Gold reached a record $5594. 82 per ounce due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Silver also rose to $120.45 per ounce.
Notorious oligarch remains behind bars: court adds another 2 months in pre-trial detention for Kolomoisky.
Last year, Russia's energy revenues decreased by 20% compared to 2024. This was due to increasing discounts on Russian oil and low global prices, which intensified pressure on the country's economy.
Ukraine could become significantly less dependent on American intelligence as Europe is ready to provide information. This would reduce the criticality of a halt in American aid.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will today consider a prosperity plan for post-war Ukraine. The European Commission is working on this plan, which is closely linked to Europe.
Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is represented in negotiations by military personnel without a mandate for peace. She noted that the Russians are not serious about this and Russia should be pushed towards real negotiations.
Russian company "Lukoil" has reached an agreement to sell its foreign assets to the American investment fund Carlyle. The deal does not include assets in Kazakhstan and requires approval from the US Treasury.
US President Donald Trump is considering a new large-scale strike on Iran. This comes after talks on its nuclear program and ballistic missiles yielded no results.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the full combat readiness of the country's armed forces. This came amid threats from US President Donald Trump regarding a possible military strike on Tehran.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Ukraine is making concessions for peace. She emphasized the need for more pressure on Russia and for providing Ukraine with tangible security guarantees, in which the US should be involved.
Brent crude prices exceeded $69 per barrel, and WTI – $64, due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The market is also affected by reduced US inventories and a winter storm.
Global gold and silver prices are rising: gold reached $5591 per ounce, silver – about $120. This is happening against the backdrop of a weakening dollar and an increase in US national debt.
The US presented a strategy for the demilitarization of Gaza to the UN Security Council, which includes buying back weapons from militants. The plan aims to remove Hamas from power and destroy its military infrastructure under international supervision.
Norway will purchase South Korean K239 Chunmoo MLRS for $2 billion. This will strengthen defense in the Arctic regions and deter Russian aggression.
The European Union is preparing to list Iran's IRGC as a terrorist group after a change in France's position. This decision will be a response to the brutal suppression of protests in Iran and will lead to the freezing of the organization's assets.
A Pentagon report revealed that US military bases are defenseless against drones due to legislative confusion. This creates legal paradoxes and makes timely response to threats impossible.
General Motors Co. demonstrated impressive financial results for the fourth quarter, which sparked a wave of optimism among leading analysts. The company exceeded profit expectations and presented an ambitious development plan for 2026.
The Trump administration has decided to hand over the supertanker M/T Sophia, detained by the US Coast Guard in January 2026, to the Venezuelan authorities. This is the first time a vessel from the "shadow fleet" has been returned after the naval blockade of Venezuela.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced improved relations with Venezuela, which removes the question of immediate use of force. The US is satisfied with the actions of the new government and is preparing to open an embassy.
Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported an attempt by an ICE agent to enter their consulate in Minneapolis. Official Quito sent a note of protest, considering this a violation of diplomatic immunity.
US President Donald Trump called on Iran to negotiate on a nuclear deal, warning of the consequences of refusal. Tehran declared full combat readiness and threatened retaliatory strikes.
The Democratic minority in the US Senate blocked a government funding package, demanding restrictions on Trump's immigration agents. This occurred two days before the deadline, threatening a shutdown of key government agencies.
Google is integrating the Gemini AI agent into Chrome, which will be able to interact with websites, fill out forms, and perform routine tasks independently. The feature will be available in the US for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers, allowing AI to take over complex online processes.
The US, Denmark, and Greenland held talks in Washington regarding a new security agreement in the Arctic. This was in response to pressure from Trump, who had previously threatened to annex the island.
A U. S. federal judge rejected a lawsuit by environmental organizations, allowing ConocoPhillips Alaska to continue exploration work. The company stated that the implementation of the program is critical to preserving its lease rights.
Donald Trump has unveiled an initiative: every child born in the USA between 2025 and 2028 will receive $1000 in a "Trump Account. " The funds will be invested in index funds, accessible from age 18, and can be supplemented by families and employers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.
Acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala inadvertently leaked government materials by uploading them to OpenAI's public chatbot. The incident occurred after receiving exclusive permission to use ChatGPT, which is blocked for other DHS employees.
Mexico has revived its oil refining sector, cutting fuel imports to their lowest level since 2010. This has created problems for US refineries, which are losing their biggest buyer amid a record build-up of gasoline and diesel inventories.
President Zelenskyy stated that the Russians are preparing for a new strike, as evidenced by intelligence data. He emphasized that the world must use its power to end the war.