Donald Trump set a deadline for Ukraine to agree to the White House's 28-point plan to end the war, which he later postponed. Expert Stanislav Zhelikhovsky believes that the plan needs refinement, as Ukraine, as a party to the conflict, needs to be heard.
The Japanese government denied reports that Donald Trump advised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to provoke China over Taiwan. This was a response to publications by The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, which claimed such advice.
According to YouControl, 5,817 Ukrainian companies and 686 individual entrepreneurs have probable ties to Russian businesses as of November 2025. Their total revenue in 2024 amounted to UAH 150.3 billion, which is one-third more than in 2023.
American analysts have identified little-known sanctions that could harm the Russian war machine, focusing on chemicals for lubricants and tires. Blocking the Chinese company Xinxiang Richful and other suppliers could create a shortage of these critical materials.
Russia will close Poland's Consulate General in Irkutsk after December 30, 2025. This decision is a response to Poland's withdrawal of consent for the functioning of Russia's Consulate General in Gdańsk from December 23, 2025.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that there are no signs of a quick peace in Ukraine. He noted that Putin is using a tactical moment to increase pressure on the front and civilians, expressing skepticism about a US-led peace agreement.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasized that concessions to Russia regarding borders threaten the security of Lithuania and Europe. He named three key levers of support for Ukraine: the use of frozen Russian assets, accelerated Ukrainian membership in the EU, and the creation of a Special Tribunal.
The Central Bank of Russia has begun direct sales of gold from its reserves on the domestic market. This is aimed at supporting the ruble and covering budget needs.
According to the depository's management, this could scare investors in European government debt and lead to countermeasures from the Russian side.
Brent crude futures fell 0. 5% to $62.8 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost 0.6% to $58.33. The price decline is linked to expectations of progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, which could lead to the lifting of sanctions on Russian supplies.
Thanks to sanctions, Russian oil exports have already decreased by 15-20%, and crude oil production in the Russian Federation will decrease by 5% by the end of the year. The 20th package of EU sanctions is being discussed, which includes restrictions on the financial sector and the infrastructure of the shadow fleet.
The US Department of Defense proposes adding Alibaba, Baidu, and BYD to the list of companies posing a national security threat due to their ties with the Chinese government. Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg informed lawmakers of this decision on October 7.
Romania has agreed to introduce supervision of sanctioned companies, which also applies to Russia's "Lukoil".
Russia's war against Ukraine is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Russians, leaving a noticeable mark on the economy. Russians are experiencing price increases faster than wage growth and are cutting back on food spending.
The Ministry of Health has launched an unscheduled inspection of the Odesa clinic "Odrex" after the death of businessman Adnan Kivan, which became the subject of a criminal investigation. Lawyer Dmytro Kasianenko explains that systematic violations, relatives' complaints, and expert opinions are sufficient legal grounds for control and possible revocation of the clinic's license.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is negotiating with Minsk on the possible release of over 100 political prisoners. The US is considering easing sanctions on Belarus' potash industry in exchange for a deal.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Issues of strengthening sanctions against Russia, financial assistance to Ukraine, and the use of frozen Russian assets were discussed.
Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia is facing a significant increase in the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel due to a change in the pricing mechanism. The government plans to abandon the link to inflation, switching to a composite index that takes into account a wider set of factors.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined five EU priorities for peace talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine in the European Parliament on November 26. She emphasized the importance of a just peace, Ukraine's sovereignty, financial support, the role of the EU and NATO, and the return of abducted children.
EU countries are working on a "plan B" in case they cannot reach an agreement on seizing frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her readiness to present a legal text for a reparations loan to Ukraine amounting to €140 billion. This will happen after presenting EU countries with financing options for Ukraine in 2026-2027.
Leonid Fedun, co-founder of Russia's Lukoil, sold his stake in the company, valued at approximately $7 billion. This happened after months of avoiding Western sanctions that affected Lukoil in October.
Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for conspiring to organize a military coup. Bolsonaro's lawyer plans to appeal, citing the court's divided decision.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his readiness to cooperate with the EU on financial support for Ukraine based on frozen Russian assets. This should show Putin that he needs to negotiate.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported significant progress in the negotiations of the Coalition of the Willing on sustainable peace in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
On Tuesday, Syrian security forces used firearms to stop clashes between two groups of protesters in Latakia. The incident occurred amid inter-confessional tensions after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, when Alawite demonstrators demanded autonomy, and supporters of the new government shouted insults.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided not to suspend Cristiano Ronaldo from the 2026 World Cup matches, despite his red card. The footballer served one match of punishment, and the rest of the disqualification has been postponed for a one-year probationary period.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that a decision regarding frozen Russian assets, which are a means of pressure on Russia and a source of funding for Ukraine, will be made in the coming days. This will happen in coordination with European countries and the European Commission.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the Ukrainian army cannot be limited, amid various peace proposals to cap the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. EU countries hope to reach a final decision on financing Ukraine's defense, including frozen Russian assets.
In the third quarter of 2025, Russia's coal industry deepened into systemic imbalances, leading to a persistent crisis, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service. 74% of companies are operating at a loss, and 23% have completely stopped production, with the industry's total loss reaching $3.32 billion.
