Reuters

Russian troops captured almost 235 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory over the past week, which was a record in 2024. In November, the invaders occupied about 600-667 square kilometers of territory.

Gold prices dropped by 3. 4% to $2619.66 per ounce due to the appointment of Scott Bessent as US Treasury Secretary. The drop was also affected by reports of a possible truce between Israel and Hezbollah.

Satellite images revealed the expansion of the “February 11th factory” in the DPRK, where KN-23 missiles are produced. These missiles are used by Russian troops in Ukraine, although both countries deny the transfer of weapons.

Oil prices have stabilized after a 6% rise last week due to tensions between the West, Russia and Iran. Brent is trading at $74.91, WTI at $70.89 per barrel.

Yamandu Orsi won the presidential election in Uruguay with almost 50% of the vote. This means the country's return to center-left leadership after five years of right-wing conservative rule.

Ukraine lost control of 576 square kilometers of territory in the Kursk region of Russia after the August invasion. Russia plans to increase the number of troops in Ukraine to 690,000.

Donald Trump has nominated investor Scott Bessent for the post of US Treasury Secretary. Bessent is the head of the Key Square Group hedge fund and a recognized expert in geopolitics and economics.

The United States warns that Chinese hackers are preparing for a potential conflict over the compromise of critical infrastructure. The US Cyber Command takes offensive and defensive measures against China's cyber operations.

Oil prices posted their biggest weekly rise in two months due to the escalating conflict in Ukraine. Brent reached $74.14 per barrel and WTI reached $70.07 amid rising geopolitical tensions.

In Krasnotorka, 1 person died and 2 were wounded as a result of 6 hostile strikes. Over the past day, Russia launched 2132 attacks in Donetsk region, damaging 36 civilian objects.

russia launched missile attacks on three of DTEK's five thermal power plants, one of which is still out of service. The attack raised serious concerns about the stability of Ukraine's energy system in the winter.

The Australian government has introduced a bill to ban social media for people under 16. Violators face fines of up to USD 32 million and the introduction of biometric verification.

Putin's spokesman denied the possibility of freezing the conflict in Ukraine, despite his willingness to discuss it with Trump. Putin demands that Ukraine abandon NATO and is not ready for territorial concessions.

According to DeepState, enemy troops occupied the village of Nova Illinka and reached new positions near Dalne, Antonivka and Pustynka.

Naomi Arimoto from Japan collects plastic waste on the beach and uses it to decorate nails in her salon. The nail technician seeks to draw attention to the problem of pollution through a creative approach to manicure.

Donald Trump has appointed 27-year-old Caroline Leavitt as the new White House press secretary. She broke Ron Ziegler's record, becoming the youngest person to hold this position in US history.

Three Russian refineries cut back or stop production due to significant financial losses. The losses are caused by export restrictions, high raw material prices and lending rates.

The EU foreign policy chief has reported evidence of Chinese arms supplies to Russia for the war against Ukraine. The EU is considering imposing sanctions against Chinese companies, including asset freezes and entry bans.

At the France-Israel soccer match, fans booed the Israeli anthem. The game was held under heavy security due to recent clashes in Amsterdam, and Macron and Barnier were present at the stadium.

The global cryptocurrency market set a new record of $3. 2 trillion after the US presidential election. Bitcoin has reached $93,480, and other cryptocurrencies are also showing growth.

Donald Trump has nominated Republican Congressman Matt Goetz for the post of Attorney General. The appointment requires confirmation by the Senate, where Republicans hold a majority.

President-elect Donald Trump arrived at the White House to discuss the transition of power with incumbent President Joe Biden. The meeting took place in the Oval Office after Trump's victory in the last election.

President Zelenskyy announced the containment of 50,000 Russian troops in the Kursk region. This grouping cannot be redeployed to other areas of attack on the territory of Ukraine.

A Ukrainian official tells Reuters that the next 4-5 months will be crucial in the war because of Trump's possible return. A Trump victory could affect aid to Ukraine and its chances of joining NATO.

China has unveiled its new stealth fighter, the J-35A, at the Zhuhai Air Show. Experts note that the real capabilities of the aircraft remain a black box, despite the stated advantages of the design.

An Israeli strike on a residential building in Jabaliya has killed at least 32 people. Due to the ongoing Israeli raid, rescuers are unable to establish the exact number of victims.

Donald Trump won the last “swing” state of Arizona, receiving a total of 312 electoral votes. The Republican won 74.6 million votes (50.5%), defeating Kamala Harris with 70.9 million votes (48%).

Donald Trump has announced that he will not invite former candidate Nikki Haley and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to join his new administration. He thanked them for their previous service to the country.

Mass protests against the actions of the regional authorities during the deadly floods took place in Valencia. Demonstrators accuse the authorities of belatedly raising the alarm, which led to numerous casualties.

China protested the Philippines' signing of new laws on maritime zones and archipelagic routes. Beijing believes that these laws threaten stability in the region and violate the status of disputed territories.