Air India will resume direct flights between New Delhi and Shanghai from February 1, 2026, returning to mainland China after nearly six years. This comes amid a de-escalation of ties between New Delhi and Beijing.
Russian authorities have added former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov and economist Sergei Guriev to the list of "extremists and terrorists. " This allows their bank accounts to be frozen and labels them as a threat to the state.
On November 17, the EU Council approved an updated mechanism for suspending visa-free travel for citizens of third countries. The amended rules will allow the EU to react more quickly to abuses of the visa-free regime, including new grounds for activation and a simplified launch of the mechanism.
At the Dubai Airshow, the Russians presented the Forpost-RE drone, a copy of the Israeli IAI Searcher Mk II, and the Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system. Both developments, according to Moscow, meet the current challenges of modern conflicts.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter to EU leaders assessing Ukraine's funding needs for 2026-2027. This amount is 135.7 billion euros, based on the assumption that the war will end in 2026.
The price of Urals oil fell to $36. 61 per barrel, the lowest since March 2023, ahead of US sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil. This drop will reduce tax revenues to the Russian budget, which funds the war against Ukraine.
India has signed its first long-term agreement with the United States to import 2. 2 million tons of liquefied petroleum gas next year. This will strengthen energy ties and help New Delhi conclude a trade deal with Washington.
The European Commission has offered Belgium significant guarantees regarding a €140 billion loan to Ukraine to protect it from the legal and financial consequences of using Russian assets. EU countries are ready to assume the risks of Russian retaliation, including those arising from bilateral investment treaties.
Ukrainian intelligence has published OSINT hackathon data on foreign equipment in Russian weapons production, which is already being used for sanctions initiatives. Equipment from Japan, China, and Taiwan has been found at Russian enterprises producing missiles and aerial bombs.
The European Union has offered Ukraine €90 billion in funding in the form of a grant or a loan backed by EU debt. This will happen if countries fail to approve the desired plan to use frozen Russian assets.
Russian "Gazprom" is developing detailed design documentation for the "Power of Siberia-2" gas pipeline to China, which will transport 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The cost of design work can reach 5-10% of the total budget, which is estimated at more than 30 billion dollars.
Oil prices fell to $63. 95 per barrel on November 17 due to the resumption of loading at a key export hub in Russia. Brent futures fell by 0.68%, and WTI by 0.8%.
US President Donald Trump said that Republicans are considering a Senate bill on sanctions against countries that do business with Russia. The document provides for tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries that buy Russian energy carriers and do not support Ukraine, including China and India.
Russia's fossil fuel exports in October fell to their lowest levels since the start of the full-scale war, amounting to 524 million euros per day. This is 4% less than in September, due to Ukrainian attacks and international sanctions.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely in the near future, calling on European allies to support Kyiv despite the corruption scandal. He emphasized the need for European resilience and increased pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the heads of the defense and security sector. The situation at the front, Russia's plans, and the internal situation in Russia were discussed.
The Russian company Lukoil transferred the fuel terminal at Chisinau Airport for free use due to US sanctions. This will ensure a stable supply of petroleum products for aircraft.
The European Union has begun work on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The goal is to further pressure the aggressor, with potential targets including energy companies and vessels.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Ukraine could join the EU in the early 2030s. For this to happen, the country must overcome corruption and adhere to all necessary procedures.
Retail trade in non-food products in Russia has been shrinking for the seventh consecutive quarter, according to Sberbank. Sales decreased by 7% on average, and in some regions by up to 25%, indicating a deterioration in the well-being of the population.
In 2025, trade between Russia and China decreased by 9. 4% to $163.6 billion. This strengthens the Russian economy's dependence on Beijing due to energy and metal exports.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a tanker carrying petrochemical cargo bound for Singapore. The seizure took place in the Persian Gulf due to alleged violations of transportation rules and the unauthorized transport of cargo.
Great Britain has temporarily suspended sanctions against the Russian company "Lukoil" for Bulgaria to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the oil refinery in Burgas. Bulgaria has also appealed to the United States to ease American sanctions against the company.
North Korea has halved its shell supplies to Russia this year, mostly transferring outdated ammunition due to the depletion of its own stocks. At the same time, the country has started mass production of FPV drones.
The Donald Trump administration has reached an agreement with Switzerland to reduce import tariffs to 15%, ending several months of trade confrontation. Switzerland will invest $200 billion in the US and relocate part of its production.
Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara, which was carrying diesel fuel. This is the first seizure of a vessel by Iran since the Israeli and US strikes in June.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that his government would challenge the EU's plan to end Russian energy imports by the end of 2027. Orbán considers this plan a violation of European law and an attempt to circumvent the right of veto on sanctions.
New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker failed a drug test, showing the presence of cocaine in his system on October 25. He faces a two-year disqualification, although cocaine is not a performance-enhancing drug.
The Dutch government has temporarily taken control of Nexperia, one of Europe's largest semiconductor manufacturers. This decision is aimed at countering China's influence and could prevent Russia from circumventing sanctions.
Google has offered the EU measures to avoid splitting its online advertising business after a €2. 95 billion fine. The company announced changes to its advertising services, but Brussels has yet to decide whether to accept these commitments.
