Economy
The US intercepted another tanker with Venezuelan ties on the eve of Trump's meeting with the opposition
The US military in the Caribbean Sea has seized a tanker linked to the Venezuelan oil trade without incident. This is the sixth vessel detained since mid-December as part of a campaign to put pressure on Caracas.
The EU lowers the price cap on Russian oil to $44.1 per barrel
The new price cap will take effect on 1 February and will increase pressure on Russia's oil export revenues.
The US made its first sale of Venezuelan oil worth $500 million
Initial revenues from the sale of Venezuelan raw materials are under the control of the US government, and new agreements are expected in the coming weeks.
From 2026, Ukraine has updated VAT rules for transport, defence and energy
The new rules provide for the abolition of privileges for electric and gas-powered transport, the extension of concessions for the defence industry, and the continuation of tax incentives for energy sector recovery.
Ukraine launches state-run online gambling monitoring system
The Cabinet of Ministers has launched the DSOM, which will allow the state to see bets, payouts and cash flow in the legal gambling sector in real time.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Kyiv on her first visit since 2023
The head of the International Monetary Fund is holding talks in the capital on a new loan programme for Ukraine and further financial support amid the war.
The Iranian vessel Rona, which was heading to Russia, suffered an accident in the Caspian Sea.
The crew of the Iranian dry cargo ship was rescued after sending an SOS signal. The ship had repeatedly sailed a route that journalists link to maritime deliveries of weapons from Iran to Russia.
Investments in Ukrainian defence tech exceeded $100 million in 2025
Ukraine's defence technologies have shown an almost hundredfold increase in investment over the past two years, with unmanned and autonomous systems becoming the key drivers.
Government may change curfew rules due to energy crisis and frost
Due to the Russian energy strikes and abnormal cold weather, the authorities are preparing for a state of emergency, increased electricity imports and possible curfew relief in some communities.
Ukraine to introduce a state of emergency in the energy sector
The decision came amid Russian strikes and difficult weather conditions. The government will receive expanded powers and curfew rules may be changed.
European Commission presents a plan to disburse €90bn loan to Ukraine in 2026-2027
Brussels proposes to allocate most of the funds to defence, and the first tranches are expected in April, provided that legislative decisions are taken quickly.
Trade between Russia and China has declined: new data from Chinese customs
After years of growth, economic cooperation between the two countries is showing a decline, and purchases of key Russian resources have dropped significantly.
