United States
NATO is considering a significant increase in its military presence in the Arctic region. The new defense plans for 2023 envisage strengthening the deterrence potential in the Far North.
U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that China has a plan to close the Panama Canal in the event of a conflict with the United States. Panama categorically denies the transfer of control over the canal to China.
Netflix has released a teaser for the second season of Veep, featuring Tyler Galpin in a mental institution. The new season is expected to premiere in August-September 2025, with most of the actors returning to their roles.
The NBU predicts that fuel prices will rise by more than 13% in 2024 due to higher excise taxes. This will affect the cost of goods and transportation services.
The cryptocurrency market is showing instability due to Trump's statements about the possible introduction of 100% duties for the BRICS countries. Bitcoin fell by 1.1% after threats of new trade restrictions with Canada, Mexico, and China.
Donald Trump has warned the BRICS countries about imposing 100% duties in case of an alternative currency. The statement came amid expectations of a decision on 25% duties for Canada and Mexico.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 82 UAH/USD, which is 10 kopecks stronger. In banks, a dollar can be bought for 42.20 UAH and a euro for 44.10 UAH.
The U. S. Court of Appeals has ruled unconstitutional a federal law that prohibits the purchase of guns by people under 21. The decision is based on the Second Amendment, which protects the right to arms for all citizens over 18 years of age.
The scientific director of the Valdai Club revealed the Kremlin's position on the upcoming negotiations with the United States. Russia does not intend to make territorial concessions in Ukraine and will try to position Putin as an equal to Trump.
Donald Trump plans to impose a 25% duty on goods from Canada and Mexico due to illegal migrants, drugs, and trade deficits. A decision on duties on Canadian oil will be made later.
The President of Panama has declared that negotiations on the return of the Panama Canal to US control are impossible. He hopes to discuss other issues of cooperation with the US Secretary of State during his upcoming visit.
Claudia Sheinbaum wrote a letter to Google regarding the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the American Gulf. The President emphasized that the United States has no right to unilaterally change the name of a common body of water.
The Hill has published a forecast stating that without US military support, Ukraine will lose effective air defense by 2026. This will allow Russia to carry out large-scale bombings and capture Kyiv.
Alexander Stubb said that Putin understands only harsh rhetoric and ultimatums. The President of Finland supported Trump's approach to forcing Putin into peace talks.
US President Trump acknowledged that he had spoken with Putin during a briefing on the American Eagle plane crash. The American leader did not provide details of the conversation.
US GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024 grew by 2. 3% instead of the expected 2.7%. For the whole year, the economy grew by 2.8%, which is lower than in 2023 but higher than in 2022.
Selena Gomez found herself at the center of a scandal after a video in support of immigrants affected by Trump's deportation raids. A former Republican Senate candidate called for the singer's deportation, to which she ironically responded.
Gold prices rose by 0. 7% to $2777.55 per ounce due to fears of new US import tariffs. Traders are actively transporting gold to New York, although Trump did not include it in the tariff plans.
Bob Menendez was convicted of a long-term corruption scheme with representatives of other countries. The former influential Democrat reportedly received bribes in the form of gold bars and $480,000 in cash.
Suleiman Kerimov has owned about 1% of SpaceX shares through the Heritage Trust in Delaware since 2017. The ownership continued even after the introduction of US sanctions against the Russian oligarch in 2018.
According to the Big Mac index, the hryvnia is undervalued by 50. 7% and should be worth 20.73 UAH to the dollar instead of 42.0. Ukraine ranked sixth among the world's most undervalued currencies.
Norwegian scientists have developed an AI that predicts the risk of breast cancer 4-6 years before the diagnosis. The algorithm was tested on the data of 116,495 women and revealed a double risk rate in the affected glands.
Bitcoin rose to $105. 3 thousand after the Fed's decision to leave rates unchanged. Tesla revalued its crypto assets according to new standards, adding $600 million to its profit.
Pro-Russian candidate Kelin Georgescu called Ukraine a “fictitious state” and claimed its territory. He believes that after the war, Ukraine will be divided between neighboring countries.
Brent and WTI oil prices were little changed due to expectations of new US tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Markets are also expecting an OPEC+ meeting amid Trump's calls for lower oil prices.
Yevhenia Blyzniuk explained that the government should develop separate incentive packages for different groups of refugees. According to her, the easiest way to return Ukrainians from Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria is through logistical proximity.
European officials are discussing the possibility of resuming imports of Russian pipeline gas as part of a peace settlement. Germany and Hungary support the initiative to reduce energy prices.
The US President has signed two executive orders on the education system that will allow parents to choose schools and stop funding “anti-American” programs. The changes will affect federal funding and the choice of educational institutions.
A small airplane crashed into the Potomac River near Arlington National Airport. The airport has temporarily suspended operations and a search and rescue operation is underway.
Meta has agreed to pay Donald Trump $25 million for blocking his accounts in 2021. This is part of a deal to end the lawsuit against the company and Mark Zuckerberg.