Estonia has commenced naval patrols to protect critical undersea power cables in the Baltic Sea following Finland’s seizure of a Russian-linked oil tanker suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 cable. The tanker, part of Russia’s alleged “shadow fleet,” is believed to have harmed the infrastructure with its anchor. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasised regional response readiness to safeguard vital infrastructure. NATO announced plans to enhance its Baltic Sea presence amid rising tensions. The Kremlin has declined to comment directly, citing limited jurisdiction. The incident comes weeks after Sweden reported similar cable damages, highlighting growing maritime security concerns.
IRANIAN PRESIDENT PLANS MOSCOW VISIT
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Moscow on January 17 to formalize a cooperation agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Iran’s envoy to Russia. This move underscores strengthened ties between the two nations amid shared opposition to U.S. policies. Moscow and Tehran are set to expand their defence collaboration, despite U.S. accusations of Iranian missile supplies to Russia, which Tehran denies. Russia’s Foreign Minister previously confirmed intentions for deeper strategic partnerships. The visit highlights the shifting alliances in a geopolitical landscape reshaped by the Ukraine conflict and rising tensions with the West.
NORTH KOREAN POW DIES AFTER BEING CAPTURED
A North Korean soldier captured while fighting for Russia against Ukraine has died from injuries, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed. The soldier, reportedly the first North Korean Prisoner of war (POW) in the conflict, highlights Pyongyang’s covert involvement, with up to 12,000 troops deployed in Russia, including combat roles in the Kursk region. Heavy casualties among these forces have been reported, with over 3,000 dead or wounded, according to Ukrainian estimates. Kyiv accuses Moscow of concealing their involvement, using extreme measures to hide identities. The development underscores growing North Korea-Russia ties, cemented by a recent mutual defence pact.
GERMANY PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED FOR ELECTIONS
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament, scheduling snap elections for February 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition. Scholz, now a caretaker chancellor, lost a confidence vote after the Free Democrats’ exit deprived his government of a legislative majority. Germany faces pressing challenges, including economic instability, debates on immigration, and ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Steinmeier urged fair, transparent campaigning, condemning violence and foreign influence, notably from Elon Musk’s platform, X. Polls predict a conservative lead with Friedrich Merz poised to succeed Scholz, though fractured political alignments complicate future coalition stability.
FRANCE WITHDRAWS TROOPS FROM CHAD
France has begun withdrawing its troops from Chad, starting with the Faya-Largeau base, after the Chadian government terminated a defence treaty with Paris. This marks the end of France’s last military alliance in the Sahel following similar expulsions from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno declared the treaty “completely obsolete,” emphasizing Chad’s commitment to sovereignty and strategic independence. France had stationed approximately 1,000 soldiers in Chad to combat regional jihadist insurgencies, but shifting alliances now see Chad and other Sahel nations seeking alternative partnerships, including stronger ties with Russia.
