The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on Iran's 'shadow fleet,' used to export oil in circumvention of American restrictions. The sanctions affected 29 ships and the companies that operate them, which transported hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil products.
One of SpaceX's Starlink satellites experienced an anomaly in space, creating a small amount of debris and losing communication at an altitude of 418 km. The satellite is practically intact, rotating and will re-enter Earth's atmosphere, where it will completely disintegrate within a few weeks.
The European Union and its member states are ready to contribute to robust security guarantees for Ukraine, including through a Coalition of the Willing and in cooperation with the United States. The EU will address matters within its competence or those affecting its security, according to the European Council conclusions of December 18.
US President Donald Trump has ordered a suspension of the green card lottery program after a shooting suspect who killed an MIT professor obtained one. The move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to curb legal immigration.
Negotiations between the US and Russia on a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine are planned in Miami, where the Russian side will be represented by Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The meeting will take place after consultations in Berlin, where security guarantees for Kyiv and possible territorial concessions were discussed.
Chinese company ByteDance has entered into an agreement to transfer its US division to the joint venture TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. American investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, will receive 45% of the shares of the new structure, which will be responsible for protecting user data in the US and content moderation.
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.
US President Donald Trump signed into law the defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026 with a record budget of $901 billion. The document allocates $800 million to Ukraine - $400 million for each of the next two years as part of the Security Assistance Initiative, which provides for the purchase of American weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The U. S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has fully launched the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will begin reviewing projects in 2026. The fund will focus on critical minerals, energy, transportation, logistics, and technology, attracting private capital.
US President Donald Trump will sign into law on December 18 the defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026, which regulates military pay raises and measures to respond to geopolitical threats, and also provides for the allocation of $800 million to Ukraine for the purchase of American weapons.
Leading AI developers, including Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia, have entered into an agreement with the US government to participate in "Mission Genesis. " The Trump administration's project integrates AI into scientific research, energy, and manufacturing to strengthen the country's technological leadership.
The US has published 70 new photographs from Jeffrey Epstein's personal archive, including pictures with Bill Gates. This is part of a large array of data, comprising about 95,000 photographs, transferred to the Committee.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will meet with Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish officials in Miami to discuss a deal on Gaza.
Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on southern and northeastern Lebanon, approaching the deadline for Hezbollah's disarmament. This occurred ahead of a ceasefire compliance committee meeting and meetings in Paris regarding aid to the Lebanese army.
Boeing has selected defense startup Anduril Industries to develop missile engines for a new interceptor. This partnership is expected to accelerate missile production and reduce supply chain risks amid growing global demand for air defense systems.
US Secretary of State Rubio announced the imposition of restrictions against two ICC judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin. This decision was made under an executive order aimed at countering attempts by the court to prosecute citizens of states that are not members of the ICC.
Israel's Ministry of Defense announced an expansion of its contract with Germany for the supply of Arrow-3 missile defense components, increasing its value to $3. 1 billion.
The UN Human Rights Office accused the Sudanese group RSF of massacring over 1,000 civilians in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur. Militants used sexual violence and blocked food supplies, leading to starvation.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Hungary, the US, Slovakia, and possibly a few other allies oppose Ukraine's membership in the Alliance. He noted that at the 2024 Washington Summit, allies agreed on Ukraine's irreversible path to NATO, but in practice, some members are against it.
Political expert Kyrylo Sazonov claims that Ihor Kolomoisky is working to destabilize Ukraine in order to avoid criminal liability. His statements are in line with Russia's interests, which seeks destabilization.
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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels. The main topic of discussion was the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, as well as coordination with Europe and the United States on the peace process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that before the full-scale war, he directly raised the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership with then-US President Joe Biden, but received a clear refusal. Zelenskyy emphasized that he does not consider it necessary to change the Constitution of Ukraine due to the position of other states.
Great Britain imposed sanctions against three Russian oil companies: PJSC Tatneft, PJSC Russneft, and PJSC NNK. This expansion of sanctions pressure is aimed at reducing Russia's revenue from energy exports, covering almost 60% of Russian oil exports to key markets.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the United States have different views on Donbas, and the issues of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and a reparations loan remain open. He emphasized the need for a positive decision on the reparations loan to avoid a budget deficit of 45-50 billion dollars next year.
As of the end of November 2025, the Russian armed forces had about 50 9M729 cruise missiles, which are produced at a rate of up to 250 units per year. These missiles, due to which the US withdrew from the INF Treaty, are launched from Iskander-M1 OTRK launchers.
Signs were installed on the White House grounds along Donald Trump's "Presidential Walk of Fame," where Joe Biden was called "the worst president. " There are also descriptions of other presidents, including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, with politicized assessments.
President Zelenskyy stated that the EU's refusal to use frozen Russian funds would weaken Ukraine, potentially affecting the course of the war and diplomacy. He emphasized that without these funds, Ukraine would be in a more vulnerable position, which would reduce Russia's interest in a diplomatic settlement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the US proposal to divide the Zaporizhzhia NPP unfair, noting that no agreements have been reached on this issue. He emphasized a number of unresolved problems related to the plant's operation, including its militarization and funding for its restoration.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine should be strengthened by the US and Europe if Russia does not stop the war. This includes additional weapons, sanctions, and financial aid.
