The Trump administration plans to ease sanctions and expand air travel with Cuba. The agreement provides for business preferences and simplified visa rules.
Wang Yi stated that stable relations with the US take precedence over conflicts in the Middle East. Beijing is preparing talks on tariffs and mineral exports.
Energy Minister Chris Wright announced the continuation of the sanctions policy against Russia. Washington is seeking a balance between deterring the aggressor and market stability.
The Slovak Prime Minister threatens to halt 90 billion euros in aid to Kyiv due to the cessation of oil transit. Fico demands an immediate resumption of supplies.
The President met with Rob Jetten to discuss air defense and joint weapons production. The Netherlands confirmed annual aid to Ukraine of 3 billion euros.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the detention of the Caffa vessel, which was on the Russian Federation's register and under Ukrainian sanctions. He added that sanctions work when they are strictly enforced.
The enemy used 1,750 drones and 1,530 aerial bombs against civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy called for strengthening air defense and sanctions against the aggressor.
The President reported no progress on the 20th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. The financial aid package of 90 billion euros remains blocked.
The presidents discussed Ukraine's defense needs, the implementation of a 90 billion euro loan, and new sanctions. Zelenskyy spoke about protection against Shaheds.
The US Department of Justice has filed forfeiture complaints seeking to seize $15 million linked to an illicit Iranian oil distribution network led by Hossein Shamkhani. The network circumvented US sanctions by selling energy resources, primarily to China.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, resuming negotiations after a freeze since last October. The review of CUSMA and the abolition of tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars, and timber are being discussed.
Australia, France, and 14 other countries have refused to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Paralympics. This decision was made due to the admission of Russia and Belarus under their national flags.
Lithuanian intelligence reports that Russia is expanding military units near NATO borders and using the war against Ukraine to train its military. After the sanctions are lifted, Russia will be able to prepare for a large-scale war with NATO in six years.
The European Commission is exploring the possibility of financial support to restore oil supplies through the 'Druzhba' pipeline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will discuss this issue with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Oil prices showed their strongest weekly gain since spring 2020 due to the conflict in the Middle East, which halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent futures rose by 24%, and WTI by almost 30%.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the European Commission supports Ukraine and is cooperating with Croatia to block Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. According to him, Kyiv refuses to resume oil transit for political reasons.
The Hungarian government has released photos of cash and gold bars seized from seven detained Ukrainian cash collectors. Videos of the Ukrainians' arrest by Hungarian special services were also released.
The European Commission has suspended the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports. This decision was made due to Georgia's violation of its commitments in the areas of democracy and fundamental rights.
Hungary has not taken real steps to release the seven Ukrainians detained with armored vehicles or to allow consular access to them. Ukraine continues to demand their release and consular access.
Ukraine reserves the right to initiate sanctions against those involved in the seizure of Ukrainians in Hungary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is convening the foreign diplomatic corps to inform them about Hungary's unacceptable actions.
Ukrainian businesses face undue pressure from law enforcement agencies, which damages their reputation and ability to operate in international markets. Fabricated criminal proceedings, even without official suspicions, lead to reputational losses and foreign partners refusing cooperation.
Kremlin officials are criticizing the US for military operations against Iran, using the escalation in the Middle East. This sets the stage for blaming the US for potential failures in peace talks on Ukraine.
The Hungarian Prime Minister claims that Ukraine has imposed an oil embargo against Hungary, and he will use all means to overcome it. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico supported Orban and threatened to block an EU loan for Ukraine.
European Commissioner Marta Kos proposes revising the EU accession methodology to accelerate Ukraine's membership by 2027. This is intended to prevent the Kremlin from exploiting a security vacuum.
The US Treasury Department has issued a license allowing Indian companies to purchase Russian oil at sea. This is an emergency measure to compensate for fuel shortages due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US State Department announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Venezuela following Maduro's removal. The parties will focus on political reconciliation and ensuring a stable transition to a democratically elected government.
Chen, the founder of a leading Chinese gaming empire, is investing $2 billion in the creation of artificial intelligence that will surpass human cognitive abilities. The project focuses on artificial general intelligence (AGI) that will outpace biological intelligence.
German Uniper is negotiating with Canada to increase LNG purchases to diversify energy supplies. This will help Germany reduce its dependence on energy resources from the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with Giorgia Meloni the situation around Iran, challenges in the oil and fuel market. They also talked about a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine and the situation with the Paralympic Games.
India and China are increasing their interest in Russian oil due to concerns about supplies from the Middle East. Prices for Russian Urals oil remain stable despite growing demand.
