United States
The US does not support EU initiatives to confiscate Russian sovereign assets, warning of possible consequences. They consider frozen assets a flexible leverage in future negotiations.
US President Donald Trump announced his intention to regain control over oil rights in Venezuela, which, according to him, were lost. He noted that Venezuela illegally seized land and oil rights from American companies.
Venezuelan authorities have instructed the navy to escort oil product tankers. This could escalate tensions with the United States amid Donald Trump's statements about blocking the country's oil industry.
The US presidential administration has temporarily suspended sanctions against several Russian banks involved in settlements in the civilian nuclear energy sector. Financial transactions are permitted until June 18, 2026, for projects initiated before November 21, 2024.
This weekend, American and Russian officials will meet in Miami to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Kyiv regarding territorial concessions.
Oil company PDVSA has resumed loading crude oil and fuel after a three-day pause caused by a cyberattack. Fuel exports remain blocked due to Washington's strict policies and fears of asset seizure. Crude exports have sharply fallen compared to 900,000 barrels per day in November.
Turkey is negotiating with Russia to return the S-400 systems to resolve the conflict with NATO and acquire F-35 fighters. This will allow Ankara to resume military cooperation with the West and strengthen its air force.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder is being disbanded in the United States. This is part of a strategy to cut funding for climate research, which also includes reducing the budget of NOAA and its scientific division OAR.
The President of Mexico is ready to mediate negotiations between the US and Venezuela to prevent a regional conflict. This happened after Donald Trump imposed a blockade on oil tankers and increased military presence in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Moscow is preparing next year as a year of war, and these are signals not only for Ukraine. He emphasized the need for partners, particularly the US, to react to this rhetoric, which undermines diplomacy.
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would achieve its military goals in Ukraine by force or diplomatically, calling European leaders "piglets. " He accused the previous US administration of provoking the conflict and threatened to liberate "historical lands" on the battlefield.
The Marshall Islands has launched a universal basic income program, where every resident will receive $200 USD quarterly. This is the world's first national scheme, funded by a trust fund of over $1.3 billion.
Ursula von der Leyen criticized Donald Trump's attacks on Europe, calling for the continent's independence. She emphasized changes in the global economy and the need for its own path.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the decision of the San Francisco International Wine Competition to disqualify 15 Russian wineries from the 2025 competition. Their wines will be disposed of due to violations of US sanctions legislation imposed in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Kremlin expects the US to provide information on the results of its work with Ukrainians and Europeans following reports of an expected discussion of proposals for peace talks. On December 16, President Zelenskyy announced an anticipated meeting between Ukraine and the US in Miami to discuss documents.
Donald Trump estimated the new White House ballroom, which could also host inaugurations, at up to $400 million. The project, funded by private donations, includes 5-inch glass windows and the demolition of the East Wing.
ICU, a company that served the circles of Yanukovych and Poroshenko, avoids investigations despite working with sanctioned individuals and Russian state banks. Serhiy Lyamets, former editor of "Ekonomichna Pravda," believes that only the US and EU can investigate ICU's financial operations.
The US is considering new sanctions against Russia's energy sector, including its "shadow fleet" of tankers, if Putin rejects a peace deal with Ukraine. These measures could be announced as early as this week, as discussed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with European ambassadors.
Commander of the Third Army Corps Andriy Biletskyi proposes to remove barriers for the growth of young officers to replace "paper generals".
Canada plans to open two new consulates in Greenland and Alaska as part of a strategy to strengthen its presence in the Arctic. Foreign Minister Anita Anand emphasized the growing strategic importance of the region, given the advancement of Russian infrastructure and the melting of polar ice.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Putin will sooner or later agree to the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine. He also spoke about what, in his opinion, should be the West's reaction in the event of new Russian attacks.
European leaders support Ukraine, seeking to uphold international law and counter Russian aggression. They fear that a deal in Russia's favor could lead to a wider war on the continent.
In November, Ukrainians bought 5. 5 thousand used passenger cars from the USA, which is 2.2 times more than last year. 53% of them are electric vehicles, with an average age of 5 years.
Nick Reiner has been charged with the murder of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner. He faces the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Businessman John Cooper, who bought Michael Jordan's estate for $9. 5 million, plans to create an "immersive" museum. This has raised concerns among local residents and the city council about the commercialization of the property.
The US Air Force plans to acquire two Boeing 747-8 aircraft at a total cost of approximately $400 million. They will be used for crew training and as a source of spare parts for the future presidential fleet.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka stated that the end of Russia's war against Ukraine depends on the position of Donald Trump and the USA. He emphasized that Trump is ready to act as a guarantor of a peace agreement that will provide guarantees for Russia.
American lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill that provides for sanctions against the purchase or facilitation of imports of Russian oil. The document creates a legal framework for increasing sanctions pressure on Russia's oil revenues.
Oil quotes rose after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade for all sanctioned tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Brent quotes rose by 0.9% to $59.46 per barrel, and American WTI rose by 1% to $55.82.
On December 16, US President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan territorial waters. He accused Venezuela of stealing American assets and declared its government a "foreign terrorist organization."