23 January 2026
US-WHO
TheUS has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization, as of yesterday. Trump notified the United Nations health agency a year ago when he signed an executive order on the first day of his office in 2025. This was followed by a one-year waiting period before the withdrawal was finalized.
Board of Peace
President Trump has disinvited Canada from joining the Board of Peace. France and Spain have declined to join.
US-Iran
President Trump warned Iran that an American fleet is headed in its direction and that the US is watching Iran closely. This was in response to a reporter’s question as Trump flew back to the US from Davos.
Ukraine
President Zelensky gave a combative speech against Europe yesterday at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He discussed how Europe is divided and does not get things done quickly. His remarks echoed those of President Trump and are seen as a diplomatic maneuver to appease Trump. Zelensky also stated that if Greenland were surrounded by Russian ships, Ukraine would sink them if they were part of NATO.
The US, Ukraine, and Russia will hold the first trilateral meeting on the technical aspects of the possibility of negotiations. Territorial issues are still a major roadblock.
US-Syria
The US is considering a full withdrawal from Syria as Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa expands his control over Syrian territory. Roughly 1,000 American troops are in Syria, most scattered across facilities in the northeast, where they are co-located with the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. A handful of the troops are stationed at Al Tanf Garrison in Syria’s south. Al-Sharaa has ordered the SDF to disband after his military offensive destroyed their defensive lines.
United States
The US House voted against a resolution that would bar President Trump from sending US troops to Venezuela. Oil companies have raised concerns about the security of oil fields if they were to take over production. Trump had mulled sending US troops to protect these fields.
France
The French navy intercepted a suspected Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, named the Grinch, in the Mediterranean. The oil tanker is being escorted to an anchorage for more checks. France has vowed, along with other nations, to crack down on Russia’s shadow fleet, estimated at approximately 400 oil tankers.
Mali
The fuel crisis has eased in recent days as a 54-million-litre surge of petroleum products has entered the country. JNIM imposed a fuel embargo on the country after targeting fuel shipments. Malian authorities state that 1,192 tanker trucks were mobilized in January to resupply the country.
The Malian junta created a new ministerial-level post to oversee the mining sector. The new minister, a former Barrick Gold exec, will have the power to supervise the implementation of mining policy, monitor compliance with the mining code, and review reports submitted by licence holders – responsibilities previously held by the Ministry of Mines.
Social media wires
Zelensky on Russian deaths in Ukraine
The UK has deployed aircraft to Qatar in a defensive capacity
Featured Photo: “World Health Organization” – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.