US seizes two ‘ghost fleet’ tankers linked to Venezuelan oil

EUR Radio News — 2026-01-08 00:08

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1. US seizes two ‘ghost fleet’ tankers linked to Venezuelan oil
The United States has seized two tankers associated with Venezuelan oil exports during operations in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. US forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera after a nearly two-week pursuit, with support from the British Navy.

2. Greenlanders express fear and indignation as Trump eyes territory
In Greenland, residents have voiced strong opposition to any notion of selling their territory to the United States. Business owner Mia Chemnitz stated, “The people of Greenland do not want to become American,” reflecting widespread sentiments against such proposals.

3. Thousands flee clashes between Syrian government and Kurdish fighters
Intense clashes in Aleppo have led to the deaths of at least 12 people and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. Civilians are escaping the Kurdish majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh as fighting escalates between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters.

4. Zelensky does not rule out the end of the war by mid-2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that the ongoing war could conclude by mid-2026, contingent on progress in peace negotiations. He emphasized the importance of discussions with European partners and the United States in achieving this goal.

5. European Commission piles up concessions for Paris and Rome hoping to seal Mercosur signature
The European Commission is making significant concessions to European farmers to finalize the Mercosur trade deal with Latin America. Efforts include financial incentives and regulatory relaxations aimed at satisfying demands from Italy and France, key players in the negotiation process.

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6. Concerns are growing in Britain regarding the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine, as military experts warn that this could detract from ongoing operations elsewhere. Former head of the army Richard Dannatt emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the duration and nature of such a deployment.

7. In Aventura, Florida, Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the U.S. will continue to sell Venezuelan oil indefinitely, following the completion of current sales. The revenue generated will be managed by the U.S. government and is intended to benefit the Venezuelan people.

8. A Dutch court has declared a couple’s marriage invalid after they used artificial intelligence to draft their wedding vows. The ruling has left the couple disappointed, as they believed their vows, created for an informal civil ceremony in Zwolle, were sufficient to formalize their union.

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In a chilling weather update, London is set to experience a high of 4 degrees Celsius today, dropping to around 1 degree at night, with rain likely to accumulate about 1.19 mm. Meanwhile, Brussels will see temperatures peaking at 1 degree, with strong winds reaching 36 km/h and mixed precipitation expected, including light snow showers. Over in Berlin, temperatures will not exceed freezing, with gentle breezes and a high chance of rain and light snow, while Stockholm faces similar bitterly cold conditions with mixed precipitation on the horizon.

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