A senior Russian official has launched a sharp attack on the European Union's foreign policy chief, accusing her of steering the bloc towards a dangerous confrontation with both Russia and China. This accusation comes amidst a busy news day covering Delhi's chilly weather, diplomatic moves in Asia, and political tensions in West Bengal.
Russian Official's Fiery Accusation Against EU
Kirill Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and serves as a special presidential envoy, made the explosive claim on social media platform X. He was responding to a video of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, where she questioned the EU's ability to manage risks related to China if it couldn't effectively pressure Russia.
Dmitriev's post, which read "Idiotic Kaja wants the EU at war with Russia AND China," amplifies a persistent Kremlin narrative that portrays Western leaders as warmongers. Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia, is known for her staunch support for Ukraine and advocacy for tougher measures against Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
The European Union has consistently rejected such characterizations of its foreign policy. Officials maintain that Kallas's stance reflects a strategy of deterrence and upholding international law, not a pursuit of direct military conflict. The EU describes China as a "systemic rival" but continues to emphasize dialogue and economic engagement, seeking to reduce strategic dependencies without military confrontation.
Delhi Shivers as Cold Wave Grips the Capital
Shifting focus to domestic weather, the national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 8.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which was 1.2 notches above the season's average. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cold wave is likely to affect isolated parts of the city between January 3 and January 6, 2026.
The IMD declares a cold wave when the minimum temperature plunges 4.5 to 6.5 degrees Celsius below the average. Data from various stations showed Safdarjung at 8.1°C, Palam at 7.9°C, Lodhi Road at 8°C, The Ridge at 9°C, and Ayanagar at 6.9°C. The relative humidity was high at 95% in the morning.
Adding to the winter woes, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category. At 9 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 240, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as 'poor'.
Japan-US Ties Strengthen Amid Regional Strains
In international diplomacy, President Donald Trump has invited Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the United States this year. The invitation was extended during a phone call on Friday, as confirmed by Japan's foreign ministry. This would be Takaichi's first U.S. trip since taking office in October 2025.
The development comes at a time when Japan's relations with China are strained. Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, angered Beijing late last year by suggesting that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify a Japanese response. This marked a shift from previous leaders' strategic ambiguity on Taiwan.
The two leaders agreed to coordinate for a visit this spring, potentially coinciding with Washington's cherry blossom festival. They affirmed their commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and to deepening the Japan-US alliance. The call occurred against a backdrop of recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan and a major proposed U.S. arms sale to the island.
West Bengal Governor Flags Infiltration, Police Credibility
Back in India, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose raised serious concerns about infiltration and the state of policing in Bengal. Speaking in New Delhi, Bose called infiltration a "matter of great concern" for national security but expressed confidence in border forces like the BSF and intelligence agencies.
He delivered a pointed critique of the West Bengal police, stating, "Unfortunately, in Bengal, the public credibility of the police is not very good. A section of the police force is criminalised, some are corrupt, and some are politicised." He emphasized that people must feel they will get justice when approaching police stations.
On the political front, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her recent remarks concerning Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that "jungle raj" prevails in the state under her rule.
South Korea Reaffirms One-China Policy Ahead of Key Visit
In another significant diplomatic move, South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung reaffirmed Seoul's respect for the One-China principle in an interview with Chinese media. His comments came just before his state visit to China, scheduled from January 4 to 7, 2026.
President Lee described the trip as pivotal for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. He is expected to lead a large business delegation of over 200 representatives to explore cooperation in advanced fields like artificial intelligence. Lee framed South Korea's foreign policy as pragmatic, aiming to balance its alliance with the United States while avoiding confrontation with China, seeking stability in Northeast Asia.
