Brent and WTI crude futures rose by 35 and 34 cents respectively on the first trading day of 2026. This followed the largest annual decline since 2020, caused by drone attacks on Russian oil facilities and US sanctions against Venezuela.
A poll by The Economist/YouGov showed that 49% of Americans disapprove of Donald Trump's actions regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine. Only 30% of respondents support his approach.
The US calls on China for restraint and dialogue after large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. The State Department believes that China's military actions are unnecessarily escalating tensions in the region.
Trump has abandoned plans to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. This decision comes after a series of lawsuits blocked the administration's initiatives.
The Russian Federation officially appealed to the US State Department with a demand to stop pursuing the oil tanker Bella 1, which the American authorities consider a stateless vessel. The tanker, en route from Iran to Venezuela, is currently trying to evade the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has vowed to defend the island's sovereignty, citing China's expansionist ambitions. This came after Beijing concluded live-fire military exercises off Taiwan's coast.
Mamdani became New York's first Muslim mayor, taking the oath of office on January 1. He used the Quran for the ceremony, a first in the city's history.
Russia stated that it had decrypted a file from a Ukrainian drone, which, it claims, indicates that the target was the residence of the Russian dictator. These materials will be handed over to the American side through established channels.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a sharp reduction by the US of proposed tariffs for Italian pasta producers. The revision of rates occurred after accusations of selling at unfairly low prices, which affected La Molisana and Garofalo.
Bloomberg presented a review of the 11 most anticipated hotel properties scheduled to open in 2026. The list includes private island resorts and renovated historic palaces in major metropolises.
Donald Trump told reporters about his health and that he relies on his "good genetics" and often does not follow doctors' recommendations.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov in Ankara. The meeting took place on the eve of the talks between national security advisers of the "coalition of the willing" countries on January 3.
Automakers Ford and Honda are reorienting their model lineups towards hybrid cars by 2026 due to declining demand for electric vehicles. Honda plans to introduce a new generation of hybrid technologies by 2030, and Ford is expanding its hybrid lineup amid weak EV sales.
President Zelenskyy reacted to Russia's massive drone attack on at least 7 regions on New Year's Eve. He emphasized the need for partners to supply air defense systems without delay.
The CIA assessed that Ukraine did not attack Putin's residence during a recent drone attack, refuting the Russian leader's claims. CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on the assessment.
US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from several cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles. This decision was made after the US Supreme Court did not allow Trump to use troops to maintain law and order in the regions.
Ukraine has strengthened its air defense by receiving two more Patriot systems thanks to agreements with Germany. These systems are capable of destroying aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including hypersonic ones, at a distance of up to 160 km and an altitude of up to 24 km.
A federal judge in California has invalidated the Trump administration's decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 60,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. This ruling will allow TPS holders from these countries to legally work in the US and avoid deportation.
The Trump administration sanctioned four companies from Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as associated oil tankers, accusing them of evading sanctions against Venezuela. These measures are aimed at cutting off financial flows supporting the regime of Nicolas Maduro.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia will have to end the war as soon as they find one more reason for peace than to fight. He emphasized that today everyone adds: "To be one step ahead, one hour faster, one decision braver."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he would only sign a strong agreement on security guarantees, rejecting the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk agreements. He emphasized that the agreement must be ratified by partners to ensure lasting peace.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks peace, but not at the cost of its own statehood. He emphasized that only pressure can force Russia to end the war, which has been ongoing for 1407 days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the peace agreement is 90% ready, and the remaining 10% will determine the fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe. He emphasized that these 10% are necessary to save millions of lives and maintain unity.
Donald Trump announced the start of construction of an Arc de Triomphe in Washington, modeled after the Parisian one, within two months. The monument is planned to be unveiled by July 4, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The US held a productive discussion with national security advisors from the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The next steps in the peace process and security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed.
Lithuania has updated its national security strategy, warning of an existential threat from Russia, which could start a war against NATO by the end of the decade. The new strategy emphasizes armed defense, societal resilience, and allies.
In 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made about 60 foreign visits and hosted almost 100 heads of foreign states. He also held 20 international video calls and over 230 phone conversations, working on a 20-point peace plan and security guarantees.
Donald Trump's TMTG corporation is launching a new digital token that will be distributed among the company's investors. Token holders will receive rewards, discounts, and bonuses related to products within the Trump Media ecosystem.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the leaders of these countries would express deep concern about Russia's real attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine and solidarity with Ukraine, against which Russia has been waging an unjustified and unprovoked aggression for the fourth year.
Political scientist Stanislav Zhelikhovsky highlighted the key events of the year: Trump's return, resumption of negotiations, creation of the "Coalition of the Willing", allocation of 90 billion euros to Ukraine, and the PURL mechanism. The expert also mentioned the elections in Poland and Zelenskyy's visit.
