Sanctions

The Trump administration may ease sanctions against Venezuela to facilitate oil exports. The US plans to attract investment and unblock IMF assets to restore the economy.

Venezuelan authorities have released 18 political prisoners, including an opposition coordinator, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez vows to "rescue" Maduro.

Ukraine calls on the Iranian authorities to refrain from violence against protesters. The international community must increase pressure on the Iranian regime for its actions.

President Zelenskyy stated that NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov was again in contact with American partners. Dialogue with the US is a strategic task for Ukraine and must be 100% constructive.

The Pentagon stated that the US blockade in the Caribbean Sea forced at least 7 'shadow fleet' vessels carrying Venezuelan oil to change course. Interceptions of vessels will continue at any time and place.

President Zelenskyy heard a report from the Head of the Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, discussing sanctions policy, the diplomatic track, and internal tasks. Emphasis was placed on maintaining and strengthening pressure on Russia.

Donald Trump is increasingly disappointed with Vladimir Putin, considering him a greater obstacle to peace in Ukraine than Zelenskyy. The American leader has changed his position on the Russian dictator.

The tanker Ocean Mariner delivered 85-90 thousand barrels of Mexican oil to Havana. Mexico continues to export fuel to Cuba as humanitarian aid, despite criticism from the United States.

Russian analysts have acknowledged the Russian Navy's inability to protect 'shadow fleet' vessels after the US seizure of the tanker Marinera on January 7, 2026. The fleet lacks the resources to convoy tankers over long distances.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the US of imperialism and compared Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to "Nazi brigades. " This happened after an incident in Minneapolis where an ICE agent shot a woman.

Trafigura Group plans to load its first vessel with Venezuelan oil next week. This comes as part of a new US strategy to control Venezuela's energy resources.

In December, the US manufacturing sector lost 8,000 jobs, and 75,000 over the year. This happened against the backdrop of Trump's trade tariffs, which were supposed to revive industry but led to reduced hiring and increased costs.

Donald Trump is meeting with oil executives to raise $100 billion to restore oil production in Venezuela. This comes amid increased US military control in the Caribbean and criticism from human rights activists.

Serbian company NIS, controlled by Gazprom Neft, received the first batches of oil for the refinery in Pančevo. This will allow the plant to operate at full capacity for at least nine days.

Ukraine welcomes the consistent and decisive actions of the United States against illegal tankers, including today's seizure of the "Olina," emphasized Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

The State Special Communications Service has published a list of 27 prohibited software products from the company "1C", including "1C: Accounting" and "1C: Enterprise". The ban applies to state bodies and critical infrastructure to protect against cyber threats.

Russia's crude oil production experienced its largest drop in 18 months in December. This was attributed to Western sanctions and active Ukrainian drone strikes on energy infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UK Defense Minister John Healey. They discussed the deployment of a British contingent after the war and assistance with air defense missiles.

The Teatro del Maggio Musicale in Florence has canceled performances by Russian ballerina Svetlana Zakharova and her husband due to international tensions. Spectators can claim refunds for tickets until January 31, 2026.

The US launched an operation to detain the Russian tanker Olina in the Caribbean on January 9. Reports of the tanker's seizure subsequently emerged.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's use of the 'Oreshnik' missile is an escalation against Ukraine and a warning to Europe and the US.

Ukraine initiates an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council and the Ukraine-NATO Council after Russia's statements about the use of the "Oreshnik" missile in the Lviv region. This strike near the borders of the EU and NATO poses a serious security threat.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is informing partners about the consequences of Russia's night strikes, calling for immediate action. He asks for public condemnation of the attack, especially from those who reacted to the "attack on Putin's residence."

US President Donald Trump confirmed the approval of the bill on strengthening anti-Russian sanctions, expressing hope that it would not be needed. He also announced a meeting with oil companies regarding investments in Venezuela.

European countries are considering allowing the US to expand its presence in Greenland. In return, Washington should provide Ukraine with stronger security guarantees, according to Politico.

The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court changed the pre-trial restraint for MP Anna Skorokhod, increasing the bail to UAH 4 million. The court canceled the obligation to wear an electronic monitoring device.

Chinese intelligence gained access to the email systems of staff members of influential committees in the US House of Representatives. This is part of the "Salt Typhoon" cyber-espionage campaign, which has been ongoing for several years.

Violent clashes continue in Iran between anti-government protesters and security forces. The unrest, caused by the economic crisis, has engulfed 111 cities and towns, leading to the deaths of at least 34 protesters and four security personnel.

Oil prices rose after a reduction in US inventories and events in Venezuela. Brent futures rose to $60.34, WTI to $56.36.

Military expert Oleh Zhdanov explained that a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is only possible with the consent of both sides of the conflict. He emphasized that without clear mandates and a willingness to use force, peacekeepers will not be truly effective.