Overview
- EU member states endorsed the EU–Mercosur agreement and sent it toward European Parliament review, with a possible formal signing in Paraguay reported for January 17.
- European farm groups renewed demonstrations over import and standards concerns, and Polish police stopped tractors from entering central Warsaw ahead of a planned rally.
- U.S. Southern Command said Marines and sailors detained the tanker Olina in the Caribbean without incident, and President Donald Trump said the ship left Venezuela without U.S. permission and is being sent back to sell its oil under a U.S. energy deal.
- Russia’s ambassador in Caracas said Moscow and Venezuela are in near‑daily contact, called the strategic partnership treaty the guide for ties, and urged the release of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores.
- Heavy snowfall in the Moscow region led to 28 flight cancellations and over 50 delays exceeding two hours, with Sheremetyevo reporting baggage‑handling slowdowns and providing food and water to waiting passengers.