A group that smuggled medicines from India and Turkey, selling them online under the guise of well-known brands, has been exposed in Khmelnytskyi region. More than 360 packages of medicines, including those unregistered in Ukraine, have been seized.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing sanctions with Great Britain against 8 individuals and 40 legal entities involved in the deportation of children and the supply of components for Russian weapons. Ukraine also imposed sanctions against 8 military leaders of South Sudan in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Lithuania officially completed the procedure of withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention on December 27, which allows it to use and produce anti-personnel mines. The country plans to spend hundreds of millions of euros on the purchase and production of tens of thousands of units of ammunition.
Silver hit $75 for the first time on Friday, with gold and platinum also setting record highs. This occurred amid speculative bets, expectations of US interest rate cuts, and rising geopolitical tensions.
Western sanctions have reshaped India's oil trade, reducing its reliance on Russian oil. Imports from Russia decreased by 17.8% in January-October 2025, while imports from the US increased by 83.3% and from the UAE by 8.7%.
In Kajiado County, Kenya, four people have died from elephant attacks in a week, sparking protests. Experts attribute this to a severe shortage of vegetation and water in the region.
India is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in a network of roads, tunnels, and airfields along its disputed border with China. This is a response to the bloody clashes of 2020, which exposed the Indian army's logistical vulnerabilities.
Indian company Reliance Industries Ltd. has resumed purchases of Russian crude oil from non-sanctioned suppliers. India's largest refinery has chartered Aframax tankers to receive Russian oil.
Analysts warn that tariffs imposed by Donald Trump will slow global GDP and overload European ports. This will also lead to a massive review of supply chains by companies.
In the first 9 months of 2025, global vehicle production exceeded 68. 7 million units, which is 4% more than last year. China remains the largest producer, having manufactured over 24.3 million units.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will visit the US next week to meet with Donald Trump. The main topics will be Iran's nuclear activity in light of its recent missile exercises, as well as the transition to the next stage of Trump's "Plan" for Gaza.
A record harvest of sugar beets in Belarus, about 5 million tons, has become a risk factor due to the oversupply in the Russian market. This leads to a drop in sugar prices and a deterioration of the economy for farmers and processors.
The global oil market is experiencing an oversupply of "black gold," pushing oil prices down. A record 1.3 billion barrels of crude oil are in transit or awaiting buyers in the world's oceans.
The European Union has agreed on a new law that allows migrant applications to be processed outside the EU and simplifies deportations. This expands the list of "safe third countries" and limits the possibilities of obtaining asylum in the European Union.
China has begun construction of the world's most powerful mountain hydroelectric power plant on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, valued at $168 billion. The project, which will produce 300 billion kWh annually, will be three times more powerful than the Three Gorges Dam and is causing concern in India and Bangladesh.
Russian oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since the start of the war, as sanctions deepen the discounts the country's oil industry is forced to offer. Exporters are receiving just over $40 a barrel, down 28% compared to the last three months, while global benchmark oil prices are also falling.
Putin signed a law ratifying an agreement with India regulating the access of military formations, ships, and aircraft of one country to the territory of the other. This agreement creates a legal basis for the mutual presence of military forces, which is applied for joint exercises and exchange of experience.
Wrestler John Cena had his final match in Washington, ending a 23-year career in the ring. The 48-year-old athlete lost the fight to Austrian Walter Hahn, but will continue to work for WWE as an ambassador.
Iranian authorities detained a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, which was carrying 6 million liters of smuggled fuel. There were 18 crew members on board the vessel, who were detained.
In India, fans threw bottles and torn seats onto the field after Lionel Messi spent only 20 minutes at the stadium. Thousands of fans paid up to 12,000 rupees to see the footballer, who arrived for the unveiling of a monument in his honor.
The volume of "oil on water" is growing, reaching 180 million barrels, and export revenues are decreasing due to lower prices for Russian oil grades.
Polish border guards discovered a tunnel under the border with Belarus, through which 180 illegal migrants entered Poland. Over 130 people, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been detained.
US President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks on the progress of bilateral relations. The leaders discussed trade negotiations and cooperation in technology, defense, and security.
Thai law enforcement detained two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, after a fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in the Indian state of Goa on December 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 people. India also arrested six other individuals, including five employees of the establishment, and offered compensation to the victims' families.
In Washington, the idea of creating a new Core 5 group (USA, China, India, Japan, and Russia) was discussed, which would bring traditional adversaries closer together. The White House categorically denies the existence of a document about Core 5, but experts consider it expedient for the current administration.
Italian brand Prada will create 2,000 pairs of sandals in India, inspired by traditional footwear, following criticism. Each pair will retail for approximately $930, combining Indian craftsmanship and Italian technology.
India's aviation regulator DGCA has for the first time deployed two teams at IndiGo's office for daily monitoring after over 3,000 flight cancellations. The Delhi High Court has ordered IndiGo to compensate passengers affected by the cancellations.
Google has introduced an AI Plus plan in India priced at less than $5 per month for new users. This move is aimed at competing with low-cost AI offerings, particularly OpenAI's ChatGPT Go subscription.
Four of India's seven largest oil refineries continue to purchase Russian oil at significant discounts, while Reliance Industries Ltd. refrains due to the risk of sanctions. Russian oil imports to India are expected to decrease, but trade will continue at a lower level.
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.
