Bloomberg L.P.
The United States completed its withdrawal from the WHO without paying approximately $260 million in contributions. This jeopardizes global programs to combat epidemics.
Donald Trump proposed involving NATO troops to guard the US border with Mexico, citing Article 5. He also criticized European allies for insufficient contributions to the Alliance.
Global oil prices are stable due to a weak dollar and optimism in financial markets, which offsets fears of a fuel surplus. Chinese stimulus and US GDP growth support the market, despite IEA forecasts of a significant surplus in 2026.
Donald Trump is preparing a large-scale sports program for the anniversary of US independence, turning the White House into the country's main arena. Leaders of leading professional leagues will discuss the integration of sports into the national holiday "America 250".
The US has appointed Laura Dogu as Chargé d'Affaires to Venezuela following the seizure of power by Nicolás Maduro. This is the first step towards restoring an official presence in Caracas.
The Russian digital asset A7A5, created to circumvent sanctions, has reached $100 billion in transaction volume. However, demand for the token is declining due to tightening EU sanctions.
The European Union is preparing to resume ratification of a trade agreement with the United States. This became possible after Donald Trump abandoned threats to impose tariffs on European goods due to disputes over Greenland.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Europe must strengthen its unity and competitiveness. This is necessary to counter a new era of "great power politics" that has upended transatlantic relations.
Greek shipowners are deploying new tankers to transport Russian oil due to a record surge in freight costs. This comes amidst US and EU sanctions, which have led to a shortage of vessels.
A powerful tropical storm caused a massive landslide on Mount Maunganui in New Zealand, burying a popular campsite. Several people are officially reported missing, and a search operation is underway.
Global gold prices plummeted by 1. 1% after Trump's announcement of abandoning tariffs against the EU and reaching a "framework agreement" on Greenland. The decrease in geopolitical tension weakened investors' interest in safe-haven assets, leading to a drop in gold prices to $4783.27 per ounce.
For the first time in almost a year, Venezuelan crude oil is heading to Europe, with the vessel Poliegos set to deliver fuel to Italy. The shipments are organized by Vitol Group with US involvement to support Venezuela's economy.
Apple plans to update Siri to a full-fledged generative AI chatbot, Campos, which will compete with ChatGPT and Gemini. The technology will be unveiled in June, with a release scheduled for September 2026.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the country will not immediately join Trump's "Peace Council" project. The reason is the inconsistency of certain provisions with Italian law and the need for parliamentary approval.
Steve Witkoff will meet with Ukrainian officials on Wednesday before traveling to Moscow with Jared Kushner for talks with Putin on a peace plan. Documents on a peaceful settlement have been unofficially handed over to Moscow for review.
U. S. Special Envoy Stephen Witkoff will meet with Putin in Moscow on January 22 to receive a response to the peace plan. This will be the seventh meeting; the previous six did not yield significant results.
Donald Trump could continue to lead his proposed Peace Council after his presidential term ends.
The value of the Russian Central Bank's gold reserves has increased by $216 billion since 2022, reaching $326. 5 billion. This growth is due to a 65% increase in gold prices in 2025 and another 8% in early 2026.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated in Davos that Russia poses an obvious, albeit potential, threat in the Arctic. He emphasized that Canada is expanding its navy and air force to defend against Russian threats.
Elon Musk has once again floated the idea of buying Ryanair after a dispute with its CEO, Michael O'Leary. The billionaire conducted a poll on X regarding the acquisition of the company, which has a market value of approximately 30 billion euros.
A study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy shows that 96% of the tariff burden from Trump's tariffs falls on American buyers. This leads to higher product prices for consumers.
Donald Trump has invited a number of countries to his "Peace Council for Gaza" to implement a 20-point plan. The signing ceremony is scheduled for this Thursday in Davos.
In Nigeria, armed bandits kidnapped 172 worshippers from two churches in Kaduna State. 163 people remain in captivity, nine managed to escape.
French President Emmanuel Macron declined Donald Trump's invitation to the "Peace Council. " The reasons were differences in diplomatic vision and a $1 billion contribution.
Donald Trump allegedly approached Alexander Lukashenka with a proposal for Belarus to become one of the founders of the Peace Council. Lukashenka's office has already stated that Belarus is ready to participate in the activities of this organization.
France plans to convene a meeting of G7 finance ministers on Wednesday to discuss US threats to impose tariffs over Greenland. This is in response to Trump's statements about imposing tariffs if EU countries oppose his intentions to annex Greenland.
Danish officials will not attend the World Economic Forum in Davos amid an escalating dispute over Greenland. US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose tariffs over the island's situation.
The Czech government has decided not to sell light combat aircraft to Ukraine, said Tomio Okamura, leader of the far-right party. The Minister of Defense stated that the Czech army would need these aircraft.
China's GDP grew by 5% in 2025, despite the trade war, thanks to export growth that offset a weak domestic market. In the fourth quarter, GDP growth slowed to 4.5%.
European countries are strengthening control over maritime transport and compliance with the sanctions regime. Germany denied the tanker Arcusat entry into its waters, and the vessel Hizer Reis also raised suspicions.