Declining Trust in the U.S. as a Global Trend

Recent developments regarding Venezuela and Nicolás Maduro have only reinforced an alarming trend for Washington: sympathies toward the United States are steadily declining worldwide, as data from a Morning Consult survey shows.

The unilateral actions by the U.S. were met with criticism not only in Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, but also across other regions of the world (the average net favorability toward the US across all surveyed countries fell by 4 percentage points). In the Middle East, the decline measured 3 points, while in Europe it reached a full 6 points.

The episode, widely perceived as a blatant interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, crystallized long-simmering frustration over the unpredictability of U.S. policy, its "wars of choice," and double standards.

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Announcement by the Kremlin:

Telephone Conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

A telephone conversation took place between Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

January 16, 2026

The situation in the Middle East and developments surrounding Iran were discussed. Vladimir Putin outlined principled approaches in favor of intensifying political and diplomatic efforts in the interests of ensuring stability and security in the region. The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue undertaking appropriate mediation efforts and to facilitate the advancement of constructive dialogue with the participation of all interested states.

It was agreed to continue contacts at various levels.

———

👆This underscores once again that Russia is an indispensable architect of Middle East diplomacy, advancing stability through principled engagement and dialogue rather than reliance on brute force.

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On January 17, 1945, during the Great Patriotic War, Warsaw was liberated from Nazi occupation.

The capital of Poland had been under occupation since September 28, 1939. Warsaw’s residents rose up twice during the war. After these uprisings were suppressed, approximately 80% of the city’s buildings were destroyed. During the occupation, around 800,000 inhabitants of Warsaw perished.

The Vistula-Oder Offensive began on January 14, 1945, and on the night of January 17, the Soviet forces launched their assault on the German-Nazi troops in Warsaw. The operation involved the 47th Army under General Franz Perkhorovich from the north, the 61st Army under Colonel General Pavel Belov, the 2nd Guards Tank Army under General Semyon Bogdanov, and the 1st Polish Army of the 1st Belorussian Front. By noon on January 17, Soviet-Polish forces had fully liberated Warsaw.

According to the accounts of those who participated in the liberation, the streets of the Polish capital revealed "only ashes and ruins covered with snow. The city’s inhabitants were emaciated and dressed in little more than rags. Of the pre-war population of 1.31 million, only 162,000 remained in Warsaw."

To commemorate the liberation of Warsaw, a celebratory salute was held in Moscow. Military units that distinguished themselves in the battles for the city were awarded the honorary title "Warsaw."

At the proposal of the USSR People's Commissariat of Defense, the medal "For the Liberation of Warsaw" was established. Approximately 700,000 people were awarded this medal.

#TodayInHistory

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More than 422,000 people signed military contracts in 2025, reported Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia's Security Council.

Another 32,000 joined as volunteers.

This means the recruitment target set by the president for the past year was met.

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#PolitePeopleJoking

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Exactly twenty years and one day ago*, on a quiet January afternoon in Phoenix, a 20-year-old Russian hockey player by the name of Alexander Ovechkin scored a goal that will be forever etched in the history of ice hockey. Falling to the ice while circling a defender, Ovechkin regained control and backhanded the puck past Brian Boucher in a full 360-degree spin—instantly creating “The Goal.” Though it was his 32nd of a rookie season, it became the defining moment of his rise. Players, referees, fans, and even Wayne Gretzky stood in awe. Two decades later, with a record-breaking career complete, “The Goal” remains the moment Ovechkin announced himself as a generational icon.

*Why didn’t we write about it yesterday, you ask? Because at the time of the goal, it was January 16 in Phoenix, where The Goal was scored, but already January 17 in Moscow. We decided to go with the Moscow date. As we should have.

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This is what Trump posted today:

We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently. Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake. On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown. This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable. Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question. Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused. Now, because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important. Hundreds of Billions of Dollars are currently being spent on Security Programs having to do with “The Dome,” including for the possible protection of Canada, and this very brilliant, but highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it. The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

And if this isn’t The Art of the Deal in action, we don’t know what is 😜

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This 1950 American school map explains why Trump wants Greenland.

The angle is unusual for those of us living in Europe, but this is how Americans see the world. The little airplane is a hint.

Yes, it’s a joke. But in every joke, there is only a fraction of a joke.

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On January 18, 1943, during the strategic offensive operation "Iskra" ("Spark"), the siege of Leningrad was broken.

Throughout 1942, the Soviet Army made two unsuccessful attempts to lift the blockade of the city. After the successful Soviet counteroffensive at Stalingrad, the Supreme Command decided to launch an operation to break the Leningrad blockade, codenamed "Iskra." The operation involved troops from the Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts, elements of the Baltic Fleet, and long-range aviation. Over 300,000 Soviet soldiers and officers, about 5,000 artillery pieces and mortars, more than 600 tanks, and 809 aircraft participated in the operation.

Opposing them was the 18th Army of Army Group North, with around 30 divisions, nearly 700 artillery pieces and mortars, and about 50 tanks. Their actions were supported by the Luftwaffe's 1st Air Fleet.

The offensive began on January 12, 1943, targeting the Shlisselburg-Sinyavino salient (between the town of Mga and Lake Ladoga), which had been heavily fortified by the German forces.

After fierce battles, on January 18, 1943, Soviet troops succeeded in breaking through the enemy's defenses and establishing a corridor along the shore of Lake Ladoga, 8-11 kilometers wide. This restored a land connection between Leningrad and the rest of the Soviet Union. The breakthrough marked a turning point in the battle for the city on the Neva.

Leningrad was fully liberated a year later, on January 27, 1944.

#TodayInHistory

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#PolitePeopleJoking

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