The United States of America has removed several companies from the sanctions list that previously supplied sanctioned equipment to Russia, including for its military-industrial complex. Among them are Cypriot Veles International Limited, Finnish Hi-Tech Koneisto, as well as Dubai and Turkish companies.
Over 25% of new cars sold globally in 2025 are electric, according to an Ember analysis. This growth is driven by emerging markets, which are now leading the transition to electromobility.
In Ukraine, December accounts for 30% of the annual import of mandarins, the demand for which was growing before the war. The main suppliers are Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the downing of an out-of-control drone over the Black Sea. The target was detected and brought under control by an F-16 fighter jet.
Turkey is experiencing an increase in large sinkholes caused by drought and uncontrolled groundwater extraction. In Konya province alone, 648 serious sinkholes have been identified, threatening agriculture and infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Russia's attack on the civilian Turkish vessel VIVA in the Black Sea, which was transporting food to Egypt. This incident is regarded as a threat to food security and a challenge to the global community.
The Ukrainian Navy reported that Russia attacked the Turkish vessel VIVA, carrying sunflower oil and en route to Egypt. The drone strike occurred in the open sea, and the crew was unharmed.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after talks with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, hopes to discuss a peace plan between Ukraine and Russia with US President Donald Trump, adding that "peace is not far off. "
Archaeologists in Turkey have found a 3rd-century fresco depicting Jesus among goats. This is the only known example of early Christian art outside of Italy.
On the evening of December 12, the Russian army attacked the Odesa region, damaging a port infrastructure facility, which caused a fire. Rescuers promptly extinguished the fire; there is no information about deaths or injuries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, aimed at energy facilities and ports, would be beneficial. He voiced this proposal during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the damage to a Turkish company's vessel in the port of Chornomorsk, emphasizing the importance of ending the war. The ship's crew has been evacuated, and no Turkish citizens were harmed.
Russia attacked Odesa region's civilian port infrastructure with Shaheds and ballistic missiles. A worker was wounded and a container handler was damaged in Odesa port, and a Turkish ferry was damaged in Chornomorsk port.
According to the Kremlin, Putin and Erdogan exchanged views on the Ukrainian issue and discussed Europeans' attempts to seize Russian assets.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Europe should help Ukraine make "certain difficult choices" to prevent greater losses. Turkey continues to facilitate negotiations between the parties, recalling the progress made in Istanbul in the summer.
Hyundai unveiled the new Concept Three electric hatchback at the Munich Motor Show in September, which will be named IONIQ 3. Production is set to begin in early 2026 in Turkey, with an expected price of around $33,700.
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.
US Ambassador Tom Barrack said that Turkey must abandon the Russian S-400 air defense system. This is a condition for the country's return to the F-35 program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In January-October 2025, Ukraine increased its imports of tomatoes to 81. 8 thousand tons and cucumbers to 109.6 thousand tons. Turkey traditionally remains the largest supplier of both crops.
St. Nicholas Day, now celebrated on December 6 according to the New Julian calendar, is one of the most beloved winter holidays. This day is dedicated to kindness, care, and gifts, especially for children.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned representatives of the diplomatic missions of Russia and Ukraine due to attacks on ships in the Black Sea. The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Fuat Oktay, stated that the spread of the war to civilian shipping is a cause for concern.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been making statements for two days in a row that indicate his unwillingness to end the war, threatening seaports and freedom of navigation, especially Odesa. Sybiha emphasized that Russia must stop the bloodshed, otherwise it will have consequences.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that in response to attacks on tankers, Russia would expand strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels entering these ports.
The profits of the Russian oil giant Rosneft collapsed by almost 70% due to sanctions. The CPD reports a crisis in Russia's energy sector.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgiy Tykhyi, officially denied Ukraine's involvement in the incident with the MIDVOLGA-2 tanker, which was transporting sunflower oil under the Russian flag. He hinted that Russia might have staged the attack, as the vessel's route made no sense.
