Economy
Sweden allocates almost EUR 64 million to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine
Sweden transferred EUR 63.8 million to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine. The country's total contribution exceeded €203 million. The funds will be used to restore power grids and nuclear safety.
Iran seizes foreign oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz
The naval forces of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps detained a foreign tanker with about 4 million litres of fuel in the Strait of Hormuz, with 16 crew members on board.
Hetmantsev unveils plan of economic laws for 2026: focus on taxes, customs and EU norms
Danylo Getmantsev has published a list of priority economic bills for 2026. The focus is on legalisation of virtual assets, tax incentives for investment projects, implementation of DAC7 and ATAD, and a new version of the Customs Code based on the EU model
Russia almost doubles autogas exports to Central Asia and Afghanistan due to EU restrictions
In January-November, Russia increased LPG supplies to Central Asia and Afghanistan to 1.016 million tonnes. The share of these destinations in total exports rose to 36%, with Afghanistan becoming the largest buyer.
DPRK unveils finished hull of nuclear submarine and escalates rhetoric against the US and South Korea
North Korea demonstrated the welded hull of a nuclear submarine, claiming progress in building a strategic fleet. Pyongyang also criticised the visit of a US nuclear submarine to South Korea and reported testing a new air defence missile.
Zelensky in Canada: Ottawa allocates additional $2.5bn in aid to Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in Canada to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Ottawa announces $2.5 billion in additional economic aid to Ukraine and confirms continued military support
Ukraine and Germany scale up production of Lens UAV for tactical reconnaissance and strike missions
Ukraine's Frontline Robotics and Germany's Quantum Systems are expanding production of the Lens drone, capable of carrying up to 2 kg of load over a distance of up to 10 km and performing reconnaissance, strike and mine action, as part of the Build with Ukraine initiative
Zelenskyy: Russia's massive strikes are a response to peace initiatives, Ukraine needs more support from partners
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian attacks demonstrate the Kremlin's unwillingness to make peace. Ukraine is ready for compromises within the 20-point plan, needs to strengthen its air defence and counts on $700-800 billion for post-war reconstruction with the participation of the United States
Trump says that without his approval, Zelenskyy's peace plan will not be implemented
On the eve of his meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida, Donald Trump said that any peace plan regarding Russia's war against Ukraine is possible only after his approval. Negotiations will focus on security guarantees, territories and the nuclear power plant
Russian industry is on the verge of the deepest crisis since the 1990s, with businesses reporting a collapse in demand
Big business in Russia reported the worst sales since 1998. A survey by the Russian Academy of Sciences records a drop in industrial optimism to 2009 lows, a recession in industries and a sharp decline in production in November.
China imposes sanctions on US defence companies over arms sales to Taiwan
Beijing has announced sanctions against 20 US defence companies and 10 executives in response to a military aid package to Taiwan worth up to $11 billion. The restrictions have a political rather than a practical effect
The Cabinet of Ministers postpones the launch of the E-excise system until 1 November 2026
The government has postponed the mandatory launch of the electronic excise system from 1 January to 1 November 2026. Business and the state have been given additional time to test and transition to the new rules of administration
