Energy
German law enforcement has been unable to apprehend left-wing radicals since 2011, who caused a blackout in Berlin on January 4. The group Vulcan, involved in a series of crimes, calls for the destruction of modern infrastructure associated with fossil fuels.
As a result of new Russian attacks, consumers in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions were left without power. Restoration work continues in Slavutych and Odesa region after Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.
On the morning of January 6, emergency power outages were introduced in Sumy, Poltava, and Kharkiv regions due to damage to the power system. Slavutych in Kyiv region is partially powered after the Russian attack, and outage schedules are not in effect.
On January 6, dangerous meteorological phenomena are expected in Ukraine, including ice, fog, and black ice on roads in a number of regions. Level I danger - yellow - has been declared, which may complicate the operation of enterprises and traffic.
The Sterlitamak petrochemical plant and Biocynthesis PJSC came under attack.
The joint venture Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) presented a new Afeela electric vehicle prototype at CES in Las Vegas. The production model Afeela 1 will begin to be delivered to customers in California at the end of 2026, with sales expanding to Arizona in 2027.
Western Japan was shaken by a 6. 2 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter in Shimane Prefecture. Four people were hospitalized with minor injuries, and there was no tsunami threat.
Global oil prices fell on January 6, 2026, due to expectations of increased supply from Venezuela after the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Brent and WTI futures fell by 0.2% and 0.3% respectively.
The American president stated that new elections in Venezuela are not possible within 30 days, and the American presence will be long-term. He emphasized that the US is ready to financially stimulate oil companies to restore the country's energy infrastructure.
In the night of January 6, explosions occurred in the Lipetsk region of the Russian Federation, after which a large-scale fire broke out at a local oil depot. The governor of the region confirmed the fire at the industrial facility, explaining the incident as a "drone crash."
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 33% of Americans approve of the US military strike on Venezuela that led to the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro. Most citizens express concern about the consequences of the intervention, although Trump's approval rating has risen to 42%.
Asian stock markets opened higher, with the MSCI index for global equities reaching an all-time high. This happened amid the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces and rising oil prices and PDVSA default bonds.
The Trump administration plans meetings with oil company executives to discuss increasing oil production in Venezuela after Maduro's removal. Companies deny prior consultations, and analysts warn of the need for billions in investment.
Tankers with Venezuelan oil and fuel have left the country's territorial waters, ignoring the US naval blockade. This happened after President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on all sanctioned tankers in December 2025.
In a confidential OPLAN document, the German Ministry of Defense views Russia's intensified covert attacks on critical infrastructure as a prelude to a large-scale armed confrontation. German intelligence predicts that Russia aims to develop strategic capabilities for a full-scale war against NATO by 2029.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of a humanitarian energy catastrophe in Ukraine due to Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure. He emphasized that Russia's actions bear the hallmarks of war crimes, and lasting peace is only possible with effective security guarantees for Ukraine.
Dniprovskyi, Desnianskyi, and Darnytskyi districts of Kyiv are returning to their power outage schedules. Emergency outages were introduced after the massive shelling of the capital on December 27.
US special forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, depriving Vladimir Putin of an ally and strengthening US oil influence. Moscow views this as an attempt to control Venezuela's oil wealth and a possible sign of the Monroe Doctrine's revival.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia does not take diplomatic efforts seriously, striking civilian targets. Russia is prolonging the war, trying to inflict as much damage as possible on Ukraine.
On January 6, hourly power outage schedules and power limitations for industrial consumers will be in effect in all regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Russia may lose access to Bolivian lithium due to a review of the terms of the agreement with Uranium One Group by the new Bolivian administration. The contract, signed on September 11, 2024, provides for the construction of a lithium carbonate production plant, but has not yet been ratified by parliament.
Vasyl Malyuk confirmed that he is stepping down as Head of the Security Service, but will remain in the SBU system to implement world-class asymmetric special operations. He thanked the President of Ukraine for supporting changes in the defense sector and expressed belief in a just peace.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported five targeted missile strikes on the city's energy infrastructure. Very significant damage has been recorded.
The head of a unit of KP "Kyivteplokomunenergo" has been served with a suspicion notice after a 16-year-old girl fell into an unfenced pit of boiling water. The victim sustained burns to 73% of her body and was transported to Germany for treatment.
Russian troops continue their attempts to advance across the Siversky Donets River, using small group tactics and trying to bypass the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The enemy seeks to control the coastal part of the Siversky Donets for the deployment of artillery and UAVs.
Russian occupiers are trying to accumulate forces in Kupyansk, using a gas pipeline for penetration. The Defense Forces of Ukraine control this route, preventing enemy attempts.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. predicts that the prospect of increased oil production in Venezuela following the US ouster of its leader could impact global oil prices. The recovery in production will be gradual due to infrastructure degradation, which increases the downside risks to the oil price forecast for 2027 and beyond.
In the city of Samara, Dnipropetrovsk region, water supply has been temporarily suspended due to an emergency rupture of the main D=500 mm water pipeline. Restoration is expected today, January 5, 2026, by 6:00 PM.
On December 4 and 5, Russian occupiers attacked Chernihiv and settlements in the Chernihiv region, using various types of weapons. As a result of the strikes, garages, educational institutions, private houses, enterprises, and critical infrastructure facilities were damaged.
As a result of Russia's night attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Slavutych was de-energized, as well as consumers in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. An attack on a generating facility in Donetsk region was recorded, and power outage schedules are ongoing.