Morning Briefing: Jan. 23, 2026

ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Friday, including Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov announcing that Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators will hold their first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi later in the day, which will focus on security issues, US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw an invitation for Canada to join the "Board of Peace," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's call for stepping up investment in Arctic security, and Trump announcing that a "big force" is heading toward Iran.

TOP STORIES

• 1st Russia-US-Ukraine meeting in UAE to focus on security issues: Moscow

Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators will hold their first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates later Friday, which will focus on security issues, said Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow following around four hours of Russia-US talks, Ushakov said the decision was reached during a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the American delegation, which included special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum.

Representing Russia were presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Ushakov.

• Trump withdraws invitation for Canada to join Gaza 'Board of Peace'

US President Donald Trump said he is withdrawing an invitation for Canada to join the "Board of Peace," a body intended to help resolve international conflicts starting with the Gaza Strip.

"Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, addressing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

• European Commission president says it’s ‘high time’ to step up investment in Arctic security

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for stepping up investment in Arctic security and using Europe’s defense spending surge for equipment such as icebreaker ships.

"We have collectively underinvested in the Arctic and Arctic security. So now it is high time to step up," von der Leyen said during a joint news conference with European Council President Antonio Costa.

Her remarks came after EU leaders met in Brussels to address developments with Washington following tensions over US President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland due to its strategic Arctic position, abundant mineral resources and growing concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

• US has 'big force' heading toward Iran: Trump

US President Donald Trump said there is a "big force" heading toward Iran.

"You know, we have a lot of ships going in that direction, just in case. We have a big flotilla (heading) in that direction, and we'll see what happens,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, DC from Davos, Switzerland.

"We have a big force going toward Iran. I'd rather not see anything happen," he added.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The leaders of Israel’s four Arab political parties signed a document pledging to work toward reestablishing the “Joint List” bloc and to contest the next parliamentary elections on a unified slate.
• US oil companies will start drilling for oil in Venezuela in the near future, President Donald Trump said.
• The African Union took a significant step toward reintegrating Guinea into its fold as the chairperson of the AU Commission recommended lifting the country's suspension imposed after a 2021 military coup.
• Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said European countries are "not slaves" of the US following tensions over Greenland.
• European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced that the body is ready to reassess and continue work on the EU-US trade deal after US President Donald Trump announced a framework for a future agreement on Greenland and backed off from his tariff threat against several European nations.
• The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) ended the continental emergency status for mpox, more than a year after its declaration.
• The US is considering a "complete withdrawal" of troops from Syria following the collapse of the YPG/SDF terror organization as President Ahmad al-Sharaa moved to wrest control of the northeastern part of Syria, The Wall Street Journal reported.
• US President Donald Trump is "very hopeful" that a framework deal on the Danish territory of Greenland will be finalized, the White House said.
• Russia expressed disappointment over a delay in the release of two citizens who were detained as crew members of the Marinera oil tanker, which was seized by US armed forces in the North Atlantic’s international waters.
• The US welcomed the Iraqi government’s decision to detain ISIS (Daesh) terrorists in secure facilities inside Iraq, citing recent instability in northeast Syria.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv and Washington have reached an agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, but it has yet to be signed.
• The Sudanese army carried out airstrikes that targeted positions of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), in Blue Nile State.
• Israeli intelligence forces raided the Yabous Cultural Center in Jerusalem and halted the screening of the film 36, a cinematic work shortlisted for international awards.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that transatlantic relations have "definitely taken a big blow" over the past week but stressed that Europe is not prepared to discard decades of partnership with the US.
• The French president said Europe makes itself respected when it reacts in a united manner, welcoming what he described as a de-escalation of transatlantic tensions ahead of an informal meeting of European Council members.
• More than 230,000 women and girls in Gaza, including nearly 15,000 pregnant women, are facing limited access to reproductive health services because of Israeli military operations, despite a ceasefire deal, the UN said.
• The prime minister of Greenland said he does not know what President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have agreed on over Greenland, referring to a framework for a deal related to the Danish territory, which the US is interested in.
• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for a permanent NATO presence in the Arctic region, including around Greenland, during an informal meeting of EU leaders on transatlantic relations.
• The Danish prime minister reiterated that Greenland's sovereignty is not up for negotiation, stressing that NATO cannot negotiate on behalf of Denmark or Greenland.
• The French navy boarded an oil tanker on the high seas in the Mediterranean coming from Russia and suspected of violating international sanctions, the French president said.
• Germany summoned Russia's ambassador and expelled a Russian embassy staff member accused of espionage amid growing tensions between Berlin and Moscow.
• Beijing said it opposes the use of “China-threat” claims about Greenland and urged the upholding of UN Charter principles in handling international relations.
  

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Trump sues JPMorgan Chase for $5B in 'debanking' case

US President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit of at least $5 billion against JPMorgan Chase, alleging that the lender "unilaterally and without warning" terminated banking services over "political and social motivations."

The complaint claims that the bank's decision to stop offering services to Trump and his businesses was driven by "unsubstantiated, 'woke' beliefs" and a desire to distance itself from Trump's conservative political views.

The filing, which accuses the bank of trade libel and breach of implied covenant of good faith, requests a jury trial and demands judgment for all available damages, asking for an award of at least $5 billion.

• US economy expands by 4.4% in Q3, exceeding estimates

The US economy expanded by 4.4% on an annual basis in the third quarter of 2025, marking the fastest growth in two years and exceeding preliminary estimates.

It followed 3.8% growth in the second quarter, final data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed.

Preliminary estimates had shown that the US economy grew 4.3% in the July-September period.

The rise in real gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter reflected increases in consumer spending, exports, government spending, and investment, a bureau statement said.