Russian dictator Putin is trying to portray the Russian economy as capable of sustaining the war in Ukraine, likely to support cognitive warfare. He claimed GDP growth and low inflation, ignoring the connection between economic problems and the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing increasing pressure from the United States to agree to significant territorial losses and other concessions as part of Donald Trump's peace plan. Ukrainian officials believe that aspects of the current US plan favor Moscow, with negotiations focusing on Russia's demand for Donbas and Ukraine's request for security guarantees.
Syria marked the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime with official events, where President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a "clear vision for a new Syria. " The transitional period under his leadership will last four years to create institutions, laws, and a new constitution.
Donald Trump stated that Europe "is moving in a bad direction," expressing the US's unwillingness to see such significant changes. He called the EU's fine on the social network X "disgusting."
Donald Trump criticized financial aid to Ukraine from Biden, comparing it to his administration, which provided only "Javelins. " He also made a harsh personal statement to the reporter, calling her "disgusting."
President Zelenskyy reported 24/7 communication with partners, which confirms Europe's maximum involvement in resolving the Ukrainian issue. He discussed support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and energy assistance with representatives of many countries and international organizations.
President Zelenskyy stated that China does not benefit from a weak or losing Russia. He believes this is the reason for Beijing's reluctance to facilitate a quick end to the war, even though China has influence over Russia.
The President of Ukraine announced that the draft peace plan had been reduced from 28 to 20 points. It still contains provisions that do not suit Ukraine, and the questions are more for the Russians than for the Americans.
Over 30 people have been killed and 20 injured in a bomb blast in Sange, DR Congo. This happened after clashes between the Congolese army and militia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has no right to cede its own territories to Russia. The US is looking for a compromise on this issue, as Ukraine does not want to give up anything.
The President of Ukraine summarized his meetings in London with European leaders. The unity of allies, security guarantees, reconstruction, and further defense support for Ukraine were discussed.
Iraq's Ministry of Oil has proposed that American companies take over a controlling stake in the West Qurna-2 field, currently owned by the Russian firm Lukoil. This decision comes amid the Trump administration's favorable stance on the transfer of Russian global assets to American players.
Negotiations between the US and Ukraine on a peaceful settlement have reached a dead end due to disagreements over Donbas. Washington is looking for a way to force Kyiv to abandon the territories, while Ukraine insists on maintaining the current demarcation line.
At the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is introducing mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half of all matches. The referee will stop the game at the 22nd minute of each half, regardless of weather conditions or venue.
Ukraine's Universal Bank, part of Serhiy Tihipko's TAS group, held a meeting with international fixed-income investors. The meeting, organized by Morgan Stanley, could potentially allow the bank to quickly issue new bonds to the market.
The United States has updated its National Security Strategy, which envisages restoring relations with Russia and ending the war in Ukraine. Expert Oleksandr Kraiev noted that the current US Administration's priority is to restore strategic relations with the Russian Federation.
The retail price of gasoline in Russia is 67. 1 rubles per liter, which is higher than the price in the US ($2.98 per gallon). This is due to the high share of taxes and fees in Russian pricing.
Russian special services plan to organize protest actions in Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv. Their goal is to destabilize the situation and put pressure on the Ukrainian leadership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany held a meeting in London. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity between Europe, Ukraine, and the USA.
President of the European Council António Costa criticized the new US national security strategy, accusing Washington of trying to influence political processes in the EU. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities and its readiness to take on a leadership role in NATO.
The US Congress has provided $800 million in aid to Ukraine in the defense budget for two years, allocating $400 million each for 2026 and 2027. The total US defense budget for 2026 will be $901 billion.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. This strengthens international pressure mechanisms and creates a political mandate for further action; Ukraine has returned 1,892 children, and over 20,000 reports of deportation are being processed.
People's Deputy Hanna Skorokhod attended an interrogation at NABU. She clarified that only ammunition, a phone, and documents were seized during the search, while money and weapons were not.
The issue of territory is the "most problematic" in negotiations to end the war, as Russia seeks full control over the occupied lands. Ukraine cannot agree to the terms of Washington and Moscow without agreeing on the details, while the US continues to exert pressure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that participants in peace initiative negotiations, mediated by the US, differ in opinions regarding the territorial issue. He emphasized that an agreement on the Ukrainian Donbas, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, has not yet been reached.
Statements about Russia's agreement to US President Donald Trump's peace plan are an illusion. Russia is buying time to continue offensive attempts on the front until spring.
A Russian LNG plant on the Baltic Sea coast has delivered gas to China for the first time since the introduction of US sanctions. The vessel Valera arrived at the Beihai import terminal, indicating strengthening energy cooperation between the countries.
Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov held constructive talks with President Trump's representatives in the US. The Ukrainian team's task was to obtain full information about the conversation in Moscow and draft proposals for discussion with the President of Ukraine.
Brent crude futures rose to $63. 84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $60.16. Investors are anticipating a Fed interest rate cut and monitoring geopolitical risks related to supplies from Russia and Venezuela.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that numerical superiority in personnel does not guarantee results in modern technological warfare. The effectiveness of drones, especially those with AI, will provide a "security wall" and become the basis of defense in the future.
