Economy

There is growing concern within the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections in November due to Donald Trump's falling ratings, dissatisfaction with the economy and tough immigration policies. Party members recognise the risk of a Democratic wave that could shift the balance of power in Congress.

Commenting on the work of Oleksandr Tsivinsky, Director of the Economic Security Bureau, People`s Deputy Danylo Getmantsev stated that the ESBU is currently holding many public meetings, but there are no real results.

The virtual US embassy in Tehran warned of the risks of interrogation and detention and advised leaving the country by land via Armenia or Turkey. The statement appeared on 6 February, the day Washington and Tehran are due to discuss the nuclear programme and missiles in Oman.

The financial performance of Russian banks deteriorated sharply in 2025 amid tight monetary policy and rising non-performing loans. Even analysts close to the Kremlin acknowledge that the apparent stability is sustained only by state support and regulatory easing.

More than 50,000 specialists are involved in the repair and restoration of energy facilities across the country. The government has also increased electricity imports from Europe, allocated billions of hryvnias to protect infrastructure and purchase generators, and is launching programmes to support communities, businesses and households.

The Iranian Navy has announced the detention of two foreign tankers in the strategic Persian Gulf region. According to Tehran, the vessels were carrying more than a million litres of contraband fuel, and the crew members have already been handed over to law enforcement agencies.

During a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko discussed the continuation of military support, the protection of energy infrastructure, and the deepening of economic cooperation between the two countries.

In January, amid massive Russian shelling and severe frosts, Ukraine received missiles for air defence systems, generators and hundreds of millions of euros and dollars from its partners for energy restoration and humanitarian needs.

The leaders of the United States and China held their first talks in several months, which both sides described as positive. Key topics included Taiwan, trade, and a possible increase in American soybean exports to China ahead of Donald Trump's expected visit to Beijing.

Russian Urals crude oil is being offered to Indian refineries at a discount of more than $10 per barrel, which is Moscow's response to the risk of reduced purchases following agreements between Washington and New Delhi. India has not officially announced the suspension of imports, and oil refiners are awaiting clarification from the government.

Revenues to the Russian Federation budget from energy carriers fell sharply in January due to falling oil prices and the strengthening of the rouble. The figure was the lowest since July 2020 amid high defence spending and a budget deficit.

Ukraine and the American company RTX discussed faster delivery of missiles for Patriot systems and a transition to deeper cooperation in the field of air defence. This involves protecting cities and critical infrastructure against massive air attacks and developing Ukraine's own capabilities to maintain Western weapons.