Sanctions
Gold prices resumed rapid growth, surpassing the $5,500 mark, after a brief dip. This happened amid escalating geopolitical tensions and Trump's statements.
Global oil prices rose after Trump's statement on Iran and the energy blockade of Cuba. Brent is trading above $70 per barrel, WTI – around $65.30.
US President Donald Trump has ordered the opening of Venezuelan airspace for commercial flights after talks with acting President Delcy Rodriguez. This decision is part of the normalization of relations after the removal of Nicolas Maduro.
US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the threat from Cuba, introducing a new tariff system. This will allow the US to impose tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba.
The US has issued licenses to oil companies to resume production in Venezuela. This decision aims to stabilize energy prices and bring Venezuelan oil back to the markets.
An explosion occurred at the TÜRKİYE Petrol Rafinerileri A. Ş. refinery in İzmit in a gasoline storage tank during maintenance. There were no casualties, and the fire was quickly brought under control.
Estonia has proposed to the EU Council an indefinite entry ban for all Russian military personnel who participated in the war against Ukraine. This is intended to prevent the legalization of these individuals in the Schengen area after the end of hostilities.
The European Union has blacklisted Russia over money laundering risks, which will complicate financial transactions with Russian banks. The EU is also preparing its 20th package of sanctions against Russia and is discussing a ban on former Russian military personnel entering the Schengen area.
The European Union is stepping up its support for peace and humanitarian initiatives in crisis regions. In particular, the EU is preparing to resume missions in Gaza and is imposing sanctions against parties to the conflict in Sudan.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha briefed the EU Council on the situation at the front, emphasizing the need to reach 50,000 Russian losses per month. He called for full strategic autonomy for Europe and funding for the PURL program.
EU foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran's IRGC as a terrorist organization. This move is a response to the repression and brutal crackdown on protesters.
The EU Council imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and 6 entities in Iran for human rights violations, as well as on 4 individuals and 6 entities for military support to Russia. The restrictions include asset freezes and travel bans.
Georgia does not plan to impose sanctions against Russia, said Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. The appointment of Ukraine's ambassador will not affect the country's position on sanctions and sending troops.
Chinese President Xi Jinping praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China. The UK promises broader access to Chinese markets for the British service sector, including visa-free travel.
China denied media reports about supplying Russia with equipment for the production of 'Oreshnik' ballistic missiles. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the country is not 'adding fuel to the fire' and is not seeking profit.
EU foreign ministers have approved new sanctions against Iran for suppressing protesters and supporting Russia. A political agreement is also expected on including the IRGC on the list of terrorist organizations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Europe needs to regain dominance to assert itself in the new world order. He emphasized the importance of "power politics" for the realization of European ideas.
The Wall Street Journal described three scenarios for the development of events in Ukraine in 2026. The most likely is the continuation of the war, as well as the possible capitulation of Ukraine or the exhaustion of Russia.
Last year, Russia's energy revenues decreased by 20% compared to 2024. This was due to increasing discounts on Russian oil and low global prices, which intensified pressure on the country's economy.
France will increase pressure on Russia and is preparing new sanctions at the European level. This comes after condemning Russia's attack on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region.
Russian company "Lukoil" has reached an agreement to sell its foreign assets to the American investment fund Carlyle. The deal does not include assets in Kazakhstan and requires approval from the US Treasury.
US President Donald Trump is considering a new large-scale strike on Iran. This comes after talks on its nuclear program and ballistic missiles yielded no results.
The European Union is preparing to list Iran's IRGC as a terrorist group after a change in France's position. This decision will be a response to the brutal suppression of protests in Iran and will lead to the freezing of the organization's assets.
The Trump administration has decided to hand over the supertanker M/T Sophia, detained by the US Coast Guard in January 2026, to the Venezuelan authorities. This is the first time a vessel from the "shadow fleet" has been returned after the naval blockade of Venezuela.
The US, Denmark, and Greenland held talks in Washington regarding a new security agreement in the Arctic. This was in response to pressure from Trump, who had previously threatened to annex the island.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called on the EU to accelerate the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia. He emphasized the deteriorating state of the Russian economy and the decline in oil and gas revenues.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania handed a diplomatic note to Belarus over another incident involving the use of balloons to smuggle contraband. The large-scale launch of objects led to the Vilnius airport being closed three times and disrupted the plans of over 1,700 passengers.
President Zelenskyy heard a report from SBU head Yevhen Khmara on combat operations. The SBU is planning new operations on the aggressor's territory and strengthening its sanctions policy.
The European Union will exempt gas from the United States and Qatar from additional checks under the ban on Russian gas. This will accelerate the supply of alternative energy sources and support the EU's energy security.