Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is interested in receiving reparations from Russia for the restoration of the state. He announced that the issue of funds for reconstruction has already been resolved with the Europeans, and the first 100 billion dollars will arrive in equal tranches over two years.
The Cabinet of Ministers plans to consider Ihor Zelinskyi's candidacy for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, lobbied by Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba. This personnel decision raises serious questions given Zelinskyi's decisions made during his work in the leadership of the aviation regulator.
China has launched live-fire military exercises around Taiwan after the US announced a major arms package for the island. The exercises, dubbed "Mission Justice-2025," involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces, serving as a "stern warning" against separatist forces.
The Russian fashion industry has not capitalized on the departure of international brands, facing falling demand and store closures in 2024–2025. Instead of developing its own production, the market has been flooded with imported goods, and businesses are losing profitability.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that much could be resolved in diplomacy before the New Year, and Ukraine is doing everything for this. He noted that decisions depend on partners, important sanctions and pressure on Russia, missiles for air defense, and the finalization of formats for ending the war and security guarantees.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing sanctions with Great Britain against 8 individuals and 40 legal entities involved in the deportation of children and the supply of components for Russian weapons. Ukraine also imposed sanctions against 8 military leaders of South Sudan in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The Russian Federation has officially extended the temporary restriction on gasoline exports outside the country until February 28. This decision is aimed at maintaining stability in the domestic fuel market.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports that the Russian financial system is entering a phase of controlled chaos, losing transparency and control. Starting from 2027, Russian financial companies will publish only depersonalized data on ownership structure, and regular income declarations for civil servants will be abolished.
World oil prices for Brent and WTI fell by more than 2% due to expectations of a significant supply surplus in 2026 and US diplomatic activity. Traders are selling off contracts ahead of the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting, where a peace plan will be discussed.
Ukraine's Ministry of Energy declared legally null and void the decision of Russia's "Rostekhnadzor" to issue a "license" for the operation of the occupied ZNPP power unit.
Maduro authorized the release of 99 participants in the 2024 anti-government protests. This came after Donald Trump intensified the naval blockade and called for the country's leader to resign.
China announced sanctions against 20 US defense companies and 10 top executives over arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions include freezing the companies' assets in China and banning individuals from doing business.
The presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, will meet in Florida to discuss a peace plan. Most elements of the agreement, including security guarantees, have already been agreed upon between Ukraine and the US, and the Russians have agreed that a ceasefire is needed for a referendum.
Russia has almost doubled its exports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Central Asia and Afghanistan, reaching 1. 016 million metric tons from January to November 2025. This happened after the EU imposed restrictions on the import of Russian propane and butane in December 2024.
Iranian forces seized a foreign oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, carrying approximately 4 million liters of smuggled fuel. 16 foreign crew members were detained, their nationalities were not disclosed.
Russia and Kazakhstan have postponed the first launch of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle as part of the joint Baiterek space project for additional system checks. The Baiterek program is in its final stages, and the launch was delayed due to falling behind schedule and sanctions.
Silver hit $75 for the first time on Friday, with gold and platinum also setting record highs. This occurred amid speculative bets, expectations of US interest rate cuts, and rising geopolitical tensions.
Former heads of the State Aviation Service, Oleksandr Bilchuk and Ihor Zelinskyi, made decisions that could have harmed Ukraine's defense capabilities. Their actions, including blocking the use of Il-76 aircraft and cooperating with Russian companies, should be investigated within the framework of criminal proceedings.
Western sanctions have reshaped India's oil trade, reducing its reliance on Russian oil. Imports from Russia decreased by 17.8% in January-October 2025, while imports from the US increased by 83.3% and from the UAE by 8.7%.
Oil prices rose on Friday after the US increased economic pressure on Venezuelan oil supplies and launched airstrikes against militants in Nigeria. Brent futures rose to $62.30 and WTI to $58.41 amid low market activity due to the Christmas holidays and expectations of an annual price decline.
Russian dictator Putin voiced a set of propaganda theses about "almost full employment," "low unemployment," and an "inevitable technological breakthrough. " These statements are intended to create an image of prosperity amid war and sanctions.
After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China did not distance itself from Moscow, but turned the Russian Federation into its raw material appendage. The head of the CPD, Andriy Kovalenko, noted that Russia is an instrument of strategic pressure for China.
Russia has postponed plans to triple its annual liquefied natural gas production due to international sanctions. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that achieving the goal of producing 100 million tons of LNG per year would be delayed by several years.
The US naval blockade of Venezuela is disrupting oil exports, primarily bound for China. American forces are harassing tankers, forcing them to change course as part of an operation to pressure the Venezuelan government.
Russia criticized US actions in the Caribbean, calling the pressure on Venezuela a return to banditry. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow supports Nicolas Maduro.
The City Hall of the Georgian municipality of Zugdidi fined activist Rosto Zarandia 2,000 lari for the inscription MEGOBARI Act. He made it with a tractor on state land, sowing the plot with clover.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine extended the ban on the import of goods from Russia until December 31, 2026. This decision has been renewed annually since 2015 as a countermeasure to economic pressure.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže announced a ban on entry for 14 Russian citizens. This decision was made ahead of the Luge World Cup stage in Sigulda, which the International Federation allowed "neutral athletes" from Russia to participate in.
The Serbian government has supported negotiations between NIS's Russian owners and Hungarian MOL regarding the sale of a controlling stake. The aim of the deal is to remove the country's largest energy company from under US sanctions.
The Kremlin believes it can gain more by continuing hostilities while using negotiations as a foreign policy tool. Russian dictator Putin insists on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the exclusion of Ukraine's possibility of NATO membership.
