Sanctions
Ukrainian intelligence has published OSINT hackathon data on foreign equipment in Russian weapons production, which is already being used for sanctions initiatives. Equipment from Japan, China, and Taiwan has been found at Russian enterprises producing missiles and aerial bombs.
The European Union has offered Ukraine €90 billion in funding in the form of a grant or a loan backed by EU debt. This will happen if countries fail to approve the desired plan to use frozen Russian assets.
Russian "Gazprom" is developing detailed design documentation for the "Power of Siberia-2" gas pipeline to China, which will transport 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The cost of design work can reach 5-10% of the total budget, which is estimated at more than 30 billion dollars.
Oil prices fell to $63. 95 per barrel on November 17 due to the resumption of loading at a key export hub in Russia. Brent futures fell by 0.68%, and WTI by 0.8%.
US President Donald Trump said that Republicans are considering a Senate bill on sanctions against countries that do business with Russia. The document provides for tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries that buy Russian energy carriers and do not support Ukraine, including China and India.
Russia's fossil fuel exports in October fell to their lowest levels since the start of the full-scale war, amounting to 524 million euros per day. This is 4% less than in September, due to Ukrainian attacks and international sanctions.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely in the near future, calling on European allies to support Kyiv despite the corruption scandal. He emphasized the need for European resilience and increased pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the heads of the defense and security sector. The situation at the front, Russia's plans, and the internal situation in Russia were discussed.
The Russian company Lukoil transferred the fuel terminal at Chisinau Airport for free use due to US sanctions. This will ensure a stable supply of petroleum products for aircraft.
The European Union has begun work on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The goal is to further pressure the aggressor, with potential targets including energy companies and vessels.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Ukraine could join the EU in the early 2030s. For this to happen, the country must overcome corruption and adhere to all necessary procedures.
Retail trade in non-food products in Russia has been shrinking for the seventh consecutive quarter, according to Sberbank. Sales decreased by 7% on average, and in some regions by up to 25%, indicating a deterioration in the well-being of the population.
In 2025, trade between Russia and China decreased by 9. 4% to $163.6 billion. This strengthens the Russian economy's dependence on Beijing due to energy and metal exports.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a tanker carrying petrochemical cargo bound for Singapore. The seizure took place in the Persian Gulf due to alleged violations of transportation rules and the unauthorized transport of cargo.
Great Britain has temporarily suspended sanctions against the Russian company "Lukoil" for Bulgaria to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the oil refinery in Burgas. Bulgaria has also appealed to the United States to ease American sanctions against the company.
North Korea has halved its shell supplies to Russia this year, mostly transferring outdated ammunition due to the depletion of its own stocks. At the same time, the country has started mass production of FPV drones.
The Donald Trump administration has reached an agreement with Switzerland to reduce import tariffs to 15%, ending several months of trade confrontation. Switzerland will invest $200 billion in the US and relocate part of its production.
Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara, which was carrying diesel fuel. This is the first seizure of a vessel by Iran since the Israeli and US strikes in June.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that his government would challenge the EU's plan to end Russian energy imports by the end of 2027. Orbán considers this plan a violation of European law and an attempt to circumvent the right of veto on sanctions.
New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker failed a drug test, showing the presence of cocaine in his system on October 25. He faces a two-year disqualification, although cocaine is not a performance-enhancing drug.
The Dutch government has temporarily taken control of Nexperia, one of Europe's largest semiconductor manufacturers. This decision is aimed at countering China's influence and could prevent Russia from circumventing sanctions.
Google has offered the EU measures to avoid splitting its online advertising business after a €2. 95 billion fine. The company announced changes to its advertising services, but Brussels has yet to decide whether to accept these commitments.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reported an increase in recessionary trends in the Russian economy, with a noticeable deterioration in the manufacturing industry. In the first three quarters of 2025, a decrease in production volumes was recorded in 70% of the main types of economic activity.
The White House announced new trade agreements with four South and Central American countries. This could lead to a reduction in tariffs on imports of certain types of coffee, bananas, and beef from Argentina.
Brent crude futures rose 1. 97% to $64.25 a barrel, and WTI gained 2.13% to $59.94. This happened after a drone attack on an oil depot in Novorossiysk, raising concerns about supplies.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 430 drones and 18 missiles, including ballistic and aeroballistic ones. 4 people were killed, dozens wounded, high-rise buildings and the Azerbaijani embassy were damaged.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported the successful destruction of 33 strategic and 41 operational targets of the Russian aggressor since early November. Long-range strike weapons of Ukrainian development were used: "Flamingo", "Bars" and "Lyutyi".
On the bustling streets of Tehran, there seem to be signs of change. However, according to a Reuters investigation, Iranian authorities are inviting foreigners in an attempt to "improve" the country's external image. Internal repression in Iran, on the other hand, is intensifying.
Lithuania has banned Russian rapper Alisher Morgenshtern from entering for 10 years due to a threat to national security. The decision was made after a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the collection of additional information.
Marco Rubio called on the world to stop supplying weapons to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, accused of mass killings. The RSF have been fighting the Sudanese army since April 2023, capturing El Fasher after an 18-month siege.