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Zelensky Lambasts EU Leaders at DAVOS

Published 7 days ago • 5 min read

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Major Developments

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

 

Zelensky Blasts European Allies Over Inaction at Davos

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a sharp rebuke of European leaders at the World Economic Forum Thursday, comparing the continent's stalled support to "Groundhog Day." He criticized Europe for failing to seize Russian shadow fleet tankers, slow responses to global crises, and dismissed the deployment of 40 soldiers to Greenland as meaningless.

The speech came after Zelensky met with President Trump, announcing that U.S. security guarantees are complete and awaiting signature. He also revealed the UAE will host the first trilateral talks between Ukrainian, American, and Russian negotiators Friday. (Read More)​

Ukrainian Drones Hit Major Oil Depot Supplying Russian Forces

Ukrainian strike drones hit the Penzanefteprodukt oil depot in Russia's Penza region overnight, sparking fires that damaged at least two fuel storage tanks. Ukraine's General Staff said the facility directly supplies Russian occupation forces and the strike was part of a systematic campaign to degrade Russia's military capabilities.

Penza Governor Oleg Melnichenko confirmed the fire, with dozens of firefighters responding to the scene. The attack follows a strike one day earlier on the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in Krasnodar region, continuing Ukraine's expanding campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. (Read More)​

Syria Government Assumes Control of Major ISIS Detention Facility

The Syrian government has officially taken control of al-Aqtan prison, a key detention facility for ISIS members located north of Raqqa. This transition follows the negotiated handover of hundreds of fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed the move, indicating that the government's prisons authority is now reviewing detainee files at the facility, which holds about 2,000 detainees. Following the takeover, U.S. forces began transferring ISIS detainees to Iraq to alleviate pressure on the SDF. (Read More)​

SPONSORED

Approve with Confidence. Execute with Precision.

​Our client is looking for a SARs Development Director to lead Source Approval Request (SARs) initiatives across the company. This role requires someone who can work independently, navigate DLA and government procurement processes, and deliver results that drive enterprise growth.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identify and execute SARs opportunities that support company strategy
  • Build, submit, and manage SARs packages through approval
  • Coordinate with internal teams and external suppliers
  • Ensure all activities comply with government and DLA requirements

Preferred Background:

Five to seven years of SARs development experience with a strong record of approvals. Solid understanding of government contracting and DLA practices required.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fully onsite.

The Tear Line

QUICK UPDATES

CONFLICT UPDATES

➤ The French Navy released video footage of the interception and seizure of the tanker Grinch, a vessel linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The operation was carried out in the western Mediterranean near the Strait of Gibraltar with allied forces including UK units. (Read More)​

➤ Pentagon officials have made no decision on AFRICOM's future amid discussions of consolidating foreign commands as the administration focuses military resources on the Western Hemisphere. Meanwhile, officials warn that terror groups across Africa are becoming more cohesive, with fatalities from militant Islamist violence reaching 22,307 last year. (Read More)​

➤ NATO commanders are awaiting political direction on a potential Arctic mission after Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen announced allies agreed on a "permanent presence" in the region, including around Greenland. Germany has proposed an "Arctic Sentry" mission modeled after Baltic Sentry, though concrete planning has yet to begin. (Read More)​

SECURITY UPDATES

➤ Canadian former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding was arrested in Mexico and transferred to U.S. custody after weeks of negotiations. FBI Director Kash Patel called Wedding a "modern-day El Chapo," accusing him of leading a Sinaloa Cartel operation that shipped 60 metric tons of cocaine. (Read More)​

➤ Spain's High Court shelved its Pegasus spyware investigation after Israel ignored five cooperation requests since 2022. The probe found Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's phone was infected five times between 2020-2021, with over 2.5 gigabytes of files stolen. (Read More)​

➤ Spain has experienced its fourth rail incident in under a week after a crane arm struck a passing train in Murcia on Thursday, injuring six. The deadliest incident, a Jan. 18 derailment and collision near Adamuz, killed 45 people. Train drivers' unions have called a nationwide strike over safety standards. (Read More)​

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

➤ Pentagon patents piece: Pentagon CTO Emil Michael launched a two-year "Defense Patent Holiday" waiving fees and royalties for 400 patents from Defense laboratories. The pilot allows industry to commercialize government IP covering advanced materials, AI algorithms, and other technologies. (Read More)​

➤ Russia's Rostec defense conglomerate is deepening military-industrial ties with China as sanctions pressure mounts and production output declines. The partnership comes as Russia's defense sector shows signs of slowdown after three years of wartime expansion. (Read More)​

➤ The Marine Corps awarded Anduril $23.9 million for over 600 Bolt-M loitering munitions under the Organic Precision Fires-Light program. The AI-equipped drones feature autonomous targeting, 12-mile range, and maintain terminal guidance even without operator connectivity. (Read More)​

SPONSORED

Ownership. Compliance. Growth.  

We’re looking for a SARs Development Director to take ownership of Source Approval Request initiatives that support our government and commercial programs.

​This role is perfect for someone who knows SARs inside and out, understands DLA and government procurement, and can manage approvals from start to finish. You’ll work with internal teams and suppliers to build solid SARs packages that drive growth while staying compliant.

Candidates should have five or more years of SARs experience with proven approvals and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Special Interest

SPECIAL CATEGORY

➤ A Small Wars Journal analysis argues that open-source intelligence proliferation has ended the era of battlefield secrets, leaving U.S. special operations forces exposed to real-time tracking. The article calls for SOCOM to develop dedicated OSINT units as adversaries increasingly exploit commercial satellites and social media to monitor military movements.

➤ Investigations reveal China's 6,000-vessel distant-water fishing fleet regularly operates in protected marine zones, with up to 76% of global fishing activity going untracked when AIS transponders are disabled. Reports document widespread illegal fishing near the Galápagos and Argentine waters, along with shark finning and killing of protected species.

➤ Peru's interim President José Jerí appeared before a congressional oversight committee over unregistered meetings with two Chinese businessmen, triggering a criminal probe into alleged influence peddling. Jerí claims the meetings coordinated Peruvian-Chinese Friendship Day, but opposition leaders call it a destabilizing scandal dubbed "Chifagate."

On this day in history: On January 24, 2011, a bomb detonated in the international arrivals hall of Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, killing 35 and wounding 173. The Caucasus Emirate, a Chechen jihadist group, claimed responsibility. Russian investigators identified 20-year-old Magomed Yevloyev as the bomber. Four men were later convicted in connection with the attack.
Special Interest

SENTIMENT COLLECTION

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you think the U.S. will strike Iran before the end of January?

  1. No (52.6%)​
  2. Yes (30.9%)
  3. Unsure (16.5%)
Job Board

ASSIGNMENTS

Security and Intelligence
All Source Intelligence Analyst Defense Division Remote, US
Armorer Defense Division Remote, US
Austere Medic Defense Division Remote, US
Comms & Command Systems Instructor Defense Division Remote, US
Critical Care Medical Provider Defense Division Remote, US
Intl. Humanitarian Security Officer Defense Division Worldwide
Interpreter Defense Division Remote, US
Security Director Defense Division Remote, US
Security Operations Chief Defense Division Remote, US
Security Team Lead Defense Division Remote, US
Targeter Defense Division Remote, US
Business Development
SARs Development Director 100K - 120K Fort Lauderdale, FL

SPONSORED

Looking for a SARs Development Director with hands-on experience in Source Approval Requests, government procurement, and DLA compliance.

Must have 5–7 years of SARs development experience, strong approval track record, and the ability to manage submissions independently.

Fort Lauderdale, FL | Onsite
U.S. citizenship required

​Apply today to help drive compliant sourcing and enterprise growth →

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About SOFX: We are an independent media and communications technology company reporting on the conflicts, security, and technology issues impacting your lives and businesses. SOFX was founded by former Special Operations & Intelligence Professionals not Career Journalists or Big Tech / Big Media.

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