Statements about possible military intervention, new geopolitical projects and direct warnings from European leaders indicate growing tension among allies. At the same time, Russia is preparing scenarios of energy blackmail, which could have catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. Ukraine is trying to convey to its partners that diplomacy cannot exist separately from the real actions of the aggressor. Against this background, a dangerous mix of ambitions, fears and military pressure is forming.
Spanish Prime Minister: US invasion of Greenland would make Putin “the happiest man in the world”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that a possible US military intervention in Greenland would undermine NATO unity and actually legitimize Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia he stressed that such a move would have devastating consequences for the entire collective security system of the West. According to Sanchez, the use of force against the territory of Denmark would create a dangerous precedent in international politics. He emphasized that this would be a direct gift to the Kremlin.
“If we focus on Greenland, I have to say that a US invasion of this territory would make Vladimir Putin the happiest man in the world. Why? Because it would legitimize his attempt to invade Ukraine,” the Spanish prime minister said.
Sanchez added:
“If the United States had used force, it would have been a fatal blow to NATO. Putin would have been doubly happy.”
His statement came against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump, who promised to pressure European allies with tariffs until the US was able to buy Greenland.
Zelensky: Ukrainian delegation to US must report truth about consequences of Russian strikes
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the key task of the Ukrainian delegation during negotiations in the US is to report real information about Russian strikes and their consequences. In his address in Telegram the head of state emphasized that constant terror by Russia not only destroys infrastructure, but also undermines trust in diplomacy as such. According to him, the Russian strikes directly discredit the negotiation process. This, in turn, narrows even the limited opportunities for dialogue.
“The main task for the Ukrainian delegation is to provide all real information about what is happening, about the consequences of Russian strikes: including the consequence of this terror is the discrediting of the diplomatic process,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.
He added that “people are losing faith in diplomacy, and Russian strikes are constantly worsening even the small opportunities for dialogue that existed.”
Zelensky also emphasized:
“Ukraine has never been and will not be an obstacle to peace,” noting that it is now up to partners whether diplomacy will develop.
Trump proposes creating a “Peace Council” with paid permanent membership
The administration of US President Donald Trump is developing the idea of creating a new international structure – the Peace Council, which could become an alternative or competitor to the UN. According to the draft charter, which was reviewed by Bloomberg, countries wishing to receive permanent membership must contribute at least $1 billion. Trump himself plans to become the first chairman of this structure and retain a key influence on decision-making. Formally, decisions will be made by a majority vote, but only with the consent of the chairman.
The document states:
“Each member state must hold office for no more than three years from the date the Charter enters into force, subject to renewal by the chairman.”
At the same time, it is specified that this rule does not apply to countries that contribute more than $1 billion during the first year. Critics warn that this model centralizes control in the hands of the US president and creates resistance among potential participants.
Russia is preparing strikes on nuclear power plant substations to force Ukraine to surrender
The aggressor state Russia is considering the possibility of attacks on electricity transmission substations that provide power to Ukrainian nuclear power plants. According to available information, the purpose of such actions is to force Ukraine to accept unacceptable surrender demands to end the war.
Moscow views these strikes as an element of hybrid pressure aimed at destroying critical infrastructure. Separately, it is planned to intimidate Western countries in order to reduce their support for Ukraine.
As of mid-January 2026, Russia had conducted reconnaissance of at least ten such facilities in nine regions of Ukraine. In the event of the substations being disabled, the nuclear power plant units could be disconnected from the unified power system, which would lead to massive power and heat outages for the civilian population. The intention to attack infrastructure critical to the safety of nuclear generation once again demonstrates the genocidal nature of the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine.
The US Senate said: Trump's rhetoric on Greenland plays into the Kremlin's hands
US Senator from the Democratic Party, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jean Shaheen was stated, that public statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the possible control over Greenland are damaging allied relations. According to her, such rhetoric undermines the trust between the US, Denmark and Greenland, which has been built over decades. She stressed that these statements harm not only diplomacy, but also the national security of the United States itself. The senator emphasized that such steps weaken NATO.
“Vladimir Putin will welcome any step that splits NATO or diverts attention and resources from Ukraine,” Shaheen said.
She added that:
“The very suggestion of taking Greenland by force causes real damage – not only to relations with Denmark, but also to America’s national security.”
According to her, such rhetoric “plays directly into the hands of our greatest adversaries – Russia and China.” The senator also noted that during a conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, it was emphasized that, if necessary, the United States could pursue its interests in Greenland through partnership, not pressure.
Photo: Associated Press
Author: Danylo Pievchev