Author’s articles
In January 2026, China increased its imports of Russian oil through the so-called shadow fleet, while India significantly reduced its purchases. Overall, exports of raw materials from Russia by sea decreased by more than 1.4 million tonnes compared to December.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump stated that he is prepared to support Israeli strikes against Iran's ballistic missile programme if Washington and Tehran fail to reach an agreement. Against the backdrop of negotiations, the US is considering the possibility of providing military assistance to Israel and is increasing its presence in the region.
The President of Ukraine stated that only Washington has sufficient political and financial influence to stop the war, and stressed the need for tougher sanctions, particularly against the Russian nuclear sector and families close to the Kremlin.
The US intends to sharply restrict Iranian oil exports to China and increase economic pressure on Tehran, combining sanctions with nuclear negotiations and a military presence in the Middle East.
Former US President Barack Obama has commented for the first time on a video posted by Donald Trump on his social media account. The video depicted Obama and his wife Michelle as monkeys, sparking a wave of criticism and accusations of racism.
In 2025, special forces from the SSU's Alpha Special Operations Centre halved the number of Russian Pantsir anti-aircraft missile and gun systems, which are considered one of the key elements of Russia's air defence, with long-range strikes.
During his speech at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that it is necessary to maintain dialogue and avoid additional tension in relations with China, while emphasising that the United States expects a strong and self-sufficient partnership from Europe.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced plans to revive the historic Silk Road in a modern format, developing the country's infrastructure and supporting the Trans-Caspian international transport route between China and Europe.
At an informal EU summit in Belgium, the leaders of Germany and France announced their shared goal of making the EU economy faster and more competitive, but disagreed on approaches to financing and trade policy.
After a period of transatlantic tension, the allies have returned their focus to Ukraine. Brussels has announced a commitment to provide $35 billion in military aid in 2026, but an acute shortage of interceptors for Patriot systems leaves Ukrainian cities under serious threat.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that allies will be able to secure sufficient funding for the PURL initiative and continue supplying military equipment to Ukraine. He made this statement after a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels on 12 February.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service has stated that North Korea is likely already in the process of formally designating Kim Jong-un's daughter as his successor. Previously considered only the most likely candidate, she is now reportedly in the process of being formally appointed.
