The world on Monday, 5th January 2026, presented a stark tapestry of political drama, human tragedy, cultural tradition, and winter's chill. The Guardian's picture editors curated a series of powerful images capturing these moments, from a deposed president facing justice in New York to the serene focus of a calligraphy contest in Tokyo.
Political and Conflict Fronts
Nicolás Maduro, the deposed president of Venezuela, arrived at a heliport in New York City ahead of his appearance at a Manhattan courthouse. He faces a series of severe US federal charges, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Simultaneously, in Caracas, his supporters gathered for a demonstration, highlighting the ongoing political divide.
In Kyiv, Ukraine, the grim reality of war hit a civilian target. A Russian drone strike overnight heavily damaged a private hospital building in the Obolonskyi district. The attack resulted in one patient killed and four others injured, underscoring the continuing threat to urban centres.
Meanwhile, in a display of military prowess, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected test flights of hypersonic missiles. The image was distributed by the state media, as independent journalists were not granted access to cover the event.
Tragedy and Cultural Tradition
A sombre scene unfolded in Sion, Switzerland, as officials and relatives paid their respects. The bodies of five Italian students, who died in a fire at the Le Constellation bar during a New Year's Eve party in Crans-Montana, were carried to an Italian air force plane for repatriation.
In stark contrast, Tokyo's Nippon Budokan Hall hosted a vibrant display of culture. Approximately 2,000 people of all ages from across Japan participated in the annual New Year calligraphy contest, carefully showcasing their shodo skills. The same city saw the culmination of its famous Tsukiji fish market traditions, with a prized bluefin tuna being carried to a Sushi Zanmai restaurant after winning the highest bid at the new year auction.
Scenes from Britain and Beyond
In the UK, Labour leader Keir Starmer engaged with the public during a visit to the Emmer Green Youth and Community Centre in Reading. The wintry weather made its presence felt across the country, with pedestrians braving snowfall in Huntly, Scotland, and people enjoying the cold in Blyth, England. In Northwich, intricate starburst patterns formed in the ice on a frozen lake.
Elsewhere, celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States saw a video projection of the Apollo 11 Moon landing on the Washington Monument, with the real moon visible behind it. In Cape Town, South Africa, troupes paraded for the annual Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), while in Montreal, giant garden sculptures marked the 25th anniversary of the International Mosaiculture. In Frankfurt, airport workers de-iced aircraft in temperatures of -6°C.
A Shadow of Violence
The day was also marked by violence in Pakistan, where an IED blast targeted a vehicle carrying cement factory workers in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack killed at least one person and injured nine others, with police suspecting militant involvement amid a broader surge in attacks in the region.
This global snapshot, frozen in time on Monday, reveals a planet of juxtapositions—where legal processes unfold for leaders, ancient arts are practised with quiet dedication, and conflict continues to claim innocent lives.
