Sanctions
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.
European governments, concerned about Donald Trump's intentions regarding Greenland, are considering four strategies to counter them. These include seeking a compromise, financial injections, an economic response, and the deployment of ground forces.
Ukraine has presented the US with possible options for finalizing the basic framework for ending the war, awaiting feedback from US negotiations with Russia. The Ukrainian side emphasizes the need to increase pressure on the aggressor.
The arrest of Nicolas Maduro and potential US control over Venezuela's oil assets would deal a financial and geopolitical blow to Russia. This could undermine its position in Latin America and threaten budget stability, as well as lead to the loss of control over Venezuelan oil assets.
The Palau-flagged tanker Elbus was hit by a drone off the coast of Kastamonu, Turkey. The crew was unharmed, and the vessel is being towed to the port of Inebolu.
US Vice President J. D. Vance called the detained tanker Marinera (Bella 1) a "fake Russian oil tanker," and the country's Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that its crew faces criminal prosecution.
US President Donald Trump supported a bipartisan bill on sanctions against Russia. The document will allow punishing countries that buy Russian oil, which finances the war.
US President Donald Trump is not afraid to detain oil tankers under sanctions. The White House does not believe this will provoke tensions with Russia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a three-stage plan for Venezuela, which includes stabilization, recovery, and a transitional period.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said the crew of the tanker Marinera, seized in the North Atlantic, would face trial in the United States. The vessel was carrying sanctioned oil, and its crew is subject to prosecution for violating federal law.
The US detained the tanker Sophia in the Caribbean Sea, which was reportedly transporting oil from Venezuela in violation of the embargo. This is the second sanctioned tanker seized by the US.
US forces boarded a Venezuelan-linked sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic after a week-long pursuit. The US had been pursuing the tanker since last month after it attempted to circumvent a blockade around Venezuela.
President Zelenskyy believes that the US has tools to pressure Russia, similar to the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. He suggested conducting a similar operation against Ramzan Kadyrov so that Putin would consider ending the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not received a clear answer from partners regarding the defense of Ukraine in the event of a renewed Russian attack. He noted that Ukraine must rely on its own forces, and the number one guarantee is a strong army.
The United States is attempting to seize an oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a more than two-week pursuit across the Atlantic. The operation is being conducted by the Coast Guard and US military, with Russian warships nearby.
Ukraine is counting on accelerating progress with clusters for EU accession during Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Strengthening sanctions against Russia and bolstering air defense were also discussed.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba is promoting Ihor Zelinskyi's candidacy for the head of the State Aviation Service without an open competition, despite the planned resumption of selections. This decision raises concerns due to Zelinskyi's questionable management background, as he previously contributed to the exclusion of Il-76 aircraft from the Ukrainian register.
Chinese officials are reviewing Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI platform Manus over potential export control violations. This could give Beijing leverage over the deal, which is a rare instance of an American company acquiring a Chinese AI startup.
US President Donald Trump said that the interim government of Venezuela would transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. The sale of oil at market prices and the revenue will be controlled by Trump for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
Russia sent a submarine and other naval forces to escort an empty, rusty oil tanker. This has become a new "hot spot" in relations between the US and Russia, according to a US official.
The Trump administration has informed Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, that the country must expel China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, and grant the US an exclusive partnership in oil production. This is a condition for increasing oil production, as Venezuela's existing tankers are already full.
India's largest holding company, Reliance Industries, said it does not expect deliveries of Russian crude oil in January and has not received such shipments in the past three weeks. This could reduce India's imports of Russian oil to their lowest level in years.
The draft statement by Western allies states that multinational forces will ensure Ukraine's security in the air, at sea, and on land, and will guarantee the revival of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The US will lead ceasefire monitoring and support Ukraine in case of an attack.
International financial institutions predict a prolonged slowdown of the Belarusian economy until 2026 due to sanctions and dependence on Russia. GDP growth of 1.4–1.8% and inflation of 7–7.5% are projected under the baseline scenario.