Ukrin

Ukrainian paratroopers destroy Russian artillery gun on Kupiansk front

"Ukrainian paratroopers from the 77th Separate Airmobile Dnipro Brigade detected and destroyed a Russian artillery gun on the Kupiansk front,
In particular, the invaders used this artillery gun to shell positions of Ukraine’s defense forces.
According to airborne troops, the target was detected during aerial reconnaissance and then struck with precision FPV drones, completely destroying the artillery system." NV

Deep freeze knocks Texas energy and industrial operations offline

"A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States is beginning to interrupt

operations for major oil, gas and industrial users along Texas’ Gulf Coast, with refineries, chemical facilities and manufacturers scaling back activity as temperatures plunge, Bloomberg news reported Sunday.
Roughly 10% of U.S. natural gas production is estimated to be offline as freezing conditions interfere with wells, pipelines and processing facilities, placing the brunt of the disruption on gas markets." msn

Landslide claims 9 lives and leaves over 80 missing in West Bandung, Indonesia

"Heavy rainfall over the past several days triggered a major landslide in Pasir Langu village in
the West Bandung District, of West Java Province. At least 9 people were found dead, while over 80 remained missing after the landslide buried more than 30 homes under mud and debris.
Emergency teams were deployed to the site, but rescue efforts were hindered by thick mud, unstable terrain, and continuing rain." W

Trump Says U.S. ‘Armada’ Is Bearing Down on Iran

"President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that an “armada” of American warships is heading for Iran and implied that military force could be on the table if the regime in Tehran continues murdering its own people to stay in power.

“We have a big flotilla going in that direction. We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely,” Trump said.
Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its battle group will arrive in the Middle East within the next few days.
Mohammad Javad Haji Ali Akbari, the cleric holding the prestigious position of Friday prayer leader in Tehran this week, mocked Trump as a “yellow-faced, yellow-haired, and disgraced man,” a “dog that only barks,” and threatened reprisals against Americans in the region if Trump takes action against the Iranian regime." 

Breitbart

Iran Crackdown Among Deadliest in Modern Times 36,000+ Dead, Hospital Executions, Stuffed Alive in Body Bags

"A two-day crackdown that new reporting says killed as many as 36,500 Iranians — a death
toll placing it among the deadliest short-term mass killings documented in modern history — followed an order by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to mercilessly crush nationwide protests “by any means necessary,” including accounts of wounded civilians executed inside hospitals, living victims stuffed in body bags, and a surgeon who described the scenes as a “nightmare” unlike anything he had seen." Breitbart

Czech PM has ruled out L-159 aircraft sale to Ukraine: issue closed

"Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has definitively ruled out the issue of selling L-159 aircraft to Ukraine, describing the matter as "closed".
Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna also said that the aircraft are needed by Czech forces – a point the government used to justify its refusal to sell them to Kyiv." Pravada

5.4 Earthquake - Banda Sea, 110 km northwest of Pulau Molu Island, Maluku, Indonesia

"A strong magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred in the Banda Sea 109 km (68 mi) from
Indonesia in the early afternoon at 3.22 pm local time (GMT +9). The quake had a moderate depth of 136 km (85 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

UK delays Chagos Islands debate after Trump pressure

"The British government has indefinitely postponed debate on a bill enshrining into law the UK’s cession of the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, local media has reported.
The move comes after US President Donald Trump called the UK’s decision an act of “great stupidity” and “total weakness,” accusing it of giving away “extremely important land” that hosts a “vital US military base.”

Labour government decided that the Chagos Islands agreement would not be debated in the House of Lords on Monday as planned. The upper house will take up the issue at an unspecified later date, BBC reported.
Earlier in the day, the Conservatives called for a pause, claiming the bill violates a 1996 agreement between Britain and the US, which states that the Indian Ocean territory must remain under UK sovereignty to be available to both countries for security purposes.
According to the Telegraph, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch discussed the Chagos issue with US House speaker Mike Johnson when he visited the British parliament on Monday.
Starmer’s agreement with Mauritius allows the US and UK to retain control of a joint military base on archipelago’s largest island Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years at a reported total value of $3.9 billion." 

RT

66 clashes on frontline

"Since the start of the day, Ukrainian Defense Forces have recorded 66 clashes with Russian invaders.
Russian troops used artillery to strike the areas of Karpovychi, Zaliznyi Mist, Leonivka in the Chernihiv region; Bila Bereza, Kucherivka, Rohizne, Volfyne, Studenok, Brusky, Budky, Havrylova Sloboda, Bezsalivka, and Bachivsk in the Sumy region. Kucherivka in the Sumy was also hit by an airstrike.

In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy made one attempted advance, carried out two airstrikes dropping three bombs, and conducted 45 shelling attacks on settlements and Ukrainian positions.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, Russian forces attacked three times near Prylipky, Starytsia, and toward Izbytske.
In the Kupiansk sector, Russian troops attempted advances toward Pishchane and Petropavlivka, resulting in four clashes, one of which is ongoing.
In the Lyman sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled ten enemy attacks near Serhiivka, Drobysheve, Kolodiazi, Novoselivka, and Zarichne; one clash is ongoing.
In the Kramatorsk sector, fighting continues near Orikhovo-Vasylivka.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian forces carried out six attacks near Pleshchiivka, Kleban-Byk, Shcherbynivka, and toward Kostiantynivka and Sofiivka; one attack is ongoing.
In the Pokrovsk sector, Russian troops tried 24 times to advance on Ukrainian positions near Shakhove, Dorozhnie, Rodynske, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, and toward Filiia and Novopavlivka.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, four enemy attacks were recorded near Zelenyi Hai, Verbove, Krasnohirske, and toward Nove Zaporizhzhia.
In the Huliaipole sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled nine Russian attacks near Solodke, Huliaipole, Dorozhnianka, as well as toward Varvarivka, Zelene, and Pryluky; enemy aviation also struck Zelene, Rizdvianka, Nove Pole, and Zirnytsia.
In the Orikhiv sector, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions near Plavni and Stepove; fighting continues.
In the Prydneprovske sector, Ukrainian forces repelled a Russian attack toward the Antonivskyi Bridge." 

Ukrin

4.9 quake triggers 4 aftershocks across Southern California

"A magnitude 4.9 earthquake jolted Southern California, shaking 20+ million residents from the desert to the coast....over 250 aftershocks rattled the region, including a powerful 4.2 magnitude quake that struck before dawn. No major damage or injuries emerged, yet the sequence reignited urgent conversations about California's seismic future. It started with the first jolt near Indio." msn

Belgorod under heavy fire in 'most massive' attack, Russian governor claims

"The Russian city of Belgorod was hit by what regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov

described as "the most massive" strike on the city, allegedly involving HIMARS.
According to preliminary information, there are no casualties, Gladkov wrote, adding that there was damage to energy infrastructure and that emergency crews had been dispatched to assess the situation.
Gladkov added that a utility outbuilding caught fire and that falling debris also sparked a blaze in one of the city’s courtyards, while debris damaged the roofs of two homes in the village of Tavrovo." KI

New Round of Purges Wrack the Chinese People's Liberation Army and Defense Establishment

"Chinese dictator Xi Jinping has removed China’s most senior general and the chief of combat planning and operations amid allegations of corruption and “violation of party discipline.”
General Zhang Youxia, the senior of the two vice chairmen overseeing China’s approximate

equivalent of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Central Military Commission, and a longtime Xi ally, was abruptly removed from his post Saturday and accused of unspecified corruption.
Zhang, who is also a member of the party’s elite Politburo, has been a close ally of Xi. Both men are “princelings,” as the descendants of revolutionary elders and high-ranking party officials are known.
Zhang is the son of a Communist revolutionary who fought alongside Xi’s father during the Chinese civil war, which culminated in Mao Zedong’s forces seizing power in 1949. Zhang’s father later became a three-star general, while Xi’s father went on to hold senior roles in the party, government and legislature." 

RedState

80% of Ukraine faces emergency power cuts following Russia's overnight aerial attack, focused on Kyiv

"One person was killed and four others were injured in Kyiv as Russia launched a mass attack on the capital overnight.
Explosions were first heard at 1:20 a.m. local time, according to Kyiv Independent journalists on the ground, who continued to report blasts throughout the night, including the interception of a ballistic missile.
The Ukrainian Air Force tallied 396 aerial weapons, including 21 missiles and 375 drones. The Air Force mentioned hypersonic "Tsirkon" missiles, ballistic Iskander missiles and Kh-22/Kh-32 cruise missiles.
The attacks continued Russia's targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has resulted in an ongoing winter energy crisis following similar mass attacks." KI

5.3 Earthquake - 45 km E of Adak, Alaska

"A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred in the Bering Sea near Omak Island island, USA, in the morning at 11.25 am local time (America/Adak GMT -10). The quake had a shallow depth of 69 km (43 mi) and was reported felt by some people near the epicenter." VD

Avalanche claims 9 lives in Pakistan’s Chitral District

"An avalanche claimed nine lives and injured a 9-year-old child of the same family in
Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In Murree, approximately 60 km (37 miles) northeast of Islamabad, authorities closed access roads to prevent vehicles from getting stranded. The Islamabad district administration and PDMA instructed travelers to avoid mountain routes and mobilized machinery to clear accumulated snow from key highways."W

Iran's Khamenei Reportedly Burrowing Underground in Terror of Trump Airstrikes

"Word out of Iran

has been scarce over the last few days. The regime has engaged in hideous
repression of the uprising Iranian people, and the internet, and thus the flow of information out of the country has all but ceased. 

That's disconcerting, but in a bit of interesting news, there are now reports that the Supreme Leader himself, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that savage barbarian theocrat out of another century, has gone underground." 

RS

119 clashes on frontline

"A total of 119 combat clashes were recorded along the frontline.
According to the General Staff, in the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy carried out two airstrikes, dropping seven guided aerial bombs, and conducted 82 shelling attacks on the positions of Ukrainian forces and settlements, two of which involved multiple launch rocket systems.
Today, the enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders six times in the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, in the areas of the settlements of Starytsia, Vovchanski Khutory, Fyholivka, and toward the settlements of Kruhle and Chuhunivka.
In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy attempted to break through Ukrainian defenses, launching an attack toward Pishchane.

In the Lyman sector, Ukraine’s Defense Forces repelled six enemy assault actions near Drobysheve, Zarichne, Torske, and toward Druzheliubivka. One clash is still ongoing.
In the Sloviansk sector, the enemy attacked near Zvanivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, the enemy attempted to advance twice near Orikhovo-Vasylivka and Markove; one combat engagement is ongoing.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, 12 combat clashes occurred today. The enemy assaulted the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Kostiantynivka, Kleban-Byk, Pleshchiivka, Shcherbynivka, Yablunivka, Rusyn Yar, Sofiivka, and toward Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, since the beginning of the day, the enemy launched 42 attacks near Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, Rodynske, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Filiia, and toward the settlements of Bilytske, Dorozhnie, Shevchenko, Hryshyne, and Ivanivka.
In this sector alone, according to preliminary data, 113 invaders were neutralized, 70 of them irreversibly. In addition, Ukrainian forces destroyed one vehicle and five pieces of special equipment, one motorcycle, 13 UAVs, and four enemy personnel shelters. Ukrainian defenders also damaged one artillery system, nine vehicles, one piece of special equipment, and 16 enemy personnel shelters.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled four enemy attacks in the areas of the settlements of Zelenyi Hai and Zlahoda.
In the Huliaipole sector, Russian invaders attempted to advance on Ukrainian positions 14 times in the areas of Huliaipole, Myrne, and toward Nove Zaporizhzhia, Dobropillia, Zelene, Varvarivka, and Zaliznychne. Two clashes are ongoing. Airstrikes targeted Zirnytsia, Liubytske, Vozdvyzhivka, Zaliznychne, and Verkhnia Tersa. Fighting continues in some locations.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled an enemy attack in the areas of Plavni and Prymorske. The enemy carried out an airstrike on Preobrazhenka.
In the Prydniprovske sector, the enemy made one unsuccessful attempt to attack the positions of Ukrainian defenders." Ukrin

Severe snowstorm leaves 11 dead in Afghanistan

"Heavy winter storms struck northern and central Afghanistan causing avalanches, building collapses, and road blockages across several provinces. At least 11 people were confirmed dead, with fatalities reported in Kandahar, Parwan, Bamyan, Maidan Wardak, Jawzjan, and Faryab." W

Two-day Russia-US-Ukraine talks end with ‘some results’

"The three-way meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and the US has concluded in Abu Dhabi after two days of talks. No immediate continuation of the trilateral contacts is expected, according to TASS. The meeting has yielded “some results,” an anonymous source told the news agency.

The Russian delegation was seen returning to their hotel after Saturday’s meeting, RIA Novosti reported, sharing footage from the scene.
However, a new round of the three-way talks could be hosted by the United Arab Emirates as soon as next week, Axios reporter Barak Ravid wrote on X, citing sources. Ukrainian officials described the two-day negotiations as “positive,” he added.
Later in the day, Barak reported that an anonymous US official told him the next round of negotiations had been scheduled for February 1.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky confirmed that a follow-up meeting could happen in the UAE in the near future. The discussions were focused on “possible parameters to end the conflict,” he said in a statement, welcoming “the recognition of the need for American monitoring and oversight” to resolve the hostilities." RT