Sanctions

Chinese President Xi Jinping praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China. The UK promises broader access to Chinese markets for the British service sector, including visa-free travel.

China denied media reports about supplying Russia with equipment for the production of 'Oreshnik' ballistic missiles. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the country is not 'adding fuel to the fire' and is not seeking profit.

EU foreign ministers have approved new sanctions against Iran for suppressing protesters and supporting Russia. A political agreement is also expected on including the IRGC on the list of terrorist organizations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Europe needs to regain dominance to assert itself in the new world order. He emphasized the importance of "power politics" for the realization of European ideas.

The Wall Street Journal described three scenarios for the development of events in Ukraine in 2026. The most likely is the continuation of the war, as well as the possible capitulation of Ukraine or the exhaustion of Russia.

Last year, Russia's energy revenues decreased by 20% compared to 2024. This was due to increasing discounts on Russian oil and low global prices, which intensified pressure on the country's economy.

France will increase pressure on Russia and is preparing new sanctions at the European level. This comes after condemning Russia's attack on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region.

Russian company "Lukoil" has reached an agreement to sell its foreign assets to the American investment fund Carlyle. The deal does not include assets in Kazakhstan and requires approval from the US Treasury.

US President Donald Trump is considering a new large-scale strike on Iran. This comes after talks on its nuclear program and ballistic missiles yielded no results.

The European Union is preparing to list Iran's IRGC as a terrorist group after a change in France's position. This decision will be a response to the brutal suppression of protests in Iran and will lead to the freezing of the organization's assets.

The Trump administration has decided to hand over the supertanker M/T Sophia, detained by the US Coast Guard in January 2026, to the Venezuelan authorities. This is the first time a vessel from the "shadow fleet" has been returned after the naval blockade of Venezuela.

The US, Denmark, and Greenland held talks in Washington regarding a new security agreement in the Arctic. This was in response to pressure from Trump, who had previously threatened to annex the island.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called on the EU to accelerate the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia. He emphasized the deteriorating state of the Russian economy and the decline in oil and gas revenues.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania handed a diplomatic note to Belarus over another incident involving the use of balloons to smuggle contraband. The large-scale launch of objects led to the Vilnius airport being closed three times and disrupted the plans of over 1,700 passengers.

President Zelenskyy heard a report from SBU head Yevhen Khmara on combat operations. The SBU is planning new operations on the aggressor's territory and strengthening its sanctions policy.

The European Union will exempt gas from the United States and Qatar from additional checks under the ban on Russian gas. This will accelerate the supply of alternative energy sources and support the EU's energy security.

EU ambassadors have agreed on sanctions against 15 individuals and 6 organizations in Iran for suppressing protests. Sanctions have also been imposed against 4 individuals and 6 organizations for assisting Russia in the war against Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a visit to China to reset economic relations. This is the first visit of a British head of government to the PRC in eight years.

Experts explained why the dollar is the main currency for pricing in Ukraine and the best choice for long-term savings. The euro is more appropriate for short-term speculation due to its instability.

China provides Russia with machine tools and electronic components for the creation of nuclear hypersonic missiles, which are produced at the Votkinsk Plant. This allows Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and accelerate arms production.

Ukraine's GUR exposed 66 ships of the "shadow fleet" of Russia, Iran, and Venezuela that transport sanctioned oil. Among them are tankers associated with Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd and Cymare Navigation FZC, which provide Russia with petrodollars.

A Spanish rescue vessel escorted the Chariot Tide tanker, which is under EU sanctions for carrying Russian oil, to the port of Tanger-Med in Morocco. The ship's engine had broken down, and it was drifting in international waters.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a three-day visit to China to bring bilateral relations out of a "deep freeze" and open up new opportunities for British exports. This is the first visit by a British head of government to the PRC in eight years.

The Trump administration has informed Congress of the phased reopening of the US embassy in Caracas following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. This is the first step towards normalizing relations with Venezuela's new government.

Donald Trump welcomed the dollar's decline, calling it "great" for American business and exports. Following his statements, the dollar index fell by 1.2%, reaching its lowest level since February 2022.

US President Donald Trump threatens to cut off aid to Iraq if Nouri al-Maliki is reappointed as prime minister.

The price of gold exceeded $5181. 84 per ounce, rising due to geopolitical tensions and concerns about the US economy. Investors are actively investing in the precious metal.

The volume of Russian crude oil on tankers at sea has increased by 60 million barrels since late August due to reduced purchases by India. Russia is seeking alternative markets and using storage in Southeast Asia.

PACE adopted a resolution condemning Russia's actions as war crimes and calling for increased support for Ukraine. The document was supported by 104 votes "for".