AFP UK

(AFP) – Images released by the Emergency Services of Ukraine show firefighters battling blazes in the northern Sumy region and eastern Donetsk region in the aftermath of Russian strikes.

Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia is seeking to “shut down” entire cities by intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. After a night of heavy drone and missile strikes on 8 January, Zelensky urges local authorities to prepare contingency plans, stressing that the threat from medium-range ballistic missiles also poses a challenge to neighbouring European capitals.

Hwacheon (South Korea) (AFP) – Thousands of people gather atop a frozen river in South Korea’s Hwacheon for the annual Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, hoping to catch a Sancheoneo [mountain trout]. “It brings back those old memories, and spending time together with my son is what really matters, so we’re having a great time,” says Kim Choon-tae, a businessman attending the festivities.

Brasília (AFP) – “In these difficult geopolitical times of instability and conflict… it shows that it is possible to build trade routes based on rules of open trade and strengthening, not isolationism, but multilateralism,” says Brazil’s Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin on the announcement of the Mercosur–European Union trade agreement, which has drawn strong opposition from farmers in several European countries.

Caracas (AFP) – Relatives gather in front of the Helicoide prison to protest and pray for the prompt release of prisoners in Venezuela. The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners called for a vigil outside this prison, considered a symbol of the government’s “torture.” Venezuela announced on January 8 the release of “a significant number” of detained opposition members. Nearly 30 hours after the announcement, NGOs report between eight and 11 releases, including two opposition figures and five Spaniards. IMAGES

Caracas (AFP) – Hundreds of pro-government demonstrators take to the streets of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in support of the deposed president Nicolas Maduro, as the one-week mark approaches since the United States’ military operation to detain the Venezuelan leader and his wife Cilia Flores. IMAGES

Caracas (AFP) – Multiple vehicles are seen leaving the US embassy in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas as both countries have entered “exploratory” talks on restoring diplomatic ties, broken off in 2019 under ousted leader Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela has also confirmed that US diplomats have traveled to Caracas for talks on reopening the embassy. IMAGES

At sea (AFP) – Footage shared on social media by the United States Southern Command shows what officials say is the latest seizure of a tanker seeking to break the American naval blockade of sanctioned oil leaving Venezuela. According to Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem, the Olina was “another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil.” The vessel is the fifth seized by US forces in recent weeks.

Minneapolis (AFP) – “This can’t continue to happen,” says Shanda Copeland, one of a group of protesters gathered outside a federal government building in Minneapolis. On 7 January, the city saw a local woman shot and killed by an immigration officer. Videos shared on social media show Renee Nicole Good apparently trying to drive away from ICE agents as they approach her vehicle. One agent then fires three times into the vehicle. Senior Trump administration officials, including the president, have been quick to claim the agent acted in self-defense and that Good had “weaponized” her car. “Anyone who’s seen the video knows that she was not doing anything wrong,” says Jesse, another protester, adding that “she was brutally murdered.”

Wroclaw (Poland) (AFP) – A case of David vs Goliath at Wroclaw Zoo, as a tiny 13kg deer takes on a nearly two-tonne rhinoceros and appears to come out of the clash on top.

Tokyo (AFP) – At 58 years young, Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura — or “King Kazu” — is about to start his 41st season of professional football. The veteran made his debut in 1986 for the Brazilian side Santos, and has since played for clubs in Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal. Turning 59 in February, Miura has signed a six-month loan deal with third-division Japanese side Fukushima United. “I just want to be out on the pitch,” he says, “even just for one minute or one second longer.”

Tehran (AFP) – Footage posted on social media and verified by AFP shows demonstrations in the Iranian cities of Tehran and Gorgan, as the country faces protests initially linked to the rising cost of living. People can be heard chanting slogans including “death to the dictator,” referencing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ruled Iran since 1989. Authorities imposed an internet blackout late on 8 January in an effort to suppress the protest movement.