The Russian economy is entering 2026 in a state of critical overstrain, forcing the Kremlin to plan cuts in military spending. This comes amid renewed diplomatic contacts mediated by the United States.
The Russian government eased restrictions on fuel exports, allowing oil refineries to export gasoline until the end of July 2026. This decision was made amid the stabilization of the domestic market and the accumulation of sufficient reserves.
The US has imposed extensive sanctions on Iranian officials for shooting protesters and for mass repression in the country.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports a rapid increase in the number of personal bankruptcies in Russia. In 2025, the number of judicial bankruptcies of individuals increased by 31%, reaching almost 568 thousand cases.
The European Union may replace the price cap on Russian oil with a ban on maritime services. This would strengthen sanctions against Moscow and simplify their application.
Rob Jetten, the prospective Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has announced a refusal to negotiate with Moscow and continued support for Ukraine. The new Dutch government has committed to providing annual military aid to Ukraine and supporting its path to EU and NATO membership.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine states that inflation in Russia is artificial and controlled to fill the budget and finance the war. The price increase is explained by the increase in VAT and tariffs, which is passed on to consumers.
Iran is ready for talks with the United States but does not plan meetings until conditions are met. Turkey calls for a resumption of nuclear talks, fearing US aggression against Iran.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgiy Tykhyi, commented on the EU sanctions against Russian propagandists, calling them accomplices in atrocities. He called for expanding the sanctions list and blocking propaganda channels.
The IAEA Board of Governors held an emergency meeting regarding nuclear risks from Russia's systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. IAEA head Rafael Grossi confirmed that these attacks fall under the organization's mandate and pose direct nuclear risks.
Kazakh President Tokayev stated that $14 billion was laundered from a "neighboring country" through a Kazakh bank. Kazakhstan is tightening restrictions on Russians using its banks to circumvent sanctions.
Systemic management failures, non-transparent decisions, and tolerance of Russian influence gradually transformed the State Aviation Administration from a guarantor of safety into a source of reputational and security risks. The consequences of such decisions by the previous leadership of the aviation regulator today threaten trust in it, defense capabilities, and the future of Ukrainian aviation.
Trump, along with his wife and members of the US administration, attended the premiere of the film "Melania. " This event sparked heated debate in American society.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has signed a law allowing the privatization of the oil sector, overturning a socialist principle. This paves the way for foreign investment and the revitalization of the industry.
Donald Trump threatens Canada with 50% tariffs on aircraft and to decertify them in the US market. The reason was the delay in the certification of Gulfstream aircraft, which Trump regarded as an obstruction of exports.
Cuba is on the verge of an energy collapse, with only 15-20 days of oil reserves. The US has blocked supplies from Venezuela, and Mexico has stopped shipping fuel.
US President Donald Trump criticized the UK's plans to strengthen economic ties with China, calling it a "very dangerous" strategy. This happened after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's negotiations with Xi Jinping, where the parties agreed on a "strategic partnership" and the reduction of trade barriers.
Gold prices resumed rapid growth, surpassing the $5,500 mark, after a brief dip. This happened amid escalating geopolitical tensions and Trump's statements.
Global oil prices rose after Trump's statement on Iran and the energy blockade of Cuba. Brent is trading above $70 per barrel, WTI – around $65.30.
US President Donald Trump has ordered the opening of Venezuelan airspace for commercial flights after talks with acting President Delcy Rodriguez. This decision is part of the normalization of relations after the removal of Nicolas Maduro.
US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the threat from Cuba, introducing a new tariff system. This will allow the US to impose tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba.
The US has issued licenses to oil companies to resume production in Venezuela. This decision aims to stabilize energy prices and bring Venezuelan oil back to the markets.
An explosion occurred at the TÜRKİYE Petrol Rafinerileri A. Ş. refinery in İzmit in a gasoline storage tank during maintenance. There were no casualties, and the fire was quickly brought under control.
Estonia has proposed to the EU Council an indefinite entry ban for all Russian military personnel who participated in the war against Ukraine. This is intended to prevent the legalization of these individuals in the Schengen area after the end of hostilities.
The European Union has blacklisted Russia over money laundering risks, which will complicate financial transactions with Russian banks. The EU is also preparing its 20th package of sanctions against Russia and is discussing a ban on former Russian military personnel entering the Schengen area.
The European Union is stepping up its support for peace and humanitarian initiatives in crisis regions. In particular, the EU is preparing to resume missions in Gaza and is imposing sanctions against parties to the conflict in Sudan.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha briefed the EU Council on the situation at the front, emphasizing the need to reach 50,000 Russian losses per month. He called for full strategic autonomy for Europe and funding for the PURL program.
EU foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran's IRGC as a terrorist organization. This move is a response to the repression and brutal crackdown on protesters.
The EU Council imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and 6 entities in Iran for human rights violations, as well as on 4 individuals and 6 entities for military support to Russia. The restrictions include asset freezes and travel bans.
Georgia does not plan to impose sanctions against Russia, said Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. The appointment of Ukraine's ambassador will not affect the country's position on sanctions and sending troops.
