Sanctions
DPRK Defense Minister No Kwang Chol announced readiness for "more decisive and aggressive measures" in response to the arrival of the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington in Busan and the visit of US and South Korean officials to the demilitarized zone. This followed the DPRK's launch of a ballistic missile and a dozen rockets from multiple launch rocket systems.
Estonia is considering canceling Limp Bizkit's concert in May 2026 due to Fred Durst's past pro-Russian statements. The authorities believe that supporters of Russia have no place in the Estonian cultural space, despite the musician not making political statements in recent years.
The United States of America and Hungary signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of nuclear energy on November 7. The document provides for negotiations on cooperation in the civilian nuclear industry, including small modular reactors and spent fuel storage.
The United States fully supports the European Union's use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The EU proposes to use up to 185 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets frozen in Europe without confiscating them.
Donald Trump said that Washington is considering making an exception for Hungary regarding sanctions on Russian oil imports. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for Hungary to obtain oil and gas from other regions due to its landlocked status.
During a meeting with Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban stated that Ukraine could still win the war, but, according to him, it would be "a miracle. " Trump agreed with this.
International tourism in Cuba continues to decline, putting the communist island on track for its worst performance since the pandemic. In the first nine months of the year, 1.4 million foreign tourists visited the island, which is 20% less than in the same period of 2024.
EU countries could pay up to 5. 6 billion euros in interest payments annually if they do not agree on 140 billion euros for Ukraine, secured by Russian assets. The European Commission sent a document to EU capitals, highlighting the financial consequences of rejecting this plan.
Serbia has passed a law allowing the acceleration of the Trump Tower project in Belgrade, supported by Jared Kushner. This has sparked fierce political controversy and protests, despite which the authorities have granted the developer a 99-year lease.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested that drone sightings over Belgium could be related to discussions about the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium holds 183 billion euros in Russian assets, which constitutes the majority of all Russian state assets in the EU.
Hungarian oil refiner Mol said it could source most of its oil from non-Russian sources, signaling a shift in tone ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
As the state spends billions on the army and social programs are cut, HIV infection is spreading at a catastrophic rate. The Irkutsk region recorded 611 new cases of infection in the first five months of 2025, and the total number of infected people exceeds 31,000.
Western sanctions related to Russia's aggression in Ukraine have forced Russian consumers to switch to local wines. Sales of Russian wine have grown to 60% of the market, whereas 10 years ago this share was 25%.
The European Commission is tightening visa rules for Russian citizens due to increasing security risks. Russians will no longer be able to obtain multiple-entry visas, requiring a new application for each trip to the EU.
Gold prices rose after traders increased bets on a December Fed rate cut. This followed the release of unexpectedly weak US employment data, showing the largest job reduction in October in over 20 years.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, during his visit to Washington, will try to organize a summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which was previously postponed. He will also discuss US sanctions on Russian oil and seeks a visit by Trump to Hungary before the elections.
Peru's Congress voted to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata. This decision was made after the severance of diplomatic relations due to Mexico granting asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez.
Oil prices are falling for the second consecutive week due to supply exceeding demand. US crude oil inventories rose by 5.2 million barrels, exacerbating oversupply concerns and price drops.
The US Treasury Department said that Swiss oil trader Gunvor would not receive a license until Putin stops the war in Ukraine.
A bipartisan group of US senators is urging Hungary to stop buying Russian energy ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meeting with US President Donald Trump. American lawmakers expressed concern that Hungary is not reducing its dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
United States President Donald Trump announced a significant reduction in Russian oil exports and expressed hope for an end to the war in Ukraine. He emphasized the significant losses and the need to find ways to end the conflict.
North Korea launched a ballistic missile from its east coast on November 7, following the imposition of US sanctions against North Korean bankers. This is the second launch in less than three weeks.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that a meeting between the US and Russian presidents on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine could take place soon if several issues are resolved. After that, an agreement on establishing peace in Ukraine is possible.
Ukraine's Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna announced "positive" negotiations regarding the acquisition of Tomahawk missiles and other long-range weapons. This comes despite Donald Trump expressing reluctance to supply them to Ukraine.
33-year-old Belarusian citizen Yana Leonova was extradited from France to the United States. She is accused of conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act, smuggling and money laundering, and defrauding the United States.
The Kremlin has included the occupied territories of Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions in the Southern Military District, creating a basis for forced mobilization. Putin announced year-round conscription starting in 2026 and introduced electronic summonses, increasing the risk of illegal conscription of Ukrainians.
President Zelenskyy instructed the National Security and Defense Council to prepare new decisions against Russian arms production and individuals with Ukrainian citizenship who chose Russia. The activities of collaborators cooperating with Russia during the war must be blocked.
President Zelenskyy discussed with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov strengthening energy security and defense cooperation. The parties agreed on joint production of defense products, particularly for security in the Black Sea.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the decision not to impose sanctions against Russia could be reconsidered. The government has the right to change this decision, adopted by the National Security Council in 2022.
President Zelenskyy held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto, during which they discussed security challenges and bilateral cooperation. The parties also touched upon the issue of Russian recruitment of foreigners and Kenya's support for the Ukrainian resolution at the UN regarding the abduction of children.