Donald Trump stated that without his intervention, Russia would have had all of Ukraine, and recalled ending eight wars. He also noted that Russia and China do not fear NATO without the US.
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.
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.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine will become the main guarantor of Europe's stability because it has an army that understands modern warfare. He emphasized that European military autonomy is gaining special meaning, as Europe was late with militarization.
Tarr's distinctive features were long, hypnotic shots. His career ended after the release of "The Turin Horse" in 2011.
China reaffirmed its consistent position on the war in Ukraine, emphasizing respect for state sovereignty and the principles of the UN Charter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China advocates for peace and dialogue, promoting a political settlement of the crisis.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Heorhiy Tykhyi and head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council Andriy Kovalenko commented on a Reuters publication in which a high-ranking Russian source claims that after the US military operation in Venezuela, "Russia also has its own sphere of influence. "
Japan's Ministry of Defense recorded a group of Chinese military aircraft, including H-6 bombers and J-16 fighters, flying between the islands of Okinawa and Miyako. In response, the Japan Self-Defense Forces scrambled fighter jets for observation.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new driver assistance system, MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO, which allows vehicles to navigate US city streets autonomously. This technology, already operational in China, will be a direct competitor to Tesla FSD.
The leaders of China and South Korea have agreed to intensify trade cooperation and protect regional stability. The visit of South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung took place against the backdrop of North Korea's ballistic missile tests.
Tankers with Venezuelan oil and fuel have left the country's territorial waters, ignoring the US naval blockade. This happened after President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on all sanctioned tankers in December 2025.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the US military operation in Venezuela, during which Nicolas Maduro was arrested. Venezuela condemned the US actions as an illegal armed attack, while the US called it a law enforcement operation.
US special forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, depriving Vladimir Putin of an ally and strengthening US oil influence. Moscow views this as an attempt to control Venezuela's oil wealth and a possible sign of the Monroe Doctrine's revival.
The US State Department stated that the Western Hemisphere is a zone of Washington's interests. President Trump will not allow threats to US security in this hemisphere.
Leaders of Greenland and Denmark have urged US President Donald Trump to stop threatening to take over Greenland. Trump stated that Greenland is needed by the US for defense and national security, citing its strategic importance and the presence of Russian and Chinese ships.
Russia continues to export LNG from the sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project in winter, using only one vessel. This highlights Moscow's critical dependence on its icebreaking fleet to circumvent Western restrictions.
Following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro in early 2026, international creditors have intensified their struggle to recover Venezuela's $150-170 billion foreign debt. The main players are China, Russia, bondholders, and energy giants, while restructuring is complicated by US sanctions and a lack of cooperation with the IMF.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made demands on Venezuela, warning against turning the country into a hub for gangs, drugs, and states hostile to the US. He also noted that the US is not interested in Venezuela's oil but seeks to limit competitors' investments in its oil infrastructure.
According to the results of 2025, Russia's foreign trade continued to degrade due to falling world energy prices and oil production quotas. The share of fuel and energy goods in exports decreased to 54.9%, and imports of investment goods decreased by 8.7%.
The US special operation in Caracas and the detention of Nicolás Maduro caused a resonant reaction from world leaders. The international community was divided in its assessment of the legality of Washington's actions, from full support to harsh condemnation.
On Monday, the UN Security Council will hold an urgent meeting over the US military operation in Venezuela. Colombia initiated the meeting, which was supported by Russia and China.
Xiaomi founder Lei Jun announced a goal to deliver 550,000 electric vehicles by 2026, a 34% increase over last year's figure. The company achieved profitability in this segment in 18 months, outperforming Tesla, and plans to expand its lineup to six models.
China has abolished the tax exemption on contraceptives and birth control methods, introducing a 13% VAT. This is a step in response to the declining birth rate and the third consecutive year of population decline.
China quickly modified a cargo ship into an improvised warship for launching combat drones. The ship was equipped with an electromagnetic catapult and spotted with stealthy CCA-type UAVs.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will meet with President Donald Trump this spring. The meeting will take place amid escalating regional tensions due to Chinese military exercises around Taiwan.
The US dollar started 2026 with a strengthening after last year's difficulties, while the yen approached a 10-month low. Traders are awaiting US economic data to forecast changes in interest rates this year.
China received 22 shipments of liquefied natural gas from Russia's Portovaya and Arctic LNG-2 projects in 2023. All deliveries arrived at the Beihai LNG terminal in Guangxi.
Precious metals resumed their rally at the beginning of the new year, continuing the unprecedented growth of 2025, supported by geopolitical tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts. Gold rose 1.4% to $4372.35 per ounce, silver rose 3.6% to $73.79 per ounce.
The share of oil and gas revenues in Russia's budget will decrease to 23% this year, compared to 50% a few years ago. The reason is the war against Ukraine and sanctions that force Russia to sell oil at significant discounts.
Chinese company BYD reported a 28% increase in EV sales last year, exceeding 2. 25 million units. This allowed it to overtake Tesla for the first time, which, according to analysts, sold about 1.65 million cars during the same period.
