The planned increase in VAT in Russia to 22% from 2026 will not provide the expected revenues, but on the contrary, will lead to a decrease in revenues by 6. 1 billion US dollars. This will increase inflationary pressure, reduce domestic demand, and increase the cost of government borrowing.
New data indicates millions of tons of Russian oil were transshipped through a port partly owned by Macquarie Bank, with potential sales to Australian companies. Australia has imported over 3 million tons of Russian-origin petroleum products since 2023 through third countries, creating loopholes in sanctions.
Brent crude futures rose to $64. 08 a barrel, and US WTI crude to $60.23. This happened amid expectations of a quick end to the US shutdown, which could increase oil demand.
Ukraine expects the European Union to prepare the content of the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions within a month. Kyiv proposes to add Russian legal entities and individuals who profit from energy resources to the sanctions list.
China's Ministry of Commerce has suspended restrictions on the export of antimony, gallium, and germanium to the United States until November 27, 2026. These metals are essential for semiconductor production and were previously banned from export starting December 2024.
The UK government is investigating the purchase of Russian goods worth £80 million, of which £36. 3 million was for aviation equipment. This occurred in the year leading up to June 2025, despite sanctions prohibiting such transactions.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on the imposition of personal sanctions against eight individuals and five legal entities. The restrictions apply to Putin's special representative Kirill Dmitriev, former head of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Oleksandr Tupitsky, as well as Russian publishing houses.
This move could unlock funding for Kyiv as the EU seeks ways to secure a loan without the risk of non-repayment.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Donald Trump promised financial assistance in case of pressure on the Hungarian economy. Hungary also received an exemption from sanctions on Russian oil and gas, committing to purchase American liquefied natural gas.
The European Commission proposes to permanently freeze Russian assets in the EU and use the proceeds to finance Ukraine. Rejection of this plan could lead to annual EU expenditures of 5.6 billion euros, affecting the deficit and debt of individual states.
Kharkiv is experiencing a power shortage, with some districts remaining without electricity due to damage to energy infrastructure. "Kharkivoblenergo" is carrying out emergency repairs, city services are coordinating actions and connecting backup power sources.
Romania and Bulgaria are trying to prevent the shutdown of their critical oil refineries as US sanctions against their Russian owners take effect on November 21. Bulgaria is considering nationalizing Lukoil's refinery in Burgas, while Romania views nationalization as a "last resort" for the Petrotel refinery.
In Kyiv, Poltava, and Kharkiv regions, the elimination of the consequences of the enemy shelling, which included over 450 drones and 45 missiles, is ongoing. Headquarters have been deployed and are working around the clock to restore damaged facilities and provide the population with water, heat, and electricity.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that his country would not support the European Union's idea of using Russian assets to cover Ukraine's military expenses. Fico will not support the use of 140 billion euros from frozen Russian assets to go towards Ukraine's reconstruction or aid.
The enemy launched the most massive attack on Ukrainian thermal power plants since the beginning of the war, completely destroying generation. This happened less than a month after the previous strike.
Lithuanian Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitekūnas called for strengthening sanctions against Russia, especially regarding the energy and financial sectors. He also emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions against Belarus due to hybrid attacks.
Representatives of the EU and the Belgian government have not reached an agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Belgium demands legal guarantees and fears lawsuits, while the EU insists on a plan to use 140 billion euros.
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, firing over 450 attack drones and 45 missiles, targeting residential buildings, energy, and infrastructure. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia, especially regarding its energy sector and frozen assets.
The United States granted Hungary a one-year waiver from sanctions for using Russian oil and gas after Prime Minister Orban's meeting with President Trump. Hungary pledged to purchase approximately $600 million worth of liquefied natural gas from the US.
DPRK Defense Minister No Kwang Chol announced readiness for "more decisive and aggressive measures" in response to the arrival of the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington in Busan and the visit of US and South Korean officials to the demilitarized zone. This followed the DPRK's launch of a ballistic missile and a dozen rockets from multiple launch rocket systems.
Estonia is considering canceling Limp Bizkit's concert in May 2026 due to Fred Durst's past pro-Russian statements. The authorities believe that supporters of Russia have no place in the Estonian cultural space, despite the musician not making political statements in recent years.
The United States of America and Hungary signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of nuclear energy on November 7. The document provides for negotiations on cooperation in the civilian nuclear industry, including small modular reactors and spent fuel storage.
The United States fully supports the European Union's use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The EU proposes to use up to 185 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets frozen in Europe without confiscating them.
Donald Trump said that Washington is considering making an exception for Hungary regarding sanctions on Russian oil imports. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for Hungary to obtain oil and gas from other regions due to its landlocked status.
During a meeting with Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban stated that Ukraine could still win the war, but, according to him, it would be "a miracle. " Trump agreed with this.
International tourism in Cuba continues to decline, putting the communist island on track for its worst performance since the pandemic. In the first nine months of the year, 1.4 million foreign tourists visited the island, which is 20% less than in the same period of 2024.
EU countries could pay up to 5. 6 billion euros in interest payments annually if they do not agree on 140 billion euros for Ukraine, secured by Russian assets. The European Commission sent a document to EU capitals, highlighting the financial consequences of rejecting this plan.
Serbia has passed a law allowing the acceleration of the Trump Tower project in Belgrade, supported by Jared Kushner. This has sparked fierce political controversy and protests, despite which the authorities have granted the developer a 99-year lease.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius suggested that drone sightings over Belgium could be related to discussions about the use of frozen Russian assets. Belgium holds 183 billion euros in Russian assets, which constitutes the majority of all Russian state assets in the EU.
Hungarian oil refiner Mol said it could source most of its oil from non-Russian sources, signaling a shift in tone ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
