Sanctions
TikTok US has updated its privacy policy, expanding data collection to include precise user location. This follows an agreement with American investors to avoid a ban.
The European Union has launched an official investigation into the Grok chatbot over suspicions of creating manipulative sexualized images. Regulators will check the company's compliance with the Digital Services Act.
The first cargo of liquefied natural gas from Russia's Arctic LNG 2 plant this year has been unloaded at the Beihai LNG terminal in China. This is evidenced by LSEG data released on Monday.
The tanker "Alexey Kosygin" has completed its transit through the Northern Sea Route and is preparing to moor at Arctic LNG 2. This will allow Russia to partially circumvent US logistical restrictions and maintain fuel exports in the Arctic.
The scandalous "Odrex" clinic, against which 10 criminal proceedings have been initiated, announced the "successful completion" of an inspection regarding compliance with licensing conditions. Such a result of the inspection by a special commission of the Ministry of Health raises questions about the regulator and strengthens suspicions of a possible conflict of interest, given the long-standing ties of the clinic's management personally with Minister Viktor Liashko.
On January 26, the EU Council adopted a regulation on a gradual ban on Russian gas imports. The full ban on LNG imports will come into effect in early 2027, and on pipeline gas in autumn 2027.
The government is considering the possibility of appointing Ihor Zelinsky as the head of the State Aviation Service without an open competition. According to experts, such an appointment without a transparent selection process jeopardizes aviation safety, defense capabilities, and undermines trust in state institutions.
Financial analysts predict the closure of up to 30% of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia due to VAT increases and restrictions on access to the simplified tax system. This is a consequence of the budget crisis caused by the war.
ISW analysts believe that the Kremlin is using the lack of clarity regarding the Alaska summit in August 2025 to create the illusion of "joint American-Russian understanding" on ending the war in Ukraine. Russia is trying to avoid US pressure by balancing between demonstrating strength and engagement.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Vilnius. They discussed support for Ukraine, the release of political prisoners, and a joint strategy on sanctions.
Canada will not conclude a free trade agreement with China, Prime Minister Mark Carney said. This decision was made after Donald Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia is using Belarus as a testing ground to blackmail Europe and the world. Russian "Shahed" operators are targeting Ukraine, including from Belarusian territory.
A group of plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit in a US court against Meta Platforms, accusing the company of making false statements regarding the privacy and security of messages on WhatsApp. The plaintiffs claim that Meta has access to users' "private" messages.
On January 23, the US Southern Command destroyed a smuggler's vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in two deaths. This is the first operation since the detention of Nicolás Maduro, part of a campaign against drug trafficking.
Oil prices rose 3% after Trump's statement about sending a fleet to Iran and new US sanctions. This heightened concerns about fuel supplies and supply shortages.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Greenland for consultations with the island's leader after the White House softened its rhetoric. Trump abandoned plans for a forceful takeover of the island and threats of tariffs, announcing a "framework agreement" with the US and NATO.
The administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is reviewing Havana's energy support policy amid White House statements. Mexico is a key donor to Cuba after the cessation of Venezuelan imports.
A Taiwanese expert called on Ukraine to apologize for helping China build up its military power. This was in response to Zelenskyy's criticism of the supply of Taiwanese microchips to the Russian Federation.
The Colombian president expressed optimism regarding upcoming talks with Donald Trump, scheduled for February 3, 2026. The meeting is expected to conclude a period of diplomatic crisis during which Washington revoked the Colombian leader's visa.
Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Ottawa's stance on Arctic defense projects and its trade policy. He insists on US control over Greenland for a missile defense system.
The oil tanker "Progress," carrying over 700,000 barrels of Urals crude, is drifting off the coast of Algeria after losing control. The LR2-class vessel, which was en route to the Suez Canal, suddenly changed course and lost speed.
The US Treasury Department has increased pressure on Iran's shadow fleet, imposing sanctions on nine vessels and their owning companies. This comes in response to the Iranian regime's crackdown and financing of terrorism.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, at a closed-door EU summit, urged European leaders not to confront Donald Trump, calling it a "bad idea. " She argued that Europe could lose everything in the event of a conflict with him.
The Ukrainian Association of Football has appealed to UEFA regarding an incident involving naturalized Russian Denis Nevyedrov. He shouted insults at Ukraine after a futsal match at the Euro 2026 Championship.
Ukraine calls on the IAEA for Russia's complete isolation and suspension of its membership in the organization. Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of IAEA missions for conveying truthful information.
Indian Oil Corp purchased 7 million barrels of oil for March loading, including Brazilian oil from Petrobras. This is a step towards phasing out Russian oil and increasing imports from the Middle East.
42 sanctioned Russian tankers passed through the English Channel after the UK received legal assurances regarding their detention. Among them were the tankers Sofos and "Nasledie", which were sanctioned by the UK Foreign Office in May 2025.
The Royal Navy of Great Britain monitored Russian vessels in the English Channel as part of a two-day NATO operation. Two patrol ships intercepted the Russian warship "Boykiy" and the tanker MT General Skobelev.
The agreement between the US and NATO regarding Greenland involves the deployment of American missiles and an increased NATO presence in the Arctic. This aims to deter Russian and Chinese interests, as well as to end US threats of tariffs on Europe.
The government has simplified the sale of sanctioned assets, which were seized into state ownership, at open auctions. Among them are the "Ocean Plaza" shopping center and a hotel in Bukovel; auctions will begin in March.