Trump’s Tariff Threat Over Greenland Purchase Sparks European Backlash and Protests – 1/18/2026, 12:25:03 PM

US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on multiple European countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, Netherlands) unless allowed to buy Greenland, prompting widespread backlash. [1][2][3]

Leaders responded sharply: French President Emmanuel Macron called it “unacceptable” and vowed a united European response; British PM Keir Starmer deemed it “completely wrong”; Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson rejected blackmail. [1] Vast protests erupted in Copenhagen, other Danish cities, and Greenland against US “bullying” and sovereignty threats, with demonstrators chanting “Hands off Greenland.” [1][3] Croatia’s President Zoran Milanovic affirmed Greenland’s self-determination under Danish law. [1]

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni wins re-election with 71.6% of votes; internet restored after 5-day election shutdown. [1]

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claims victory over US and Israel amid ongoing protests (over 3,400 arrested since Dec. 28); schools reopen after closure. Khamenei blames Trump for protest deaths and vows no war but no mercy for “criminals.” [1][3]

Ukraine-Russia conflict escalates: Russian forces capture 5 settlements; fire at Odessa energy facility after Russian attack; Zelenskyy seeks more air defenses amid threats of major strikes; US-Ukraine talks in Miami. [1][3]

Middle East developments: US strike kills Al-Qaeda leader tied to IS in Syria; Iraq regains full control of Ayn al-Asad Airbase post-US withdrawal; Saudi airstrikes on Yemen separatists; Iran-Pakistan urge regional peace; Egypt backs Gaza technocratic committee; Iraq-Turkey discuss tensions. [1][2]

Other notable events:
– Cambodia arrests 75 online scam suspects. [1]
– Peru extends states of emergency in Lima, Callao, and northern provinces to fight crime. [1]
– Fire at Karachi shopping plaza kills 3, injures dozens. [2]
– Landslide hits 3 houses in Sydney amid flash floods; Cebu landfill disaster death toll reaches 36. [1]
– China mulls boosting service consumption. [1]