A US special operations group in the Indian Ocean raided a vessel en route from China to Iran and confiscated military cargo. The cargo, consisting of components for the production of conventional weapons, was destroyed.
British banks oppose using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. They fear lawsuits from Russia and potential financial losses without state guarantees.
The European Union has decided to indefinitely freeze Russian assets worth up to €210 billion. The funds will remain in the EU until Russia pays full reparations to Ukraine for the damage caused.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, aimed at energy facilities and ports, would be beneficial. He voiced this proposal during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan.
The EU has fulfilled its commitment to keep Russian assets blocked, as confirmed by European Council President António Costa. The next step is to ensure Ukraine's financial needs for 2026–2027.
According to The Atlantic, Trump did not object to strikes on Russia's oil logistics in international waters and, in several cases, approved the transfer of intelligence to Kyiv, which was used to target Russia's oil infrastructure.
The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe. This removed a significant obstacle to using these funds to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
The German Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin over cyberattacks aimed at undermining democracy. Germany has evidence of GRU involvement in a 2024 cyberattack and interference in the February elections.
The Belgian central securities depository Euroclear may compensate for the seizure of its assets in Russia at the expense of frozen Russian funds in the EU. This was a response to a lawsuit filed by the Russian Central Bank regarding alleged damages.
The European Commission is ready to include the guarantees that Belgium is demanding for the use of immobilized assets of the Russian central bank. This will allow Ukraine to be provided with a "reparation loan" to compensate for war damages.
Russia's return to international competitions under the auspices of UEFA, even at the youth level, is impossible until a peaceful settlement of the war. UEFA refused to admit Russia to the U-17 competitions in 2023.
According to the Kremlin, Putin and Erdogan exchanged views on the Ukrainian issue and discussed Europeans' attempts to seize Russian assets.
The volume of "oil on water" is growing, reaching 180 million barrels, and export revenues are decreasing due to lower prices for Russian oil grades.
Ukrainian special forces, in cooperation with the Russian movement "Black Spark," struck two Russian vessels, "Kompozitor Rakhmaninov" and "Askar-Sarydzha," near Kalmykia. The vessels, which are under US sanctions, were transporting weapons and military equipment.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is forming a coalition to counter China's dominant control over critical minerals and technology sectors. On Friday, the Pax Silica declaration will be signed with the participation of Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel.
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has filed a lawsuit against the Belgian depositary Euroclear regarding frozen Russian assets. The lawsuit will be heard in the Moscow arbitration court, where the central bank accuses Euroclear of causing damage due to the inability to dispose of funds and securities.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose by 0. 70%-0.75% due to fears of supply disruptions from Venezuela. This happened after the US seized a tanker with Venezuelan oil and amid cautious market sentiment.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he would not support the European Commission's proposal for a reparations loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets if the funds were to be used for military purposes. He sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, warning of a blockade of decisions regarding the financing of Ukraine's military needs for 2026-2027.
The US plans to intercept more vessels carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week. This increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Germany's Federal Fiscal Court did not allow the confiscation of the oil tanker Eventin, which belongs to Russia's "shadow fleet," due to doubts about the legal grounds. The vessel, carrying 100,000 tons of oil, has been stranded near Rügen, Germany, for a year after an accident.
The IOC recommends allowing junior athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in international competitions without restrictions. This includes the use of flags, anthems, and uniforms, extending to individual and team sports.
The Russian Federation and Belarus have intensified contacts with Nicolas Maduro, while the United States is increasing pressure on Venezuela. Putin confirmed his support for Maduro, and Lukashenka met twice with the Venezuelan ambassador, hinting at possible asylum.
Prosecutors in Chernihiv region transferred over 100 tons of corrugated metal sheets from an enterprise controlled by residents of the Russian Federation and Belarus to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The management attempted to conceal and illegally export the products to avoid confiscation.
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The European Union has made progress on the issue of a reparations loan for Ukraine. At the same time, changes have been agreed to preserve frozen Russian assets.
Cyprus and Malta warn that strengthening sanctions against Russia should not harm the legitimate EU maritime sector. They oppose a complete ban on the provision of maritime services, fearing the relocation of business outside the EU.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has announced his intention to resign after a wave of protests, intensifying political chaos ahead of the country's entry into the eurozone. This decision will not affect Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone on January 1.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a "constructive" conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they discussed Ukraine and a possible meeting in Berlin. Merz emphasized that Ukraine must decide on concessions, and also criticized Putin and supported the use of frozen Russian assets.
The European Union is developing strategies to persuade Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to support the allocation of 210 billion euros to Ukraine. If Belgium continues to block the plan, it may be ignored at the EU level, similar to Hungary.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever does not rule out legal action if the EU decides to seize Russian assets in Euroclear, emphasizing that the risks cannot be borne solely by Belgium. He considers confiscation a radical and ill-considered step, proposing other options for financing aid to Ukraine.
