Sanctions
EU leaders, who were preparing to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, are now focused on the situation with Greenland. Trump is threatening new tariffs on EU countries for opposing his desire to acquire Greenland.
China's GDP grew by 5% in 2025, despite the trade war, thanks to export growth that offset a weak domestic market. In the fourth quarter, GDP growth slowed to 4.5%.
The SBU is conducting a special background check on Ihor Zelinsky, a candidate for the position of head of the State Aviation Service, considering potential harm to the state. Previously, Zelinsky blocked the use of transport aircraft for army needs and legalized documents of sanctioned Russian companies.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukraine plans to sign security guarantee agreements with the United States and an $800 billion economic recovery deal. President Zelenskyy expects the documents to be approved, despite Donald Trump's ambiguous position.
Special envoy of the Russian dictator Kirill Dmitriev will meet in Davos with US President's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meeting will concern the US peace plan, as reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid.
Republican lawmakers are resisting President Trump's intentions regarding Greenland, fearing a threat to NATO. They are taking steps to prevent conflict with Denmark.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged support for Greenland, expressing alarm at the escalation. He emphasized that the future of the territory should be decided by Greenland and Denmark.
The NATO Secretary General held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump regarding the situation in Greenland and the Arctic. They will meet in Davos at the World Economic Forum.
Donald Trump is concerned about Canada's inability to protect its borders from Russia and China in the Arctic. The US seeks to strengthen cooperation with Canada to reinforce its northern border.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the trade escalation between the US and the EU over Greenland could have arisen from "misunderstandings and a communication breakdown. " She discussed the situation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and plans to speak with EU colleagues.
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom expressed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. They rejected customs threats and emphasized unity, sovereignty, and dialogue to prevent escalation.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi discussed with partners the formats of their countries' participation in the implementation of security guarantees for Ukraine. The discussion also covered strengthening sanctions against Russia and military assistance to Ukraine.
British journalist Piers Morgan suggested London should "buy back" America in response to Donald Trump's actions regarding Greenland. He reminded that North America previously belonged to Britain.
Ambassadors from 27 EU countries will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday after Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on European countries. This is due to the US demand to be allowed to purchase Greenland.
European countries are strengthening control over maritime transport and compliance with the sanctions regime. Germany denied the tanker Arcusat entry into its waters, and the vessel Hizer Reis also raised suspicions.
Kaja Kallas reacted to Trump's tariff threats over European countries' stance on Greenland. She noted that disputes between allies benefit China and Russia.
The EU is preparing to suspend the ratification of a new trade agreement with the US in response to Donald Trump's statement about imposing tariffs on goods from European countries that supported Greenland's sovereignty. The EU is considering using the Anti-Coercion Instrument, which would allow for the introduction of mirror tariffs.
Delcy Rodriguez, who took over as Venezuela's leader after the detention of Nicolas Maduro, was a "priority target" for the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Her name appeared in investigations into drug trafficking, money laundering, and gold smuggling.
French President Emmanuel Macron reacted to the US decision to impose tariffs on European countries over their stance on Greenland. He stressed that Europe would act together if these measures were confirmed.
Donald Trump is imposing 10% tariffs on NATO countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, over their troops in Greenland. Tariffs will rise to 25% from June 1 and will remain in effect until a deal to purchase Greenland is reached.
President Zelenskyy has imposed sanctions against two Russian legal entities and three Russian citizens. Among them are the Russian Paralympic Committee and the Russian Computer Sports Federation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decision on sanctions against individuals who justify aggression and are involved in Russian propaganda. He also announced further sanction steps.
Russia exported over 2 million tons of grain from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in 2025, passing it off as its own product. To do this, captured ports and a "ship-to-ship" scheme were used to circumvent sanctions.
In Italy, financial police seized a ship from Oceania that arrived from Russia with 33,000 tons of ferrous metals. The vessel violated EU sanctions, and its crew attempted to conceal its route.
Senior US officials are concerned about a possible Syrian offensive against Kurdish forces, which could destabilize Syria. Washington threatens to reinstate sanctions against Damascus if the situation escalates.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that Taiwan and South Korea would face 100% tariffs if they do not invest in semiconductor manufacturing in the US. This applies to Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC.
Venezuela signed its first-ever liquefied petroleum gas export contract on January 16, 2026. This is part of a strategy to transform the country into one open to investment after the removal of Nicolás Maduro.
Germany is considering boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This is due to Donald Trump's plan to establish control over Greenland.
US President Donald Trump has stated his readiness to impose trade tariffs against countries that do not support his plans to establish control over Greenland. He called himself the "tariff king" and justified this by national security needs.
President Zelenskyy met with David Lammy, discussing Ukraine's protection against Russian missile strikes on its energy infrastructure. The situation at the front and sanctions policy were also discussed.