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.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has adopted a resolution recognizing the nuclear risks from Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy system. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that these actions by Russia constitute nuclear terrorism.
The European Union will appeal to international partners for additional funding for Ukraine to cover a €30 billion deficit. Hungary is blocking a €90 billion EU aid package due to a dispute over oil supplies.
The cost of insuring ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has increased 12-fold, reaching 3% of the vessel's value. US President Donald Trump has pledged support for trade through the key oil route.
A massive blackout occurred in Cuba due to the failure of the largest thermal power plant, leaving Havana and most of the country without electricity. Restoration could take up to 72 hours due to an outdated grid and a shortage of spare parts.
Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to consider the possibility of immediately stopping gas supplies to Europe. This is due to the EU's plans to limit the import of Russian gas.
Russia is ready to reroute about 9. 5 million barrels of oil already near Indian waters to India to compensate for supply disruptions from the Middle East. India is looking for alternative sources of supply, as its crude oil reserves cover only 25 days of needs.
German intelligence has accused Moscow of concealing the true cost of the war, stating that Russia's budget deficit in 2025 exceeded the officially declared amount by more than 2. 36 trillion rubles. Western sanctions and falling oil prices are impacting the Russian economy.
Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank off the coast of Sri Lanka. 32 people were rescued, one is in critical condition.
Russia has provided Iran with NtechLab facial recognition software, enabling the identification of dissidents. The technology analyzes messages, calls, and social media data.
