Rating agency Fitch has placed Euroclear Bank's ratings on Rating Watch Negative due to EU plans to use frozen Russian assets for a 'reparations' loan to Ukraine. This could lead to increased legal and liquidity risks for Euroclear.
The US Air Force plans to acquire two Boeing 747-8 aircraft at a total cost of approximately $400 million. They will be used for crew training and as a source of spare parts for the future presidential fleet.
Oil quotes rose after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade for all sanctioned tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Brent quotes rose by 0.9% to $59.46 per barrel, and American WTI rose by 1% to $55.82.
On December 16, US President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan territorial waters. He accused Venezuela of stealing American assets and declared its government a "foreign terrorist organization."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz estimates the EU's chances of reaching an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense as "50-50. " EU leaders are expected to agree on the issue of using frozen Russian assets for a "reparation loan" to Ukraine at the summit on December 18-19.
The FCAS fifth-generation fighter jet program between France, Germany, and Spain has fallen into a deep crisis due to strategic disagreements. The project's implementation is now "very unlikely," and a decision on it will likely be postponed until 2026.
The occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP receives power through only one of two external power transmission lines. The disconnection of the backup line due to military actions creates a threat of a nuclear accident.
A man who drove a car into a crowd of football fans during a parade in Liverpool has been sentenced to 21. 5 years in prison. More than 130 people were injured in the incident, including a Ukrainian woman who required surgery.
A dam breach in the US state of Washington due to heavy rain has led to an evacuation order. A flood warning will remain in effect until at least 9:00 PM as torrential rains sweep across the Pacific Northwest coast.
Great Britain plans to strengthen citizen training for service, increase defense production, and develop necessary skills. This is a response to the growing threat from Russia, which seeks to challenge NATO.
Germany will strengthen support for Ukraine's defense sector through joint ventures, market integration, and the possible provision of federal guarantees for investments within a 10-point plan. This includes joint procurement of Ukrainian military equipment and the establishment of a representative office of the Ukrainian defense industry in Berlin.
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group claimed to have captured hundreds of Burundian soldiers during an offensive in eastern DR Congo. This happened after a meeting between the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda in Washington, where they reaffirmed their commitment to a peace agreement.
In Bolivia, floods caused by the overflowing Piraí River have killed 20 people, and at least two dozen are considered missing. Approximately 2,100 families have been affected, and 300 people have been rescued by helicopter.
US President Donald Trump will join the conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders regarding a peace plan. This was reported by an American official, and Zelenskyy did not give a clear answer regarding the possible conversation.
China's economic growth slowed in November. Industrial production fell to a 15-month low, and retail sales showed their worst performance since late 2022.
China's National Health Commission announced that starting in 2026, it will cover all childbirth-related expenses, including prenatal check-ups. This decision is part of Beijing's efforts to stimulate the birth rate and address the demographic crisis.
Australia plans to tighten gun laws after the largest mass shooting in nearly 30 years, which killed 16 people at Bondi Beach in Sydney. A father and son, identified as Sajid Akram and Navid Akram, carried out the attack using registered weapons.
Thailand halted fuel shipments to Laos via the Chong Mek border crossing, fearing diversion to Cambodia. This decision is linked to the border conflict and intelligence reports of fuel supplies to Cambodian troops.
An NBC News poll showed a decline in Donald Trump's approval rating to 42% and weakening support among MAGA followers. Most Americans believe the country is moving in the 'wrong direction,' and the economy remains the main problem.
Providence police have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine. Seven of the injured are in stable condition, one is in critical but stable condition, and another has been discharged from the hospital.
A man in Sydney attacked an armed man during a shooting at Bondi Beach, snatched his rifle, and disarmed him. This act, captured on video, quickly spread on social media, where users and the Premier of New South Wales called him a hero.
A Hamas negotiator stated that Israel's killing of senior commander Raed Said and three of his associates jeopardizes the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Hamas leader called on US President Trump to demand that Israel adhere to the terms of the truce.
At Brown University in Providence, two students were killed and nine were injured in a shooting. Police are searching for a suspect whose identity has not yet been established.
Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenka released 123 prisoners, including Ales Bialiatski and Maria Kalesnikava, in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions on Belarusian potash. Nine of those released were taken to Lithuania, and 114 to Ukraine.
Thousands of Hungarians protested in Budapest against child abuse in a juvenile detention center. Opposition leader Péter Magyar called on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to resign over the scandal.
The Israel Defense Forces announced the elimination of Raed Saed, one of Hamas's commanders. This occurred in response to an attack that wounded two Israeli soldiers.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy John Cole announced that Alexander Lukashenka promised to stop balloon flights over Lithuania after negotiations with the US. Earlier, Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to these flights.
Petr Fiala, the outgoing head of the Czech government, announced that the goal of supplying 1. 8 million large-caliber shells to Ukraine has been met. The new Czech government may discontinue this initiative, despite the president's support.
The delivery of the first of two new Air Force One presidential aircraft from Boeing has been delayed until mid-2028. This decision may annoy US President Donald Trump, who wanted to fly on the new aircraft before the end of his term in January 2029.
US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin. Witkoff will also hold meetings with counterparts from France, Great Britain, and Germany.
