Goldman Sachs Group Inc. predicts that the prospect of increased oil production in Venezuela following the US ouster of its leader could impact global oil prices. The recovery in production will be gradual due to infrastructure degradation, which increases the downside risks to the oil price forecast for 2027 and beyond.
Russian forces deployed a missile-carrying submarine to the open sea for the first time this year. The overall situation at sea has not undergone significant changes.
The European Commission plans to introduce digital infrastructure laws in 2026. The goal is to reduce the EU's dependence on foreign technology companies, which could lead to a conflict with Washington.
Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez called on the US to cooperate after Donald Trump's warnings. Earlier, Rodriguez criticized the US operation and the capture of Nicolas Maduro, which provoked a harsh reaction from the American president.
World oil prices fell on January 5, despite geopolitical tensions following the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The market remains stable due to an oversupply of global crude oil reserves.
US President Donald Trump has warned Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodriguez, of severe consequences if she does not change the country's political course. The statement comes amid preparations for the trial of ousted Nicolas Maduro in New York.
Hyundai Motor Co. Executive Chairman Chung Euisun predicted an extremely difficult period for the global automotive industry due to trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and increased competition. The company plans to invest 125 trillion won in new technologies over the next five years.
Russia continues to export LNG from the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project in winter, using only one vessel. This highlights Moscow's critical dependence on its icebreaking fleet to circumvent Western restrictions.
Following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in early 2026, international creditors have intensified their struggle to recover Venezuela's $150-170 billion foreign debt. The main players are China, Russia, bondholders, and energy giants, while restructuring is complicated by US sanctions and a lack of cooperation with the IMF.
Tensions in Venezuela and Donald Trump's statements regarding Iran have provoked expectations of rising oil prices. Venezuelan oil exports have almost stopped due to the US embargo, which led to a reduction in PDVSA's production.
The Serbian oil refinery NIS, owned by Russia and under US sanctions, will start operating on January 17 or 18. This became possible after receiving a temporary license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes it is too early to discuss holding elections in Venezuela. He noted that the US oil embargo on Venezuela will remain, and American troops could land.
At least 16 people have died in Iran during a week of unrest as protests against soaring inflation spread across the country, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
OPEC+ agreed to maintain stable oil production, despite an 18% price drop in 2025 and tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Eight countries raised their production targets by 2.9 million barrels per day from April to December 2025.
According to the results of 2025, Russia's foreign trade continued to degrade due to falling world energy prices and oil production quotas. The share of fuel and energy goods in exports decreased to 54.9%, and imports of investment goods decreased by 8.7%.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against 95 individuals and 70 legal entities, most of whom are citizens and residents of the Russian Federation. The restrictions apply to individuals and companies that produce communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, and microelectronics for the Russian military-industrial complex.
Trump stated that he is not considering a military operation against Cuba, as the communist regime on the island is on the verge of collapse. He noted that Cuba has depended for decades on Venezuelan oil and financial support, which will cease after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has attracted over $6 billion for the development of the domestic defense-industrial complex in 2025. These funds came through international programs, direct purchases by partners, and profits from frozen Russian assets.
The Venezuelan government accused the United States of military aggression after a series of explosions in Caracas and other regions. President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency and mobilized defense forces.
Vladimir Putin remains steadfast in his maximalist demands, despite Western sanctions and Ukrainian drone strikes. His stubbornness has frustrated Trump, who believed a deal was possible.
More and more oil tankers are turning away from Venezuela as the US threatens to seize vessels carrying oil to finance the regime of Nicolas Maduro. At least seven ships have changed course, and four more have turned away after US forces boarded the vessel Skipper.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will meet with President Donald Trump this spring. The meeting will take place amid escalating regional tensions due to Chinese military exercises around Taiwan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is appointing Oleh Ivashchenko to a position in Ukraine's military intelligence. This happened after Kyrylo Budanov agreed to head the Presidential Office.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said that Russian athletes will not be able to represent their country at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. They will only participate as individual athletes without a national flag or anthem.
China received 22 shipments of liquefied natural gas from Russia's Portovaya and Arctic LNG-2 projects in 2023. All deliveries arrived at the Beihai LNG terminal in Guangxi.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kovalenko, believes that the Russians pursued two goals in this way. One of them is to create a rift between Ukraine and the United States.
This refers to advanced weapon systems, including ballistic missiles and drones, for cryptocurrency. This would allow Tehran to circumvent Western financial restrictions.
Three tankers carrying almost 2. 2 million barrels of Urals crude are heading to Reliance Industries Ltd.'s Jamnagar refinery in India. This comes after the plant resumed purchases of Russian oil for domestic production.
The share of oil and gas revenues in Russia's budget will decrease to 23% this year, compared to 50% a few years ago. The reason is the war against Ukraine and sanctions that force Russia to sell oil at significant discounts.
In Iran, demonstrations caused by the deteriorating economic situation have spread to rural provinces, claiming the lives of at least seven people. These deaths may indicate increased measures by the Iranian authorities in response to the protests.
