Cuba
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping assessed relations between their countries as "exemplary" during their first direct talks this year. Bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years.
Mexico will stop supplying oil to Cuba after Trump's negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. This decision, caused by US sanctions pressure, could lead to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, where oil reserves will last only 15-20 days.
The United States has accused Cuba of interfering with the work of its top diplomat in Havana after he was intimidated by Cubans. The US State Department demanded that Havana stop sending individuals to interfere with the diplomatic work of US Chargé d'Affaires Mike Hammer.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez declared an "international state of emergency" due to the situation in relations with the United States. Cuba believes that the actions of the US government pose an "extraordinary threat" to national security.
Cuba is on the verge of an energy collapse, with only 15-20 days of oil reserves. The US has blocked supplies from Venezuela, and Mexico has stopped shipping fuel.
Global oil prices rose after Trump's statement on Iran and the energy blockade of Cuba. Brent is trading above $70 per barrel, WTI – around $65.30.
US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the threat from Cuba, introducing a new tariff system. This will allow the US to impose tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba.
The administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is reviewing Havana's energy support policy amid White House statements. Mexico is a key donor to Cuba after the cessation of Venezuelan imports.
Donald Trump is concerned about Canada's inability to protect its borders from Russia and China in the Arctic. The US seeks to strengthen cooperation with Canada to reinforce its northern border.
Mexican President Sheinbaum rejected Donald Trump's proposal for US military intervention to combat cartels. She emphasized Mexico's sovereignty and the unacceptability of interference in internal affairs.
Donald Trump announced the cessation of oil supplies and financial aid to Cuba, which previously received resources from Venezuela. He called on Cuba to reach an agreement with the United States before it's too late.
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.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the appointment of Anka Feldhusen as the new business ombudsperson. She will assume office on February 1, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys recalled that Nicolás Maduro's regime supported Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Lithuania did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
American Democrats accuse the Trump administration of misleading them about its true intentions in Venezuela, stating that they were promised no military intervention. Senators are demanding a plan from the White House for governing the country after a night assault on Caracas and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Trump stated that he is not considering a military operation against Cuba, as the communist regime on the island is on the verge of collapse. He noted that Cuba has depended for decades on Venezuelan oil and financial support, which will cease after the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Since December 26, the US Department of Homeland Security has introduced new immigration control protocols. Now, mandatory photography of all non-US citizens, including Green Card holders, at every point of entry and exit.
In December, intelligence identified over 150 foreigners from 25 countries recruited into the Russian army, with about 200 more preparing to join. The main sources of recruitment are post-Soviet states and countries of the Global South.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution on human rights violations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol. 79 countries voted for the document, 16 were against, and 73 abstained.
US President Donald Trump has signed an order to tighten restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the United States. The restrictions apply to 5 new countries and individuals with Palestinian Authority travel documents, and are extended for 12 high-risk countries.
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.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that the Russian Federation immediately return all illegally deported Ukrainian children. The document was supported by 91 countries, 57 abstained, and 12 opposed it.
Since 2023, Russian courts have been massively fining Cuban citizens and their relatives for violating the regime of stay in the Russian Federation. Among those fined are 18 war participants and relatives who came to bury the dead.
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.
After Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica and Haiti suffered catastrophic destruction, with at least 50 people killed. Total damages and economic losses are estimated at 48-52 billion US dollars.
A study by Imperial College London showed that climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely. The Category 5 hurricane, which hit Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, caused $22 billion in damage and left dozens dead.