The United States has asked Ukraine for help in protecting its bases and soldiers in the Middle East. Ukrainian specialists will begin work in the coming days.
Due to the war in the Middle East and the escalation around Iran, fuel prices in Europe have risen. The highest prices are recorded in the Netherlands, where gasoline costs 2.19 euros per liter.
Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on the location of American military facilities for strikes in the Middle East. This assistance indicates the involvement of one of America's main nuclear rivals in the war.
President Zelenskyy announced the second stage of the prisoner exchange, within which 300 Ukrainian defenders are returning home. Among those released are servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and border guards who defended Ukraine in various directions.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the return of 300 servicemen in exchange for 300 captured Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel. This is the second stage of the 500-for-500 exchange, following the return of 200 Ukrainians.
Kremlin officials are criticizing the US for military operations against Iran, using the escalation in the Middle East. This sets the stage for blaming the US for potential failures in peace talks on Ukraine.
The US and Qatar are discussing the acquisition of Ukrainian drones to shoot down Iranian "Shaheds," a source reports.
A week after the war began, the US and Israel exchange strikes with Iran. Persian Gulf countries defend themselves against Iranian attacks, the number of which has decreased.
Iran announced a new phase of Operation 'True Promise 4', launching over 600 missiles and 2000 drones at American and Israeli targets. Tehran claims to have shot down an American F-15E fighter jet and attacked the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.
The US Treasury Department has issued a license allowing Indian companies to purchase Russian oil at sea. This is an emergency measure to compensate for fuel shortages due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Global gold prices recorded weekly losses of 3. 7% for the first time in a month due to the rising dollar and revised Fed forecasts. Investors are using gold assets for liquidity amid the stock market collapse.
Donald Trump appealed to the Iranian military to cease resistance and side with the people, promising full legal protection. He warned that continued loyalty to the regime would lead to catastrophic consequences.
The US State Department announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Venezuela following Maduro's removal. The parties will focus on political reconciliation and ensuring a stable transition to a democratically elected government.
The US National Weather Service has warned of the start of a large-scale storm season in the central regions. More than 6 million people, including residents of Kansas City and Tulsa, are under immediate threat.
The Pentagon has requested $12 billion from Congress by 2031 for the F-35. The funds are needed for spare parts due to the intensive use of the fighter jets in the war with Iran.
Donald Trump hosted MLS champions Inter Miami and their captain Lionel Messi. The president discussed foreign policy and the US military operation against Iran with the team.
The FBI confirmed the detection of anomalous activity in its internal digital systems and launched an investigation. The attack could have been aimed at systems for managing wiretapping and technical surveillance.
The American channel Fox News published a story about the US using a "high-tech arsenal" against Iran, showing a video of Ukrainian STING interceptor drones. The "Wild Hornets" team reported that Fox News presented footage of their drones as American.
The US is closing its embassy in Kuwait, making it the second diplomatic mission to fully suspend operations since the war with Iran began. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed condolences to Kuwait for the military casualties.
Iran's foreign minister said the country is ready to resist any US ground invasion. Iran is not asking for a ceasefire and sees no reason for negotiations.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will continue the diplomatic process when American partners are ready to work in the agreed format. He emphasized that Ukraine must be ready to resume diplomacy at any moment.
German Uniper is negotiating with Canada to increase LNG purchases to diversify energy supplies. This will help Germany reduce its dependence on energy resources from the United States.
Donald Trump stated that Volodymyr Zelenskyy should make a deal, as Putin is allegedly ready for peace. The American leader believes that Zelenskyy is not showing sufficient readiness for negotiations.
Ukraine has received a request from the United States for support in defending against "Shaheds" in the Middle East. President Zelenskyy has instructed to provide the necessary means and specialists.
The National Bank has set the official dollar exchange rate at 43. 81 hryvnias, which is a new historical high. Financier Viktor Halchynskyi explained the rise by global instability and advised Ukrainians to remain calm.
The ongoing crisis in Iran, which has halted energy supplies and LNG production in Qatar, threatens rising electricity prices in Europe. This will weaken the competitiveness of industry, says the CEO of Statkraft.
The Russian Foreign Minister also noted "some progress" in the trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not received long-range weapons with a range of over 200–250 km from its partners. All systems with a greater range were developed by Ukrainian specialists.
For over three weeks, Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets did not have enough missiles to shoot down Russian drones and missiles due to depleted supplies from partners. This occurred precisely as Moscow was preparing for a large-scale winter air campaign.
European countries are working to strengthen Cyprus's defense after a drone attack on a British airbase. France, Italy, and Greece will coordinate the deployment of military forces in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.
