Sanctions
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.
The performance of the American rock band Limp Bizkit in Tallinn, scheduled for May 31, 2026, has been canceled. The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that "there is no place for supporters of the aggressor state either in Estonia or in the Estonian cultural space."
The decision to return Mikheil Saakashvili to prison from the clinic is intended to influence the US, which has imposed sanctions against billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. The head of Saakashvili's party considers this a desperate attempt by Ivanishvili to attract the attention of the West.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of issuing joint EU debt to support Ukraine. This will happen if the plan to use frozen Russian assets fails due to Belgium's blocking.
Russia's revenues from crude oil and fuel exports significantly decreased in October to $13. 1 billion. This is $2.3 billion less than last year, due to falling prices, reduced exports, and Ukrainian strikes.
EU ministers discussed financing for Ukraine, supporting the idea of a reparations loan. This option is considered the most feasible for covering the deficit without additional burden on member states.
Bulgaria's parliament overturned the president's veto on a bill allowing the government to take control of Lukoil's oil refinery and sell it. The decision is intended to protect the asset from US sanctions, which will come into force on November 21.
Presidential advisor Vladyslav Vlasiuk clarified that all main types of blocking sanctions, which have an immediate effect, particularly in the banking sector, have been applied against businessmen Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman. However, prohibitions related to entry into Ukraine have not been applied.
The Center for Countering Disinformation clarified the sanctions decisions against Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Zuckerman, figures in a corruption scandal. The sanctions provide for a full package, including the blocking of assets in Ukraine for three years, regardless of their citizenship.
The European Commission has launched a new investigation into Google to assess whether the company is downgrading news agencies and other publisher sites that host sponsored content. This investigation under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to ensure that news publishers do not lose important revenue.
In the night of November 13, the Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked targets in the territory of the Russian Federation and temporarily occupied territories. Among the hit targets were oil depots, a helicopter parking lot, and an air defense radar station.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has returned over 1,600 children illegally taken to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for international support to return approximately 19,500 children who are estimated to still be in the Russian Federation.
Ukraine received €5. 9 billion from the European Union, of which €4.1 billion came as part of the ERA Loans mechanism from the profits of frozen Russian assets. Another €1.8 billion was allocated within the framework of the Ukraine Facility, which confirms Ukraine's movement along the path of reforms and European integration.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions against Israeli citizens Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman. The relevant decree was published on the President's website on November 13.
The White House confirmed Hungary's exemption from US sanctions on the construction of new nuclear power units by the Russian corporation Rosatom.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the allocation of almost 6 billion euros to Ukraine under the ERA loan and the Ukraine Facility. The European Council also committed to covering Ukraine's financial needs over the next two years, considering three funding options, including a reparations loan based on immobilized Russian assets.
French President Emmanuel Macron is considering inviting Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the G7 summit in 2026, a move that could be a bold diplomatic step. The idea has been discussed with some allies, and Macron may visit China in December.
Oil prices fell on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session, amid rising US crude inventories and OPEC's forecast of supply exceeding demand in 2026. Brent is at $62.71 a barrel, and WTI is at $58.46 a barrel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged EU allies to overcome differences on using frozen Russian assets, as new funding is critical for the country's economy. The EU has postponed a decision until December on using Russian state assets to provide Ukraine with €140 billion in loans, facing objections from Belgium and Slovakia.
According to Rubio, the US has already imposed sanctions against major Russian oil companies, and there are few significant new restrictions left.
Almost 40% of large companies in Russia have faced non-payments from counterparties, which has become the main barrier to business operations. The amount of overdue debt exceeded 3.8 trillion rubles, with manufacturing enterprises owing the most.
The US remains steadfast in working with partners to encourage Russia to diplomacy and engagement with Ukraine. This was confirmed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha at the G7 meeting in Canada.
The foreign ministers of the G7 countries have agreed to intensify economic pressure on Russia to end its aggression against Ukraine. They are also considering additional sanctions and the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with US senators, informing them about the situation at the front and the need for weapons. They also discussed increasing pressure on Russia and the return of abducted Ukrainian children.
Lukoil shares on the Moscow Exchange fell to 4,900 rubles, and the company's capitalization decreased by $9. 6 billion after new US sanctions. This led to the blocking of sales of foreign assets and problems with operations in international markets.
President Zelenskyy thanked Canada for new sanctions against Russia's drone program, digital infrastructure, and LNG trade. He also expressed gratitude to Great Britain for continued humanitarian and energy support.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Moscow's readiness to act within the framework of obligations stipulated by agreements with Venezuela. This comes amid the US modernization of a military base near Venezuela and Russia's activity in the region.