China
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the continuation of negotiations with the American side regarding Ukraine's reconstruction and economic development. A fundamental document on the parameters for ending hostilities is also being finalized.
Ukraine's foreign trade deficit in goods for January-November 2025 reached $38. 6 billion, which is 52.6% more than last year. Imports amounted to $75.4 billion, exports - $36.8 billion, trade turnover - $112.2 billion.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
Denmark faces more external threats than in many years due to rising geopolitical conflicts. NATO military intelligence points to Russia and China as the main threats, as well as uncertainty about the US role as a guarantor of European security.
The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel advisories for Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Guangdong Province due to outbreaks of chikungunya. This incurable mosquito-borne disease causes symptoms of fever and joint pain, and in severe cases can lead to hospitalization and death.
Russia is increasing oil exports, reaching the highest weekly shipments since February 2022, but unloading cargoes is becoming a problem. This has led to a 28% increase in the volume of Russian sea shipments since late August, and the surplus of oil at sea has reached a two-and-a-half-year high, limiting the Kremlin's revenues.
The oil market will face a "super-oversupply" next year due to rising supply and weak demand, warns trader Trafigura. A record surplus of over 4 million barrels per day is expected, which has already led to a 16% drop in Brent crude prices this year.
Russia has resumed the project of transferring water resources of the Ob River to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This is a modernized version of the Soviet plan to "divert Siberian rivers," which was abandoned due to environmental risks.
President Zelenskyy reported 24/7 communication with partners, which confirms Europe's maximum involvement in resolving the Ukrainian issue. He discussed support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and energy assistance with representatives of many countries and international organizations.
President Zelenskyy stated that China does not benefit from a weak or losing Russia. He believes this is the reason for Beijing's reluctance to facilitate a quick end to the war, even though China has influence over Russia.
In November 2025, 123 tankers departed from Russian ports, which is 17 fewer than in October. Russian oil exports decreased to 14 million tons, which is 2 million tons less compared to the previous month.
Expert Alexander Gabuev predicts the exhaustion of the Kremlin's economic resources in 12-18 months if sanctions are strengthened. He notes that time is working against Putin, and further sanctions could shorten this period.
The United States has updated its National Security Strategy, which envisages restoring relations with Russia and ending the war in Ukraine. Expert Oleksandr Kraiev noted that the current US Administration's priority is to restore strategic relations with the Russian Federation.
The US Congress has provided $800 million in aid to Ukraine in the defense budget for two years, allocating $400 million each for 2026 and 2027. The total US defense budget for 2026 will be $901 billion.
A Russian LNG plant on the Baltic Sea coast has delivered gas to China for the first time since the introduction of US sanctions. The vessel Valera arrived at the Beihai import terminal, indicating strengthening energy cooperation between the countries.
Brent crude futures rose to $63. 84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $60.16. Investors are anticipating a Fed interest rate cut and monitoring geopolitical risks related to supplies from Russia and Venezuela.
China is consolidating its dominance in Mongolian exports by increasing coal purchases and financing logistics routes. Russia's share in Ulaanbaatar's exports has decreased to 0.5%, while over 90% of Mongolian exports go to China.
Smart has unveiled its largest hybrid sedan, the Smart #6 EHD. The new model features Geely's NordThor Hybrid 2.0 system and a battery from SVOLT or CATL.
Near Okinawa, Chinese fighter jets locked fire control radar systems on Japanese military aircraft. Japan claims it was a provocation, while China states it was interference with training.
In early December, China and Russia held the third round of joint anti-missile drills on Russian territory. The drills were not aimed at any third party.
In the Chinese city of Hangzhou, the AI-powered robot Hangxing No. 1, designed for traffic control, has begun operations. It is equipped with cameras and sensors, manages traffic and pedestrian flows, and also records rule violations and issues voice warnings.
The Russian tanker Kairos, part of the 'shadow fleet', ran aground near the Bulgarian city of Ahtopol. There are 10 crew members on board, but evacuation is not yet possible due to a strong storm.
On December 6, the HUR MOD Cyber Corps and BO Team attacked the Russian logistics company "Eltrans+". Over 700 computers and servers were deactivated, 165 terabytes of data were destroyed, and network equipment was disabled.
The naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted two-day military exercises, carrying out a massive launch of ballistic and cruise missiles. This demonstrated their readiness to counter external threats.
For the Trump administration, the main global problem is not Russia and its war in Ukraine, but China.
The Trump administration has published a new national security strategy that focuses on an updated "Monroe Doctrine," criticizes immigration and Europe, and intensifies confrontation with China. The document blames mass migration for global problems and claims that Europe undermines peace in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia is ready to continue uninterrupted oil supplies. This happened during the annual summit in New Delhi, where the leaders reaffirmed the resilience of their ties to external pressure.
South Korea will gain access to nuclear submarines after US approval, which could change Asia's security landscape. This decision could lead to an escalation of the submarine arms race in the region.
The United States has updated its national security strategy, which envisages the restoration of relations with Russia, the cessation of the war in Ukraine and preventing NATO expansion. The document also emphasizes the independent strengthening of Europe's defense and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the unity of Europe and the US in supporting Ukraine, rejecting reports of a possible betrayal of Washington. He refuted skepticism about peace talks, stressing the importance of cooperation.